The Best Store-Bought Gnocchi 5 Wicked Brands to Try

What is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi is a traditional Italian dumpling usually made from potatoes and flour, and you can find some of the best store-bought gnocchi in your local grocers. The gnocchi is usually small, fluffy, and firm enough to be served with a sauce. Read our article and find out 6 Best Jarred Vodka Sauces for Italian Cooking.

You may not even know what this is or tasted this Italian food, this popular Italian delicacy before, don’t worry; we have all the answers you need right here.

Gnocchi

How to Cook Packaged Gnocchi

You can make gnocchi from scratch or buy it from a store and then cook it. Many store-bought gnocchi come with instructions that are easy to follow, so you don’t need to worry about making a mistake or working for hours to put a meal together; you need a few minutes before you have a complete meal. 

There are four ways to cook store-bought gnocchi, which are; boiling, frying, or baking in the oven. Each method will bring out different flavors and textures depending on the region. The choice of how to cook will also depend on personal preference.

If the gnocchi is frozen, do not thaw as this will cause your pieces to stick together; boil, fry, or bake directly, but just allow a little more time than average to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Boiled Gnocchi

This is the most popular way to cook packaged gnocchi. It is usually quick and easy and does not need any preparation time. To boil gnocchi, follow the following steps. 

  • Pour water into a pot, add some salt to taste, and bring to a boil. 
  • Add the packaged gnocchi into the pot, ensure it’s all under water and leave to cook for 2 to 5 minutes. Do not put all the gnocchi in the pot at the same time. Cooking time will vary, so refer to recommended times on the package.
  • Once the gnocchi is floating to the top, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
  • Add your sauce of choice and mix with a vegetable and protein to complete your meal. 

Fried Gnocchi 

Fries gnocchi is also great as a side dish or a starter due to its crispy outer and soft and tender inside. The steps to fry gnocchi are as below. 

  • Heat the frying pan on medium heat and add a bit of butter and oil and allow to melt. 
  • Add the gnocchi one at a time and allow to cook, turning constantly.
  • Once the gnocchi has turned golden and crispy, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
  • Enjoy fried gnocchi without condiments as a starter or snack, but you can add salt, garlic, and pepper to taste. 

Baked Gnocchi 

Other people prefer baking the gnocchi instead of boiling it to make crispy dumplings. Here is how you bake gnocchi. 

  • Heat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
  • Line the baking pan with a baking sheet and place the gnocchi on the sheet. You can add other vegetables of your choice to make a roast.
  • Add some salt, pepper, and oil and toss.
  • Place the sheet in the oven and toast for 10 minutes. Turn the ingredients and bake for another 10 minutes.
  • Once the ingredients are plump and cooked, remove them from the oven and are ready to eat.

You can add some grated cheese and other herbs to enhance the taste. 

Baking gnocchi instead of boiling brings out a unique flavor. However, ovens will distribute heat differently; therefore, you may need to allow more time for the gnocchi to cook completely.

Some people will boil the gnocchi first before baking it to make sure it’s cooked on the inside but also get the crispness of baking. Boiling before baking the gnocchi does not necessarily save cooking time, but you will get evenly cooked gnocchi.

Air Fryer Gnocchi 

An air fryer is a fairly new kid on the block when it comes to kitchen appliances and is becoming more and more popular. If you have one in your kitchen, you can use it for cooking anything, including gnocchi. To cook gnocchi in an air fryer, follow the following steps. 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
  • Toss the gnocchi in olive oil and salt and place them in the air fryer in a single layer.
  • Leave to cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 minutes. You may need more or less time to ensure your gnocchi is not under or overcooked. 
  • When the gnocchi turns golden brown and crispy, remove and serve.
  • You can add butter, and cheese as well as add sauce, depending on your preference. 

Making Gnocchi From Scratch 

You can make Gnocchi from scratch and then cook it using any method. Although the process is fairly easy, it is tedious and time-consuming compared to store-bought gnocchi. To make gnocchi from scratch, you will need the following ingredients. 

