We’re taking Italian comfort food to a whole new level. Yep, I’ve combined gnocchi with crispy bacon, sautéed scallions, toasted pine nuts and Parmigiano…
I’m just gonna get right to it…
You’re welcome.
Because Bacon.
Am I right?
There’s something about one or two or six slices coming out of the oven all hot and sizzly.
I’m glad I decided to bake the bacon today. It’s the most convenient thing I’ve done all week.
Do you bake your bacon?
If you’ve never tried it – now is the time! Not only does it render a perfectly crispy bite – it gives our kitchen sponges a break! Counters, back splashes, and stove tops everywhere breathe a collective sigh of relief upon seeing bacon glide into an oven; therefore, if you can’t do it for yourself…do it for the sponges! Any breathers they get, especially during their busy season, is a blessing.
HOW TO BAKE BACON IN THREE EASY STEPS:
- Place bacon on a cooling rack, then set rack in a sheet pan.
- Place pan in a 400 degree oven, don’t worry about waiting for it to pre-heat. Bake for 25 minutes or so, flipping once, to desired crispness.
- Remove from oven and set bacon on a paper towel lined plate until ready to eat.
Okay – so I am definitely one who loves her gnocchi peaking from beneath a blanket of marinara or wrapped in a homey pesto – but sometimes a girl needs a little texture. Are you with me?
What the crunch of crispy bacon and toasty pine nuts do to our fluffy gnocchi is irresistible. Not to mention the pop of color from the scallions, and, ohhhh, the gift of Parmigiano. I could cry.
This dish, when plated (and eaten) as soon as everything is combined…all warm and tender…man, it’s as flawless a dining experience as ever I’ve had.
Who doesn’t need that kind of comfort in their life?
I know I do!
Buon Appetito!
MORE GNOCCHI RECIPES FOR YOU:
Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce
Gnocchi with Zucchini, Fresh Herbs and Ricotta Salata
Homemade Fried Gnocchi with Garlic & Parmesan
Gnocchi with Crispy Bacon, Scallions, Toasted Pine Nuts and Parmigiano
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
We’re taking Italian comfort food to a whole new level. Yep, I’ve combined gnocchi with crispy bacon, sautéed scallions, toasted pine nuts and Parmigiano…
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bacon slices
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 1 pound package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parm, plus more for serving
- black pepper
Instructions
- Place bacon on a cooling rack and set rack in a sheet pan.
- Place pan in a 400 degree oven, don’t worry about preheating.
- Flipping the bacon once, bake until browned and crispy, about 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven. Set bacon on a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
- Once cool, cut into 1 inch strips.
- In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add pine nuts. Cook for about two minutes, until nuts begin to turn golden. Remove from pan. Set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and olive oil.
- Add scallions and cook until just soft, about 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook gnocchi according to package directions. Retain 1/4 cup cooking liquid and drain the rest.
- Add gnocchi with 1/2 cup Parmigiano and bacon to the pan with scallions. Add splashes of cooking liquid for a looser sauce.
- Toss well to coat.
- Transfer gnocchi to a large serving dish.
- Top with toasted pine nuts, more Parmigiano, and black pepper.
Jackie @ supermancooks says
Boom! You just upped the ante big time! OMG bacon.. on gnocchi?? We are salivating and planning on making this for ourselves very soon. Love love.
Annie says
Ahhhh! Yes! That makes me very happy! Enjoy, my friends! 🙂
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
Love this, Annie! Seems like an incredibly comforting dish – perfect for the Fall weather you must be having.
Annie says
We are definitely in the midst of fall! I had to throw a sweatshirt on today. hah! But, I’m ready for the chill, especially with dishes like this! Thanks, friend!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
I have never tried gnocchi, I know how sad!! Will you make some for me Annie because it looks delicious?!!
Annie says
That is so sad, Manali! Get over here! Thanks, friend!! xo
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I have a very serious love affair with gnocchi, Annie, and your pictures have me drooling ALL over myself! LOVE LOVE LOVE the simple, but seriously delicious combination of flavors and textures going on here! Just perfection! Pinned! Cheers, and thanks for making me very VERY hungry! xo
Annie says
Anytime, my dear! It’s the least I can do since that’s the gift you always leave me with, as well! xo
Amanda says
Yum! I love gnocchi, and pairing it with bacon and pine nuts sounds wonderful!
Annie says
Mm-hmmm… 🙂 I think you’ll really like it! Thanks, Amanda!
