Craving something crispy and comforting? This crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta is blowing up on TikTok for good reasonpan-fried, golden bites of comfort that come together faster than takeout. It’s the easy recipe you’ll want on repeat, especially on busy nights when cozy wins.
This bowl is warm, salty, soft-on-the-inside, and just enough green. It packs tender baby spinach, browned gnocchi with feta cheese, and a little garlic sizzle. It’s like a Mediterranean grilled cheese met a potato pillow. Price-friendly. Weeknight easy. Full details in the blog!
We’ve tested every crisp angle in the studio skilletbecause texture like this matters. I grew up the kid piling the crispiest bits off the pan. And yep, we’ve perfected the pan-frying technique. I’ll walk you through each step so yours pan-fry up golden and glorious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta is perfect for busy weeknights.
Great texture and flavor: Pan-fried gnocchi brings golden crispiness, while spinach and feta add freshness and tangy richness.
Minimal ingredients: With just olive oil, gnocchi, garlic, spinach, and feta cheese, it’s both budget- and pantry-friendly.
Vegetarian comfort: A satisfying, cozy dish that feels indulgent while keeping things meat-free.
Key Ingredients and Swaps
Gnocchi: Store-bought potato gnocchi cooks quickly and crisps up beautifully. If you have gluten-free gnocchi, that works too!
Spinach: Baby spinach wilts quickly and adds vibrant color. Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes if you’re out of spinach.
Feta cheese: The salty, tangy feta is key. Crumbled goat cheese or ricotta salata are good alternatives.
Garlic: Adds warmth and depth. For a twist, try roasted garlic if you have it.
Ingredient
Substitution Ideas
Spinach
Kale, Swiss chard
Feta Cheese
Goat cheese, ricotta salata
Gnocchi
Gluten-free gnocchi
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Boil the gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float, about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and set aside. This step ensures your gnocchi are tender before crisping.
Pan-fry the gnocchi: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, arrange the gnocchi in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to form that perfect golden crust. Flip and repeat until all sides are crispy.
Add garlic and spinach: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, then add the spinach. Stir gently until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Season and finish: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Remove from heat and fold in the crumbled feta cheese. Serve while warm!
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Gnocchi
Pan temperature is key: Make sure the pan is hot before adding the gnocchi so they crisp instead of sticking.
Don’t overcrowd: Giving the gnocchi space ensures even browning. Use a large pan or cook in batches.
Serve immediately: To keep the gnocchi crispy, serve right after cooking. Leftovers can be reheated in a pan to revive their texture.
Serving and Storage
This crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta is best served fresh, topped with an extra crumble of feta for a tangy kick. Pair it with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Storage Method
Tips
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Sauté in a nonstick pan over medium heat to restore crispness.
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Perfecting Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta Took More Than a Few Tries
I must have cooked this crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta recipe half a dozen times before getting the texture just right. Early attempts had me adjusting heat and cooking time repeatedly, but now it crisps perfectly while keeping the spinach fresh and the feta gently meltedmaking every bite exactly how I imagined.
FAQs ( Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta )
How do I get gnocchi crispy without burning it?
Use a non-stick skillet with moderate heat and enough oil to coat the pan. Pat the gnocchi dry before adding them and avoid moving them too early. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until golden, then flip carefully. This prevents burning while achieving perfect crispiness for the stir-fry.
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this dish?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well but thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture. This helps maintain a crispy texture when pan-frying. If you cook them directly frozen, they may steam instead of crisp up properly in the pan.
What are good substitutes for feta in this recipe?
For a similar salty tang, try ricotta salata or halloumi, which hold up well in sautéed gnocchi with greens. Goat cheese can add creaminess but melts faster, so add it near the end. These alternatives keep the Mediterranean feel while complementing the spinach nicely.
How can I make this meal vegan or dairy-free?
Swap feta for a plant-based cheese or simply increase herbs and lemon zest for flavor. Use oil instead of butter for pan-frying. Check your gnocchi ingredients as some contain egg; for strict vegan, use store-bought vegan gnocchi or make your own with flour and potatoes.
What side dishes pair well with this gnocchi?
A light salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted Mediterranean vegetables pairs beautifully. For protein, grilled chicken or fish complements the creamy textures well. These options keep the meal balanced and let the crispy potato gnocchi with vegetables shine.
Conclusion
Crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta is a quick, satisfying cook that delivers golden, crunchy bites with a fresh, tangy twist. In about 25 minutes, you’ll have a warm, inviting dish that’s perfectly balancedeasy enough for weeknight cooking, yet special enough for guests. You’ll love how the textures pop and the flavors sing together.
Try swapping spinach for kale or adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra crunch. Leftovers? Reheat gently in a skillet to keep that irresistible crisp. This easy crispy gnocchi recipe is one you’ll come back to again and againtrust me, it’s a kitchen keeper.
Did this spinach and feta gnocchi bowl bring back cozy memories or inspire a new favorite? Snap a pic, share your twists, or pass it on to someone who needs a little homemade comfort tonight. Cooking’s better when we share itso let’s keep those warm meals coming.
Thomas Baker
Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta: Easy Tantalizing Recipe
Enjoy a delightful pan-fried crispy gnocchi dish featuring vibrant spinach and tangy feta cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal. This spinach and feta gnocchi bowl is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend treats. Experience the best of Mediterranean gnocchi recipe and vegetarian gnocchi dinner all in one.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, usually about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set aside to drain.
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cooked gnocchi and cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy on one side.
Gently stir the gnocchi and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they get crispy on all sides.
Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat.
Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to combine with other ingredients. Serve immediately on plates.
Notes
For a variation, add cherry tomatoes or other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the gnocchi for the perfect crispy texture. You can substitute the spinach with other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard. This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat on a pan to maintain crispiness.
