This gnocchi pizza is a fun twist on the classic dish! With soft, pillowy gnocchi as the base, you get a chewy and tasty pizza that’s just delightful.
The best part? It’s super easy to make—no dough rolling required! I love loading mine with all my favorite toppings. Who says you can’t have a pizza party with gnocchi? 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gnocchi: This recipe calls for traditional potato gnocchi, which gives a wonderful fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using rice or chickpea gnocchi instead. Both work beautifully!
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce or marinara, but I love making a homemade one with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. If you’re short on time, jarred sauce is perfectly fine too!
Cheese: The combination of shredded mozzarella and fresh mozzarella gives great flavor and texture. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, consider part-skim mozzarella. Vegan cheese can also be a good substitute!
Pepperoni: For a healthier twist, replace pepperoni with turkey pepperoni or try sliced veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie pizza version.
How Do I Get My Gnocchi Crispy?
Cooking the gnocchi until they’re golden brown is a key step for a crispy crust. Start by boiling them in salted water first. Here’s how to get that perfect texture:
- Bring water to a boil and gently add gnocchi. They’ll float when cooked—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the gnocchi well to remove excess moisture, which can prevent crispiness.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the gnocchi. Cook them on medium-high heat without stirring too often, allowing them to develop a nice golden crust for about 4-5 minutes.
Letting the gnocchi rest briefly after cooking will help them crisp up even more once they hit the oven!
How to Make Gnocchi Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 package (about 16 oz) gnocchi
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
For the Sauce and Cheese:
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
For the Toppings:
- 12-15 slices of pepperoni
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Gnocchi Pizza will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep, and then 12-15 minutes baking in the oven. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your pizza.
2. Cook the Gnocchi:
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and follow the package instructions. Usually, they take about 2-3 minutes to cook—look for them to float to the surface. Once cooked, drain them well in a colander.
3. Brown the Gnocchi:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and a little crispy on the outside. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
4. Prepare the Pizza Base:
In a pizza pan or oven-safe skillet, spread the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly across the bottom. This helps prevent sticking. Now, arrange the browned gnocchi evenly in the pan to form a rough pizza base.
5. Add the Sauce and Cheese:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the gnocchi base. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Then, distribute the fresh mozzarella pieces and pepperoni slices over the shredded cheese. Don’t forget to season it lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper!
6. Bake the Pizza:
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges.
7. Garnish and Serve:
When your pizza is ready, remove it from the oven. Immediately add thinly sliced fresh basil on top, and if you like a little heat, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes. Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and unique Gnocchi Pizza!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a dairy alternative. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor and melting characteristics.
Can I Make This Gnocchi Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the gnocchi and assemble the pizza up to a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, it may require a couple of extra minutes in the oven to heat through.
What Variations Can I Try?
Feel free to customize your Gnocchi Pizza! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. For a gourmet touch, try adding fresh herbs like oregano or a drizzle of balsamic reduction after baking!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which helps keep the crust crispy.
