If you’ve never tried roasting gnocchi in the oven, you’re missing out! These little potato dumplings get golden and slightly crispy on the outside while staying soft and pillowy on the inside. And the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes to make them.

This crispy roasted gnocchi is one of those ridiculously easy recipes that works as a quick side dish, a simple appetizer, or even the base for a weeknight dinner.

We’re using store-bought gnocchi, olive oil, garlic, and a few Italian herbs. Nothing fancy, just simple ingredients that turn into something really delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Gnocchi Recipe

• Ready in about 15 minutes. A quick boil followed by 10 minutes in the oven is all it takes.
• Only a few ingredients. Store-bought gnocchi, olive oil, and pantry seasonings.
• Crispy outside, soft inside. Roasting gives gnocchi a completely different texture than boiling alone.
• Easy to customize. Add Parmesan, fresh herbs, or your favorite vegetables.
• Perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it alongside your favorite protein, toss it into a salad, or enjoy it straight from the baking sheet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make crispy oven-roasted gnocchi, and there’s a good chance you already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.

Store-bought potato gnocchi: One 16-ounce package of shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi works perfectly. No need to make gnocchi from scratch!

Olive oil: Helps coat the gnocchi and gives it that golden, slightly crispy exterior.

Garlic powder: Adds savory garlic flavor without worrying about fresh garlic burning in the oven.

Dried oregano: Gives the gnocchi a classic Italian herb flavor.

Dried basil: Adds a slightly sweet, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the potatoes.

Dried thyme: A little goes a long way and adds another layer of flavor.

Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together.

Optional Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan right after roasting makes these even better.

How to Make Crispy Roasted Gnocchi

This recipe couldn’t be easier. The trick is to briefly boil the gnocchi before roasting it so the centers stay tender while the outsides get golden.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Boil the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the store-bought gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes, or according to the package directions, until the gnocchi begins floating to the surface.

Drain well and let it sit for a minute so any excess moisture can evaporate.

Step 3: Toss With Olive Oil and Seasonings

Transfer the drained gnocchi to a large bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Roast Until Golden

Spread the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the pieces have a little room between them so they roast instead of steam.

Roast at 400°F for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until lightly golden and crisp around the edges.

For extra crispiness, roast for another 2–5 minutes, watching closely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Serve immediately while the gnocchi is warm and crispy!

Tips for the Best Crispy Roasted Gnocchi

Don’t overcook the gnocchi. You only want to boil it briefly. Overcooked gnocchi can become too soft and fall apart when tossed with the oil and seasonings.

Drain it really well. Excess water creates steam in the oven, making it harder for the gnocchi to crisp up.

Use a large baking sheet. Give the gnocchi enough space to roast evenly. Crowding the pan can leave you with soft gnocchi instead of crispy edges.

Don’t skimp on the olive oil. The oil helps the outside turn golden and keeps the gnocchi from drying out.

Serve it right away. Roasted gnocchi is best straight from the oven when the edges are still crispy.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.

• Parmesan roasted gnocchi: Toss with freshly grated Parmesan as soon as it comes out of the oven.
• Garlic butter gnocchi: Drizzle with a little melted garlic butter before serving.
• Spicy roasted gnocchi: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture.
• Pesto gnocchi: Toss the roasted gnocchi with a spoonful of basil pesto.
• Roasted gnocchi with vegetables: Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers to the baking sheet. Cut vegetables into small pieces and adjust roasting time as needed.

What to Serve With Roasted Gnocchi

Roasted gnocchi is surprisingly versatile. It’s delicious as a side dish, but you can easily turn it into a complete meal.

Try serving it with:

• A big green salad and crusty bread
• Marinara sauce for dipping
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• Sautéed spinach and mushrooms
• Grilled chicken or Italian sausage
• A drizzle of pesto and fresh mozzarella

You can also add crispy gnocchi to a warm grain bowl or toss it into a hearty salad instead of croutons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to boil gnocchi before roasting it?

Not always! Many store-bought gnocchi varieties can go directly into the oven. However, I like boiling mine for about 2 minutes first. It helps keep the inside soft and tender while the outside gets crispy during roasting.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, but follow the package instructions for cooking frozen gnocchi first. Drain it thoroughly before tossing with olive oil and roasting. You may need to adjust the roasting time slightly.

Why isn’t my roasted gnocchi crispy?

Usually, it’s because there’s too much moisture or the baking sheet is overcrowded. Make sure to drain the gnocchi well, spread it in a single layer, and give each piece some breathing room.

Can I make roasted gnocchi ahead of time?

You can, but it’s definitely best fresh from the oven. The gnocchi will soften as it sits. To reheat, spread it on a baking sheet and warm at 400°F until heated through and crispy again.

How do I store leftover roasted gnocchi?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to help restore the crispy texture.