  • 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) potatoes
  • 2 cups of flour
  • Salt

To begin, boil the potatoes until they are soft and tender. Next, mash the cooked potatoes, adding flour, salt, and other seasoning to taste. Finally, roll out the dough and cut the gnocchi into bite-sized pieces. 

Cook the gnocchi as per usual, and then toss it in butter or cheese or any of your favorite sauces. Serve freshly made gnocchi the same day it’s made. Should you want to store, add olive oil to prevent the pieces from sticking together and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. To eat leftovers, add oil and sauce and warm on low heat using a stovetop. 

You can freeze the dough on a baking sheet and transfer it into zipped freezer bags. To cook frozen gnocchi, cook as normal, but allow a minute or two more to defrost the gnocchi. 

Top Rated Gnocchi Brands

There are so many gnocchi brands on the market. The most used gnocchi ingredient is potato flakes, and in most cases, they do not use fresh potatoes. The best gnocchis will have a high percentage content of potatoes which is usually 80% and sometimes as low as 20%. 

You must check the nutrition information before purchasing to ensure you are buying the best on the market. 

We have done some research, and we have found the following to be the best gnocchi on the market based on customer reviews.

  1. De Cecco Semolina Pasta, Gnocchi

Made in Italy using semolina wheat, it contains vitamins, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid, and ferrous lactate. It is non-GMO and has no trans fat, saturated fat, or added sugar. It contains gluten and may have eggs and soy.

Cook in boiling water for 7 to 9 minutes and pair with sauce and cheese. 

  1. Sanniti Italian Gluten Free Potato Gnocchi

The gnocchi has 70% potatoes, corn flour, potato starch, corn starch, rice flour, salt, lactic acid, and sorbic acid, with turmeric as preservatives. Made in Italy, this gnocchi is perfect for those on a gluten-free diet. 

Sanniti Italian gnocchi has a plump shape with ridges that makes it easy for the pasta sauce to stick. It has a rich, chewy taste and can be paired with any sauce or added to a soup, 

  1. Sanniti Potato Gnocchi

Sanniti Potato Gnocchi is an Amazon choice made in Italy with 80% dehydrated potatoes, wheat flour, potato starch, rice flour, salt, lactic acid, sorbic acid, and natural flavor. It contains gluten, and it may contain traces of soy. 

Quick and easy to cook, toss it with a sauce and cheese to taste. 

  1. DeLallo Gluten Free Potato & Rice Mini Gnocchi

Produced using 85% potatoes and rice, DeLallo gnocchi is gluten-free and non-GMO. The production of this Italian-made gnocchi is in a dedicated gluten, milk, egg, and tree nut-free establishment. It has a light, airy texture; toss it in butter, sage sauce, or protein such as sausage or ragù. 

  1. Mariella Potato Gnocchi

These are shelf-stable dumplings made in Italy. The ingredients include 70% potato purée, wheat flour, potato flour, rice flour, salt, lactic acid, sorbic acid, and turmeric. The gnocchi cooks quickly by boiling water for 2 – 3 minutes, making it a perfect on-the-go meal. Don’t forget to season with your favorite sauce. It is non-GMO and has low sodium content, and contains gluten. 

  1. Tuscanini Cauliflower Gnocchi

This gnocchi from Italy is made using cauliflower and potatoes and cooks in 2 to 3 minutes. Add chunky tomato sauce, creamy mushroom, basil pesto, or any sauce of your choice for flavor. 

It contains wheat and sulfites and may contain milk, eggs, and soy sauce. 

  1. Camp’Oro Le Regionali Italian Pasta, Orecchiette

This pasta comes from Molise, Italy only contains two ingredients; durum wheat semolina and water. The wheat is air dried for 24 to 72 hours. 

It takes 11 to 13 minutes to cook, which is longer than most gnocchi. 

  1. Gia Russa Gluten-Free Gnocchi with Potato

This top-selling gnocchi in the United States contains Potato puree 70% (water, dehydrated potatoes, corn flour, potato starch, corn starch, rice flour, salt, lactic acid, and sorbic acid as a preservative and natural flavor.

It is suitable for those on a gluten-free diet. 

  1. Le Veneziane Gluten Free Potato Gnocchi

Another gluten-free potato gnocchi is suitable for a vegan diet. It is packed in two practical stay fresh tubs and is shelf stable. 

