Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage

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This recipe brings together the cozy warmth of sweet potatoes with the elegance of handmade Italian gnocchi. Unlike traditional gnocchi, this version has a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange hue, perfectly complemented by the rich, toasty flavors of brown butter and fresh sage. It’s a soul-satisfying dish that’s both rustic and refined.

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Yields4 Servings
Prep Time45 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time1 hr
For the Gnocchi
 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs), roasted and peeled
 1 egg yolk
 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
 ½ tsp salt
 ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Brown Butter Sage Sauce
 4 tbsp unsalted butter
 10 fresh sage leaves
 Salt & black pepper, to taste
 Grated Parmesan, for serving
Roast the Sweet Potatoes
1
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork, place on a baking sheet, and roast for 45 minutes, or until soft.

  3. Let cool slightly, then peel and mash until smooth. Measure out 1 1/2 cups.

Make the Gnocchi Dough
2
  1. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potato with egg yolk, Parmesan, salt, and nutmeg.

  2. Gradually mix in flour, starting with 3/4 cup and adding more as needed, until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.

  3. Do not overwork the dough—just knead gently until smooth.

Shape the Gnocchi
3
  1. On a floured surface, divide dough into 4 portions.

  2. Roll each into a long rope, about 3/4 inch thick.

  3. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Optional: roll each piece over the tines of a fork for ridges.

Cook the Gnocchi
4
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. Boil gnocchi in batches until they float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes).

  3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.

Make the Brown Butter Sage Sauce
5
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

  2. Add sage leaves and cook until butter foams and turns golden brown, and sage becomes crisp (about 3–4 minutes).

  3. Season with salt and pepper.

Toss and Serve
6
  1. Gently toss the cooked gnocchi in the hot brown butter sauce.

  2. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and crispy sage.

Serving Suggestions
7
  • Serve with a side of arugula salad and lemon vinaigrette

  • Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or Viognier for a buttery balance

Tips & Variations
8
  • Roasting the potatoes gives the best texture—avoid steaming or boiling, which makes the dough wetter.

  • Add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic glaze at serving for brightness.

  • Make ahead: freeze uncooked gnocchi on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi
 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs), roasted and peeled
 1 egg yolk
 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
 ½ tsp salt
 ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Brown Butter Sage Sauce
 4 tbsp unsalted butter
 10 fresh sage leaves
 Salt & black pepper, to taste
 Grated Parmesan, for serving

Directions

Roast the Sweet Potatoes
1
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork, place on a baking sheet, and roast for 45 minutes, or until soft.

  3. Let cool slightly, then peel and mash until smooth. Measure out 1 1/2 cups.

Make the Gnocchi Dough
2
  1. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potato with egg yolk, Parmesan, salt, and nutmeg.

  2. Gradually mix in flour, starting with 3/4 cup and adding more as needed, until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.

  3. Do not overwork the dough—just knead gently until smooth.

Shape the Gnocchi
3
  1. On a floured surface, divide dough into 4 portions.

  2. Roll each into a long rope, about 3/4 inch thick.

  3. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Optional: roll each piece over the tines of a fork for ridges.

Cook the Gnocchi
4
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. Boil gnocchi in batches until they float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes).

  3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.

Make the Brown Butter Sage Sauce
5
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

  2. Add sage leaves and cook until butter foams and turns golden brown, and sage becomes crisp (about 3–4 minutes).

  3. Season with salt and pepper.

Toss and Serve
6
  1. Gently toss the cooked gnocchi in the hot brown butter sauce.

  2. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and crispy sage.

Serving Suggestions
7
  • Serve with a side of arugula salad and lemon vinaigrette

  • Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or Viognier for a buttery balance

Tips & Variations
8
  • Roasting the potatoes gives the best texture—avoid steaming or boiling, which makes the dough wetter.

  • Add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic glaze at serving for brightness.

  • Make ahead: freeze uncooked gnocchi on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

Notes

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage
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