It’s time for another Pantry Raid! As I look around the house and see all of the Spring cleaning that has to get done (wow, the dust bunnies were prolific this Winter!), I thought that my cleaning purge should also include my pantry (wow, the extraneous items purchased on impulse sure were prolific, too!). It’s truly amazing the random cans, jars and boxes that are purchased with excitement and big plans, only to be shoved behind the everyday use items. That poor jar of truffle honey I bought some time ago just keeps begging me to get on with it and use it up. Sigh…
But in my efforts to streamline my pantry, freezer, and other food goods, I’m trying to be more intentional about making at least one day a week a “Pantry Raid” meal day. It’s kind of like the Chopped of my own kitchen. I peruse the pantry, review the refrigerator, scan the spice cabinet, and fiddle with the freezer. Eventually the creative juices get flowing, and I usually wind up with a tasty meal that helps keep me honest and not waste the ingredients I have on hand.
Now I’ll admit they’re not all winners, but more often than not, it’s a Pantry Raid score. Example: this super tasty and hearty Ham & Sweet Potato Gnocchi Bake.
This time around I had some leftover ham from Easter (who doesn’t have a ton of that in their freezer after the big day??), and stumbled across a package of sweet potato gnocchi that I’d bought awhile back. I added a couple extra ingredients I had on hand and poof! This Ham & Sweet Potato Gnocchi Bake was born. And I’ll be darned if it wasn’t a tasty meal! In fact, I may even keep this one close as a recipe I’d INTEND to make in the future!
Pantry Raid success!
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 4 people | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 30 minutes |
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I'm learning to love leftovers in a whole new way. I find myself actually thinking ahead to what else I can make on day 2, 3, and after freezing leftovers. The challenge is making sure I keep track of those ideas once the first go around is made and served! This one was a perfect opportunity to grab some ham and use up some other ingredients, resulting in a hearty main dish, side dish, or even brunch recipe. Another pantry raid success, if you ask me!
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- 1 cup chopped ham
- 1 package sweet potato gnocchi (or any other dense pasta)
- 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare gnocchi per package instructions. Drain and set aside. Chop ham into bite sized pieces.
- Mix gnocchi, ham, scallions and ham in an oven safe dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, covered, then an additional 15 minutes uncovered. Serve immediately.
With the military move season upon so many of us (not US in particular, but so many others!), finding ways to use pantry items is crucial. Meals like this can be scrounged, prepped, cooked and on the table in less than an hour. I find that the key is not overthinking it too much. The purpose is to get in, get out, and get dinner on the table--all while eating down the host of items already in the house.
And if I do say so myself, this Ham & Sweet Potato Gnocchi Bake was a perfect example of that approach. Yum!
It’s funny, I often think of dinnertime around here as an episode of Chopped too. I love raiding the pantry, it’s fun to get creative. This recipe is a great way to do just that, it looks and sounds wonderful!
I’m starting to really look at ways that families can rely on their pantries more so that they can avoid food waste, and still have a tasty meal on the table! Raiding the pantry is a perfect way to do that. :o)
My husband loves gnocchi! This is a fantastic dish to make for him!
This wound up so much better than I even anticipated! Tasty!!
Love your version of “Chopped!” What a great way to approach cleaning out the cupboards & fridge! This baked dish looks fabulous! Great flavors!