Around the Campfire
Camp fried gnocchi is a simple griddle dinner from shelf-stable ingredients. It is fast, filling, and easy to serve beside vegetables, chicken, or sausage.
Why This Recipe Works
Gnocchi browns on the griddle in butter. Garlic and Parmesan go on at the end so the flavor stays clean.
Quick Facts
- Serves: 4
- Heat zone: Medium
- Best for: Pantry dinners, fast griddle nights, meatless meals
- Teaches: Browning before finishing
Shopping List
- Shelf-stable gnocchi
- Butter
- Garlic
- Parmesan
Home Prep
Pack garlic, Parmesan, and butter together. Keep gnocchi dry.
Cooler Packing
Keep butter and Parmesan cold if needed. Gnocchi can ride in the dry bin.
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle
- Spatula
- Optional foil pan
Heat Zones
Use medium heat so everything fries instead of steaming. Keep a cooler zone for holding cooked items while the rest finishes.
Ingredients
- 18 ounces (500g) shelf-stable gnocchi
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium.
- Add 4 tablespoons butter and 18 ounces gnocchi to the griddle.
- Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are browned and hot throughout.
- Add 2 cloves minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with 1/3 cup grated Parmesan and serve.
Doneness
Gnocchi should be hot throughout with browned edges.
Common Mistakes
- Cooking too hot.
- Adding garlic too early.
- Stirring before browning starts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with salad, sautéed mushrooms or peppers, grilled chicken, or sausage. Top with pesto or a spoonful of marinara at the table, if desired.
Variations
- Add pesto.
- Add marinara at the table.
- Add sausage or chicken.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi.
- Dairy-free: Use oil and skip Parmesan.
- Vegetarian: As written.
Scaling
Cook in batches so the gnocchi browns instead of steaming.
Weather Notes
Wind can slow browning. Keep the batch spread out.
Leftovers
Reheat gently on low heat or add to breakfast hash.
Kid Helper Tasks
Kids can sprinkle Parmesan away from the griddle.
Dragonfly Tip
Let the gnocchi sit long enough to brown before stirring.
Dragonfly Challenge
Try one serving with Parmesan and one with pesto. Pick the better camp bowl.