If you’re searching for a dish that combines crispy textures, creamy indulgence, and a burst of juicy sweetness all at once, then the Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata, Pomegranate & Hot Honey Recipe should be your next kitchen adventure. This recipe masterfully balances the golden crunch of roasted gnocchi with the luscious creaminess of burrata, while the pop of vibrant pomegranate seeds and the fiery sweetness of hot honey bring each bite to life. It’s truly one of those dishes that feels both comfortingly indulgent and refreshingly bright, perfect for when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious symphony of flavor and texture. From the foundation of tender gnocchi to the spicy-sweet honey drizzle, each element is simple but essential to achieve that unforgettable dish.
- 500 g shelf-stable gnocchi: Provides a light, pillowy base that crisps up beautifully when roasted.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the gnocchi develop a golden crust with a rich, fruity undertone.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the sweetness and spice.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a bit of bite to each mouthful.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky depth that contrasts perfectly with the fresh toppings.
- 1 ball burrata cheese: Brings irresistible creaminess and richness that melts over the gnocchi.
- ½ cup pomegranate arils: Delivers juicy bursts of acidity and a beautiful splash of color.
- 3 tbsp honey: Sweetens the dish naturally and acts as the base for the hot honey drizzle.
- ¼–½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste): Adds just the right amount of heat to balance the sweetness.
- Fresh thyme or basil leaves (optional garnish): Provides a fresh herbal note and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata, Pomegranate & Hot Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare to Roast the Gnocchi
Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This ensures your gnocchi crisp evenly without sticking, setting the stage for that perfect golden exterior.
Step 2: Season the Gnocchi
In a mixing bowl, toss the shelf-stable gnocchi with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This simple seasoning elevates the gnocchi with a little smoky warmth and ensures each piece is evenly coated for maximum crispiness.
Step 3: Roast Until Crispy
Spread the gnocchi out in a single layer on your prepared tray and roast them for 25 to 30 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through cooking to develop a uniform golden crisp on all sides—the hallmark of this dish’s irresistible texture.
Step 4: Infuse the Hot Honey
While the gnocchi roasts, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add chili flakes and let the flavors mingle for a few minutes, creating a spicy-sweet drizzle that will bring the dish to life without overwhelming the other flavors.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Once your gnocchi is beautifully crispy, transfer them to a serving platter. This is where the magic continues as you prepare to top them with creamy burrata and jewel-like pomegranate arils.
Step 6: Add Burrata
Tear the burrata over the warm gnocchi. The residual heat gently softens the cheese, allowing its rich creaminess to melt into every crispy bite—a texture contrast that’s pure joy.
Step 7: Finish with Pomegranate and Hot Honey
Sprinkle the vibrant pomegranate arils all over the dish to add bursts of juicy freshness. Then drizzle the infused hot honey generously on top, tying together sweet, spicy, creamy, and crispy in every mouthful.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
For an optional herbal lift, scatter fresh thyme or basil leaves over the plate. Serve immediately while the gnocchi are warm and the burrata is delightfully melty.
How to Serve Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata, Pomegranate & Hot Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme or basil not only brighten the dish but also add an aromatic contrast to the richness of burrata and the heat of the honey. If you want a little extra crunch, toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts make wonderful garnishes too.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a simple arugula and lemon vinaigrette salad can add refreshing balance. A crusty bread sticks perfectly as well, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that luscious hot honey.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the gnocchi family-style on a large platter to let everyone graze and enjoy the mix of flavors together. Alternatively, portion it out on individual plates, artfully arranging the burrata, pomegranate, and honey drizzle for an elegant presentation that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The gnocchi may lose some crispiness, but the flavors will remain vibrant, especially with the burrata kept separate until serving.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh since burrata’s creamy texture doesn’t freeze well and the crispy gnocchi can become soggy after thawing. However, you can freeze the roasted gnocchi on its own before assembling, then crisp them again in the oven when ready to use.
Reheating
To bring leftover gnocchi back to life, pop them in a hot oven or a dry skillet until they regain their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that tends to make gnocchi chewy instead of crispy. Add burrata fresh just before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi will give you an even softer interior and crisp up beautifully. Just watch the cooking time a bit closer as fresh gnocchi may cook faster than shelf-stable varieties.
How spicy is the hot honey in this recipe?
The level of heat is mild and adjustable. The honey provides sweetness while the chili flakes add a gentle kick. You can increase or decrease the chili flakes depending on your spice tolerance.
Is there a substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?
Mozzarella di bufala or fresh mozzarella can work in a pinch but won’t have quite the same creamy, luscious center that burrata offers. If you want to keep that creamy texture, adding a little cream cheese or ricotta can help mimic it.
Can I prepare the hot honey in advance?
Yes, you can make the infused hot honey ahead of time and store it in a sealed jar at room temperature. Just warm it slightly before drizzling to loosen it up for easy pouring.
What is the best way to serve leftovers?
Reheat the gnocchi in a skillet or oven to regain crispiness, then add fresh burrata and pomegranate before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep textures intact.
Final Thoughts
The Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata, Pomegranate & Hot Honey Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special yet is so straightforward to make. Its mix of textures and flavors will have you coming back for seconds, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring quietly on your own. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food with a delightful twist.
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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: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Gnocchi with Burrata, Pomegranate & Hot Honey is a delicious dish combining crispy, golden roasted gnocchi with creamy burrata cheese, sweet and spicy hot honey, and bright pomegranate arils. This recipe balances textures and flavors perfectly for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 500 g shelf-stable gnocchi
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Toppings
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
Hot Honey
- 3 tbsp honey
- ¼–½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh thyme or basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Gnocchi: In a mixing bowl, toss the shelf-stable gnocchi with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until thoroughly coated. This will enhance flavor and help achieve a crispy exterior.
- Roast Gnocchi: Spread the seasoned gnocchi out in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, turning the gnocchi halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Make Hot Honey: While the gnocchi roasts, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the chili flakes and allow the flavors to infuse, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overheat or burn the honey.
- Transfer Gnocchi: Once crispy, remove the gnocchi from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter while still warm.
- Add Burrata: Tear the burrata cheese over the hot gnocchi. The warmth will soften the cheese, creating a rich, creamy texture that contrasts with the crispy gnocchi.
- Add Pomegranate: Sprinkle the pomegranate arils evenly over the gnocchi and burrata to add a burst of sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- Drizzle Hot Honey: Drizzle the infused hot honey generously across the entire dish to bring a perfect sweet and spicy kick.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or basil leaves if using, and serve immediately to enjoy the best contrast of textures – crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes in the hot honey to control the level of spiciness.
- For extra crispiness, make sure gnocchi are not crowded on the baking tray; use two trays if necessary.
- Burrata can be substituted with fresh mozzarella if unavailable, but burrata offers a creamier texture.
- Warm the honey gently to preserve its delicate flavors and prevent burning.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crispy gnocchi and creamy burrata at its best.
