Gnocchi Surprise
A hearty and creamy dish combining tender gnocchi, ham, peas, mushrooms, and zucchini, all baked with a rich egg coating and crunchy almonds for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. frozen gnocchi ⓘ
- 1/2 stick margarine ⓘ
- 2 pt. heavy cream ⓘ
- 1 slice honey-baked ham ⓘ
- 1 medium size can peas ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil spice ⓘ
- 2 pkg. frozen butternut squash ⓘ
- 2 c. applesauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/2 c. heavy cream ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced almonds ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 4 medium zucchini ⓘ
- 6 to 8 eggs ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients (except zucchini) well with a fork.
- Wash zucchini, slice them while wet, and flour the slices.
- Dip 1 or 2 zucchini slices into the egg mixture at a time, ensuring they are completely coated.
- Arrange the coated zucchini slices in a baking dish and bake until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or additional heavy cream to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the honey-baked ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Frozen gnocchi can be used directly from the package, but ensure they are cooked according to package instructions before mixing. For added flavor, try incorporating garlic powder or fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside Italian recipes like Broccoli And Pasta (Ziti) or a light soup for a comforting dinner. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium heat until warm, being careful not to overcook the zucchini.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gnocchi Surprise contains roughly 1958 calories, with 56g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (255% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2542mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of frozen?
Yes, you can certainly use fresh gnocchi if you have it on hand. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly. Fresh gnocchi typically cooks faster, so monitor them for doneness during the mixing process.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that this may alter the richness of the dish slightly, so adjust seasonings as needed.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that you use gluten-free gnocchi and bread crumbs. Many brands offer gluten-free alternatives that work well in this recipe. Also, check other ingredients for gluten content, especially the margarine and any pre-packaged items.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).