3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (2024)

Skip the directions on the bag and try these 3 delicious methods for how to cook Trader Joe's Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi instead. No thawing required!

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3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (1)

Unless you only follow dogs that dress better then you do on Instagram, chances are you’ve seen Trader Joe’s instant cult classic – frozen cauliflower gnocchi – being gushed about on social media sometime in the past year. The product launched last spring and immediately started flying off the shelves, or rather, out of the freezer. Stores couldn’t keep them in stock and I even saw limits on how many bags you could buy at one time! Not only are cauliflower gnocchi a low-carb, gluten-free version of regular potato gnocchi that taste faintly of roasted cauliflower, but they sell for under $3/bag at my local Trader Joe’s. The gluten-free potato gnocchi I currently buy at the regular grocery store costs $7.99. You know what we call that? An upgrade!

Gnocchi is one of my very favorite foods and traditionally it’s a soft dough made from potatoes, flour and eggs that’s cut into delicious little dumplings then boiled or pan-fried. Trader Joe’s version trades potatoes for cauliflower,all-purpose flour (not GF) for cassava flour (GF), and egg for, well, no egg. Do you know what that means? My currentgluten, dairy, egg and peanut-free diet canaccommodate ALL THE FROZEN CAULIFLOWER GNOCCHI I CAN HANDLE – WHEE! Ahem. That is to say, I’ve been eating it like a crazy person lately, and you will too after reading this post.

So why the post? Well, for as many people who’ve shared their excitement over the cauliflower gnocchi is an equal amount of people warning against using the cooking instructions on the bag, which result in sticky, gooey gnocchi. Gross! The need for alternative cooking instructions is real, so today I’m sharing how to cook Trader Joe’s frozen cauliflower gnocchi in three different ways – pan fry, Air Fry, and roasting – that result in the most delicious little side dish or dinner. No thawing required. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Oh my word, no matter which method you choose, you’re going to love these gnocchi!

(PS: need to share two, new-to-me Trader Joe finds: Tea Tree Tingle shampoo and conditioner, and Soft Batch Snickerdoodle Cookies. The shampoo and conditioner are laced with tea tree and peppermint and make my scalp wonderfully tingly, while the cookies are not onlygluten-free and vegan, but some of the yummiest treats I’ve had in awhile!)

Use in my Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

#1: Pan-Fry Method

The pan-fry method is the one I use most often – just pour a bag of frozen cauliflower gnocchi into a skillet then let it sizzle with your favorite fat for a few minutes. Cam’s and my current favorite “recipe” is sauting the gnocchi in butter (been loving this vegan buttera reader recommended to me!) then finishing with fresh garlic, salt, and chives and serving as a side dish with dinner. Obsessed. The gnocchi can also be used in place of traditional potato gnocchi in these recipes:

  • Crispy Gnocchi Piccata
  • Crispy Chicken, Bacon and Pesto Gnocchi Skillet
  • Gnocchi and Chicken Sausage Vegetable Skillet
  • Gnocchi with Spinach, Mushrooms and Crispy Prosciutto
  • Crispy Gnocchi with Zucchini, Sweet Corn and Basil

3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (2)

Method:

  • Heat 2 Tablespoons fat such as butter, vegan butter, extra virgin olive oil or bacon grease in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add frozen gnocchi then spread into an even layer in the skillet. Let gnocchi saute undisturbed until golden brown on the bottom, 2-3 minutes, then flip using a large spatula and continue to saute, shaking the skillet every minute or so, until gnocchi are golden brown all over. Do not attempt to flip the gnocchi for the first time until they are seared and golden brown on the bottom. The gnocchi will “unstick” themselves from the skillet when they’re ready to be flipped.

Why I Like It:

  • Great texture – crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.
  • Very versatile – serve as a main with sausage, greens, vegetables, etc., or as a side dish with dinner.
  • Quick and easy – 7-8 minutes start to finish.
  • Did I mention the texture?! Love that crunch!

3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (3)

Here’s how I made the Pan-Fried Garlic-Herb-Butter Cauliflower Gnocchidish in these photos:

  • Cook gnocchi per instructions above using butter then season with salt and add 3 cloves pressed or minced garlic to the skillet. Saute for 1-2 minutes, or until garlic is very fragrant, then scoop onto plates and top with chopped fresh chives. MMM! These even reheat well.

3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (4)

#2: Air Fryer Method

When Ben got me an Air Fryera few years ago I admit to not being immediately thrilled. The thing takes up some serious space on the countertop and I didn’t think it’d get much use. So wrong! Yes, it takes up a corner of the kitchen but we use that bad boy at least 4 times a week, it heats up in just a couple minutes, and cooks food in half the time as an oven. For example, if I want to make sweet potato fries in the oven I have to wait 10 minutes for it to reach 425 degrees then another 20-30 minutes while the fries bake. The Air Fryer heats up in 2 minutes and cooks my homemade fries in 10. Boom.

