If you're looking for an easy, comforting dinner that still feels a little elevated, this crispy cheesy cauliflower gnocchi is one of my go-to recipes. It uses Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi and transforms it into a golden, crispy, saucy, cheesy dish that tastes like something you'd order at a restaurant.
As a cookbook author and professional recipe developer, I love finding ways to take convenient ingredients and turn them into something truly delicious. This recipe does exactly that with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
If you love easy pasta dinners like this, you'll also want to try my Creamy Mushroom Alfredo, Lemon Ricotta Pasta, and Copycat Carbone Spicy Rigatoni.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for weeknights
- Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
- Cheesy, saucy, and comforting
- Made with simple ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
What Is Cauliflower Gnocchi?
Cauliflower gnocchi is a gluten-free alternative to traditional potato gnocchi made primarily with cauliflower. Trader Joe's version is especially popular because it crisps up beautifully when cooked properly, giving you a golden exterior with a soft, pillowy inside.
How to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi
The key to perfect cauliflower gnocchi is cooking it from frozen and allowing it to crisp in the pan before adding sauce.
- Use enough oil to help it crisp
- Do not thaw the gnocchi
- Cook in a single layer
- Let it sit undisturbed to develop a golden crust
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need for this recipe:
- Olive oil: helps crisp the gnocchi and prevents sticking.
- Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi: use frozen and do not thaw for the best texture and crispiness.
- Garlic: adds a savory depth of flavor.
- Marinara sauce: use your favorite high-quality sauce for the best flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: melts into a creamy, gooey topping.
- Parmesan cheese: adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Red pepper flakes: optional, adds a little heat.
- Fresh basil: adds brightness and a fresh finish.
See recipe card below for quantities.
Directions
Cook the gnocchi
Add the frozen cauliflower gnocchi directly to the skillet in a single layer. Do not thaw.
Crisp gnocchi
Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are heated through and starting to brown.
Add the sauce, cheese, and broil
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the gnocchi. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Top with fresh basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
How to Get Crispy Cauliflower Gnocchi
- Use enough oil to coat the pan evenly
- Use a cast iron skillet for best browning
- Do not overcrowd the pan
- Cook from frozen, not thawed
- Let it sit without stirring to develop a crust
Tina's Tips and Tricks
- Do not rush the browning step. This is what gives the gnocchi its best texture.
- Keep the heat at medium. Too high and the gnocchi can burn before heating through.
- Use a good marinara sauce. Since the ingredient list is simple, quality matters.
- Broil at the end. This melts the cheese and creates that bubbly, slightly golden top.
- Add fresh basil last. This keeps it bright and fresh instead of wilted.
- Use a large pan. Giving the gnocchi space helps it crisp instead of steam.
Variations
- Top with burrata for a more elevated finish
- Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef
- Stir in spinach or kale for extra greens
- Use vodka sauce or pesto instead of marinara
- Add ricotta for extra creaminess
Make Ahead Tip
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the gnocchi and assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Cooking from frozen gives the best texture.
This usually happens if it is overcrowded or not cooked long enough to crisp.
Yes, but you will lose some of the crispiness from pan cooking.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to help bring back some crispiness, or in the oven until warmed through.
Cheesy Cauliflower Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 12 oz packages Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded or sliced
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- pinch red pepper flakes optional
- fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Heat the skillet. Preheat the broiler and heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the gnocchi. Add the frozen cauliflower gnocchi directly to the skillet in a single layer. Do not thaw.
- Brown the gnocchi. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are heated through and starting to brown.
- Crisp the gnocchi. Let the gnocchi cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes so they develop a golden, crispy exterior.
- Add garlic and sauce. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
- Add the cheese. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the gnocchi.
- Broil. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and serve. Top with fresh basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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