This Gnocchi Pizza is a fun twist on your typical pizza! With soft gnocchi acting as the base, you can top it with your favorite sauces, cheese, and veggies!
It’s super easy to make, and I love how the gnocchi gets a crispy edge. Just picture biting into a cheesy, gooey slice – yum! Perfect for any pizza night! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potato Gnocchi: This is the base of your pizza, offering a soft yet slightly chewy texture. If you can’t find potato gnocchi, you can use store-bought cheese gnocchi or even make your own using mashed potatoes. I love using homemade gnocchi when I have the time!
Marinara or Pizza Sauce: While you can use store-bought sauce, making your own gives a personal touch. A mix of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs works great! If you’d like a spicy kick, try adding some red pepper flakes to your sauce.
Fresh Mozzarella: This cheese melts beautifully and has a mild flavor. If you can’t find it, shredded mozzarella will work in a pinch. I also like mixing in some provolone for extra flavor!
Pepperoni: Classic for pizza! You can substitute it with turkey pepperoni for a lighter option or even fresh veggies if you’re going meatless. I often use bell peppers and black olives as delicious toppings too.
How Do I Get My Gnocchi Pizza Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is all about the initial cooking of the gnocchi. Here’s how to ensure they turn out great:
- Heat your skillet before adding olive oil. This helps to sear the gnocchi quickly, creating a golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary. This allows them to crisp up evenly.
- Once you add the sauce and toppings, make sure your oven is fully preheated. A hot oven helps the cheese melt while keeping the gnocchi crispy.
These tips will help you achieve a deliciously crispy Gnocchi Pizza every time! Enjoy!
How to Make Gnocchi Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, torn or sliced
- 25-30 slices of pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus some whole leaves for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Gnocchi Pizza takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 5-10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 15-20 minutes baking in the oven. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key for crispy pizza.
2. Cook the Gnocchi:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the potato gnocchi. Cook these, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes, or until they start to turn golden and crispy on the outside. This will create a lovely base for your pizza!
3. Add the Sauce:
Pour the marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the browned gnocchi in your skillet. Make sure to cover them well so every gnocchi gets that delicious flavor.
4. Layer with Cheese:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the torn mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. You can be generous with this part since who doesn’t love gooey cheese on pizza?
5. Top with Pepperoni:
Arrange the slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese. Feel free to add as many or as few as you like depending on your taste!
6. Season and Garnish:
Sprinkle the chopped basil over the top, and add salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance all the flavors as it bakes.
7. Bake:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. You’ll love the savory aroma filling your kitchen!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool. This step is important as it allows the cheese to set a bit before serving.
9. Garnish & Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh whole basil leaves and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Now your Gnocchi Pizza is ready to be scooped and served hot. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook the frozen gnocchi according to the package instructions before adding them to your skillet. No need to thaw beforehand; they will heat up perfectly while cooking!
How Can I Customize My Gnocchi Pizza?
You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings! Consider adding bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or even spinach. Just make sure to sauté any veggies first to ensure they cook evenly on the pizza.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to help steam and revive the gnocchi’s texture.
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the pepperoni and replace it with your choice of vegetables. A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus works great, or you can go for a margherita style with just fresh tomatoes and basil!