Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 (17.6 oz) package gnocchi
- 1/2 tablespoon softened butter
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic, or more if desired
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Optional
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- Pesto, for serving
- Fresh herbs, for garnish
- Other dipping sauce of choice
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and stir gently. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the gnocchi are soft and squishy to the touch. Drain well.
- Season the gnocchi: Return the drained gnocchi to the pot. Add softened butter, granulated garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the butter is fully melted and the gnocchi are evenly coated and separated.
- Preheat the waffle maker: Turn on your waffle maker and allow it to heat fully. Once heated, open the waffle maker and optionally spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the waffles: Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese on each waffle section as a base layer. Add a single layer of the cooked gnocchi to fill the waffle maker, then top with another tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cook the gnocchi waffles: Close the waffle maker firmly. It may take about 30 seconds to get it fully closed due to the thickness of the gnocchi. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted, browned, and the waffle can easily be lifted out.
- Cool and serve: Carefully remove the gnocchi waffle and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce, pesto, or your favorite dipping sauce alongside a salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure the gnocchi is cooked but not overdone, as it needs to hold its shape in the waffle maker.
- Use a non-stick spray or brush oil on the waffle maker to prevent sticking.
- The pressing process may take extra time to fully close the waffle maker due to the gnocchi thickness—be patient.
- Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or parmesan for varied flavor profiles.
- Leftover waffles can be reheated in a toaster or oven to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American