The Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (2024)

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All you need to know about Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi! This freezer item from Trader Joe’s has become a cult fave and for good reason, it’s a great gluten-free, veggie-filled “pasta” option! I’m sharing my all of my cooking cauliflower gnocchi secrets, plus the best way to cook Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi so that it turns out golden and crispy, not mushy and soggy.

If you like full product reviews like this one, check out Trader Joe’s dumplings, chili onion crunch, and of course, 36 easy TJ recipes to try.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Table of Contents

  • What Is Cauliflower Gnocchi?
  • Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi Ingredients
  • Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi Nutrition Facts
  • Is Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi Gluten-Free?
  • Is Cauliflower Gnocchi Healthy?
  • How to Cook Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
    • How to Pan Fry Trader Joe’s Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi:
    • How to Bake Trader Joe’s Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi:
    • How to Air Fry Trader Joe’s Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi:
  • More Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes
  • Pin the best way to cook Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi for later!

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The Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (1)

What Is Cauliflower Gnocchi?

Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi is exactly that, gnocchi made of cauliflower and a few other gluten-free flours and starches.

Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi Ingredients

The ingredients in the cauliflower frozen gnocchi are very basic: cauliflower, cassava flour, potato starch, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt.

That’s it!

The Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (2)

Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi Nutrition Facts

See above for exact info, but here are the cauliflower gnocchi highlights per 1 cup serving:

  • 140 calories
  • 3 grams fat
  • 22 grams carbohydrates
  • 6 grams fiber
  • 2 grams protein

Is Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi Gluten-Free?

Yes, this cauliflower gnocchi is gluten-free.

The Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (3)

Is Cauliflower Gnocchi Healthy?

I get this question about specific foods all the time, and honestly hate to answer it! Mostly because I really don’t categorize foods into healthy or unhealthy categories. (More on this in my one family meal info.)

  • Is it a great option for someone looking to eat more veggies? Sure!
  • Is it a good option for someone who has to eat a gluten-free diet? Sure!
  • Is it a great vegan option? Sure! (It’s naturally dairy-free.)
  • Is it paleo? Honestly can’t keep up with what is allowed on paleo so not sure.
  • Is it healthier than potato gnocchi? It depends!

My philosophy when it comes to food substitutes like this one (or zucchini noodles, etc.) is that it has to be satisfying. So if it’s satisfying and you like that you can add in more vegetables? Go for it! But if you feel like you should eat frozen cauliflower gnocchi because it’s healthier than potato gnocchi, then I would urge you to choose the more satisfying option.

The Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (4)

How to Cook Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi

There are a few different options when it comes to cooking cauliflower gnocchi…and I’ll share what I think is the best way to cook Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi!

But let’s start with the obvious. DON’T follow the directions on the package and steam or boil the cauliflower gnocchi. They’ll end up mushy and soggy.

How to Pan Fry Trader Joe’s Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi:

In my opinion, this is the best way to cook Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi! Not only is it simple, but it takes less than 10 minutes to make and you’ll be eating crispy cauliflower gnocchi in no time.

How to make it: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add package of gnocchi and cook in a single layer, undisturbed for about 3 minutes. Gently flip and cook another 3-4 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.

TIP: Do not move the cauliflower gnocchi right away or it will stick to the pan. Once it releases easily, then you can flip. Feel is more important than time here, so give the gnocchi a gentle nudge and if it’s moves easily, gently flip.

The Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (5)

How to Bake Trader Joe’s Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi:

You can also roast the Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi, which is a great option if you’re looking for hands-off and fuss-free. It’s probably my second favorite method for cooking cauliflower gnocchi. It doesn’t get quite as crispy as the pan-fry method, but works in a pinch or if you are roasting other ingredients.

How to make it: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper and spritz with oil. Add package of cauliflower gnocchi to pan and spritz with oil again to coat well. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes.

The Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (6)

How to Air Fry Trader Joe’s Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi:

You can also air fry the cauliflower gnocchi. This is probably my least-favorite method of cooking cauliflower gnocchi, but only because there wasn’t a lot of room for the gnocchi to spread out so they stuck to each other. Also, I store my air fryer in the basem*nt so I admittedly don’t get it out that much.

How to make it: Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Line basket with foil and spritz with oil spray. Cook for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, flipping half way through.

The Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (7)

How to Serve TJ Gnocchi

Once you cook your gnocchi, the possibilities are endless.

For a plain version, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with grated or finely shredded Parmesan cheese to taste. Or toss it with your favorite pesto, tomato sauce, or any of the sauces from Trader Joe’s.

More Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes

If you like this Trader Joe’s frozen cauliflower gnocchi recipe, you might also like some of my other easy Trader Joe’s recipes:

  • Sheet Pan Italian Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi – This simple meal can be made for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal prep lunch to take on-the-go. Just 5 minutes to make and 5 ingredients!
  • 23 Best Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods– So cauliflower gnocchi isn’t on this list…but it could be.
  • Trader Joe’s Breakfast Board– A delicious and fun option for weekend brunches or company.
  • Ground Turkey Meal Prep– Just 4 ingredients to make this easy meal prep lunch that’s packed with nutritious ingredients.
  • Trader Joe’s Meals in Minutes eBook– If you love Trader Joe’s… you need this eBook!
  • Trader Joe’s Cheese Platter– How to make a cheese board with either $20 or $45 options. It will impress with either budget.

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The Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (8)

Pan-Fried Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Emily Dingmann of myeverydaytable.com
  • Prep Time: 0 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Side
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Everything you need to know about cooking cauliflower gnocchi! Ingredients, nutrition, + best way to cook Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 Tbsp. oil (olive or avocado oil)
  • 1 package Trader Joe’s frozen cauliflower gnocchi
  • Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, etc.

