Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe

There's something magical about making your own sweet potato gnocchi recipe at home. These little pillows of comfort are easier than you think and taste absolutely incredible. I remember the first time I made this sweet potato gnocchi recipe; the kitchen smelled amazing, and my family couldn't stop asking for seconds. This dinner recipe brings together the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the comforting texture of homemade pasta.

Whether you're cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this sweet potato gnocchi recipe delivers every single time. The best part? You only need four basic ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish. Let's get cooking!

Why This Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe Will Become Your Go-To Dinner

This sweet potato gnocchi recipe stands out because it's incredibly forgiving for beginners while still delivering restaurant-quality results. Unlike traditional potato gnocchi, sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color that makes every plate look stunning. The natural moisture in sweet potatoes creates a tender, pillowy texture that practically melts in your mouth.

What makes this sweet potato gnocchi recipe truly special is its versatility. You can pair it with sage butter for a classic Italian touch, toss it with tomato sauce for a hearty meal, or pan-fry it until crispy for amazing texture contrast. It works beautifully as a main course or side dish, and you can easily adapt it for vegan or gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Results
• FAQ
• Ready to Make This Comfort Food Classic?
• Related
• Pairing
• Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi Dough:

• Sweet potatoes
• All-purpose flour
• Egg
• Salt
• Nutmeg (optional)

For Serving:

• Butter
• Fresh sage leaves
• Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper

Substitutions:

• Rice flour or gluten-free flour blend
• Flax egg (ground flaxseed + water)
• Nutritional yeast (vegan alternative)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1; Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork.
3. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 45-50 minutes until completely soft.
4. Let them cool for 10 minutes, then scoop out the flesh into a large bowl.
5. Mash until completely smooth with no lumps remaining.

Pro tip: Roasting instead of boiling concentrates the flavor and removes excess moisture, which helps create the perfect sweet potato gnocchi recipe texture.

Step 2; Make the Dough

1. Add the egg and salt to the mashed sweet potato.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add 1½ cups of flour, stirring as you go.
4. Knead gently until the dough comes together; it should be slightly sticky but manageable.
5. Add more flour only if absolutely necessary.

Important: Don't overwork the dough or add too much flour, as this makes the gnocchi tough and heavy.

Step 3; Shape the Gnocchi

1. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a long rope about ¾-inch thick.
3. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife.
4. Optional: Roll each piece over the back of a fork to create ridges that hold sauce better.
5. Place shaped gnocchi on a floured baking sheet.

Step 4; Cook and Serve

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
2. Drop gnocchi in batches (about 15-20 pieces at a time) into the water.
3. They're done when they float to the surface, usually after 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to your prepared sauce.
5. Toss gently and serve immediately with grated parmesan.

Expert Cooking Tips

Making the perfect sweet potato gnocchi recipe takes a few insider tricks. Here's what professional chefs know that makes all the difference.

Flour Management

• Start with less flour than you think you need; you can always add more
• Different sweet potatoes have different moisture levels, so adjust accordingly
• The dough should feel like soft playdough, not stiff or dry
• Humidity affects flour absorption, so trust your hands more than measurements

Texture Secrets

• Don't skip roasting: Boiled sweet potatoes add too much water to your dough
• Work quickly: The warmer the sweet potato, the less flour you'll need
• Gentle hands: Overworking creates tough, chewy gnocchi instead of pillowy ones
• Test piece: Always cook one gnocchi first to check if it holds together

Cooking Method

• Keep water at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil
• Don't overcrowd the pot; cook in small batches
• Have your sauce ready before cooking the gnocchi
• For crispy gnocchi, pan-fry the boiled pieces in butter until golden

Make-Ahead Strategy

• Freeze uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet, then transfer to bags
• Cook from frozen; just add an extra minute to the cooking time
• Fresh gnocchi tastes best the day it's made, but frozen works beautifully

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

This sweet potato gnocchi recipe adapts beautifully to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Here are some delicious ways to make it your own.

Dietary Modifications

For a vegan sweet potato gnocchi recipe, simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water; let sit for 5 minutes). The texture stays wonderfully tender, and nobody will notice the difference. Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for serving.

For gluten-free options, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. You might need slightly less flour since gluten-free varieties often absorb moisture differently. The result is just as delicious and perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Flavor Variations

• Herbed gnocchi: Add 2 tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to the dough
• Spiced version: Mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon cayenne for warmth
• Cheesy twist: Fold in ½ cup grated parmesan directly into the dough

Sauce Pairings

• Classic sage butter: Brown butter with crispy sage leaves and parmesan
• Tomato cream sauce: Rich marinara with a splash of heavy cream
• Pesto: Fresh basil pesto with toasted pine nuts
• Garlic mushroom: Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and white wine
• Balsamic glaze: Roasted vegetables with balsamic reduction

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes this sweet potato gnocchi recipe even easier to prepare. Here's what you'll need for success.

• Large mixing bowl: For combining your ingredients smoothly
• Potato masher or ricer: A ricer creates the smoothest texture and prevents lumps
• Sharp knife or bench scraper: For cutting uniform gnocchi pieces
• Fork: For creating those classic ridges (optional but pretty)
• Large pot: At least 6 quarts for boiling water
• Slotted spoon: Essential for removing cooked gnocchi without breaking them
• Baking sheets: For holding shaped gnocchi before cooking
• Heavy skillet: If you want to pan-fry them for crispy edges

Budget-Friendly Alternatives: A regular fork works fine for mashing if you don't have a ricer. You can shape gnocchi with your hands instead of using a fork for ridges. Any large pot works for boiling; you don't need anything fancy.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Proper storage keeps your sweet potato gnocchi recipe fresh and delicious for future meals. Here's how to do it right.

Refrigerator Storage

Fresh uncooked gnocchi can stay in the fridge for up to 2 days. Arrange them in a single layer on a floured baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Make sure they're not touching or they'll stick together. Cooked gnocchi should be stored in an airtight container with a light coating of olive oil and consumed within 2 days for best quality.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing is perfect for this sweet potato gnocchi recipe and actually works better than refrigeration. Place shaped, uncooked gnocchi on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Transfer frozen gnocchi to freezer bags or airtight containers and store for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen; just add one extra minute to the boiling time.

Reheating Tips

For cooked gnocchi, the best method is pan-frying in butter or oil until heated through and slightly crispy. You can also microwave them with a splash of water covered for 1-2 minutes, though this won't give you the same texture. Avoid reheating in boiling water as they can become mushy.

FAQ

Ready to Make This Comfort Food Classic?

Now you have everything you need to master this sweet potato gnocchi recipe! These pillowy bites of comfort are perfect for cozy dinner nights and surprisingly simple to make from scratch. The combination of naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes and tender homemade pasta creates something truly special that your whole family will love.

Once you've perfected this sweet potato gnocchi recipe, try pairing it with our Sweet Potato Hash Browns Recipe for an amazing brunch spread, or serve it alongside a Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl to keep the sweet potato theme going strong. Both recipes showcase the incredible versatility of this humble vegetable. Don't forget to share your gnocchi creations in the comments below; I'd love to hear which sauce became your favorite!

Sweet potatoes make everything better, especially when they're shaped into little pillows of happiness! 🍠; Emily

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe: