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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
