As I pulled my sweet potatoes from the oven, the warm, earthy aroma enveloped my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a cozy Italian trattoria. This is the moment I knew I was about to whip up something special: Light and Fluffy Sweet Potato Gnocchi. With their softer texture and subtle sweetness, these little pillows of comfort elevate a classic dish into a delightful experience. Plus, they’re a breeze to make, allowing you to create a satisfying homemade meal without a hefty time commitment. Whether you’re serving them to friends or enjoying a quiet dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Curious how to turn simple ingredients into such a culinary treat? Let’s dive in! Why is Sweet Potato Gnocchi a Game Changer? Comforting Delight: Sweet Potato Gnocchi combines the warmth of home cooking with an irresistible twist, offering a delightful change from traditional options. Nutritious Benefits: Packed with vitamins and fiber, these tender bites provide a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies cravings for comfort food without the heaviness. Versatile Preparation: Whether you enjoy them sautéed in brown butter or paired with a light sauce, these gnocchi adapt beautifully, making them perfect for any occasion. Try serving with a side salad to balance the meal! Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Friends and family will be impressed by your culinary skills, and you can enjoy the accolades while feeling great about serving a homemade meal! For more comforting recipes, check out our Garlic Butter Potatoes or Sweet Potato Breakfast. Sweet Potato Gnocchi Ingredients • Discover the perfect blend for your Sweet Potato Gnocchi. For the Gnocchi Sweet Potatoes – This key ingredient adds natural sweetness and flavor; choose medium-sized potatoes for the best texture. Egg – Acts as a binder, helping to hold the gnocchi together; for a vegan option, consider using a flax egg. Parmesan Cheese – Provides a rich flavor with a hint of umami; substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative. King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour – Essential for giving structure to the gnocchi; swap for gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this dish gluten-free. Butter – Used for frying the gnocchi to a golden perfection; replace with olive oil if you prefer a dairy-free option. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet Potato Gnocchi Step 1: Cook Sweet Potatoes Start by scrubbing your sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Pierce each potato several times with a fork, then microwave them for about 8-9 minutes until they’re tender all the way through. Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven at 425°F for 45-60 minutes—look for them to be soft and slightly caramelized. Let them cool slightly before proceeding. Step 2: Prepare Dough Once cooled, scoop the flesh of the sweet potatoes into a bowl and rice it for a fluffy texture—avoid over-mashing as this can make the gnocchi gummy. Allow the riced potatoes to cool until they’re lukewarm. Then, mix in one egg and combine it with grated Parmesan cheese along with a blend of flour until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Step 3: Shape Gnocchi Divide your sweet potato dough into manageable sections and roll each piece into a long log, roughly ¾ inch thick. Cut these logs into 1-inch pieces. For a classic touch, gently press each piece with a fork or use a gnocchi board to create ridges that will hold sauce nicely. Step 4: Cook Gnocchi Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shaped gnocchi to the boiling water in batches, cooking them until they float to the surface—this takes about 1-2 minutes. Once they float, use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer them to a prepared skillet. Step 5: Serve In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add the boiled gnocchi, frying them until golden brown and slightly crispy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Serve your delightful Sweet Potato Gnocchi immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or your favorite sauce to enhance the cozy, comforting flavors of this dish. What to Serve with Sweet Potato Gnocchi Indulge in a beautifully balanced meal that creates a symphony of flavors alongside your delightful creation. Garlic Butter Sauce: A rich and fragrant addition that coats each gnocchi in velvety bliss, enhancing their natural sweetness. Pairing these two elevates the comfort food experience. Green Salad: Crisp and refreshing, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the gnocchi’s richness, creating a perfect harmony on your plate. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic offers an earthy element that complements the sweetness of the gnocchi while adding vibrant color to your meal. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned with herbs, roasted vegetables introduce a variety of textures and flavors, perfectly balancing the softness of the gnocchi. Creamy Mushroom Sauce: Earthy mushrooms in a creamy sauce add depth and umami, making each bite of gnocchi an adventure of flavors. Wine Pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc refreshes the palate while complementing the dish’s rich textures, enhancing the overall dining experience. Chocolate Mousse: A light chocolate mousse for dessert provides a sweet ending to your cozy dinner, balancing the savory main course with luscious sweetness. Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Gnocchi Ricing Matters: Ensure the sweet potato flesh is thoroughly riced for a light texture; over-mashing can lead to gummy gnocchi. Don’t Overwork Dough: Combine the ingredients gently to avoid tough gnocchi; a light touch is key to achieving softness. Cooking Precision: Only boil gnocchi until they float to the top; overcooking can cause them to break apart, ruining your sweet potato gnocchi. Herbal Boost: Add herbs like sage or thyme to the butter before frying for a delicious flavor layer; this enhances the comfort food experience. Batch Cooking: Consider making double the gnocchi and freezing half for quick meals later; just freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. Sweet Potato Gnocchi Variations & Substitutions Dive into a world of flavors with these delightful variations that can easily transform your Sweet Potato Gnocchi! Butternut Squash: Substitute sweet potatoes with roasted butternut squash for a subtly different flavor and a beautiful color. Vegan Touch: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) to make this dish completely vegan. