Keto Gnocchi Recipe

By Dr. Eric Berg DC

10/17/2024

Keto Gnocchi Recipe

Total Time: 35 minutes

Serves: 2

Per serving: 675 calories, 22 g protein, 7 g carbohydrates, 50 g fat

Ingredients

1 cup mozzarella cheese

2 Tbsp organic butter

1 cup almond flour

1 large egg

1 egg yolk

1 Tbsp olive oil

Directions:

Begin by melting cheese and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Once melted, add almond flour and mix well until it forms a dough-like consistency.
In a separate bowl, beat together egg and egg yolk before kneading it into almond flour mixture.
Roll dough into a long log shape, approximately ½ inch thick.
Cut log into 1-inch chunks to form gnocchi.
Place gnocchi in freezer for five to ten minutes to help hold their shape while boiling.
Bring a large sauce pot of water to a boil.
Drop ¼ of gnocchi batch into boiling water. Working in small batches helps maintain water temperature to prevent gnocchi from falling apart.
Boil until soft and begin to float, indicating they're ready to be removed from water.
Remove gnocchi from heat and place on a paper towel to soak up excess water.
In a hot pan over medium-low heat, add oil and then gnocchi.
Sear both sides of gnocchi until golden brown before serving with your choice of sauce.

Recipe tips:

Use organic butter and high-quality mozzarella cheese for best results.
Avoid over-mixing the gnocchi dough, as it can get too sticky and difficult to work with.
Add fresh basil and sage butter to your gnocchi dish for a flavorful twist.
Include cooked bacon or sausage for a more savory version.
Use Parmesan cheese instead of mozzarella to introduce a unique flavor profile.
For a different texture, create keto cauliflower gnocchi by replacing almond flour with cauliflower rice.
Coconut flour can be used as a replacement for almond flour.

Gnocchi next to salad

Savor the flavors of this delectable keto gnocchi recipe, which is ready in under an hour.

With a creamy texture and tasty flavor, you won't believe it's made with just almond flour, cheese, butter, and eggs.

Follow this simple recipe for a low-carb version of a classic Italian dish that won't spike blood sugar levels.

Why you’ll love this Keto Gnocchi recipe

Traditional gnocchi are known for being carb-heavy as they contain potato starch and wheat flour, making them unsuitable for a low-carb ketogenic diet.

However, this recipe substitutes potato starch with almond flour, which creates a keto-friendly option without sacrificing taste or texture.

"Almond flour has a glycemic index (GI) of one, compared to potato starch, which has a GI of 95. Consequently, almond flour exerts a minimal effect on blood sugar levels, whereas potato starch can cause significant blood sugar and insulin spikes," explains Dr. Berg.

The combination of melted cheese and butter creates a creamy base that holds the gnocchi together and offers a velvety texture.

What's more, these gnocchi are made with eggs, providing essential nutrients and protein that will keep you satiated.

This low-carb gnocchi recipe also contains healthy fats from grass-fed butter and olive oil, making it a nutritious addition to any ketogenic diet.

Uncooked gnocchi can also be stored in the freezer, making it an easy option for busy weeknights and meal prepping.

Gnocchi with tomato sauce

What is gnocchi?

Gnocchi originates from the Italian word nocchio, which translates to knot in wood.

It's a pasta-like dish that can vary in size and shape, ranging from small bite-sized pieces to larger dumplings.

Classic gnocchi is typically made with potato dough and eggs, but different versions use semolina, ricotta cheese, or even pumpkin puree.

The key ingredient in gnocchi is potato. However, due to potatoes' high carbohydrate content, traditional gnocchi is unsuitable for individuals with blood sugar imbalances and those following a Healthy Keto® diet.

Research published by Diabetes Care found a significant link between the consumption of potatoes and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

In contrast, this low-carb pasta dough recipe eliminates the potential adverse effects on blood sugar levels and metabolic health by using almond flour instead of potatoes.

Alfredo sauce

What sauce goes best with keto gnocchi?