Anyway, the Air Fryer also cooks these frozen cauliflower gnocchi so well! The gnocchi take on a nice, dry and sturdy (for lack of a better word) texture on the outside which makes them perfect for mixing with marinara, pesto, or cheese sauce, or even for picking up and eating like tater tots.

3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (5)

Method:

  • Preheat Air Fryer to 390 degrees (or whatever temperature your Air Fryer suggests for cooking frozen foods.) Spray the basket with nonstick spray (I use an avocado oil mister from Costco,) add the frozen gnocchi into the basket in a single layer, then spray with more cooking spray and cook for 10 minutes, or until golden brown, shaking the basket halfway through to avoid sticking.

3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (6)

Why I Like It:

  • Cooks quickly in just 10 minutes with zero fuss or extra dishes.
  • Cooked gnocchi holds up well to being covered in sauces – marinara, pesto, cheese, etc.
  • Cooked gnocchi are sturdy and can be eaten like tater tots! Dip in ketchup, ranch, bbq sauce, etc.

3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (7)

If your kids are tired of the same old spaghetti, try stirring the cooked gnocchi into warmed marinara sauce then topping with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if you please. This is a fun and easy way to get Lincoln to eat his vegetables.

3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (8)

#3: Roasting Method

The roasting method is great because, like Air Frying, it’s almost completely hands off. Roast the frozen gnocchi on a sheet pan alongside meat and other vegetables, or by itself before tossing with butter, marinara, pesto, etc. Super easy!

Method:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees then line a half sheet pan with a silpat or parchment paper. Pour frozen gnocchi onto the pan then spread into an even layer and mist with nonstick spray. Roast for 20 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring halfway through.

Why I Like It:

  • Simple + low fuss.
  • Very versatile – roast alongside any protein and/or vegetables you like.
  • Gnocchi get nice and crispy on the outside, while staying soft on the inside.

3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (9)

Here’s how I made theSheet-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers with Cauliflower Gnocchi dish in these photos:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees then line a half sheet pan with a silpat or parchment paper. Add 1 each sliced onion (yellow or sweet), green bell pepper and red bell pepper to the center of the pan, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, season generously with garlic salt, and then toss to coat. Spread into an even layer then roast for 10 minutes. Add 4 sweet Italian sausages cut into fifths plus a bag of frozen cauliflower gnocchi then stir and spread back into an even layer. Roast for 20 more minutes, or until gnocchi are golden brown and sausages and vegetables are cooked through, stirring halfway through.

This dish is good. I mean, so, so, SO GOOD!!

3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (10)

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3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe’s Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi (No Thawing Required)

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dairy freegluten freelow carblow fatveganvegetarian15 minute meal20 minute meal30 minute meal

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Description

Skip the directions on the bag and try these 3 delicious methods for how to cook Trader Joe's Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi instead. No thawing required!

Ingredients

  • 12oz package frozen Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi

Directions

  • Pan-fry method: Heat 2 Tablespoons fat such as butter, vegan butter, extra virgin olive oil, or bacon grease in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add frozen gnocchi then spread into an even layer in the skillet. Let gnocchi saute undisturbed until golden brown on the bottom, 2-3 minutes, then flip using a large spatula and continue to saute, shaking the skillet every minute or so, until gnocchi are golden brown all over. Do not attempt to flip the gnocchi for the first time until they are seared and golden brown on the bottom. The gnocchi will "unstick" themselves from the skillet when they're ready to be flipped.
  • Air Fryer method: Preheat Air Fryer to 390 degrees (or whatever temperature your model suggests for cooking frozen foods.) Spray the basket with nonstick spray then add frozen gnocchi to basket in a single layer, spray with nonstick spray, then cook for 10 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping/stirring the gnocchi halfway through.
  • Roasting method: Preheat oven to 425 degrees then line a half sheet pan with a silpat or parchment paper. Pour frozen gnocchi onto the pan then spread into an even layer and spray with nonstick spray. Roast for 20 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring halfway through.
  • Leave a comment and star rating if you loved the recipe! Thank you for considering!