The ingredients are 70% rehydrated potatoes, maize flour, potato starch, rice flour, lactic acid, and sorbic acid preservative and flavoring. 

The gnocchi contains sulfites, and it is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free, Kosher certified, and non-GMO. 

The gnocchi cooks in a few minutes and pairs with any of your preferred sauces. 

  1. Bartenura Potato Gnocchi

This is one of Italy’s favorite dishes; it cooks in 3 minutes and is delicious when topped with tomato sauce and cheese. The potato dumpling is low fat, has no cholesterol, and is Kosher certified. It is not suitable for those on a gluten diet as it is not gluten-free.

Cooked Gnocchi

Our Preferred Store Bought Gnocchi

Our preferred store-bought gnocchi is De Cecco Pasta, Potato Gnocchi No. 401. The gnocchi contains 75% mashed potatoes mixed with water, dehydrated potatoes, an emulsifying agent, an antioxidant, and natural flavoring. Other ingredients are potato starch (14%), granular wheat flour, rice flour, salt, spices, acid regulator, lactic, and preserved with potassium sorbate.

We rate this gnocchi highly because it is a good source of protein and other important nutrients, namely, thiamin, folic acid, iron, riboflavin, and niacin. The gnocchi does not contain added sugar, saturated fat, trans fat, and GMOs. 

The cook time is only 2 minutes saving time and effort to throw together a quick, simple meal. All you have to do is add your favorite sauce. The sauce will stick perfect dye to the rough surface of the pasta. 

It is a great vegan option, but you can add cheese or sage or make it a side dish with protein. 

The only downside to this gnocchi is that it is not suitable for people on a gluten-free diet. 

Where Can I Buy Gnocchi?

Hopefully, your curiosity is piqued, and you are wondering where can I buy gnocchi. You can find gnocchi in most supermarkets and grocery stores; they are usually in the pasta section for the packaged gnocchi. You can also check the frozen food section for the frozen packaged gnocchi. 

Online marketplace such as Amazon also has a variety of gnocchi available for purchase. 

The Best Store-Bought Gnocchis Under the Microscope

There are many store-bought gnocchi available on the market. The most popular gnocchi are the ones made with natural ingredients with no additives. The vegan option with no gluten is also popular. Buyers also prefer the gnocchi that is economical. Here are the five best store-bought gnocchis under the microscope. 

Our Best Store-Bought Gnocchi
De Cecco Pasta, Potato Gnocchi No. 401 (Best overall vegan)
DeLallo Traditional Italian Potato Gnocchi (Best overall flavor)
Nocca Cocola Mini Gnocchi Potato Dumpling Pasta (Best for vegetarian and gluten-free)
Bartenura Potato Gnocchi (Best overall price)
Corabella Gluten Free Gnocchi, Potato, and Rice (Best overall packaging)
DeLallo Traditional Italian Potato Gnocchi, 1lb
De Cecco Pasta, Potato Gnocchi No.401, 17.5 Ounce (Pack of 4)
Bartenura Potato Gnocchi, Original 1LB (3 Pack) Made in Italy
Product name
DeLallo Traditional Italian Potato Gnocchi, 1lb
De Cecco Pasta, Potato Gnocchi No.401, 17.5 Ounce (Pack of 4)
Bartenura Potato Gnocchi, Original 1LB (3 Pack) Made in Italy
Price
$7.80
$19.44
$16.79
DeLallo Traditional Italian Potato Gnocchi, 1lb
Product name
DeLallo Traditional Italian Potato Gnocchi, 1lb
Price
$7.80
Buy Now
De Cecco Pasta, Potato Gnocchi No.401, 17.5 Ounce (Pack of 4)
Product name
De Cecco Pasta, Potato Gnocchi No.401, 17.5 Ounce (Pack of 4)
Price
$19.44
Buy Now
Bartenura Potato Gnocchi, Original 1LB (3 Pack) Made in Italy
Product name
Bartenura Potato Gnocchi, Original 1LB (3 Pack) Made in Italy
Price
$16.79
Buy Now

Our Best Gnocchi Reviews

De Cecco Pasta, Potato Gnocchi No. 401 – Best Overall Vegan

De Cecco pasta potato gnocchi, produced in Campania, Italy and is kneaded using semolina pasta and water. The pasta has a firm texture and is rough, making it easy for the sauce to stick to the pasta. It cooks very fast, within 2 minutes, making it easy for anyone to put a meal together.

