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Fried Gnocchi Bites with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Fried Gnocchi Bites with Marinara Dipping Sauce


  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Fried Gnocchi Bites with Marinara Dipping Sauce offer a deliciously crispy exterior with a soft, pillowy interior, filled with melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) and served with a tangy, flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect as appetizers or a fun snack, they combine satisfying textures and vibrant flavors that everyone will love.


Ingredients

Gnocchi Bites

  • Store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
  • All-purpose flour
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Marinara Dipping Sauce

  • Store-bought or homemade marinara sauce
  • Optional: garlic, olive oil, Italian herbs (for homemade sauce)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Gnocchi: Start by patting your gnocchi dry with a paper towel to help them get as crispy as possible when fried. Toss them lightly in flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, coating each piece evenly to create a crunchy shell after frying.
  2. Pan-Fry the Gnocchi: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the coated gnocchi in batches, frying just until the bottoms turn golden brown, usually 2 to 3 minutes. Flip them to crisp the other side, then remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  3. Add the Mozzarella Cheese Filling: Once fried, gently insert a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) into the center of each gnocchi bite by lightly pressing the sides together or using a toothpick to hold them. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.
  4. Prepare the Marinara Dipping Sauce: If making your own sauce, simmer canned crushed tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs until thickened and flavorful. Alternatively, warm your store-bought marinara gently in a saucepan, ensuring it’s steaming and ready to complement the fried bites.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the crispy, cheesy gnocchi bites on a platter with a bowl of marinara dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm for the best experience.

Notes

  • Keep oil temperature around 350°F for a golden crisp exterior without greasy sogginess.
  • Dry gnocchi thoroughly to ensure crisp bites.
  • Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
  • Add cheese right after frying to melt it perfectly using residual heat.
  • Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor contrast.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 gnocchi bites with sauce
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: fried gnocchi, gnocchi bites, marinara dipping sauce, crispy gnocchi, vegetarian appetizer, snack