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When you're looking for what to serve with gnocchi, you've come to the right place! Here you'll find 33 ideas for sides and mains to serve with gnocchi, for a complete, delicious meal.
I love gnocchi - whether I get it at the store or make homemade gnocchi - especially for a quick weeknight dinner. It's comfort food at its best!
And while it's often a great meal on its own, it's even better with a few sides - or serve the gnocchi as a side, for one of the mains suggested below.
Here you'll find my best ideas for what to serve with gnocchi - from veggies and salads to bread, meat and seafood, both tasty side dishes and simple mains.
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Gnocchi FAQ
The short answer is that gnocchi can be served with almost anything. I view it in the same way as pasta: as a delicious vehicle for different sauces, cheeses and proteins.
Some great options to serve gnocchi with are cream sauces, tomato sauces, cheese sauces, pork chops, mushrooms, bacon, duck and steak.
Gnocchi can be both a side and a main dish, it all depends on how you serve it and what you serve it with.
Most proteins will go great with gnocchi, but my favorites to serve with it are duck breasts, pork chops, steak, bacon and lamb chops.
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.
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.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
If you like cheese on your garlic bread then this cheesy 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.
Focaccia
Focaccia is a classic bread pairing for Italian dishes, and this version with green olives is no exception.
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.
Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews
A caprese salad is a classic simple side in Italian cuisine. This version is made with mozzarella or burrata, and adds spinach, cashews and a honey balsamic vinaigrette for a more substantital side.
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.
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!
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.
Vegan Caesar Salad
This Vegan Caesar Salad tastes just as good as the original, and is 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.
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.
Veggies 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.
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.
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 made iwth garlic!
Brussels Sprouts
These Brussel Sprouts are coated in a 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!
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.
Carrots
Maple carrots are an amazing sweet & sticky & tangy side for gnocchi. Especially great with spicy gnocchi dishes!
Asparagus
The best roasted asparagus is topped with a simple lemon tahini sauce. It's the perfect side dish, especially for lightly seasoned gnocchi dishes!
Eggplant
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.
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!
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!
Mushrooms
These sautéed mushrooms are flavored with garlic butter and perfectly cooked until golden brown! It’s a delicious side for any gnocchi dish!
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 gnocchi!
Main dishes to serve with gnocchi
Duck
Duck is delicious with gnocchi, especially this version with a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
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.
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!
Lamb
Lamb will pair great with gnocchi, and this recipe with saucy veggies can be served alongside plain gnocchi for a complete meal.
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.
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.
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.
Which recipe are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below and share what you're making on Instagram with the tag #alwaysusebutter!
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