Homemade Potato Gnocchi (2024)

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Homemade Potato Gnocchi – an Italian potato dumpling that is easy to make at home and tastes great in your favorite Italian recipes!

Homemade Potato Gnocchi (1)

Potato Gnocchi

Let’s talk about gnocchi. Y’all know, I don’t do crazy recipes. I like easy because my life is crazy enough! Gnocchi is so easy to make at home, and it is so much better than that stuff you buy at the store. You can even make it ahead and freeze it in a single layer, then cook it when you need it!

The grooves are not mandatory, but they look cool, and they help hold some of the yummy sauce. It’s a totally optional step! But I suggest doing it if you have the time and energy! 😊

These little pillows of potato goodness are so addicting! You will be looking for all sorts of ways to use them in recipes!

Homemade Potato Gnocchi (2)

How to store Homemade Gnocchi

If you aren’t using your gnocchi immediately, you can lightly dust them with flour and lay a tea towel over them for up to 2 hours at room temperature.

You can also refrigerate them for 1-2 days. Lightly dust the gnocchi with flour and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer without them touching. You don’t want them to stick together. Cover them well with plastic wrap, so they don’t absorb any odors.

How to freeze Homemade Gnocchi

Lightly dust the uncooked gnocchi with flour and arrange them in a single layer without them touching on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer in a level spot for about 3 hours or until the gnocchi are completely frozen. Transfer the gnocchi to resealable freezer bags for up to 2 months.

To use frozen gnocchi – do not thaw them! Add them frozen directly into boiling water or use as directed in the recipe, allowing a little bit of extra cooking time.

How to serve Potato Gnocchi

Some of my favorite ways are with a jar of spaghetti sauce, with pesto cream sauce, or with browned butter and sage. I also like to serve them in a creamy chicken and mushroom sauce.

You can also use them in casserole in place of pasta. Or drop them in soup. You can even fry them in a skillet!

Is Potato Gnocchi gluten-free

Because this recipe uses all-purpose flour, it is not gluten-free. I have not experimented with any other kind of flour, so I cannot answer if this recipe can be made any other way.

Why did my gnocchi fall apart

Usually, it is because of one of two reasons. They are overcooked or the dough wasn’t combined well enough.

Homemade Potato Gnocchi (3)

Potato Gnocchi recipe

  • medium potatoes
  • all-purpose flour
  • large egg
  • salt

How to make Homemade Gnocchi

Time needed:35 minutes

How to make Homemade Gnocchi

  1. Cook and mash the potatoes.

    Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan. Cover with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes until tender, but still firm – about 15 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with a potato masher.

  2. Prepare the dough and form the gnocchi.

    Remove 1 cup of the mashed potatoes into a medium bowl. Reserve any remaining potatoes for another use or discard leftover potatoes. Add the flour, egg, and pinch of salt to the bowl. Knead until the mixture forms a ball. Divide the ball into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into long snakes on a floured surface. Cut into ½-in. pieces. If desired, use the back of a fork and roll each piece of gnocchi off the tines, making groves.

  3. Cook and drain.

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully place the gnocchi into the boiling water and cook until the gnocchi float to the top, about 3-5 minutes. Drain.

  4. Serve.

    Serve with your favorite marinara sauce, pesto, butter with sage, or your favorite Italian recipe!

Recipe Tips

  • Russets are the perfect potato for the job.
  • Be cautious with the flour – don’t add too much, or your gnocchi may turn out tough.
  • Don’t be heavy-handed when rolling the dough.
Homemade Potato Gnocchi (4)

Other recipes you may enjoy

  • Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
  • Gnocchi with Pesto Cream
  • Gnocchi and Meatball Bake
  • Crispy Pesto Gnocchi with Tomatoes, Black Olives, and Feta Cheese
  • Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Homemade Potato Gnocchi (5)

Homemade Potato Gnocchi

Jamie Sherman

Homemade Potato Gnocchi – an Italian potato dumpling that is easy to make at home and tastes great in your favorite Italian recipes!

4.16 from 64 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Pizza and Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 327 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 medium potatoes peeled
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg slightly beaten
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan. Cover with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes until tender, but still firm – about 15 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with a potato masher.