Notes

  • Pan-Fried Garlic-Herb-Butter Cauliflower Gnocchi:cook gnocchi per pan-fry instructions above using butter then season with salt and add 3 cloves pressed or minced garlic to the skillet. Saute for 1-2 minutes, or until garlic is very fragrant, then scoop onto plates and top with chopped fresh chives.
  • Air-Fried Cauliflower Gnocchi Marinara:Cook gnocchi per Air Fryer instructions above then add gnocchi to a small pot with warmed marinara sauce. Stir to coat then scoop into bowls and serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
  • Sheet-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers with Cauliflower Gnocchi: Preheat oven to 425 degrees then line a half sheet pan with a silpat or parchment paper. Add 1 each sliced onion, green bell pepper and red bell pepper to the center of the pan, drizzle withextra virgin olive oil, season generously with garlic salt, and then toss to coat. Spread into an even layer then roast for 10 minutes. Add 4 sweet Italian sausages cut into fifths plus a bag of frozen cauliflower gnocchi then spread back into an even layer. Roast for 20 more minutes, or until gnocchi are golden brown and sausages and vegetables are cooked through, stirring halfway through.
  • Read post text for more recipe ideas.

This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.

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73 Comments

  1. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (12) R 06.13.2023

    the only way I ever do it now (roasting). Thanks.

    Reply

    • 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (13) Kristin 06.18.2023

      You got it!

      Reply

      • 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (14) rebecca 03.18.2024

        so… this has always worked great. now suddenly twice in a row: not golde brown after 20 min, and stuck to the parchment paper. Changed nothing – cooked from frtozen, misted with spray, 425. what am I doing wrong.

        Reply

        • 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (15) Kristin 03.18.2024

          Hey Rebecca! I wonder if Trader Joe’s changed their recipe / product? I can’t think of any other reason why a method you’ve used before isn’t working now!

          Reply

          • 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (16) rebecca 04.03.2024

            me neither. it was foolproof! Let me know if it’s still working for you.

            Reply

          • 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (17) rebecca 04.03.2024

            yep just tried it again. stuck fast to parchment. a mess. oh well.

            Reply

  2. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (18) Gowri 06.08.2023

    Nice

    Reply

  3. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (19) Patricia Medrano 03.23.2022

    when I did the first time I followed the instructions on the package. and they tasted like glue. But after this formula Can’t wait! best meal ever

    5

    See Also
    NZ Bunch

    Reply

    • 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (20) Kristin 03.24.2022

      I’m so glad you loved the method, Patricia! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!

      Reply

  4. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (21) Julie 02.28.2022

    I always use the roasting method – roasting until nicely browned and it makes an excellent gnocchi. Thanks for the cooking guidance.

    Reply

  5. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (22) Robert Knox 07.18.2021

    I sautéed them (from frozen) in 1T each chicken fat and butter then tossed in chives, sea salt and white pepper.Thank you so much for the tips!!!!!

    5

    Reply

    • 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (23) Kristin 07.23.2021

      That sounds amaaaaazing – so glad you found this post helpful, Robert!

      Reply

  6. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (24) Daisy 04.02.2021

    I like the Air-Fryer method as it is the healthiest way to cook! I’m going to mix them with cheese today!

    5

    Reply

  7. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (25) Lyndsie 11.06.2020

    I used the oven recipe with chicken sausage, red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli, scallions, and about 1.5-2 tbps of butter. I didn’t roast separately, just all in at 425 (no oil just cooking spray no parchment paper either) 20 minutes plus 4 minutes broiled on high- just salt and pepper and it was fantastic!!!! Happy I found the oven method on here:)

    Reply

  8. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (26) Kelley 11.06.2020

    Have you tried putting yhe gnocchi in a waffle iron? I have not but heard this is awesome. Would you be willing to test??

    Reply

  9. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (27) iko 09.25.2020

    it’s look so yummy.i’ll try this at home. thanks for sharing this recipes and notes too

    5

    Reply

  10. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (28) Lehua pischke 09.05.2020

    Have you shared your revelations with Trader Joe’s? It sounds like they should modify their instructions! I think they’d appreciate it!

    Reply

  11. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (29) Jenny 07.21.2020

    Thank you! I used method #1 with great results! I’ve followed the directions on the bag before with less than stellar results, so I appreciate the tips.

    5

    Reply

  12. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (30) Daryl 03.11.2020

    The first time I made these I followed the directions on the bag, and they tasted like glue. But after following this recipe I can’t stop making these! They are so good they’re almost addictive. Wanted to add a review since I was looking up the recipe to make them again. So good!

    5

    Reply

  13. 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (31) Natalie 02.27.2020

    I tried making the Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi on a sheetpan in the oven at 425. I had to cook it for closer to 35 -40 minutes but it was well worth the wait. I then added some pesto and soo yummy!

    4

    Reply

    • 3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (32) janet 01.04.2023

      I’m so glad to see someone had to cook them much longer. Mine have been in at 425 for 30 minutes and still not browned. Yikes, what’s wrong?

      Reply

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3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi - No Thawing Required (2024)

FAQs

Can you boil Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi? ›

Trader Joe's lists three different cooking methods — microwaving, boiling or pan-sautéing — but recommends sautéing the gnocchi in an olive oil-coated pan for a crispy texture.

