Pan Fried Gnocchi (Caprese Style)

The only thing that beats soft, pillowy gnocchi is gnocchi that’s soft and pillowy on the sides, while golden brown and crisp on the outside. With no pot of boiling water required, just a few minutes in a hot skillet gets these potato dumplings perfectly cooked and ready to toss with juicy cherry tomatoes, burrata cheese, basil, and a flavor-packed basil vinaigrette.

It’s the same flavor as our caprese gnocchi, but with a simpler cooking technique and the option to use store-bought gnocchi, it comes together in just 20 minutes. This pan-fried gnocchi is the perfect low-effort dish to add a burst of fresh flavor to an easy weeknight meal or summer spread.

How to make our pan fried gnocchi

Ingredients

Process

Some of our favorite brands for premade gnocchi

Pan frying adds a big boost of flavor to even the blandest gnocchi, so there’s no wrong brand to use. However, using a better pre-made gnocchi will add an extra burst of flavor and texture to make this dish really pop. Here are some of our favorites:

• Giovanni Rana Potato Gnocchi (refrigerated): Tender, potato-forward, and it browns beautifully without turning gummy.
• Whole Foods 365 Potato Gnocchi (shelf-stable): Slightly firmer bite, inexpensive, and it holds its shape well.
• Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi (frozen): If you’re looking for a quality gluten-free gnocchi to use, this one can go straight from the freezer to the pan with just an extra minute or two of cooking.

Tips for the best pan fried gnocchi (caprese style)

If this is your first time tackling pan-fried gnocchi, or you just haven’t been able to quite get it to turn out how you’d like it, keep these tips in mind:

• Add the gnocchi straight to the pan. Whether your gnocchi is off the shelf, refrigerated, or frozen, do not boil it first. Add the gnocchi straight from the package to the hot, oil- and butter-filled skillet.
• A hot pan and hot oil are key. Heat the pan first, then add the fat and heat that. Once everything is hot, it’s ready for the gnocchi. This helps get the gnocchi golden brown and slightly crispy, instead of steaming it, which leads to a soggier pasta.
• Avoid crowding the pan or stirring it too much. Add just enough gnocchi so that every piece has contact with the pan, then let it sit untouched for 2-3 minutes before flipping. Too much stirring or an overcrowded pan prevents each piece from browning well.
• Use a cast iron or stainless steel skillet if you have one instead of a non-stick. It’s harder to get that deep golden color with a non-stick pan, but if that’s what you have, it will work.
• Assemble just before serving. The cheese, tomatoes, and dressing all add moisture to the gnocchi, which will start to soften the edges after a few minutes. Adding the caprese toppings just before serving keeps things fresh and crisp as long as possible.

Make ahead, storing, and reheating instructions

Make Ahead

This dish is best when made and assembled just before serving, but you can prep some of the elements ahead of time. We do not recommend making the gnocchi ahead of time.

• Tomatoes: halve them up to a day before eating and refrigerate them in a covered container.
• Basil vinaigrette: Make this up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in a jar in the refrigerator. Shake well or reblend before serving.
• Basil: Wash and dry the leaves up to two days before using, then store them wrapped in paper towel in the refrigerator until ready to add to the dish.

Storing

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will soften and become a much creamier, but still delicious, dish.

If you have leftover gnocchi that hasn’t been mixed with the caprese toppings, you can store this in an airtight container separately for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Skillet: Reheat gnocchi in a dry or lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, tossing occasionally, until hot and re-crisped. Add fresh burrata and basil after.
• Air fryer: 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking halfway. Excellent for bringing back the crunch.
• Oven: Spread on a sheet pan and bake at 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes.

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