There is something truly magical about the combination of textures and flavors in this Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata, Pomegranate & Hot Honey Recipe. Imagine perfectly crispy gnocchi pillows roasted to golden perfection, topped with the creamy, luscious richness of burrata cheese, bright jewel-like pomegranate seeds bursting with freshness, and a tantalizing drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey that ties everything together. This dish feels indulgent yet light, simple but sophisticated—a perfect way to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, whether it’s building crispy texture, layering flavor, or adding vibrant color and freshness. These simple, wholesome items come together beautifully with minimal effort.
- 500 g shelf-stable gnocchi: The star base that crisps up wonderfully in the oven while staying pillowy inside.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the gnocchi attain that golden crust and adds subtle fruity richness.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness later.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth without overpowering.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smoky depth that elevates every bite.
- 1 ball burrata cheese: The creamy, fresh cheese that melts slightly to create luscious pockets of decadence.
- ½ cup pomegranate arils: Juicy bursts of tartness that add vibrancy and crunch.
- 3 tbsp honey: The sweet canvas that transforms into a spicy glaze when infused.
- ¼–½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste): Provides heat that dances alongside the honey’s sweetness.
- Fresh thyme or basil leaves (optional garnish): Adds an herbal freshness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata, Pomegranate & Hot Honey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 220°C (425°F) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your gnocchi won’t stick and helps them develop that irresistible crispy edge.
Step 2: Season the Gnocchi
Toss the gnocchi in olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This coating infuses flavor deeply while the oil encourages a crunchy roast. Make sure every piece is evenly coated so each bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Spread the gnocchi out on the baking tray in a single layer. Give them plenty of space to crisp up without steaming. Roast for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through so they brown evenly on all sides. You’ll know they’re perfect when they appear golden and irresistibly crispy.
Step 4: Infuse the Hot Honey
While the gnocchi cook, gently warm honey with chili flakes over low heat. This process lets the oil from the chili bring a gentle heat to the honey’s sweetness, creating a beautifully balanced glaze that brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Transfer the hot, crispy gnocchi to a serving platter, getting ready for the final layers of flavor and texture that complete this dish.
Step 6: Add the Burrata
Tear the burrata gently over the warm gnocchi. The residual heat will soften its creamy center, providing luscious, melty pockets of indulgence that contrast astonishingly with the crisp gnocchi.
Step 7: Add Pomegranate Arils and Hot Honey Drizzle
Scatter the vibrant pomegranate arils on top before drizzling generously with your spicy hot honey. This step introduces bursts of tart sweetness and a glossy finish that makes the dish visually stunning and exciting to eat.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Add fresh thyme or basil leaves if you like, lending aromatic notes and a pop of green freshness. Then serve immediately to enjoy all the layers of crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy goodness while the textures and temperatures are just right.
How to Serve Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata, Pomegranate & Hot Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme or basil brighten the dish and add an elegant, fresh finish. If you want an extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts. A crack of fresh black pepper at the end can elevate the warmth even more.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with a light green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon would complement the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the gnocchi in a rustic cast-iron skillet or arrange them on a long wooden board topped with burrata and pomegranate, drizzling the honey right before serving. It also works as a stunning appetizer served in small bowls for sharing at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The gnocchi will lose some crispiness but maintain great flavor. Keep burrata and pomegranate separate and add fresh when serving again.
Freezing
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze cooked gnocchi separately for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing once assembled with burrata or hot honey. Reheat frozen gnocchi in the oven to restore some crispness before assembling.
Reheating
Reheat gnocchi in a hot oven or skillet to bring back the crisp texture. Add burrata and pomegranate fresh after reheating, then drizzle with freshly warmed hot honey for a quick revived experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi works wonderfully and may even be softer inside. Just keep an eye on the roasting time since fresh gnocchi might cook a bit faster.
How spicy is the hot honey? Can I adjust it?
The heat level depends on how many chili flakes you use. The suggested ¼ to ½ tsp is mild to medium spicy but feel free to adjust to your personal preference or omit chili altogether for a sweet honey drizzle.
Can I substitute burrata with mozzarella?
You can, but burrata has that creamy, buttery richness which makes this dish special. Fresh mozzarella will be milder and less luscious but still delicious if burrata isn’t available.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata, Pomegranate & Hot Honey Recipe is vegetarian friendly as it contains no meat or fish, but please check that the burrata cheese does not contain animal rennet if strict vegetarian.
What can I do to make gnocchi crispier?
Make sure to spread gnocchi evenly in a single layer with enough space and roast at a high temperature. Flipping halfway helps all sides get golden and crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly, this Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata, Pomegranate & Hot Honey Recipe is your new go-to. It hits all the right notes—crispy, creamy, sweet, spicy, and fresh—all in one bowl. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every vibrant bite!
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Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata, Pomegranate & Hot Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata, Pomegranate & Hot Honey recipe combines golden, crispy gnocchi with creamy burrata cheese, sweet and spicy honey drizzle, and fresh pomegranate arils for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The dish is roasted to achieve a delightful crispness, then topped with fresh herbs for a beautiful, vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 500 g shelf-stable gnocchi
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- 3 tbsp honey
- ¼–½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Fresh thyme or basil leaves (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the gnocchi.
- Season the Gnocchi: Toss the gnocchi with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated to ensure flavorful and crispy results.
- Roast the Gnocchi: Spread the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure all sides become golden and crispy.
- Prepare Hot Honey: While the gnocchi is roasting, gently warm the honey with chili flakes over low heat. Allow the flavors to infuse, creating a sweet and spicy drizzle.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the roasted gnocchi to a serving platter once golden and crispy.
- Add Burrata: Tear the burrata cheese over the warm gnocchi, allowing its creamy texture to complement the crispy gnocchi.
- Garnish: Sprinkle pomegranate arils over the dish, providing a juicy burst of sweetness and color.
- Drizzle Hot Honey: Generously drizzle the infused hot honey over the gnocchi and toppings to enhance the flavor profile with a sweet and spicy kick.
- Finish & Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately while the gnocchi is warm, crispy, and creamy for the best experience.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the hot honey to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use shelf-stable gnocchi for the best results as they crisp up better than fresh ones in the oven.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between crispy gnocchi and creamy burrata.
- Fresh herbs such as thyme or basil add a lovely aromatic touch but are optional.
