Garlic Butter Parmesan Fried Gnocchi Recipe
This Garlic Butter Parmesan Fried Gnocchi recipe features crispy pan-fried potato gnocchi tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, finished with sharp Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. The result is a rich, golden-brown appetizer or side dish with a perfect balance of crispy texture and creamy, cheesy flavor—quick to make and utterly addictive.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 500 grams (1 pound) gnocchi
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 45 grams (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. This will create the flavorful base for frying the gnocchi, ensuring a rich, golden crust.
- Fry the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the skillet, spreading them evenly. Sprinkle with fine sea salt and fry for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to brown all sides and develop a crispy exterior without burning.
- Add Garlic, Butter, and Parmesan: In the last 30 seconds of cooking, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly to create a creamy, garlicky sauce that coats the gnocchi and helps them toast together.
- Finish with Parsley and Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and remaining Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crispy texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano for best flavor and meltability.
- Frozen gnocchi can be used but should be fully thawed and patted dry to avoid sogginess.
- To prevent garlic from burning, add it only in the last 30 seconds and stir constantly.
- If reheating leftovers, warm gently in a skillet with a bit of butter to maintain crispiness.
- Vegan substitutes: use plant-based butter and vegan Parmesan alternatives or nutritional yeast.
- Baking the gnocchi is an alternative but will result in less crispiness than frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing is possible by flash freezing first, but may affect texture after thawing.
Keywords: Garlic Butter Parmesan Fried Gnocchi, crispy gnocchi, Italian appetizer, pan-fried gnocchi, cheesy gnocchi
