Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Created on November 7th, 2025 at 09:37 am

A comforting Italian dish with a delightful twist

Sweet potato gnocchi brings a warm, golden hue to your dinner table, inviting you to savor its gentle embrace. Unlike the traditional potato version, the sweet potato adds a subtle sweetness, resulting in a pillowy texture that melts in your mouth. Each bite carries the aroma of freshly cooked dough, slightly nutty and inviting. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate, perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests with its simplicity and charm.

Making gnocchi from scratch might seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly straightforward. With just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you can create this delicious, versatile dish. Serve it simply with a sage butter sauce or toss it with your favorite marinara for a heartier option. It’s perfect for any occasion, and the flavors develop beautifully, making it even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sweet potato gnocchi is a delightful combination of tenderness and flavor. The sweet potato introduces an earthy sweetness that perfectly balances with savory sauces. The texture is uniquely soft, creating a comforting bite that leaves you wanting more. Each gnocchi, coated in lightweight flour, becomes a little pillow of joy that absorbs the flavors around it beautifully.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy the gnocchi alone, topped with fresh herbs and parmesan, or integrate them into a variety of dishes. If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t fret. The flavors deepen overnight, making the gnocchi a wonderful option for lunch the next day.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients List

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 lb)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ tsp nutmeg for flavor
• Optional: Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Kitchen Tools

To create this simple recipe, you will only need basic kitchen tools. These tools keep the process smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the cooking itself.

• Baking sheet
• Potato masher
• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Knife
• Fork

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until they are tender and the skin is slightly caramelized. Let them cool for a few minutes before handling.

   
   
2. 
   

   Once cooled, cut the sweet potatoes in half and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl. Mash until smooth and free of lumps. You should have about 1 ½ cups of sweet potato puree.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add the beaten egg, salt, and nutmeg (if using) to the sweet potato. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid overworking the dough; it should be soft but not sticky.

   
   
4. 
   

   Dust a clean surface with flour and turn the dough out. Divide it into four sections. Roll each section into a rope about ¾ inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces.

   
   
5. 
   

   Using a fork, gently press down on each piece to create the classic gnocchi ridges. This step helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi into the pot in batches. They are done when they float to the surface, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

   
   
7. 
   

   In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add fresh sage if desired. Add the cooked gnocchi and toss gently to coat. Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan if you like.

   
   

Pro Tips

• Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and heavy for their size for the best flavor.
• If your dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour incrementally.
• You can freeze uncooked gnocchi. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze and transfer to a bag once solid.
• For a twist, try adding cooked spinach or herbs to the dough for extra flavor.
• Gnocchi can be delicious in soups as well as with sauces.

Comfort in Every Bite

Sweet potato gnocchi showcases how humble ingredients can result in something truly special. Its soft texture and rich flavor, combined with the warmth of home-cooked meals, create a dish that feels welcoming. Whether you choose a light sauce or simply sautéed butter, these gnocchi will charm your palate. This recipe is a reminder that comfort food can emanate from the most simple preparations.

Nutrition Table

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Sorrel Calver

A comforting Italian dish with a delightful twist, this sweet potato gnocchi offers a unique texture and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with various sauces.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 lb)
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1 tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg optional for flavor
• Fresh sage leaves optional for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until they are tender and the skin is slightly caramelized. Let them cool for a few minutes before handling.
• Once cooled, cut the sweet potatoes in half and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl. Mash until smooth and free of lumps. You should have about 1 ½ cups of sweet potato puree.
• Add the beaten egg, salt, and nutmeg (if using) to the sweet potato. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid overworking the dough; it should be soft but not sticky.
• Dust a clean surface with flour and turn the dough out. Divide it into four sections. Roll each section into a rope about ¾ inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces.
• Using a fork, gently press down on each piece to create the classic gnocchi ridges. This step helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi.

Cooking

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi into the pot in batches. They are done when they float to the surface, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add fresh sage if desired. Add the cooked gnocchi and toss gently to coat. Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan if you like.

Notes

Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and heavy for their size for the best flavor. If your dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour incrementally. You can freeze uncooked gnocchi; just place them on a baking sheet to freeze and transfer to a bag once solid. For a twist, try adding cooked spinach or herbs to the dough for extra flavor. Gnocchi can be delicious in soups as well as with sauces.

Keyword Comfort Food, Homemade Pasta, Italian Cuisine, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Vegetarian