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The infamous Trader Joe’s Gnocchi package directions results in soggy gnocchi that nobody wants, so we’re going step-by-step for you on How to Make Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi! It’s a quick weeknight meal on a budget and is a great gluten-free alternative to a classic gnocchi. What has become an almost cult classic, is so good, and we’ve cracked the code on our favorite way to prepare it.
How to Make Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
If you haven’t heard of the Trader Joe’s cult favorite Cauliflower Gnocchi, let us tell you a little bit about it! It’s inexpensive, sold for under $3, and made gluten-free with a hearty dose of veggie. Traditionally gnocchi is made with cooked potatoes that are bound together with egg and wheat flour. The TJ version is made with cauliflower and cassava flour, and a few other ingredients. To be clear, it’s not necessarily low-carb but it’s a healthier take with a classic flavor. The package directions produce a finished product that is a bit suspect so we’re going to go through step-by-step on How to Make Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi into a quick weeknight Italian dinner!
How do you cook cauliflower gnocchi?
There are a few different ways to cook cauliflower gnocchi. But there is one way not to cook it, and that is do not cook it according to the package directions. We are looking for gnocchi that isn’t mushy and has a nice crispy coating so we’re using cooking methods that do just that!
- In the skillet: This is by far the easiest and simplest method (and our favorite)! The main directions in our recipe include the step-by-step for skillet cooking because it is our preferred method for the best tasting gnocchi. It also makes the meal a one-pan dinner which is always a plus.
- In the air fryer: This is a simple way to crispy up the gnocchi, but the downside is that this cooking gadget isn’t that common and it still means you have to use other pots and pans to make a complete meal.
- In the oven: We offer directions for cooking the gnocchi on a sheet pan, but in all honestly it is our least favorite method. In order to achieve crispy gnocchi it has to have a long cook time, and just isn’t very efficient. But will lend itself to crispy gnocchi if left in there long enough.
What do you serve with Cauliflower Gnocchi:
We serve this recipe with store-bought tomato sauce, spinach and cheese. It makes it a complete meal that is made in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes. Alternatively you could use a homemade tomato sauce, homemade meat sauce, a pesto, a pumpkin sauce or really any sauce that tastes good with gnocchi!
The TJ’s cauliflower gnocchi is also a hit when served alone as an appetizer with a dipping sauce!
Tips on getting your hands on Cauliflower Gnocchi
Admittedly there is a Cauliflower Gnocchi craze going on, coupled with a delay in getting shipments in to some stores. So we had trouble getting our hands on cauliflower gnocchi for a few weeks. Hopefully they’ll be producing more of this product now that they know it’s a hit. Follow these tips to get your hands on Cauliflower Gnocchi:
- Call ahead and ask them to set some aside for you.
- Find out when they get the shipments in, typically late at night before closing or first thing in the morning, so call ahead or plan to be at the store then.
- Buy in bulk. They are stored in the freezer so if you buy a bunch at a time (who bought 10 bags at once? Ahem… not Lexi….) you won’t have to worry for a few weeks/months when they’ll be getting in another shipment.
So jump on the Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi train and get to the store to get yours and make sure to post it to Instagram. Because with this one, if you didn’t post it to Instagram, did it even happen?
Watch the video:
If you like this weeknight Italian dinner, check out these others:
- Antipasto ‘Pasta’ Salad
- Italian-Style Mini Meatloaves
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Spaghetti Carbonara
- Spaghetti Squash Boats with Homemade Meat Sauce
- Chicken Parmesan
How to Make Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 2 - 12 ounce bags Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter
- 1 heaping cup baby spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon italian seasoning
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- ½ cup marinara sauce of choice
- ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Ignore the package instructions.
- Defrost the gnocchi: You can either let thaw out on the counter for an hour or you can microwave the gnocchi on a plate for 2-4 minutes. Once thawed you want to pat dry any condensation.
- In a large non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet heat 2 tablespoon oil until it’s hot add the gnocchi in an even layer. Let the gnocchi sit undisturbed for 3 minutes. Flip the gnocchi and repeat until they are a light brown and crispy.
- Add in spinach and stir until it is all wilted.
- Add in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes and marinara sauce and toss until combined.
- Sprinkle with cheese and cover for 3-5 amount of minutes, or until the cheese and sauce is hot and bubbly.
- Serve immediately.
What is your favorite way to make Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi?
Awesome recipe! Thank you!
Just wanted to chime in as a TJs employee… these come on the night truck in our store in N.J. Every night we get 5-15 cases depending on if it’s a weekend or not. Yes, every single night. The reason it has been out of stock in the past is that sometimes the warehouse puts a limit on the number of cases (1-2) we can order, and it sells out by 10am. Lately that hasn’t been the case, but definitely call ahead if this is the one thing you’re driving 45 minutes to buy! Also, for a different sauce idea, the kale pesto from the refrigerated section is killer on these!
Wow! I had half a bag of these in my freezer since I didn’t think they were too great when I first tried them following the bag instructions. Saw you post about it earlier and had all the ingredients. This is great! So much better!
I tried your method tonight, third time trying TJ Cauliflower Gnocchi. Wow! Home run! Totally awesome. . . saving this and never making this any other way! Tender and soft but not soggy at all. Very flavorful and satisfied that pasta craving!
Bought the cauliflower gnocchi and really had my doubts re taste Followed your recipe and it was delicious!!!!! I’m sold on it
Thank you
I very rarely leave comments about recipes, but I have to leave one here. This was amazing! Pan frying the thawed gnocchi gave it a perfect texture. I threw in a little garlic towards the end of the pan fry, threw in a little extra spinach and a couple chopped up basil leaves with the marinara, and it was as delicious as it smelled. With all the sauce, seasonings and garlic, I can’t taste the cauliflower (which I wouldn’t have minded – I like cauliflower, but this is worth noting for those who aren’t as enthusiastic about it as I am). I eat a lower carb, veggie focused diet and sometimes that can be bland or unfulfilling. Not this – so much flavor for a reasonable amount of calories and carbs! Thanks for posting this recipe!
So glad it was a hit!