Gnocchi is so comforting and delicious. While many people think that making gnocchi from scratch is a time-consuming and difficult process, it can actually be pretty easy to make—especially if you have leftover mashed potatoes on hand. Plus, you can freeze gnocchi easily so it’s a perfect make-ahead food. Here’s the lowdown on how to make gnocchi.
How to make gnocchi
Classic potato gnocchi is super easy to make. Here are the steps:
1. Add an egg and some flour to cooled mashed potatoes, mix it together to form a dough (be careful not to overmix), and then cut little pillows out of the dough. You can do this by rolling the dough into a thin log and cutting the log into little sections, or you can roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut it into squares.
2. If you prefer your gnocchi to have little ridges, you can take the optional step of rolling each pillow over the back of a fork or on a gnocchi board to create a ridged texture. I like adding the ridges (when I have the energy) because the ridges add a bit more surface area which helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi. A third way to add a bit of interest to the shape of your gnocchi is to make a little indentation with your thumb. This creates a little place for sauce to get trapped, and it only takes a few seconds to dent the whole batch!
3. Once the gnocchi is shaped into little pillows (ridged or not), they just need to be cooked in boiling water until they float to the top, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Serve the finished gnocchi with your favourite sauce. (I list a few good options further down. )
One of the best things about making gnocchi with leftover mashed potatoes is that it is a great way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste. Plus, making your own gnocchi means you can customize the flavours and experiment with different sauces and toppings.
Can you freeze gnocchi?
Yes, you can freeze gnocchi! Freezing gnocchi is a great way to preserve leftovers, so it’s a good idea to make a big batch in advance for future dinners. Here’s how to freeze gnocchi:
- Shape the gnocchi: Roll the gnocchi as usual, adding ridges if you prefer.
- Spread the gnocchi out: Spread the gnocchi out in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. Make sure the gnocchi aren’t touching each other, otherwise they will stick together.
- Freeze the gnocchi: Place the baking sheet or tray of gnocchi in the freezer and allow them to freeze completely. This should take around 1-2 hours.
- Transfer the gnocchi to a freezer bag: Once the gnocchi are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label the bag with the date and type of gnocchi.
- Store the gnocchi in the freezer: Store the gnocchi in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To cook frozen gnocchi, simply add them directly to boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the top. Drain the gnocchi and serve with your desired sauce or toppings. It’s important not to thaw the gnocchi before cooking them, as this can cause them to become mushy.
Watch THIS before you make potato gnocchi
FAQ
Why can’t you freeze gnocchi?
Can you freeze and reheat gnocchi?
Should I defrost frozen gnocchi before cooking?
Is frozen or dry gnocchi better?
Can gnocchi be frozen?
Yes. You can certainly freeze the Gnocchi. Freezing can keep your Gnocchi fresh for up to six to eight weeks or two months. If you are making the Gnocchi from scratch at home, it is better to freeze them uncooked once you shape them. Let us explore the step-by-step procedures for Freezing and defrosting the Gnocchi in different stages.
Should you flash freeze gnocchi?
When you flash freeze, it will prevent the Gnocchi from sticking with each other when transferring them to the freezer bags. Flash freezing also helps you to grab the required portion of Gnocchi whenever you need it. When you reheat the frozen Gnocchi, it might alter the texture.
Can you freeze gnocchi bake?
If you want to freeze gnocchi bake, simply cook it as you normally would, wrap it in cling film once cooled, and then place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, just unwrap it and place it in the oven until cooked.
Can ricotta gnocchi be frozen?
Yes, ricotta gnocchi can be frozen for a couple of weeks. But you should know that texture can change. I recommend you freeze the gnocchi as follows: Spread the gnocchi on a floured tray and separate them from each other. Place the fountain in the freezer until they are completely frozen.