Brand: De Cecco

Cooking instructions: Cook gnocchi like any other store-bought gnocchi. Boil water in a pan, place your gnocchi, and add some salt; ensure the gnocchi is fully covered. Wait for two minutes and drain the water. 

Toss in your favorite sauce or olive oil. You can also sauté to add some crispness to the taste. Add protein and vegetables as a side dish. 

Other ways to cook would be to fry in oil or bake in an oven. 

Features: Vegan does not contain any animal products. The gnocchi is also Kosher certified. It is a good source of nutrients such as folic acid, iron, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and protein.

Does not contain any GMO, trans fat, saturated fat, or added sugar. 

Flavors: Soft dough dumplings 

Item weight: 4.38 pounds (1.98 kilograms)

Allergen information: Contains gluten

Package type: Vacuum sealed packet

Item form: Raw uncooked dumplings 

DeLallo Traditional Italian Potato Gnocchi – Best Overall flavor 

This is a classic northern Italy staple and contains at least 85% potatoes and other ingredients. Made in an egg and nut-free facility, the pasta is light and airy. The gnocchi is shelf stable, and the ingredient termed natural flavor is turmeric.

The pasta is versatile with everything, such that you can sauté with butter and sage, dress with olive oil and cheese, toss with basil pesto, or partner with meat ragù.

Brand: De Lallo

Cooking instructions: Like any other gnocchi on the market, you can bake, fry or boil. Use tomato sauce or add protein and vegetables to add flavor and complement your meal. Other cooking ideas include mixing roasted kale and cauliflower for a vegan dish. You can also add sausage to make gnocchi malloreddus.

Features: The gnocchi is dairy-free, nut-free, peanut free, low in sodium, and Kosher-certified. The gnocchi is also soy-free, egg-free, and non-GMO.

Flavors: The gnocchi has a light, pillowy texture and rich potato flavor

Item weight: 1.08 pounds (0.49 kilograms)

Allergen information: Contains gluten 

Package type: Packaged in a box 

Item form: Raw uncooked dumplings 

Nocca Cocola Mini Gnocchi Potato Dumpling Pasta – Best Vegetarian and Gluten-Free 

These are potato dumplings made from real ingredients. The gnocchi is a great vegan option and comes in several varieties, including truffle, pesto, gluten-free, and whole wheat. Cooks under two minutes, making a prime pantry item for quick dinners.

Brand: Nocca®

Cooking Instructions

Boiled 

Boil 1 quart (1.14 liters) of water per serving and add salt to taste. Add the gnocchi and wait for 2 minutes or until it starts to float to the top. Drain gnocchi and toss in your favorite sauce and add some Parmesan cheese.

Lasagne 

You can also make lasagne gnocchi by preheating the oven to 350˚F. Boil the gnocchi and mix with tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese, and place on a non-stick baking dish. 

Bake for 25 minutes; finish with parmesan cheese and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Stir fry 

Boil the gnocchi for 2 minutes and drain. Using a non-stick pan, melt some butter on low heat. Add the gnocchi and sauté over high heat for 2 minutes, turning continuously until it’s brown. Remove and serve with your favorite sauce or as a side.

Features: Diary-free, non-GMO, low in sodium, and suitable for those on a low fodmap diet.

Flavors: Savory, rich potato flavor 

Item weight: 1.08 pounds (0.49 kilograms)

Allergen information: Contains gluten 

Package type: Vacuum sealed packet 

Item form: Raw uncooked dumplings 

Bartenura Potato Gnocchi – Best Overall Price 

The pasta is perfect for a quick and easy potato dumpling dish that cooks in under three minutes. Pair the pasta with tomato sauce and cheese to bring out amazing flavors. The pasta is low fat and does not contain cholesterol. There is also a spinach flavor available suitable for a vegan meal.