Kevin | Keviniscooking says
Hold. Me. Back. Now tell me again why we’re not neighbors? I’d gladly share with you and we could swap meals over the fence. 🙂
This has me drooling and it’s so Comfort Food 101. Love it, Pinned!
Annie says
Darn…who put all this land between us? Boy, we’d be eating good… 🙂 Well thank you so much for your kind words, my friend! I appreciate them…always!
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Wow! This is an Italian food at its best. I ma loving this new and genius version of eating gnocchi. So delicious!
Annie says
Why thank you, my friend! The separate components are too good for it not to be good! 🙂
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Can I admit… I’ve never had gnocchi? OMGeee I know, Annie! You’ve pushed me over the edge and I’ll be looking for a good gnocchi next time I head to the store. Do you have a particular brand you like? All those onions and parm are making me drool… your photography has convinced me! Get in my belly!
Annie says
You can admit…it’s safe with me. However, you have to promise you’ll do something about it. Soon. Hmmm – we’ve purchased both freshly made and shelf-stable potato gnocchi from Wegmans, and we love our Barilla and DeLallo, but we’ve tried many brands – and truthfully, I haven’t met a gnocchi I didn’t like. Thanks for your kind words, my friend! 🙂
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
Wow! I’m not usually one for gnocchi but that looks amazing! The best part? Totally the bacon. This is making me super hungry!
Annie says
It’s kind of scary the influence that bacon can have over us! hahaha! Thanks, Shelby! I imagine the gnocchi you have access to in Italy is incredible!!
Kelly says
This looks like the best hug of comfort in a bowl! I love gnocchi and it sounds amazing with the crispy bacon and yummy cheese! So flavorful and full of crunch 🙂 Yum!
Annie says
‘Hug of comfort in a bowl!’ Yes…I love that! Thanks, Kelly!
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom says
Mind… blown! Now THIS is some serious comfort food! Everything about this is awesome – forget the bowl, I’ll take the entire pan please.
Annie says
You got it…entire pan it is! Thanks, my friend! 🙂
mira says
Wonderful meal Annie! So delicious! Love the cheese and bacon on top! Pinned 🙂
Annie says
Two of my favorite words right there…cheese and bacon. Thanks, dear!
Dad says
Annie,
Anytime you combine the words “bacon,” “gnocchi,” and “Parmesan cheese,” in one sentence, you have my attention. Actually, you had me at bacon. And, of course you know important gnocchis are to a certain little Italian lady that I live with. Our mouths are watering.!
Love you,
Mom & Dad
Annie says
As I was making the bacon I couldn’t help but think about how many BLT’s I’d need to eat to beat the little Italian lady in a challenge…I think we may need to make that happen! Haha! Thanks, Guys! Love you!
cheri says
Hi Annie, love everything about this dish, bacon is perfect with the potato gnocchi.
Annie says
They definitely play well together! Thanks, friend!
Annie @ The Garlic Diaries says
This looks absolutely wonderful, Annie! I am craving it so bad right now…pinned :)!
Annie says
It’ll do that to you! Hopefully you can satiate your craving very soon! Thanks, hon!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
We are definitely off to a great start this week! Gnocchi is something that I never think to make and I always forget how much I love it. You are my hero for bringing the bacon to the party! This looks incredible, Annie!
Annie says
Right? Bacon. Bacon. Bacon. Thanks, hon!
Maya @ Treats and Eats says
I love this Annie! It just screams fall, which of course means I want it now. And baked bacon? Yes, please!!! Love the photos too!
Annie says
Yes! That’s what I was going for! Fall food we need now! Thanks, my dear! 🙂
Ben Maclain | Havocinthekitchen says
What? You didn’t make the gnocchi from scratch? I couldn’t anticipate that from you! What a shame, Annie! Ha-ha, just teasing. Besides, I’ve never made them on my own. Now shame on me. But what a delicious combo! I need them. The same combo + roasted pumpkin and sage. Good job!
Annie says
Hahahha! Nope! Though I have made gnocchi before: https://www.ciaochowbambina.com/fried-gnocchi-with-garlic-parmesan-3/ – you’ll see it took me more than a couple times to get it right! This time – I wanted my gnocchi and I wanted it now! Thanks, friend…it is pret-ty yummy! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Mmm this definitely looks like the perfect comfort food for fall! I can never resist gnocchi, especially when paired with bacon and lots of cheese. This looks just perfect!
Annie says
Everything’s better with bacon! And cheese! Thanks for your sweetness, Gayle! 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
This gnocchi looks so totally delicious!
Annie says
We really enjoyed it! Thanks, friend!