Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (2024)

by Erin

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Learn how to make gnocchi with this easy recipe! This homemade gnocchi is made with just 4-ingredients!It’s so pillow-y and delicious, you won’t go back to store-bought. Toss it with Sunday gravy, pesto, slow cooker bolognese, or browned butter & sage.

Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (1)

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What is Gnocchi?

Ingredients Needed

Which Potato to Use?

Recipe FAQs

How to Cook Gnocchi

Boiled Gnocchi

Pan-Seared Gnocchi

How to Serve Gnocchi

More Pasta Recipes

Easy Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (2)

Lately I’ve been playing around with lots of new recipes. In particular, recipes that require minimal ingredients. Recipes that can be made from pantry staples. And recipes that freeze easily.

This homemade gnocchi pasta is just that.

Plus, there’s the added benefit that making gnocchi is basically like playing with play doh. Which means it’s a great recipe for making with the kiddos. But even if you don’t have kids, it’s fun for adults too!

I’m thinking a big gnocchi pasta making party is definitely in order. Grab some wine, grab your friends, and get rolling.

What is Gnocchi?

  • Gnocchi is an Italian homemade pasta shaped like a dumpling. The standard recipe combines potato, egg, and flour. However, there are other gnocchi recipes that incorporate ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach or fresh herbs. You can even make sweet potato gnocchi.

Gnocchi may seem like a difficult recipe, but I’m here to hopefully show you that it’s really NOT!

This gnocchi recipe is basically foolproof and it requires just 4 simple ingredients and no fancy equipment! It turns out tender and delicious every time.

Ingredients Needed

  • Potatoes
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Egg
Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (3)

Which Potato to Use?

  • I’ve found that russet potatoes work best for gnocchi because they cook up with less moisture. However, yukon gold potatoes will also work. You can even make sweet potato gnocchi.

No Fancy Equipment Needed!

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this gnocchi. That’s why I consider it the best gnocchi recipe.

Many recipes for gnocchi call for a potato ricer. I don’t have one. And you don’t need one for this recipe.

The first time I made this gnocchi, I simply used a potato masher, and the gnocchi were delicious. The second time, I used a method where you grate the potatoes using the small holes of a cheese grater. These gnocchi were delicious as well, and perhaps a bit lighter and less dense. It’s now my preferred method for making gnocchi.

Also, many recipes have an additional step of adding ridges to gnocchi, using a rolling board or the tines of a fork. My recipe skips this step.

It’s said that the ridges help sauces adhere to the gnocchi, but I’ve found that sauce coats the gnocchi really well without this additional step.

My best tip for making the lightest, most pillow-y gnocchi is to be sure to not overwork your dough. Combine the ingredients until they just come together. It should only take a couple minutes to knead the dough into a mass.

Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (6)

Then, divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a 24″-long rope about ½” thick, and cut into ½” pieces. I then like to sprinkle them with flour, and roll them around a bit to get them nicely coated, and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper.

At this point, you can either cook the gnocchi right away, store them in the refrigerator for up to two days, or freeze them.

Recipe FAQs

Can Gnocchi be Made in Advance?

Gnocchi can be made up to two days in advance, stored in the refrigerator, and covered so that they don’t absorb any odors from the fridge.

Can You Freeze Gnocchi?

Gnocchi can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze fresh gnocchi without them sticking together, place them in the freezer spread out on baking sheets. Once they are frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. You can cook the gnocchi right from frozen in boiling water.

Do I Have to Boil Gnocchi Before Frying?

It’s not necessary to boil the gnocchi before pan frying. However, by boiling them first, you will guarantee that they are fully cooked throughout.

Why Are My Gnocchi Mushy?

If your gnocchi are mushy, they were probably boiled for too long. To ensure that you don’t overcook them, remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon as they float to the top of the pot. Once they float, they are fully cooked.

Is Gnocchi Healthier Than Pasta?

Nutritionally speaking, gnocchi and pasta very similar. While gnocchi is made with potatoes, and pasta is made with wheat, they are both high in carbohydrates, and low in protein.

Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (7)

How to Cook Gnocchi

Boiled Gnocchi

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add gnocchi and cook until they begin to float (meaning they are done). It should take about 90 seconds. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon.
  • Toss with one of the amazing sauces below!

Pan-Seared Gnocchi

  • Boil the gnocchi following the steps above.
  • Melt 1 Tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Arrange the gnocchi in the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi are lightly browned and crispy.
  • Toss with one of the gnocchi sauces below!

How to Serve Gnocchi

  • Tossed with pesto. I like this Arugula Pesto (quick + easy) and this yummy, creamy Broccoli Pesto.
  • With tomato sauce. I’m obsessed with my Nana’s Meat Sauce recipe and this Butter Roasted Tomato Sauce. Or give this easy 30 minute marinara sauce recipe a try.
  • With bolognese sauce. Try my slow cooker bolognese sauce or white bolognese sauce.
  • With a creamy sauce like this .
  • With a bit of butter, parmesan and fresh chopped parsley.
  • With browned butter and fresh sage.
  • MORE —> 15+ EASY Sauces for Gnocchi.
Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (8)

What Do You Eat Gnocchi With?

  • Arugula Salad
  • Kale Caesar Salad
  • Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons
  • Fennel and Chickpea Salad
  • MORE —> 35+ amazing sides for gnocchi!

More Pasta Recipes

  • Cheesy Brussel Sprout Pasta with Grainy Mustard
  • Pasta Alla Vodka
  • Roasted Fennel Pasta with Ricotta
  • Easy Lemon Pasta
  • 30-Minute BLT Pasta

Did you Make This Easy Gnocchi Recipe?

If you loved this gnocchi recipe I would appreciate it so much if you would give it a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me onInstagramusing the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more greatPlatings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me onInstagram,TikTok,PinterestandFacebook.

Can’t get enough gnocchi? Be sure to try my Gnocchi with Blue Cheese and Frizzled Prosciutto, and Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Browned Butter.

Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (9)

Easy Gnocchi Recipe

Potato Gnocchi is fun & easy to make at home! This homemade gnocchi is made with just 4-ingredients!It's so pillow-y and delicious, you won't go back to store-bought gnocchi. Toss it with Sunday gravy, pesto, or browned butter & sage.

5 from 15 votes

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Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 people

Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fill a large pot with cold water. If using large potatoes, cut them in half. Place in pot and salt the water. Bring to a boil and cook 20-30 minutes, until they can easily be pierced with a paring knife.

    Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (10)

  • Remove from water and let cool slightly on towels to absorb excess moisture. Once cool enough to handle, use a paring knife to peel the potatoes.

  • Grate potatoes finely using a box grater or potato masher. Or use a potato ricer.

  • Spread the potatoes out and let cool enough so that the egg won't cook when it is incorporated into the potatoes.

  • Sprinkle flour and salt over potatoes and, using your hands, make a well in the center. Pour egg into the well combine ingredients using your hands.

    Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (11)

  • Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough, dusting with more flour as needed. Work the dough until it's just smooth, being careful not to overwork it, about 2 minutes.

  • Divide dough into 8 pieces.

    Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (12)

  • Roll each piece into a 24"-long rope about ½" thick. Cut into ½" pieces, dust with flour, and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.

    Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (13)

How to Cook Gnocchi:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  • Add gnocchi and cook until they begin to float (meaning they are done). It should take about 90 seconds. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon.

  • Toss with your favorite sauce.

Notes

Uncooked gnocchi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.

To freeze, place baking sheet of gnocchi in freezer until frozen (about 1 hour). Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to three months.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 796mg | Potassium: 826mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 3mg

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Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best flour to use for gnocchi? ›

Tipo 00 Flour is a soft, fine milled flour from Italy. It's a must-have for light and tender gnocchi and homemade pasta. Small(er) Batch Recipe ensures a higher success rate with just enough practice.

Is it better to boil or bake potatoes for gnocchi? ›

The secret to the lightest, most tender potato gnocchi is to bake the potatoes instead of boiling them. A baked potato is dryer than one that has been boiled, which means you avoid having to add more flour to the dough to account for excess moisture, a practice that leads to over-kneaded, tough gnocchi.

