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    Home » Side dishes

    33 Delicious Dishes to Serve With Gnocchi

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 19, 2022, updated April 24, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Collage showing different recipes to serve with gnocchi.

    We gathered 33 ideas for sides and mains to serve with gnocchi, for a complete, delicious meal. Whether you're looking for something vegetarian, meaty, cheesy or healthier - we've got something for you!

    Collage showing different recipes to serve with gnocchi.

    Gnocchi - The Most Versatile Pasta?

    I love love love gnocchi - homemade or store bought, it doesn't matter. It's just comfort food at its best!

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    When I started making it I always boiled it, but then I found out that is just an unnecessary step. Yes, the best gnocchi is fried in a pan or baked on a sheet pan! My two favorite ways to cook it is with bacon and mushrooms, or with gorgonzola and walnuts. Hungry yet??

    And while it's often a great meal on its own, it's even better with another dish beside it. Gnocchi can be the side or the main - it all depends on how you cook it and what you serve with it.

    Here you'll find my best ideas for what to serve with gnocchi - from veggies and salads to bread, meat and seafood. And you'll find both tasty sides and more filling mains.

    If you're not sure what you want, just scroll through the post and I bet you'll find something tasty. Or, if you already know what you're after, just click the link in the table of contents below to go straight to that section.

    Jump to:
    • Gnocchi - The Most Versatile Pasta?
    • Bread to Serve With Gnocchi
    • Salads to Serve With Gnocchi
    • Veggie Sides to Serve With Gnocchi
    • Main dishes to serve with gnocchi
    • Reviews

    Bread to Serve With Gnocchi

    Turkish Bread

    This Turkish Bread is the perfect easy bread - especially to sop up leftover marinara sauce and other sauces. No kneading necessary, and you can let it rise in the fridge overnight.

    side view of two pieces of bread in front of a whole bread
    Turkish bread on a cooling rack.
    Turkish Bread
    Make this easy Turkish Bread with a total of just 15 minutes of prep. This soft, delicious, focaccia style overnight bread is soft inside with a crispy crust. Having homemade bread in the morning has never been this easy!
    Check out this recipe

    Air Fryer Texas Toast

    Texas Toast is a delicous type of garlic bread that you can make in just a few minutes. Especially delicious with flavor packed gnocchi dishes like this Gorgonzola Gnocchi.

    close up of air fryer texas toast on a white plate
    air fryer texas toast on a white plate
    Air Fryer Texas Toast
    Make Air Fryer Texas Toast in just a few minutes - crispy, buttery and filled with garlic flavor! With the best garlic butter made from simple ingredients, it's all done with just a few simple steps. Get ready to meet your new favorite easy side dish!
    Check out this recipe

    Cheesy Garlic Bread

    If you like cheese on your garlic bread then this version is the way to go! Yummy and comforting and great as a side for gnocchi. I love it with a simple gnocchi with pesto.

    A pile of cheesy garlic bread.
    Cheesy Garlic Bread
    Transform a simple baguette into Cheesy Garlic Bread with the best homemade garlic butter spread. This easy cream cheese garlic bread recipe lets you make a delicious and affordable side from scratch.
    Check out this recipe

    Focaccia

    Focaccia is a classic bread pairing for Italian dishes, and this version with green olives is no exception.

    Pieces of focaccia bread.
    Focaccia Genovese
    Focaccia Genovese is the famous focaccia from Liguria, Italy. Gleaming with olive oil, scattered with slices onions or studded with green olives, this bread is soft and exceptionally tasty!
    Check out this recipe

    Salads to Serve With Gnocchi

    Beetroot & Fennel Salad with Feta Cheese & Pine Nuts

    This simple salad is so packed with flavor from beetroot, fennel, feta cheese and roasted pine nuts. Served a bit warm it's a delicious side for plain gnocchi or lightly seasoned gnocchi dishes. You could even pan sear it and mix it in with the salad!

    closeup of roast beetroot salad with feta cheese topped with pine nuts.
    closeup of roast beetroot salad with feta cheese topped with pine nuts
    Beetroot and Feta Salad with Fennel & Pine Nuts
    With just 15 minutes of active cooking and a few simple steps you can make this flavor packed beetroot and feta salad. Served a bit warm and loaded with beets, feta cheese, fennel and roasted pine nuts it's a salad that works in all seasons - and for any salad skeptic.
    Check out this recipe

    Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews

    A caprese salad is a classic simple appetizer or side in Italian cuisine. This version is made with mozzarella or burrata, and adds spinach, cashews and a honey balsamic vinaigrette for a more filling version.

