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 that require special kitchen equipment, but I recently got a mini waffle maker and have been loving these Cheesy Gnocchi Waffles! All you need is gnocchi, cheese and a little bit of 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 just use a package of store-bought gnocchi. You can usually find this in the pasta section at the grocery store. You can definitely use fresh gnocchi if you have it though!
- Mozzarella Cheese – I was inspired by Italian flavors in this recipe so I used shredded mozzarella cheese but you can use any kind of cheese you like, provolone or parmesan would be great too. Vegan cheese should work well too.
- Butter – I mixed a little bit of butter into the gnocchi to add some flavor and it helps the gnocchi not stick together. Regular or vegan butter can be used.
- Seasonings – I seasoned the gnocchi with a little 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 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 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.
- 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 3-5 minutes, until cheese is melted and browned.
- 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!
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? No, I used regular cheese, but I think that vegan cheese would work well too. I haven’t used vegan cheese myself though, so if you try it let me know!
- Can I use fresh gnocchi? I haven’t made this recipe with fresh gnocchi, but I think it would work!
- Can I make these ahead of time? These cheesy gnocchi waffles are best when eaten fresh and warm, but they can be made ahead of time and then re-heated. I would recommend re-heating in the waffle maker!
- Can I make these without a waffle maker? Unfortunately, this recipe is really made with just a waffle maker in mind so it can’t be re-created without one, but you could sauté some gnocchi in a pan and then add cheese and mix until the cheese gets brown.
- Are these freezer friendly? Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Re-heat in microwave, stovetop or in waffle maker.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below and I will get back to you 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
Keywords: Cheesy Gnocchi Waffles
This looks like a fun dinner! Will give it a try!