Tomato Caper Crispy Baked Gnocchi – Get ready for a flavor explosion with this delectable recipe of Crispy Baked Gnocchi! Imagine perfectly cooked gnocchi, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, smothered in a rich, bursting tomato caper sauce. It’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will leave you craving for more. This dish is perfect for both cozy family dinners and entertaining guests, and it’s guaranteed to impress with its rustic charm and mouthwatering flavors.
In our little family, this Crispy Baked Gnocchi has become an absolute favorite! I first stumbled upon the idea of combining gnocchi with a tangy tomato and caper sauce during a culinary experiment in the kitchen. My husband was skeptical at first, but once he took that first bite, his eyes lit up with delight. It was a moment of pure bliss as we savored the crispy gnocchi, perfectly complemented by the burst of flavors from the grape tomatoes and zesty capers.
Since that day, this dish has become a staple in our household. Whenever we invite friends or family over for a meal, they always request this amazing recipe. There’s something about the combination of crispy gnocchi, the freshness of grape tomatoes, the slight kick of red pepper flakes, and the savory notes of capers that make it truly unforgettable. Plus, the aroma of baking gnocchi and bubbling cheese filling our home is simply irresistible.
Why This Tomato Caper Crispy Baked Gnocchi Recipe?
The Tomato Caper Crispy Baked Gnocchi stands out for several reasons:
- Unbeatable Texture: The gnocchi is first boiled to perfection, then pan-fried until crispy, giving it a wonderful contrast of textures that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Bursting Tomato Caper Sauce: The sauce is a burst of tangy, savory flavors from grape tomatoes, capers, garlic, and red pepper flakes, creating a delightful taste sensation.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Versatility: Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering, this dish fits any occasion and will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (about 450g) gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh grape tomatoes, whole
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon whole capers, drained
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 85g shredded mozzarella
- 30g grated Parmesan cheese
- Parsley, for garnish
- Basil, for garnish
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Boil the gnocchi according to the package instructions, then drain and set it aside.
In a 9-inch cast-iron skillet, melt the butter with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the boiled gnocchi to the skillet and cook, tossing occasionally, until the gnocchi turns crispy and golden brown on all sides. This should take around 5 minutes. Once done, remove the gnocchi from the skillet and set them aside.
Using the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil, and sauté the finely diced onions until they turn translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the whole grape tomatoes to the skillet and sauté until they burst, releasing their juicy goodness.
Next, add the minced garlic, capers, and red pepper flakes to the skillet, and cook for another 30 seconds to let the flavors meld together. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the skillet, and let it reduce by half.
Now, stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and fresh oregano, creating a luscious sauce that will coat the crispy gnocchi. Add the shredded mozzarella to the sauce, allowing it to melt and create a gooey, cheesy delight.
Finally, return the crispy gnocchi to the skillet, gently folding them into the tomato caper sauce until everything is beautifully combined. Top the mixture with grated Parmesan cheese, which will form a lovely golden crust when baked.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake the dish for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and starts bubbling with irresistible aromas.
Once out of the oven, allow the Crispy Baked Gnocchi to cool for about 10 minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley and basil, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Now comes the best part – dive in and enjoy this delightful combination of flavors, textures, and cheesy goodness. Savor the taste, and make wonderful memories around the table with your loved ones!
Notes:
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable-based Parmesan cheese or omit the Parmesan altogether.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite herbs or additional vegetables for added freshness.
In conclusion, this Tomato Caper Crispy Baked Gnocchi recipe is a culinary delight that brings together the best of both worlds: crispy, golden-brown gnocchi and a burst of flavorful tomato caper sauce. With its mouthwatering textures and exquisite taste, it has earned its rightful place as a beloved favorite in our little family.
There’s something truly special about savoring each bite of perfectly cooked gnocchi, surrounded by the vibrant, tangy notes of grape tomatoes and the zesty kick of capers. This dish is not just about nourishing our bodies; it’s about creating cherished memories around the dinner table, sharing laughter and stories with loved ones.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy family meal, or treating yourself to a culinary indulgence, the Tomato Caper Crispy Baked Gnocchi is the perfect choice. Its easy preparation and impressive flavors make it a go-to recipe that never fails to impress.
So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and let the aromas of crispy gnocchi and bubbling sauce fill your kitchen with love and warmth. Be prepared to receive compliments and requests for seconds, as this dish has the power to captivate everyone’s taste buds.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy and deliciousness to your table as it has to ours. Embrace the magic of this Tomato Caper Crispy Baked Gnocchi, and create delightful moments that will be cherished for years to come. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought gnocchi, which will save you time and still yield delicious results!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gnocchi and sauce in advance and assemble the dish just before baking. It’s a great option for entertaining or busy weeknights.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! While mozzarella and Parmesan work beautifully in this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyere, or fontina to suit your taste preferences.

Tomato Caper Crispy Baked Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 package about 450g gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Olive oil
- 1 small onion finely diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh grape tomatoes whole
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon whole capers drained
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped
- 85 g shredded mozzarella
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Parsley for garnish
- Basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Boil the gnocchi according to the package instructions, then drain and set it aside.
- In a 9-inch cast-iron skillet, melt the butter with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the boiled gnocchi to the skillet and cook, tossing occasionally, until the gnocchi turns crispy and golden brown on all sides. This should take around 5 minutes. Once done, remove the gnocchi from the skillet and set them aside.
- Using the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil, and sauté the finely diced onions until they turn translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the whole grape tomatoes to the skillet and sauté until they burst, releasing their juicy goodness.
- Next, add the minced garlic, capers, and red pepper flakes to the skillet, and cook for another 30 seconds to let the flavors meld together. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the skillet, and let it reduce by half.
- Now, stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and fresh oregano, creating a luscious sauce that will coat the crispy gnocchi. Add the shredded mozzarella to the sauce, allowing it to melt and create a gooey, cheesy delight.
- Finally, return the crispy gnocchi to the skillet, gently folding them into the tomato caper sauce until everything is beautifully combined. Top the mixture with grated Parmesan cheese, which will form a lovely golden crust when baked.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake the dish for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and starts bubbling with irresistible aromas.
- Once out of the oven, allow the Crispy Baked Gnocchi to cool for about 10 minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley and basil, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Now comes the best part – dive in and enjoy this delightful combination of flavors, textures, and cheesy goodness. Savor the taste, and make wonderful memories around the table with your loved ones!
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