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Fried Gnocchi Bites with Marinara Sauce

Fried Gnocchi Bites with Marinara Sauce
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Golden and crispy Fried Gnocchi Bites served with a vibrant homemade marinara sauce. These bites are perfectly seasoned, soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and make an ideal quick snack or appetizer that’s kid-friendly and easily customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Marinara Sauce

  • 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Gnocchi: Start with fresh or thawed gnocchi, patting them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is key to achieving maximum crispiness during frying.
  2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. This temperature ensures the gnocchi fry evenly and develop a golden crust.
  3. Fry the Gnocchi: Place the gnocchi in a single layer in the skillet (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until each piece is golden brown and crispy on the outside, yet tender inside. Flip gently to cook evenly.
  4. Season the Bites: As the gnocchi finishes frying, sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat without breaking the crispy crust.
  5. Warm the Marinara Sauce: While frying, gently heat your marinara sauce in a small pot or microwave until hot and fragrant, ready to serve alongside the crispy bites.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the fried gnocchi bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Plate them with a generous bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan if desired, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Pat gnocchi dry before frying to ensure crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for best results.
  • Use medium-high heat to avoid burning the outside while cooking the inside thoroughly.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
  • Making marinara sauce at home enhances the flavor significantly.
  • Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried gnocchi, gnocchi bites, appetizer, marinara sauce, crispy snack, Italian appetizer, kid-friendly snack, quick snack

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/fried-gnocchi-bites-with-marinara-sauce/