  • Remove 1 cup of the mashed potatoes into a medium bowl. Reserve any remaining potatoes for another use or discard leftover potatoes. Add the flour, egg, and pinch of salt to the bowl. Knead until the mixture forms a ball. Divide the ball into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into long snakes on a floured surface. Cut into 1/2-in. pieces. If desired, use the back of a fork and roll each piece of gnocchi off the tines, making groves.

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully place the gnocchi into the boiling water and cook until the gnocchi float to the top, about 3-5 minutes. Drain.

  • Serve with your favorite marinara sauce, pesto, butter with sage, or your favorite Italian recipe!

Notes

  • Russets are the perfect potato for the job.
  • Be cautious with the flour – don’t add too much, or your gnocchi may turn out tough.
  • Don’t be heavy-handed when rolling the dough.

Nutrition

Calories: 327kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 10gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 25mgPotassium: 532mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 71IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 4mg

Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Originally published on April 9, 2014. Updated on May 1, 2021.

Homemade Potato Gnocchi (2024)

FAQs

What kind of potatoes are used for gnocchi? ›

I find baking potatoes to be dry and floury. My favorite potatoes for gnocchi are Yukon gold or other yellow potatoes. They have a rich, buttery flavor and a creamy, fluffy texture. Flour: A judicious amount of unbleached all-purpose flour helps to turn the potatoes into dough.

Is there a difference between gnocchi and potato gnocchi? ›

Unlike potato gnocchi, Roman gnocchi (Gnocchi alla romana), are made with semolina instead of potatoes and flour, that's why they are also called Semolina gnocchi. Roman gnocchi are shaped differently than potato gnocchi.

Should you 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.

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 is the best flour 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.

What are the 3 types of gnocchi? ›

Gnocchi alla zucca: Pumpkin gnocchi served with butter and cheese. Ndunderi: The Amalfi Coast specialty originally made with farro and curdled milk. Gnocchi alla Romana: Made with semolina and milk, this variety is shaped into squares and baked rather than boiled.

What do Italians eat with gnocchi? ›

Roasted potatoes and polenta are perfect to serve alongside this dish. The trick for making this is to prepare it the day before, then let the meat rest overnight so that the oil softens its fibers even more.

How healthy is potato gnocchi? ›

Gnocchi, while typically made from potatoes, can be higher in carbohydrates and lower in fiber compared to whole-grain pasta. However, both can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation and paired with nutritious toppings or sauces.

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.

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.

How do you know when homemade gnocchi is done? ›

How to prepare gnocchi. Poach gnocchi in batches in a pan of lightly salted water for 2-4 minutes. Cooked gnocchi will float to the top. Strain and serve immediately with a good pasta sauce.

How many gnocchi per person? ›

Typically, Italian guidelines recommend the following quantities of uncooked pasta per person: 60-100g of dried pasta. 70-120g of fresh pasta. 100-130g of gnocchi.

Why are russet potatoes best for gnocchi? ›

The Russet Burbank specifically has high solids and low moisture, and it ideal for gnocchi. Reds are too waxy, the starch cells will turn gluey when moisture is added. The Yukon Golds can work, but often cost 3-4 times more than a russet and also have a medium solids or moist profile.

Is gnocchi ok for weight loss? ›

Due to the smaller and denser nature of gnocchi, it is more likely that you will end up eating bigger portions than if you chose regular pasta. Although all foods can be part of a healthy diet in moderation, if you are trying to lose weight opt for other options than gnocchi or pasta.

What is traditional gnocchi made of? ›

What is gnocchi? Gnocchi, pronounced 'n(y)oh-kee' (singular 'gnocco'), are a type of pasta consisting of soft, fat and chewy dumplings, typically paired with ragú, tomato or butter sauce. Traditionally, gnocchi dough is made of semolina or plain wheat flour, egg, and mashed potato.

What is a good potato substitute for gnocchi? ›

Carrots, beets, broccoli, winter squash, and more can easily become a bowl of perfect pillowy bites.

Why did my potato gnocchi fall apart? ›

If you overdo it with flour, your gnocchi will be too hard, if you put too little they will break during cooking. The rule says that the flour must be at most a third of the amount of potatoes.

What is the best potato ricer for gnocchi? ›

Oxo's potato ricer is the best. With a potato ricer, you don't need to peel your potato. The skin will stay in the ricer while the flesh will go through the holes into your bowl, leaving you with incredibly smooth mashed potatoes.

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