    top down view of a burrata caprese salad on a light blue deep plate
    Burrata Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews
    This quick (less than 10 minutes!) Burrata Caprese is a filling lunch or great side for your dinner. It's loaded up with all the good stuff - and will win over even the salad skeptics. With all the makings of a classic: sweet and salty, crunchy and cheesy - and a good dose of healthy greens!
    Check out this recipe

    Arugula Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette

    Another classic when it comes to gnocchi sides, you can't go wrong with a peppery arugula salad with a sweet and sour vinaigrette! Pair with meaty gnocchi dishes like Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms.

    side view of arugula salad with sun-dried tomatoes in a glass bowl with a spon and fork
    Simple Arugula Salad with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
    This Simple Arugula Salad is the perfect side salad for any summer barbecue. With sun-dried tomatoes and a honey lemon vinaigrette it's sweet, sour & salty - with a kick from peppery arugula. All done in just 5 minutes!
    Check out this recipe

    Shopska Salad

    Shopska Salad is an easy chopped salad with a simple vinaigrette and Feta cheese, and great for pairing with anything that needs a side of acidity. So pair with creamy gnocchi dishes, and get ready for seconds!

    shopska salad in a glass bowl
    shopska salad topped with feta cheese
    Shopska Salad
    You're just 15 minutes away from the best summer salad! This Bulgarian Shopska salad is loaded with colorful veggies, dressed in a simple vinaigrette and topped with shredded Feta cheese. A great appetizer, side salad, or a meal on its own next to a slice of bread.
    Check out this recipe

    Italian Green Bean Salad

    This marinated Italian Green Bean Salad recipe is fresh and easy! It's tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette with cherry tomatoes, almonds and cheese. Delicious with a simple fried gnocchi served with browned butter and sage.

    Marinated green bean salad in a bowl.
    Italian Green Bean Salad Recipe
    This marinated Italian Green Bean Salad recipe is fresh and easy! It’s tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, almonds, and cheese.
    Check out this recipe

    Vegan Caesar Salad

    This Vegan Caesar Salad tastes just as good as the original, and is all done in 30 minutes. It's made with crisp lettuce, homemade croutons, and a creamy dressing that is out of this world! I love it next to gnocchi with tomato sauce.

    Vegan caesar salad on a plate.
    Vegan Caesar Salad
    Learn how to make a Vegan Caesar Salad that tastes just as good as the original version. It’s made with crisp lettuce, homemade croutons, and a creamy dressing that is out of this world!
    Check out this recipe

    Marinated Tomato Salad

    This Marinated Tomato Salad is quick and easy to make. Tomatoes are tossed with basil, herb dressing and fresh mozzarella, for a light side that's perfect with heavier gnocchi dishes with cream sauce.

    Marinated tomato salad.
    Marinated Tomato Salad with Basil & Mozzarella
    This Marinated Tomato Salad recipe is quick and easy to make. Tomatoes are tossed with basil, herb dressing, and fresh mozzarella cheese!
    Check out this recipe

    Veggie Sides to Serve With Gnocchi

    Artichokes

    Nothing beats artichokes as a side for anything gnocchi! A light side or appetizer that's fun to eat and even better served with some Whipped Butter.

    side view of a boiled artichoke on a blue plate.
    side view of a boiled artichoke on a blue plate
    Boiled or Steamed Artichokes with Whipped Lemon Butter
    Learn just how easy it is to make boiled artichokes by following my step-by-step guide & video. It's a hands-off super food snack or appetizer that's done in under 45 minutes, and seriously delicious served my favorite way - with the highly addictive Whipped Lemon Butter.
    Check out this recipe

    Green Beans

    Cooking green beans is so easy - and it's the ultimate quick and easy side for gnocchi. Even easier when made in the air fryer - just add a drizzle of sea salt and you're done.

    green beans on a blue plate
    green beans on a blue plate
    Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
    With minimal prep & 4 minutes of cooking you can make the best Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans. Perfectly soft they're a great side for any dinner!
    Check out this recipe

    Garlic Roasted Broccoli

    Garlic Roasted Broccoli is the side you've been waiting for. With just a few simple ingredients broccoli is transformed into the most delicous snack - and the subtle flavor makes it a great pairing for flavor packed gnocchi dishes. Especially if they are seasoned with garlic!

    closeup of a piece of garlic roasted broccoli on a fork
    closeup of garlic roasted broccoli
    Garlic Roasted Broccoli
    This crispy & delicious Garlic Roasted Broccoli will be your new favorite side! It's healthy and vegan and comes together with just a little bit of prep.
    Check out this recipe

    Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

    These Brussels Sprouts are coated in honey balsamic vinaigrette, with a tiny kick from cayenne peper, and come out perfectly roasted with nice caramelization. Easy to make in your air fryer, and just the easy side your gnocchi needs!

    brussel sprouts on a light blue plate
    brussel sprouts on a light blue plate
    Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts
    Take your frozen brussel sprouts to a new level with minimal prep & just 16 minutes of cooking! These Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts are coated in a honey balsamic vinaigrette, with a tiny kick from cayenne peper, and come out perfectly roasted with nice caramelization. A great side dish, and so tasty you'll want to have them on their own!
    Check out this recipe

    Spicy Cauliflower

    While you're busy cooking your gnocchi dish, let this caulifower cook itself in the air fryer. It has a bit of a spicy kick, which will liven up any main.

    air fried seasoned cauliflower on a green plate
    air fried seasoned cauliflower on a green plate
    Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower
    With minimal prep & just 6-8 minutes of cooking you can make the best Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower. With a flavor packed rub with a bit of a spicy kick, this cauliflower is a great easy side for any meal.
    Check out this recipe

    Roasted Maple Carrots With Stracciatella

    Maple carrots are an amazing sweet & sticky & tangy side for gnocchi. Especially great with spicy gnocchi dishes!

    Carrots and sauce on a plate.
    Roasted Maple Carrots with Stracciatella Cheese
    This Roasted Maple Carrots Salad is a fabulous warm side to accompany any dinner main fare. Sticky sweet, creamy and oh so delicious!
    Check out this recipe

    Roasted Asparagus With Lemon Tahini Sauce

    The best roasted asparagus is topped with a simple lemon tahini sauce. It's the perfect side dish, especially for lightly seasoned gnocchi dishes!

    Asparagus drizzled with lemon tahini sauce on a white plate.
    Easy Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Tahini Sauce
    Best roasted tahini asparagus. Roasted asparagus is so much better with this easy lemon tahini sauce. It’s the perfect side dish for anytime of year.
    Check out this recipe

    Eggplant Roll-ups

    You've never had eggplant like this before! These rollups have eggplant, prosciuttio and mozzarella cheese and are a great fun side or appetizer for any gnocchi dish.

    Eggplant prosciuttio rolls on a plate.
    Grilled Eggplant, Prosciutto & Mozzarella Roll Ups
    Be the hit of the party when you serve these Grilled Eggplant, Prosciutto & Mozzarella Roll Ups. They’re the perfect one bite appetizer.
    Check out this recipe

    Parmesan Broccolini

    If you're tired of broccoli - meet its baby sister, broccolini! More delicate and even more delicious, this version is topped with a parmesan & pine nut mixture for maximum taste. A great Italian-themed side!

    Roasted broccolini and a fork.
    Roasted Broccolini with Parmesan-Pine Nut Pangritata
    Roasted broccolini is a delicious side topped with parmesan and pine nut pangritata.
    Check out this recipe

    Baked Tomatoes

    Baked tomatoes are a great side for gnocchi. Easy to make and allows you to focus on the main course - while adding so much great flavor!

    Baked tomatoes.
    Easy Baked Tomatoes
    These vegan baked tomatoes (tomatoes provençal) are made with flavor-packed summer tomatoes and fresh herbs for an easy side dish!
    Check out this recipe

    Garlic Butter Mushrooms

    These sautéed mushrooms are flavored with garlic butter and perfectly cooked until golden brown! It’s a delicious side for any gnocchi dish.

    Sauteed mushrooms on a white plate.
    Easy Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic Butter
    Sauteed mushrooms cooked in garlic butter until golden brown! Serve with steak, chicken, on burgers, or serve as an easy holiday side dish!
    Check out this recipe

    Roasted Vegetables

    An easy and healthy way to add a ton of vegetables to your dinner! Veggies are mixed with Mediterranean herbs for seasoning for a great vegan side. Great with all gnocchi dishes, you can even just mix it with plain pan-seared gnocchi!

    Mediterranean roasted vegetables on a blue plate.
    Mediterranean Roast Vegetables
    Mediterranean Roast Vegetables are an easy and healthy way to get a ton of vegetables into your family. Oven roasted with mediterranean herbs for seasoning, these vegan roast vegetables can be used for a side dish, with pasta, rice, potatoes, and more!
    Check out this recipe

    Main dishes to serve with gnocchi

    Duck With Orange Sauce

    Duck is delicious with gnocchi, especially this version with a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

    orange sauce being poured over duck
    duck breasts topped orange sauce
    Duck in Orange Sauce
    Make Duck with Orange Sauce for your next dinner party, and impress your friends and family! It's one of the easiest "fancy" dishes you can make - and perfect to prep ahead . With a delicious sweet & tart orange sauce, this is a dish you will be making over and over again!
    Check out this recipe