Brand: Bartenura

Cooking instructions: These potato dumplings cook for three minutes. Boil in water until the pieces start to float. Drain and serve with your favorite spicy sauce, cheese, or broth. Stir fry, pan-fry or bake dumplings until they turn brown and crispy. 

Features: Low cholesterol, no fat, and certified Kosher

Flavors: Savory, rich potato flavor 

Item weight: 3.12 pounds (1.41 kilograms)

Allergen information: Contains gluten 

Package type: Packaged in a box 

Item form: Raw uncooked dumplings 

Corabella Gluten Free Gnocchi, Potato, and Rice – Best Packaging 

The Corabella gluten-free gnocchi has 60% rice flour, potato starch, salt, preservatives, and other ingredients. The gnocchi is gluten-free, does not contain cholesterol, saturated fats, or trans fats, and is healthy for the whole family. However, the pasta may contain eggs and milk.

The gnocchi package contains two halves that allow you to use it for a smaller meal option without worrying about your gnocchi going bad and eat within three days after opening the package. 

Brand: Corabella

Cooking instructions: Pour water into a pot and bring to boil. Place the gnocchi and add some salt to taste. Wait until the gnocchi floats to the surface, or wait two minutes, remove, drain excess water and serve with your favorite sauce.

Add some baby spinach, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil, and toss to mix. Sprinkle some grated Mozzarella to finish your dish, and enjoy.  

You can reheat the gnocchi or eat it cold after the first cook. 

Features: Low sodium, 1% fat, 0% saturated fat and 0% trans fat. 

Flavors: Rice flavor

Item weight: 11.95 pounds (5.42 kilograms)

Allergen information: Gluten-free

Package type: Vacuum-packed and shelf-stable 

Item form: Raw uncooked dumplings

FAQs on Store Bought Gnocchi

What is Shelf Stable Gnocchi?

Shelf stable gnocchi is vacuum-packed gnocchi you can find under pasta or in the frozen section of a supermarket. You can similarly cook shelf-stable gnocchi as any other gnocchi.

Where Can I Buy Potato Gnocchi?

You can buy gnocchi at a supermarket or grocery store, or an Italian food specialty store. You can also find a wide variety on an online marketplace such as Amazon.

Do You Have to Boil Gnocchi Before Baking?

No, you do not need to boil gnocchi before baking, while this may seem to be the case. When you add the boiling and baking time, it makes no difference to the total cooking time. 

What are the Three Types of Gnocchi? 

The three types of gnocchi are gnocchi di patate, gnocchi alla romana, and gnocchi parisienne. 

Gnocchi di patate is the most common in northern Italy and is made from mixing mashed potatoes, flour and egg.

Gnocchi alla Romana comes from Rome and is a blend of semolina boiled in milk or water. The cooked mash is then left to cool before being cut into rounds. 

Gnocchi Parisienne is the French version made from pate; a choux paste piped directly into boiling water. 

What is Gnocchi Pasta Made From?

Gnocchi pasta is usually a mixture of wheat flour, eggs, and mashed potatoes to make dough. The dough is then rolled together and then cut into small bite pieces. Gnocchi can also be made from rice and potato dough, and some recipes will add ricotta to the dough. 

What Does Gnocchi Pasta Taste Like?

Gnocchi on its own is tasteless, similar to the taste of pasta. You will need to add sauces and condiments such as salt and pepper or mix them with other vegetables and protein to bring out the flavor.

Is Gnocchi a Pasta or a Potato? 

Gnocchi is a dumpling made from potatoes, wheat, and eggs. Enhance the taste of gnocchi by adding condiments, other spices, and sauces. 

Plate of italian gnocchi

The Final Say 

Store-bought gnocchi is great as a starter or starch for a main meal. It is quick and easy to cook; some even take less than five minutes.

There are a variety of gnocchi brands available on the market that are suitable for many dietary requirements.

The best gnocchi is the De Cecco Pasta, Potato Gnocchi No. 401, which you can find on Amazon. Add your favorite sauce, some cheese, and your delicious, nutritious meal is ready. 

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