What should you not do when making gnocchi? ›

Adding too much flour all at once

It is very easy to add too much flour to gnocchi dough, which can make these dumplings glutinous, gummy, and sticky. If you dump all of the flour into your gnocchi dough at once, you won't have the same texture as a gnocchi that has just enough flour to bring it together.

What is the difference between potato gnocchi and regular gnocchi? ›

The first thing you need to know when buying gnocchi is what they are made with. If the label says 'potato gnocchi', it means that potatoes are the main ingredient; if, on the other hand, it says 'gnocchi with potatoes', then flour is the main ingredient. So checking all the ingredients of the dough is important.

Is gnocchi better with or without eggs? ›

Egg yolk added to your gnocchi dough helps improve texture, and keep it together while cooking. Gnocchi is traditionally made with eggs in Veneto and no eggs in Piedmont, the two Northern Italian regions famous for gnocchi. We vote for egg yolks at the rate of 1 per (500g) 1 lb of uncooked potatoes used.

Why did my homemade gnocchi turn to mush? ›

Your gnocchi may be mushy because of any or all of the following reasons: boiled the potatoes instead of baked them. used waxy new potatoes with too much moisture in them. not used eggs to help texture.

Should you let gnocchi dough rest? ›

Indeed, resting your cut-and-shaped gnocchi prior to cooking helps individual gnocchi pieces keep their shape. If you add them to a pot of boiling water too soon, you risk the starch falling apart. All that effort to make homemade gnocchi could go, quite literally, down the drain.

What kind of potato is best for gnocchi? ›

Step one: Start with Yukon Gold potatoes. Russets will do, but Yukon Golds have more of the nutty flavor of the yellow-fleshed boiling potatoes used by the Italian and Provençal cooks who have mastered gnocchi.

Do you salt water when boiling potatoes for gnocchi? ›

Preparation. Add the potatoes to a large pot of cool, salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook for 20-–5 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce a potato. Drain the potatoes and set aside until cool enough to handle, but still warm.

Why did my homemade gnocchi fall apart? ›

My Gnocchi Are Falling Apart When I Cook Them

This means there isn't enough flour and your dough is too wet.

Can you add too much flour to gnocchi? ›

Too much and the gnocchi will be chewy with a rubbery consistency. Too little and the gnocchi will not come together and will fall apart when boiled. So start with 3/4 of the recommended flour and once it's all mixed in, slowly incorporate more (bit by bit).

How do you keep gnocchi fluffy? ›

For soft and fluffy gnocchi, we suggest you cook them immediately right after making the dough. Otherwise, freeze them and wait a few hours for them to harden. Then portion them into plastic bags to be thawed just before tossing them into boiling water for your next gnocchi dinner! Gnocchi Gorgonzola, so Creamy\!

Is potato gnocchi healthier than pasta? ›

Nutritional Value

Believe it or not, regular pasta is actually more carb-heavy than gnocchi, coming in at around 2 times the amount of carbs per serving. Gnocchi is also notorious for having a lot more sodium, with over 200 grams of it per serving. Regular pasta doesn't have nearly as high of a sodium content.

What do Italians eat gnocchi with? ›

Roasted potatoes and polenta are perfect to serve alongside this dish.

What are the best starchy potatoes for gnocchi? ›

Choose your tater wisely. Choose a floury or all-purpose potato type such as red desiree or sebago, for example. recommends using an older potato over fresh ones for an even better gnocchi consistency.

Is 00 flour better for gnocchi? ›

What is the best flour for making gnocchi? I always suggest using 00 double zero flour. For most Italian dishes, this soft-wheat flour creates a delicate texture that's easy to bite through. Double zero is perfect for the light, pillowy texture you want for gnocchi.

Which type of wheat is traditionally used to make gnocchi? ›

Traditionally, gnocchi dough is made of semolina or plain wheat flour, egg, and mashed potato.

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