These Cheesy Gnocchi Waffles are a fun and easy recipe that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or dinner! Serve with a side of marinara and a big salad for a full meal.
I don’t usually post recipes requiring special kitchen equipment, but I recently got a mini waffle maker and have loved these Cheesy Gnocchi Waffles. All you need is gnocchi, cheese, a little butter, and seasonings to make these easy and delicious “waffles.”
In my opinion, store-bought gnocchi can leave a little to be desired, but when you season it, add some cheese, and turn it into a crispy waffle, it’s pretty amazing.
Crispy Gnocchi Waffles Recipe Ingredients
- Gnocchi – I use a store-bought gnocchi package. You can usually find it in the pasta section at the grocery store, but you can definitely use fresh gnocchi if you have it.
- Mozzarella Cheese – I was inspired by Italian flavors in this recipe, so I used shredded mozzarella cheese, though you can use any kind of cheese you like; provolone or parmesan would be great. Vegan cheese should work well, too.
- Butter – I mixed a bit of butter into the gnocchi to add some flavor, and it helped prevent the gnocchi from sticking together. Regular or vegan butter can be used.
- Seasonings – I seasoned the gnocchi with some salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and dried oregano. The seasonings help with flavor but are totally optional.
- Marinara or Pesto Sauce – I like to either dip or top with marinara sauce, but you can serve these however you like. Pesto would be delicious, too!
How To Make Crispy Gnocchi Waffles
- Start by cooking your gnocchi. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the gnocchi. Give a good stir and cook gnocchi for 4-5 minutes, until soft and squishy.
- Drain the gnocchi and add it back to the pot. Add the butter, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and dried oregano. Mix together until butter is melted and gnocchi is coated with butter and seasonings.
- Turn your waffle maker on and allow it to heat up completely. Open the waffle maker, spray with a small amount of cooking spray (optional), and add about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese. Top with the cooked gnocchi. Fill the waffle maker with a single layer of gnocchi. Then, top with another tablespoon or so of cheese.
- Close the waffle maker and carefully press down until it is completely closed. It may take 30 seconds or so to get it closed completely. Let the waffles cook for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and browned.
- Carefully remove the gnocchi waffle from the waffle maker, place it on a wire rack, and allow it to cool.
- Serve with marinara or pesto sauce. I like to serve with a big salad for a complete meal!
Gnocchi Waffles Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this recipe gluten-free? No, I used regular gnocchi, but you could easily make this recipe with gluten-free store-bought gnocchi.
- Is this recipe vegan? I used regular cheese, but I think vegan cheese would also work well. I haven’t used vegan cheese, though, so if you try it, let me know!
- Can I use fresh gnocchi? I haven’t made this recipe with fresh gnocchi, but it should also work.
- Can I make these ahead of time? These cheesy gnocchi waffles are best when eaten fresh and warm, but they can be made and reheated beforehand. I recommend reheating in the waffle maker.
- Can I make these without a waffle maker? Unfortunately, this recipe is made with just a waffle maker in mind, so it can’t be recreated without one. However, you could sauté some gnocchi in a pan, add cheese, and mix until the cheese gets brown.
- Are these freezer-friendly? You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Re-heat in the microwave, stovetop, or a waffle maker.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will reply ASAP!
Looking For More Vegetarian Gnocchi Recipes?
30 Minute Gnocchi Lasagna Bake
5 Ingredient Gnocchi Broccoli White Bean Bake
Fajita Gnocchi Skillet with Avocado Salsa
Sheet Pan Roasted Gnocchi Butternut Squash and Broccoli
Pesto Gnocchi with White Beans and Broccoli
Print
Cheesy Gnocchi Waffles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Gnocchi Waffles only take a few minutes to make and are great dipped in marinara or pesto! Enjoy as an appetizer, snack or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (17.6 oz) package gnocchi
- 1/2 tablespoon softened butter
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic, or more if desired
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups grated mozarella cheese
- Optional – Marinara sauce, pesto, fresh herbs, other dipping sauce of choice
Instructions
- Start by cooking your gnocchi. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the gnocchi. Give a good stir and cook gnocchi for 4-5 minutes, until soft and squishy to the touch.
- Drain gnocchi and add back to the pot. Add the butter, salt, pepper, granulated garlic and dried oregano. Mix together until butter is melted and gnocchi is coated with butter and seasonings and not sticking together anymore.
- Turn your waffle maker on and allow to heat up completely. Open waffle maker, spray with a small amount of cooking spray (optional) and add about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese. Top with the cooked gnocchi, you want to just fill the waffle maker with a single layer of gnocchi. Then, top with another tablespoon or so of cheese.
- Close the waffle maker and carefully press down until it is completely closed. It may take 30 seconds or so to get it closed completely. Let the waffles cook for about 3-4 minutes, until cheese is melted and browned and waffle can easily be removed from the waffle maker. Carefully remove the gnocchi waffle from the waffle maker and place on a wire rack and allow to cool.
- Serve with marinara or pesto sauce. I like to serve with a big salad for a complete meal!
Notes
I used this Dash brand 4 inch mini waffle maker and it worked perfectly!
*Affiliate Link, thank you!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop, Waffle Maker
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired
This looks like a fun dinner! Will give it a try!