There’s nothing quite like reimagining classic dishes, and this Easy Gnocchi Stuffing does just that. Combining the soft, fluffy texture of gnocchi with all the rich, savory flavors of traditional stuffing creates a mouthwatering dish that’s both comforting and innovative. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal, a Sunday dinner, or just because you want something delicious, this stuffing is sure to become a new favorite.

I first tried making this dish when I wanted to try something different for Thanksgiving. Instead of using the usual bread, I opted for gnocchi, and the results were incredible. The gnocchi absorbed the savory broth and herbs, giving the dish an extra layer of flavor and texture. From that first bite, I knew I had found something special. Now, this Easy Gnocchi Stuffing is the dish everyone asks for at family gatherings.

When I served this stuffing for the first time, it was such a hit that it became an instant tradition. The combination of pillowy gnocchi with savory broth, onions, and herbs left everyone asking for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is so easy to prepare. It’s my go-to stuffing recipe whenever I want to impress without a lot of effort.

Why This Easy Gnocchi Stuffing?

Selling Points:

• Unique Twist on a Classic: Instead of traditional bread cubes, this recipe uses soft gnocchi for a chewy, pillowy texture that pairs perfectly with the savory stuffing ingredients.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: This stuffing is ideal for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but it’s also an excellent choice for any family meal or gathering.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The combination of garlic, sage, onions, and broth infuses the gnocchi with rich flavors that everyone will love.
• Customizable: You can add extras like sausage, dried cranberries, or nuts to change up the flavor profile and make it your own.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish ahead of time, saving you time on the day of your event.

What You Need for Easy Gnocchi Stuffing

Ingredients:

• 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Easy Gnocchi Stuffing

1. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions, or until the gnocchi floats to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
   
2. Prepare the Flavor Base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
   
3. Add Herbs and Broth: Stir in the chopped sage, salt, and pepper, then pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, allowing the broth to heat through and the flavors to meld together, about 2-3 minutes.
   
4. Combine with Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the gnocchi soak up the broth and flavors for about 5 minutes.
   
5. Finish with Butter and Parmesan: Stir in the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the gnocchi. If desired, add grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
   
6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the stuffing to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this gnocchi stuffing with your favorite main dishes.
   

Tips for Perfect Gnocchi Stuffing

• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi, as it can become too soft and fall apart. Once they float to the surface, they are done!
• Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, opt for fresh sage to get the best flavor. It really elevates the dish.
• Add Protein: To make the dish heartier, you can add cooked sausage, bacon, or even chicken to the stuffing mixture.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to heat through.

Substitutions & Variations for Easy Gnocchi Stuffing:

Gluten-Free:
To make this dish gluten-free, you can use gluten-free gnocchi (available in many stores or you can make your own using gluten-free flour) in place of traditional gnocchi made with wheat.

Dairy-Free:
Replace butter and cheese with dairy-free butter or olive oil. For cheese, you can use dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese, almond-based mozzarella, or even a dairy-free parmesan. For a creamy texture, you can use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk.

Vegetarian:
For a vegetarian version, ensure the gnocchi and any other ingredients (like broth) are free from animal products. You can replace any meat-based stuffing components with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, onions, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Vegan:
In addition to replacing cheese and butter with vegan alternatives (such as vegan cheese and olive oil), you can also add tofu, tempeh, or lentils as a source of protein instead of any animal-based stuffing options. Ensure your broth is also plant-based (vegetable broth) for a fully vegan option.

Make a Healthier Version of Easy Gnocchi Stuffing:

Less Sugar:
If your stuffing recipe calls for sweeteners or uses processed ingredients, you can reduce sugar by opting for natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Additionally, you can skip any added sugars in the broth or marinara sauce and opt for a sugar-free sauce.

Low-Carb:
To make this stuffing lower in carbs, you can replace regular gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi, which is available in many grocery stores. Alternatively, you could replace it with spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles (zoodles), which will give you that “gnocchi-like” texture without the high carb count.

Lower Fat:
Use part-skim mozzarella and low-fat ricotta cheese in place of full-fat cheese. Or, you can skip the cheese altogether and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with no added fat. Additionally, instead of butter, use olive oil or coconut oil to reduce saturated fat.

Higher Protein:
To make your Easy Gnocchi Stuffing higher in protein, add chicken breast, turkey sausage, or lean beef if you’re not already using those ingredients. For a plant-based alternative, consider adding tofu, tempeh, or edamame for protein while keeping the dish vegetarian or vegan.

More Fiber:
Boost the fiber content by including high-fiber vegetables like kale, broccoli, or brussels sprouts in your stuffing. You can also consider swapping in whole wheat gnocchi if you’re not using cauliflower gnocchi for added fiber.

Closing for Easy Gnocchi Stuffing

This Easy Gnocchi Stuffing is a flavorful twist on a beloved classic. With its soft, pillowy gnocchi, rich broth, and savory herbs, it’s a side dish that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Try it out for your next special occasion—you’ll be amazed at how a simple change can make such a big difference in flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Gnocchi Stuffing

1. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare this stuffing a day ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
   
2. Can I use homemade gnocchi?
   Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will work great in this recipe, and it can add a personal touch to the dish.
   
3. Can I add meat to the stuffing?
   Yes, adding sausage, bacon, or even chicken will make the stuffing heartier and give it more flavor.
   
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store any leftover gnocchi stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
   
5. Can I use a different type of broth?
   Yes, you can use vegetable, chicken, or even beef broth, depending on your preference.
   
6. Can I freeze this stuffing?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled stuffing before baking. Just make sure it’s tightly covered, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
   
7. Can I make this stuffing without butter?
   Yes, you can use olive oil or another butter substitute if you’d like a dairy-free version of this recipe.
   
8. What else can I add to this stuffing?
   You can add ingredients like roasted vegetables, dried cranberries, or nuts for a fun twist on the traditional stuffing.
   
9. Can I use gluten-free gnocchi?
   Yes, there are gluten-free gnocchi options available, and they will work just as well in this recipe.
   
10. Can I bake this dish?
    Yes, you can transfer the assembled stuffing to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes for a crispy topping.
    

This Easy Gnocchi Stuffing is sure to become a crowd favorite, blending comfort and innovation in every bite. Try it at your next gathering, and enjoy the delicious, hearty flavors that make this dish truly special!

Easy Gnocchi Stuffing

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions, or until the gnocchi floats to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
• Prepare the Flavor Base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
• Add Herbs and Broth: Stir in the chopped sage, salt, and pepper, then pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, allowing the broth to heat through and the flavors to meld together, about 2-3 minutes.
• Combine with Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the gnocchi soak up the broth and flavors for about 5 minutes.
• Finish with Butter and Parmesan: Stir in the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the gnocchi. If desired, add grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve and Garnish: Transfer the stuffing to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this gnocchi stuffing with your favorite main dishes.