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Campfire gnocchi kebabs are proof that outdoor cooking can still feel a little fancy, especially when you bring delicious Italian flavors into the mix. With pillowy gnocchi, juicy cherry tomatoes and sweet onions all grilled until lightly charred, these skewers bring big flavor with minimal effort. They’re easy to prep ahead and fun to assemble at the campsite. Finish with a drizzle of pesto or salsa verde, or add some fresh herbs for an extra hit of freshness. These colorful kebabs are versatile enough to be a tasty appetizer, a vegetarian main dish or a satisfying side for your protein of choice.
Why You’ll Love It
Campfire gnocchi kebabs are skewers loaded with grilled gnocchi, tomatoes and red onion, making them perfect for outdoor meals with bold flavor and easy prep.
Fun to make: Skewering gnocchi and veggies is hands-on and perfect for group cooking.
Vegetarian-friendly: A hearty meatless option for outdoor grilling.
Fresh and flavorful: Tomatoes burst, onions sweeten and gnocchi crisps up perfectly.
Customizable: Try different pesto toppings or add seasonal vegetables to the skewers.
Quick cooking: Everything grills up fast for minimal wait time.
You might also like campfire gnocchi foil packs, sweet potato gnocchi, baked gnocchi Bolognese, and gnocchi alla Sorrentina.
Crispy Gnocchi on a Skewer Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Fresh gnocchi: These soft dumplings turn crispy on the outside and stay tender inside when grilled.
Red onions: Add mild sweetness and color contrast when charred.
Olive oil: Helps everything brown nicely and keeps the gnocchi from sticking.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet and perfect for grilling whole.
Fresh herbs: Basil or parsley add brightness and a fresh finish.
Lemon juice: Makes a simply garnish and adds a zesty bite.
Condiments: Green pesto or sun dried red pesto adds bold herby flavor as a topping, or you could go for salsa verde or your preferred sauce drizzled on top.
How to Make Gnocchi Skewers
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Soak the skewers: Prevent them from burning by soaking in water first.
Toss ingredients: Mix gnocchi, onions and tomatoes in a large bowl with olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Assemble the kebabs: Thread ingredients onto soaked skewers in any order you like.
Grill the kebabs: Cook until tomatoes blister and gnocchi browns.
Add toppings and serve: Finish with your preferred sauce drizzle or sprinkle over chopped herbs while hot.
Substitutions and Variations
Use store-bought pesto: Green or red both work great as toppings.
Try different vegetables: Zucchini, bell pepper or mushrooms can be added.
Add cheese: Toss in cubed halloumi for a cheesy bite (a nice way to add protein if serving as a vegetarian main dish).
Gluten free option: Use gluten free gnocchi and double-check your pesto ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
With meat: Pair your campfire gnocchi kebabs with an Italian steak and salsa verde or a smoked tomahawk steak. You could also add a side salad dressed with tangy whole lemon vinaigrette.
With classic comfort food: Enjoy them with easy BBQ dishes such as smoked cheddar bacon burgers or hot dogs.
Desserts: Finish your meal with campfire apple crisp or banana boats.
How to Store
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing these, as the tomatoes will thaw out mushy and the gnocchi won’t have such a good texture.
Reheat: You can warm these back up on a campfire or in an air fryer, oven or microwave.
Top Tips
Don’t overcook the gnocchi: It should be browned but not dried out.
Use firm gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi holds up better on skewers than frozen or packaged kinds.
Cut veggies evenly: This helps them cook at the same rate.
Serve immediately: These kebabs are best hot off the grill with pesto or your preferred sauce or dressing drizzled on top.
Campfire Gnocchi on a Skewer FAQs
No, fresh gnocchi cooks right on the grill without boiling.
It shouldn’t. If handled gently and spaced properly, they’ll hold up just fine.
Yes, use a grill pan or broiler if you’re not cooking over a fire.
Tomato Gnocchi Kebabs Recipe
Campfire Gnocchi Kebabs
Ingredients
- 12 Ounces fresh gnocchi
- 2 red onions, small, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Pints cherry tomatoes
- salt and black pepper, to tastes
Optional Toppings
- fresh parsley, or basil, chopped
- lemon juice, fresh
- pesto, or salsa verde
Instructions
- Preheat the grill for a few minutes and soak your skewers for 10 minutes.
- Toss the gnocchi, onions, tomatoes, and olive oil in a large bowl until everything is coated.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Thread the gnocchi, onions and tomatoes on to the skewers.
- Grill the kebabs for 4 minutes and then flip and cook for another 3 or 4 minutes, until the gnocchi is browned and the tomatoes are blistered.
- Serve hot, drizzled with homemade pesto or lemon juice, or sprinkled with fresh herbs.
Notes
Use firm gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi holds up better on skewers than frozen or packaged kinds.
Cut veggies evenly: This helps them cook at the same rate.
Serve immediately: These kebabs are best hot off the grill with pesto or your preferred sauce or dressing drizzled on top.
Nutrition
Campfire gnocchi kebabs are a fresh, satisfying way to switch up your grilling routine. They’re easy to prep with just a handful of ingredients and turn out beautifully smoky and golden over an open flame. You can serve these delicious gnocchi skewers as a main dish or pair them with grilled protein for a full meal. With endless topping options and a cook time of just a few minutes, this recipe makes campfire cooking feel effortless and fun.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