    Red Wine Pork Chops

    Pork Chops and gnocchi are a match made in heaven, and this recipe with red wine, thyme and mushrooms will make your gnocchi soar.

    pork chop on a plate
    pork chop on a plate
    Cast Iron Pork Chops with Mushrooms, Red Wine & Thyme
    A great dish for when you're craving something delicious and flavorful but haven't got a lot of time to spend. It's ready in maximum 15 minutes, but the taste of the red wine & thyme reduction hints of much more time spent in the kitchen.
    Check out this recipe

    Steak

    Steak is another great option to serve with gnocchi. Fry the gnocchi alongside the steak for maximum flavor, and add a veggie or salad from above to finish it off!

    sliced steak on a wooden chopping board
    sliced steak on a wooden chopping board
    Frozen Steak in Air Fryer
    With no prep time & 10-15 minutes of cooking you can cook delicious, juicy, tender Frozen Steak in Air Fryer. The best way to cook frozen steak, and you will be surpried that it's just as good as fresh!
    Check out this recipe
    sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
    Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
    This easy recipe for Air Fryer Ribeye Steak will have you making all your steaks in the air fryer! Juicy, flavor packed and less greasy (read: healthier!) this is the way to cook steak. All done in under 15 minutes, with just 1 minute of prep!
    Check out this recipe

    Baked Lamb Chops

    Lamb will pair great with gnocchi, and this recipe with saucy veggies can be served alongside plain gnocchi for a complete meal.

    side view of oven baked lamb chops with vegetables on an oven tray
    side view of oven baked lamb chops with vegetables on an oven tray
    Baked Lamb Chops with Vegetables
    This sheet pan meal is an easy to way to enjoy lamb - without worrying about overcooking it. Loaded with veggies these baked lamb chops are packed with flavor and easy to make - and on the table in an hour.
    Check out this recipe

    Garlic Parsley Shrimp

    Seafood might not be the first thing you think of to serve with gnocchi, but don't be surprised if it becomes a new favorite. This easy recipe with parsley and garlic is loaded with flavor and perfect for simply seasoned gnocchi.

    air fryed shrimp with parsley on a blue plate
    air fryed shrimp with parsley on a blue plate.
    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp are super easy to make and take under 5 minutes to cook. Marinating the frozen shrimp with garlic & paprika gives them incredible flavor, and it's all topped off with fresh parsley for a green touch.
    Check out this recipe

    Feta Stuffed Chicken

    Try something new and serve your gnocchi next to this stuffed chicken. The Feta cheese stuffing will add so much flavor, and you can just fry your gnocchi in butter and be done with it.

    feta cheese stuffed chicken on a blue plate
    feta cheese stuffed chicken on a blue plate
    Feta Cheese Stuffed Chicken
    Make the best Feta Cheese Stuffed Chicken in just 25 minutes. Loaded with flavors and easy to make, this is a great weekend dish that will make any dinner party guest happy. For an extra treat, make some extra Feta filling and serve on the side.
    Check out this recipe

    Meatballs

    While you might often make something fancier with gnocchi, it's delicious just fried and served as a side instead of macaroni or potatoes. Add to meatballs for a fun new twist - and even better if you add a sauce to go with it.

    a stack of meatballs
    a stack of meatballs
    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs & Eggs
    These meatballs are the best I've ever had! Easy to make without both eggs & breadcrumbs, and all done in under 1 hour (resting & rolling time included). With 3 cooking methods: stove top, air fryer & finishing them in the oven. The end result is a juicy, flavor packed meatball ready to serve anyway you like.
    Check out this recipe
    air fryer meatballs on a blue plate
    Air Fryer Meatballs
    These are without a doubt the best Air Fryer Meatballs! Easy to make without eggs & breadcrumbs, and done in under 1 hour. These Swedish style meatballs are juicy, tender - and prettier than any meatball you ever cooked any other way.
    Check out this recipe
    lamb meatballs on a plate
    Lamb Meatballs with Lemon & Cilantro
    Quick and easy to make and full of delicious lemon & cilantro flavor these Lamb Meatballs work just as well next to a pie of mashed potatoes as they do as an appetizer or as part of a buffet. A staple in my home, I've made these little gems since I learned how to cook - and they are sure to never disappoint.
    Check out this recipe

    More Side Dish Recipes

    • Buffalo mac and cheese.
      Buffalo Mac and Cheese
    • Sour cream mashed potatoes.
      Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
    • Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
      Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese (Dump-and-Bake!)
    • Ranch coleslaw.
      Ranch Coleslaw

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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