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious dish without concerns! Cheese Swap: Try ricotta cheese in place of Parmesan for a softer, creamier texture that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes. Herb Infusion: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like sage or thyme into the dough for an aromatic twist that brightens each bite. Enjoy the elevated flavor profile! Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the butter when frying for a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the gnocchi. Nutty Flavor: Toast pine nuts or chopped walnuts and sprinkle them over the dish before serving to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Rich Sauce: Enhance the dish with a brown butter sauce, tossed with crispy sage leaves for an added depth that beautifully complements the sweet potatoes. For more comforting potato recipes, don’t miss our Mashed Potato Fries or the exciting Butter Chicken Potatoes. Each variation gives you an opportunity to explore new flavor profiles while keeping the comforting essence of this fantastic dish! How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato Gnocchi Fridge: Store any leftover sweet potato gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick reheat. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze gnocchi by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months this way. Reheating: To reheat frozen gnocchi, boil them directly from frozen until they float, usually 2-3 minutes; then, pan-fry with butter to restore that delightful golden crisp. Thawing: If you prefer to thaw before cooking, place gnocchi in the fridge overnight; this ensures even heating when you’re ready to serve your comforting sweet potato gnocchi. Make Ahead Options These Sweet Potato Gnocchi are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the gnocchi dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply mix the ingredients as directed, shape them, and refrigerate them in an airtight container. Additionally, uncooked gnocchi can be frozen for up to 2 months; just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, you can throw the frozen gnocchi straight into boiling water—no need to thaw first. This way, you’ll enjoy freshly cooked, delicious gnocchi with minimal effort any night of the week! Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe FAQs What type of sweet potatoes should I use? I recommend using medium-sized sweet potatoes as they provide the best texture and flavor. Look for ones that are firm, smooth, and have no dark spots or blemishes. How do I store leftover sweet potato gnocchi? Store any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re cooled down completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. Can I freeze sweet potato gnocchi? Absolutely! To freeze, arrange the uncooked gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until firm (about 30 minutes) and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months! What if my gnocchi turn out too gummy? If your gnocchi are gummy, it’s likely due to over-mashing the sweet potatoes or overworking the dough. For next time, ensure you rice the sweet potatoes for a light texture, and mix the ingredients just until combined. Are there any dietary considerations for sweet potato gnocchi? Yes! If you want to make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and letting it sit until gelatinous. How can I reheat frozen sweet potato gnocchi? To reheat frozen gnocchi, boil them straight from the freezer until they float, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, pan-fry them in butter for a crispy exterior that complements their soft interior. Enjoy! Irresistible Sweet Potato Gnocchi for a Cozy Dinner Night Enjoy a delightful twist on traditional gnocchi with these Sweet Potato Gnocchi, perfect for a cozy dinner night. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Gnocchi2 medium Sweet Potatoes adds natural sweetness and flavor1 large Egg acts as a binder; vegan option: flax egg0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese provides rich flavor; substitute with nutritional yeast for vegan1.5 cup King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour essential for structure; swap for gluten-free flour for gluten-free2 tablespoons Butter for frying; replace with olive oil for dairy-free Equipment microwaveLarge PotSkilletMixing bowlforkSlotted spoon Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Potato GnocchiStart by scrubbing your sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Pierce each potato several times with a fork, then microwave them for about 8-9 minutes until they’re tender all the way through. Alternatively, roast them in the oven at 425°F for 45-60 minutes. Let them cool slightly before proceeding.Once cooled, scoop the flesh of the sweet potatoes into a bowl and rice it for a fluffy texture—avoid over-mashing to prevent gummy gnocchi. Allow the riced potatoes to cool until they’re lukewarm. Then, mix in one egg and combine it with grated Parmesan cheese along with flour until a soft, cohesive dough forms.Divide your sweet potato dough into manageable sections and roll each piece into a long log, roughly ¾ inch thick. Cut these logs into 1-inch pieces. For a classic touch, gently press each piece with a fork or use a gnocchi board to create ridges.Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shaped gnocchi in batches, cooking until they float to the surface—about 1-2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer them to a prepared skillet.In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add the boiled gnocchi, frying them until golden brown and slightly crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or your favorite sauce. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure the sweet potato flesh is thoroughly riced for a light texture; combine ingredients gently to avoid tough gnocchi. Consider making double the gnocchi and freezing half for quick meals later. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