A gnocchi meal is only complete with a delicious sauce.

Here are a few low-carb options that pair well with this delectable ketogenic gnocchi recipe:

Enjoy this meal with a refreshing keto-friendly beverage, such as sugar-free carbonated water with fresh lemon juice or iced green tea, to enhance your dining experience without adding extra carbs.

Chicken Caesar salad

What to serve with low-carb gnocchi

If you're feeling extra hungry, you can pair this gnocchi recipe with some low-carb side dishes.

Here are a few ideas to complete this mouthwatering meal.

Chicken Caesar vinaigrette salad

The tangy dressing of this chicken Caesar salad pairs perfectly with the luscious texture of the gnocchi.

It's also a great way to add protein and salad greens to your meal, making it a well-rounded and complete meal.

Low-carb garlic bread

This simple keto garlic bread recipe uses almond flour as a base, making it an excellent low-carb bread to pair with this gnocchi dish.

The flavor combination of garlic, butter, and herbs provides a tasty contrast to these scrumptious gnocchis.

Keto creamy mushroom and spicy ground beef

Pair gnocchi with this keto creamy mushroom and spicy ground beef recipe to incorporate more protein into your diet.

The combination of spices, mushrooms, and heavy cream provides a delicious twist to a classic dish while staying in fat-burning mode.

Preparing roasted vegetables

Roasted vegetables

For a lighter option, serve your gnocchi with oven-roasted vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, and red bell peppers.

You can mix and match the vegetables to your liking, making it a versatile side dish that won't add to your carb intake.

Easy keto cheeseburger casserole

Try this low-carb cheeseburger casserole recipe for a quick and easy side dish.

It's a great way to incorporate all the flavors of a traditional cheeseburger into one low-carb meal. The rich, cheesy flavors of this casserole also perfectly complement the flavor profile of the gnocchi.

Storage and reheating tips

If you have any leftover cooked gnocchi, there are a few ways to store and reheat them for future meals.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop with a little bit of olive oil or grass-fed organic butter.

You can also freeze uncooked gnocchi on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for approximately an hour.

Once frozen, transfer gnocchi to a freezer-resistant bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Don’t thaw the gnocchi before cooking to avoid a mushy texture. Instead, place the frozen gnocchi directly into boiling water and cook until they start floating.

Gnocchi with sauce

Key takeaways

This keto gnocchi recipe blends the creamy flavors of cheese and butter with the nutty taste of almond flour to create a decadent, low-carb version of the original dish.

Serve with your favorite sauce and pair with low-carb side dishes such as chicken Caesar salad, keto garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

FAQ

1. Is gnocchi keto-friendly?

Traditional gnocchi dishes made with potatoes aren’t keto-friendly due to their high carb content.

However, using almond flour instead of potatoes keeps the carb count low, making it a suitable option for those following the keto diet.

2. How many carbs are in this Keto Gnocchi recipe?

This low-carb gnocchi recipe contains approximately seven grams of net carbs per serving.

3. Is gnocchi high in carbs?

Gnocchi made with potatoes contains about 20 to 35 grams of net carbs per serving. This makes it unsuitable for those following keto, as it may disrupt ketosis and hinder weight loss progress.

However, using almond or coconut flour instead of potatoes can significantly decrease the carb content of the dish.

4. Is gnocchi gluten-free?

Traditionally crafted from potatoes and wheat flour, gnocchi poses a challenge for those with gluten intolerances or celiac disease. However, this recipe presents a delicious alternative by substituting wheat with gluten-free almond flour.

5. Is gnocchi a pasta or potato?

Although gnocchi is often classified as a pasta dish, it falls into the dumpling category, which can be made with various types of starches and flours.

6. Is gnocchi more fattening than pasta?

Gnocchi and pasta can vary in their nutritional profiles depending on the ingredients used and how they are prepared.

Traditional gnocchi is typically made with potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs, which can make it slightly higher in calories and carbohydrates compared to certain types of pasta.