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 10-inch non-stick skillet.

  2. When oil is hot, add package of gnocchi and cook, undisturbed for about 3 minutes.

  3. Gently flip and cook another 3-4 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.

Notes

  • TIP: Do not move the cauliflower gnocchi right away or it will stick to the pan. Once it releases easily, then you can flip. Feel is more important than time here, so give the gnocchi a gentle nudge and if it’s moves easily, gently flip.
  • TIP: Use a non-stick pan so that the cauliflower gnocchi doesn’t stick.

Keywords: Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi, cooking cauliflower gnocchi, best way to cook Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi

Pin the best way to cook Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi for later!

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The Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (2024)

FAQs

Is cauliflower gnocchi healthier than potato gnocchi? ›

Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi Nutrition

Compared with traditional potato gnocchi, Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi shaves off almost 90 calories per cup (140 vs. 227) and has less than half the carbs (22 vs. 48) and 2 grams more fiber (6 grams).

How do you know when cauliflower gnocchi is done? ›

Let gnocchi saute undisturbed until golden brown on the bottom, 2-3 minutes, then flip using a large spatula and continue to saute, shaking the skillet every minute or so, until gnocchi are golden brown all over.

How many carbs are in Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi? ›

Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (1 cup) contains 22g total carbs, 16g net carbs, 3g fat, 2g protein, and 140 calories.

Do you have to boil Trader Joe's gnocchi? ›

Trader Joe's provides three methods for cooking the gnocchi: in a pan cooked with a little water and then browned with oil or butter, boiled, or microwaved.

Is gnocchi OK for weight loss? ›

Due to the smaller and denser nature of gnocchi, it is more likely that you will end up eating bigger portions than if you chose regular pasta. Although all foods can be part of a healthy diet in moderation, if you are trying to lose weight opt for other options than gnocchi or pasta.

Is it better to eat gnocchi or pasta? ›

Gnocchi is made mainly with riced potatoes and some flour, as opposed to pasta that is made mostly with semolina flour. The potatoes do give gnocchi more of a nutritional value, like extra fiber, Vitamin C and potassium. Both gnocchi and standard pasta can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation.

Should you rinse cauliflower before cooking? ›

The separated florets have to be washed properly under a tap. This removes dirt and large parasites such as worms. The next step is cleaning the cauliflower in mildly warm water in which a little salt was dissolved. This process – which should last 10-20 minutes - destroys several microbes and large parasites.

Does cauliflower gnocchi taste like regular gnocchi? ›

This gnocchi can absolutely stand alone as a side dish on your plate and replace potato or pasta. They would also be great in a tomato based sauce to replicate a traditional gnocchi. The taste is very clearly a cauliflower but the added potato starch makes it finish in your mouth as a type of potato product.

How long does cauliflower gnocchi last in fridge? ›

Store: Place the cauliflower gnocchi in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil or butter, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and regain some crispness.

Is Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi whole 30 approved? ›

Whole30/Trader Joe's FAQ's:

Cauliflower gnocchi is not totally in the spirit of Whole30 because it's a recreation of pasta, but they are technically compliant. Is Trader Joe's pesto whole30? Trader Joe's Vegan Cashew Kale Pesto is compliant! It's one of our favorite pestos.

How many points is Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi? ›

How can I print this Trader Joe's Shopping List?
FROZEN SECTIONWW GREEN PLAN
·Cauliflower pizza crust2 smart points for 1/6 of the crust
·Cauliflower gnocchi4 smart points for 1 cup
·Chili & Lime chicken burgers3 smart points
·Fettuccine Alfredo9 smart points for 1 cup
70 more rows

How much does Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi cost? ›

Lastly, I cooked Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi. The gnocchi was frozen and cost $3.29.

How to properly cook Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi? ›

How to Cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi in the Oven
  1. Preheat the oven to 425 F.
  2. Spread one (only one—read the note below!) bag of frozen gnocchi onto a non-stick baking sheet. ...
  3. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil.
  4. Roast for 20 minutes, then flip all the little gnocchi babies over.
  5. Roast for another 15 minutes.
  6. EAT.
Jan 13, 2020

Is cauliflower gnocchi healthy? ›

Yes, trader joe's cauliflower gnocchi can be a healthy substitute for traditional gnocchi as it's made with less starch than with potatoes. Non starchy vegetables are typically higher in fibre which will help you stay full for longer. You can spice them up with garlic powder, salt, pepper and any other spices you like.

How to air fry Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi? ›

Simply set your air fryer to 400°, spray your frozen cauliflower gnocchi with oil (no need to defrost!) and pop them in for 16 minutes. Plate immediately and serve with your favorite sauce- I love eating mine with ketchup.

How healthy is potato gnocchi? ›

Compared to pasta, pizza or other types of food made from refined flour, gnocchi made only with potatoes and water have a lower glycemic index, despite the fact that the primary nutrients are carbs. Therefore, gnocchi can be a healthier option if chosen carefully.

Is cauliflower more nutritious than potatoes? ›

Besides offering a lower-starch option, cauliflower also packs a lot more nutrition than a simple white potato or white rice, especially the latter.

Is cauliflower gnocchi processed? ›

3-Ingredient Cauliflower Gnocchi

It's a processed food, that's sort of part of the deal. And hey, there's a time and a place for everything.

What are cauliflower gnocchi made of? ›

The Ingredients to Make Cauliflower Gnocchi

Cauliflower florets. Potato starch. Cassava flour. Olive oil.

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