:strip_icc()/bhg-store-bought-gnocchi-11736020-60c04ee181d1410fa07eb1ed56a8c151.png?w=1920&resize=1920,1267&ssl=1 "I Discovered the Best Trick to Upgrade Store-Bought Gnocchi—and It Couldn’t Be Easier")
Despite learning how easy and budget-friendly it can be to make gnocchi from scratch, I have to admit that I often stock up on packages or bags of pre-made gnocchi at the supermarket. (Hey, if store-bought is fine for Ina, it is for me, too!)
What can I say? It’s hard to resist the appeal of the ready-to-cook carbs that require no mixing, rolling, or any floury mess. Plus, retailers like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s now offer options like cauliflower and sweet potato variations, so you can choose your own vegetable adventure. I almost always have at least one package of gnocchi on hand and have been known to stick with the classics: stir into soup, toss with pasta sauce, or bake in a casserole.
While scrolling on social media recently, though, I discovered a brilliant technique that smashed my preconceived notions about how to cook and serve gnocchi.
What Is Smashed Gnocchi?
The name is a perfect description of what you get with this viral recipe. Instead of boiling, draining, and serving the gnocchi as oval-shape orbs, you boil, drain, then press the puffs flat, similar to Smashed Potatoes. From there, you can season as desired before baking or air frying the gnocchi. The result is crispy and sturdy, and remarkably versatile. (I’m sharing several ways to use smashed gnocchi below!)
How to Make Smashed Gnocchi
To make Smashed Gnocchi, boil your favorite gnocchi variety (potato, cauliflower, pumpkin—the choice is yours) for five minutes to give them a head start on cooking. Drain the water, then toss the gnocchi with a spoonful or two of oil. (This helps promote a crispy exterior and acts as “glue” for any herbs or spices you add.)
On a parchment paper-lined sheet pan, evenly distribute the gnocchi, then use the bottom of a glass or a small bowl to smash the pieces. Sprinkle with salt and your favorite herbs, spices, or seasoning blend, then bake in a 425°F oven for about 20 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway.
To make air fryer smashed gnocchi, cover the bottom of your basket with an air fryer liner or top the small tray with parchment paper. Work in batches, smashing the gnocchi on the surface, then cooking them at 400°F for about 16 minutes per batch or until crispy, flipping halfway. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket or tray, as this may result in steaming instead of the crunchy exterior that we’re after.
The Best Smashed Gnocchi Recipes to Add to Your Menu
Now that you have your crispy smashed gnocchi cooked, you’re all set to savor. You can simply enjoy it as an alternative to chips, or follow the lead of recipe developer Ereka Vetrini (@erekav) and enjoy smashed cauliflower gnocchi as a lighter swap for smashed potatoes. Or up the ante by:
- Using smashed gnocchi as a vessel for dips
- Sprinkling them on top of potato salad for a lovely layered treat
- Substituting smashed gnocchi for croutons
- Incorporating them into salad charcuterie boards as a garnish option
- Crumbling them over roasted vegetables