Boiling Frozen Cheese Gnocchi: Quick And Easy Steps

Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. It is a simple and comforting dish that can be easily prepared at home and frozen for later consumption. When cooking frozen gnocchi, it is important to ensure that the water returns to a rolling boil as soon as the gnocchi is added to prevent it from becoming mushy and falling apart. The cooking time for frozen gnocchi is typically around 2 to 3 minutes, and it is recommended to cook them directly from frozen without thawing beforehand.

How to boil frozen cheese gnocchi in a pot

Step 1: Prepare the Pot

Fill a large pot two-thirds full with water and place it on the stove. Turn the stove on high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. You want the water to be as hot as possible to ensure the gnocchi cooks properly.

Step 2: Add the Gnocchi

Once the water is boiling, carefully drop the desired amount of frozen cheese gnocchi into the pot. Use a slotted spoon to stir the gnocchi and prevent them from sticking together.

Step 3: Boil the Gnocchi

Cover the pot and let the gnocchi boil for approximately 2-3 minutes. The gnocchi will be cooked when they float to the top of the pot. You can also taste a few pieces to check if they are soft and hot throughout. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy and fall apart.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

When the gnocchi are cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a colander or slotted spoon to drain the water. Serve the gnocchi immediately with your favourite sauce or toppings. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Adding a drizzle of olive oil to the water before boiling can help prevent the gnocchi from sticking together.
• It is important to cook frozen gnocchi directly from the freezer. Do not thaw them before cooking, as this can make them mushy.
• Season the water with salt to enhance the flavour of the gnocchi.
• Gnocchi is best served immediately. If you need to hold it for a short time, toss it in a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

How to cook frozen cheese gnocchi in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen cheese gnocchi
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Granulated garlic
• Dried herbs (e.g. Italian seasoning)
• Paprika
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring tools

Method

First, preheat your air fryer to 380–390°F and lightly grease the basket with olive oil spray.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the frozen gnocchi with olive oil, salt, granulated garlic, dried herbs, and paprika.

Add the seasoned gnocchi to the preheated basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping the gnocchi, as this will prevent them from getting crispy.

Air fry the gnocchi for 11–16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4–5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The gnocchi is done when the outside is golden and crispy.

Sprinkle grated cheddar and parmesan cheese over the gnocchi and air fry for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Serve immediately with your choice of sauce or dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

How to fry frozen cheese gnocchi in a pan

Ingredients

• Frozen cheese gnocchi
• Butter
• Olive oil (optional)
• Salt
• Sauce of your choice (optional)

Utensils

• Frying pan
• Stove
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Method

• Take your frozen cheese gnocchi out of the freezer and set aside.
• Place a frying pan on the stove and turn it on to a medium heat.
• Add butter to the pan—you can also add a little olive oil if you prefer.
• Gently heat the butter and oil (if using) until the butter has melted.
• Add the gnocchi to the pan. Make sure the gnocchi are spread out in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Fry the gnocchi for around 10–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown all over.
• If you want to add sauce to your gnocchi, remove the gnocchi from the pan and set aside. Add your sauce ingredients to the pan and cook as required. Then, add the gnocchi back into the pan and toss to coat.
• Serve your fried cheese gnocchi as a side dish or a main course. Enjoy!

Tips

• You don't need to boil the gnocchi before frying.
• If you prefer your gnocchi a little softer, you can boil them first and then pan-fry for 3–5 minutes to brown.
• Make sure the heat is not too high to avoid burning the gnocchi.
• Use a pan that is large enough to ensure the gnocchi are spread out in a single layer.
• Don't forget to season your gnocchi with a little salt!

How to make frozen cheese gnocchi without it becoming mushy

Ingredients

• Starchy potatoes (russet or Yukon gold potatoes)
• All-purpose flour
• Egg
• Cheese
• Salt

Method

• First, you need to make the gnocchi dough. Add an egg and some flour to cooled mashed potatoes. Be sure to use starchy potatoes, as these have a lower water content and a higher starch content, which helps create a lighter and fluffier texture.
• Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the gnocchi tough and chewy.
• Cut the dough into little pillows. You can roll the dough into a thin log and cut it into small sections, or roll it out and cut it into squares.
• If you want your gnocchi to have ridges, roll each piece over the back of a fork or on a gnocchi board. This adds surface area and helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi.
• Once the gnocchi is shaped, spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. This usually takes around 1-2 hours.
• When the gnocchi are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To cook the frozen gnocchi, fill a large pot two-thirds full of water and bring it to a rolling boil. It is important that the water returns to a boil as soon as you add the gnocchi, so make sure it is as hot as possible.
• Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water, stirring with a slotted spoon to prevent them from sticking together.
• Cover the pot and boil the gnocchi for two minutes.
• Scoop out a few gnocchi and taste them to check if they are done. They should be soft and hot throughout. If they are not done, keep cooking the gnocchi for one-minute intervals until they are ready.
• Drain the gnocchi in a colander and serve immediately. Do not overcook the gnocchi, as they will become mushy and fall apart.
• Gnocchi is best served with a simple sauce like butter and grated Parmesan cheese, or a light tomato sauce.

Tips

• When shaping the gnocchi, use a light hand and don't press too hard. The goal is to create a light and fluffy texture.
• Cook the gnocchi in small batches to prevent them from sticking together.
• Add salt to the water when boiling the gnocchi to enhance the flavour.
• Do not thaw frozen gnocchi before cooking, as this can cause them to become mushy.

How to freeze cheese gnocchi

Freezing Cheese Gnocchi

Freezing cheese gnocchi is a great way to preserve leftovers or make a big batch for future meals. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze cheese gnocchi:

Step 1: Shape the Gnocchi

Start by preparing the gnocchi dough and shaping it into little pillows or dumplings. You can use a fork or a gnocchi board to create ridges on the surface of the gnocchi, which will help the sauce cling to them.

Step 2: Spread the Gnocchi Out

Place the shaped gnocchi on a baking sheet or tray in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. This step is important to prevent the gnocchi from sticking together during freezing.

Step 3: Freeze the Gnocchi

Place the baking sheet or tray of gnocchi in the freezer and let them freeze completely. This should take around 1-2 hours.

Step 4: Transfer the Gnocchi to a Freezer Bag

Once the gnocchi are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label the bag with the date and type of gnocchi.

Step 5: Store the Gnocchi in the Freezer

Store the gnocchi in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. It is best to use them within this time frame to ensure they maintain their texture and quality.

Cooking Frozen Cheese Gnocchi

When you are ready to cook your frozen cheese gnocchi, simply add them directly to a pot of boiling salted water. Do not thaw the gnocchi before cooking, as this can cause them to become mushy. Cook the gnocchi for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top of the pot. Drain the gnocchi and serve them with your favourite sauce or toppings.

Tips for Freezing Cheese Gnocchi:

• Freeze the gnocchi on the same day they are shaped for best results.
• Use freezer-friendly bags or airtight containers to store the frozen gnocchi.
• Do not overcrowd the pot when cooking the gnocchi, as this can cause them to stick together.
• Season the water with salt when boiling the gnocchi to add flavour.
• Gnocchi is best served immediately after cooking. If you need to hold them for a short time, toss them in a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Frequently asked questions