There are few pleasures in life quite like indulging in a bowl of Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi. Imagine pillowy-soft gnocchi, pan-toasted to golden perfection, then blanketed in a creamy Parmesan sauce with the heady aroma of white truffle oil wafting through the kitchen. This dish is pure luxury in 25 minutes! Whether you’re preparing an intimate dinner or treating yourself on a weeknight, each bite brings together comfort, richness, and sophisticated flavor that truly sets this recipe apart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi is how a handful of thoughtfully selected ingredients transform into something far greater than the sum of their parts. Each component brings out a taste, texture, or aroma that makes this dish unforgettable, so don’t skip or swap them unless necessary!
- Potato gnocchi (1 pound, fresh or shelf-stable): Italy’s famous dumplings—choose the freshest you can find for maximum tenderness.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds unrivaled richness and helps build those crave-worthy golden edges when toasting the gnocchi.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Keeps the butter from browning too quickly and lends extra depth to your sauté.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Just enough fragrant kick to cut through the cream and amplify the flavors.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): The backbone of that silken, clingy sauce—don’t skimp on quality here.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Salty, nutty complexity that melts smoothly into the sauce.
- White truffle oil (1 teaspoon, or to taste): The dish’s signature aroma—potent and luxurious, so add sparingly at first!
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing every element, so don’t forget to season.
- Chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan (for garnish): A burst of color and more cheese—yes, please!
How to Make Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi
Step 1: Boil the Gnocchi
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a lively boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your gnocchi and give a gentle stir so they don’t stick together. Let them cook just until they float to the surface—this usually takes 2–3 minutes for fresh or shelf-stable varieties. As soon as they bob up happily, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set aside. The quick cooking keeps them tender, not mushy.
Step 2: Toast Until Golden
Heat up the unsalted butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter’s melted and the pan is hot, add your drained gnocchi in a single layer—this lets every dumpling make good contact with the pan. Sauté for 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is crisp and deeply golden. Don’t rush it; this step creates the iconic “toasted” exterior and sets Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi apart from the rest.
Step 3: Add Garlic Fragrance
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the hot gnocchi and gently toss for about a minute. The garlic should become fragrant and slightly golden but not burned. This little touch infuses every bite with just the right amount of aromatic zing—a key in tying together the cream and truffle oil.
Step 4: Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a gentle stir until the sauce thickens up and perfectly coats every toasted gnocchi. The cream and cheese meld together for a dreamy, restaurant-worthy sauce that makes this dish wildly comforting without being heavy.
Step 5: Truffle Oil and Seasoning
Remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle the white truffle oil over your gnocchi. Start with just a teaspoon—white truffle oil is incredibly aromatic! Finish by seasoning generously with salt and black pepper to taste. That signature earthy aroma will hit you immediately, making it hard not to sneak a bite right from the pan.
How to Serve Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi
Garnishes
Finish your Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi with a shower of freshly chopped parsley and a generous snowfall of extra Parmesan. The herbs add a vibrant pop of color and a hint of freshness that lightens each mouthful. If you’re feeling fancy, a few crisp fried sage leaves or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can make the presentation downright swoon-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich, so it pairs beautifully with light, bright sides. Try a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini. Crusty bread is always welcome—perfect for mopping up every drop of that truffle-scented sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi up a notch by serving in individual gratin dishes or elegant shallow bowls. For a dinner party, top with a delicate nest of microgreens or edible flowers. You could even portion into small ramekins for a decadent starter at your next gathering—watch your guests swoon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer your cooled Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep happily for up to 3 days. Sprinkle a little water or cream over before reheating to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.
Freezing
While gnocchi can be frozen, the cream sauce doesn’t always bounce back after thawing. If you plan to freeze, do so before adding the cream and Parmesan, storing the toasted gnocchi separately. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag or container. Add the sauce fresh when ready to serve for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed. Avoid the microwave if you can—it can make the gnocchi rubbery and dry. Stirring gently ensures everything gets creamy and luscious again, and a fresh drizzle of truffle oil never hurts.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a vegan alternative, use plant-based cream, and opt for your favorite vegan Parmesan. Be sure to check that your gnocchi are also free from dairy or eggs—many store-bought varieties are naturally vegan.
What’s the best truffle oil to use for Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi?
Look for a high-quality white truffle oil made with real truffle essence, rather than artificial flavoring. It’s incredibly potent, so a small bottle lasts a long time. Taste as you go—quality matters more than quantity here!
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes! If you have the time and energy for homemade, your Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi will be even more memorable. Soft, pillowy gnocchi toast up beautifully in the skillet and truly let the simple ingredients shine.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Don’t overcook them in the boiling water—remove them as soon as they float. When toasting, make sure the pan is hot and avoid overcrowding. That way, you’ll get perfect crispy outsides with tender, fluffy centers.
Can I add mushrooms or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms make a fantastic earthy addition and complement the truffle oil beautifully. Try wilted spinach, roasted butternut squash, or even sweet peas for a pop of color and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Every bowl of Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi feels like a personal celebration—it’s deceptively easy, impossibly silky, and has that wow-factor flavor. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch as everyone falls for the magic of silky gnocchi, golden toastiness, and a hint of truffle luxury!
Print
Toasted White Truffle Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of toasted white truffle gnocchi, a creamy and decadent Italian-inspired dish that is quick and easy to prepare. Crispy gnocchi are tossed in a rich sauce infused with white truffle oil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, creating a dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Potato Gnocchi:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
White Truffle Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon white truffle oil (or to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Gnocchi: Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
In a skillet, sauté cooked gnocchi until golden. Add garlic, then stir in cream and Parmesan. Finish with white truffle oil, salt, and pepper.
Notes
- Start with a small amount of white truffle oil and adjust to taste
- Add a splash of white wine for extra richness
- Pairs well with roasted vegetables or a salad
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