How to air fry Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi? ›

Start by opening the bag of Trader Joe cauliflower gnocchi and spread them on a plate. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until the gnocchi is thawed (don't worry if it's still slightly frozen). Air fry gnocchi in air fryer for 10-13 minutes on 400F.

How to get Trader Joe's gnocchi crispy? ›

Crispy Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi

If cooking in the oven, spread on parchment paper. Make sure the gnocci are in a single layer and not touching each other. Any gnocchi that's touching will cook together and not get as crispy. Cook at 425 for 25 minutes, flip, and then cook another 15 minutes until golden.

How do you cook frozen premade gnocchi? ›

Do not thaw them before cooking or they will stick together. To cook them, throw the frozen gnocchi directly into the boiling salted water without thawing. Their cooking time will be slightly longer than unfrozen but their preparation should be completed in the same manner as with fresh gnocchi.

How to heat up Trader Joe's gnocchi? ›

Method: Preheat oven to 425 degrees then line a half sheet pan with a silpat or parchment paper. Pour frozen gnocchi onto the pan then spread into an even layer and mist with nonstick spray. Roast for 20 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring halfway through.

Can you cook gnocchi without boiling? ›

If you've never tried pan frying gnocchi, you are in for a treat! Forget boiling it, you can actually just toss it in a skillet and cook it. This means less dishes, as it's all cooked in one skillet and crispy, pan fried gnocchi is the result. I love the texture of crispy gnocchi, with it's crunchy browned exterior.

Do I need to boil frozen gnocchi before frying? ›

You can skip the boiling when frying your gnocchi. However, if you prefer your gnocchi a touch softer, you could boil it first and then pan fry them for about 3-5 minutes instead of the full time to brown. If making this as a full meal, this will serve 2-3.

How to cook frozen cauliflower pasta? ›

Stovetop
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add frozen cauliflower pasta to boiling water. Stir to loosen.
  3. Cook for 3 minutes, drain water, and enjoy with your favorite sauce1!

Can you microwave cauliflower gnocchi? ›

You don't need an air fryer or any other fancy appliance, but you will put these through the kitchen trio: microwave, stovetop, oven. The cauliflower gnocchi is going to be frozen. To cook them evenly, you'll want to microwave (not on the defrost setting) them first.

Is cauliflower gnocchi actually healthy? ›

Yes, cauliflower gnocchi can be a healthier choice because it uses a vegetable that's less starchy than potatoes, says Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "Non-starchy veggies are lower in carbs but often higher in fiber, which can help you stay fuller, longer," she says.

Why are my cauliflower gnocchi mushy? ›

The directions on the back of the bag instructs you to either boil or saute your gnocchi which does not work with the cauliflower version – it leaves you with very mushy gnocchi. One day I decided to try and roast it instead to get a crisp on it (the way I love my gnocchi).

How do you jazz up store bought gnocchi? ›

After your gnocchi is cooked and drained, you can toss it with any sauce and/or vegetables you want. Store bought gnocchi is great with marinara, pesto, bolognese ragu, sun-dried tomato sauce – and this tomato-mushroom sauce, of course.

How to improve frozen gnocchi? ›

Whether it's homemade, frozen, or shelf-stable, you can air fry your gnocchi to golden perfection in less than 15 minutes. Toss your gnocchi in olive oil and your preferred seasonings before placing them in the air fryer at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 13 minutes.

Is it better to freeze cooked or uncooked gnocchi? ›

Keep in mind: You can freeze any type of gnocchi that is prepared. To keep their best texture freeze them uncooked for future cooking. It's an easy way to cook them straight from the freezer to make your favorite gnocchi dish to enjoy for an easy weeknight meal.

How do you boil pre packaged gnocchi? ›

Cook gnocchi:

Bring a large pot water to a boil; add 1 tablespoon salt. Add half of the gnocchi; when they rise to the top (after about 2 minutes), continue to cook until tender, about 15 seconds more.

Should cauliflower be steamed or boiled? ›

Cooked cauliflower florets keep their shape best when steamed (5-10 mins) – remember to place them upright in the steamer. It can also be boiled (takes 5-10 mins for florets; around 10 mins for a whole cauliflower). For both cooking methods, test regularly with the tip of a knife to make sure they don't overcook.

How long to cook Trader Joe's cauliflower crust? ›

I got the best results from baking on a wire rack (which I then placed on top of a cookie sheet) at 450 degrees for 10-15 minutes on each side.

How do you tell if gnocchi is boiled? ›

How to prepare gnocchi. Poach gnocchi in batches in a pan of lightly salted water for 2-4 minutes. Cooked gnocchi will float to the top. Strain and serve immediately with a good pasta sauce.

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