Key Takeaways:
- Homemade gnocchi has a softer, lighter texture than most store-bought varieties.
- Butternut squash adds natural sweetness, color, fiber, and vitamins to homemade gnocchi.
- Using as little flour as possible helps keep gnocchi tender instead of dense.
- Avoid overmixing the dough because too much handling develops gluten and creates chewy gnocchi.
- Gnocchi cooks very quickly and is ready once the pieces float to the top of boiling water.
- Homemade gnocchi freezes well before cooking, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Brown butter, fresh sage, Parmesan cheese, pesto, and light cream sauces are excellent pairings for homemade gnocchi.
- Homemade gnocchi is an easy beginner-friendly recipe that requires only a handful of simple ingredients.
Overview
Homemade gnocchi is a classic Italian potato dumpling known for its light, soft, and pillowy texture. While traditional recipes use potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs, seasonal variations like butternut squash gnocchi add natural sweetness, vibrant color, and extra nutrients. The secret to fluffy homemade gnocchi is using just enough flour, avoiding overworking the dough, and cooking the dumplings until they float to the surface. Homemade gnocchi pairs beautifully with brown butter, sage, Parmesan cheese, creamy sauces, or roasted vegetables, making it a comforting meal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Enjoy irresistibly soft homemade gnocchi tossed with herb-roasted butternut squash for a comforting meal packed with seasonal flavor. Finished with rich sage brown butter, every bite is warm, buttery, and satisfying. If you’re a fan of butternut squash, be sure to try our Butternut Squash Bread with Chocolate for another delicious way to enjoy this versatile fall favorite.
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This homemade gnocchi recipe may seem like a big project at first, but don’t let the multiple steps intimidate you. If you’ve never made gnocchi before, you’ll be surprised at how achievable it is with a little patience. The best part? You’re getting three delicious recipes in one: soft, pillowy gnocchi, flavorful herb-roasted butternut squash, and rich sage brown butter.
If you’re just getting started, make the gnocchi and serve it with sautéed zucchini and a sprinkle of freshly grated Romano cheese for a simple, satisfying meal. When you’re ready to elevate the dish, pair the gnocchi with the roasted butternut squash and aromatic sage brown butter. The combination is rich, comforting, and well worth the extra effort, making it an excellent choice for Christmas dinner, holiday gatherings, or any special occasion.
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Gnocchi With Herb-Roasted Butternut Squash
Equipment
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Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 lb russet potatoes 3 medium potatoes if you peel and boil them. If you bake them and scoop them out, use 4 medium potatoes. (213g)
- 1½ cup flour all-purpose (180g)
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
Herb Roasted Butternut Squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp sage fresh minced
- 2 lbs butternut squash peeled and cubed (900g)
- salt and pepper to taste
Sage Browned Butter
- 8 tbsp butter (113g)
- 3 tbsp fresh sage ribbons packed
Instructions
- To adjust the portions, click on the number of serving, and a slider will pop up. Adjusting the slider up or down will automatically recalculate the amount needed for each ingredient.
- Bake the potatoes until soft, and scoop them out. (see notes) Alternately; peel and boil potatoes until soft. Drain, let dry and cool before you start to roast the squash or make the gnocchi.
Roasted Butternut squash
- Toss all the ingredients together until the squash is evenly coated. Roast at 425°F for 45 minutes or until squash is fork-tender. Make the gnocchi while the squash is roasting.
Gnocchi
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
- Rice the potatoes onto a sheet pan with a potato ricer.
- Beat the egg with the salt and mix it into the potatoes with a fork.
- Sprinkle the potatoes with 1 1/4 cup of the flour and gently knead to mix. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add more flour if needed. (see notes) Cover and let the dough rest for 20 minutes.
- Cut a piece of dough off with a bench knife, and roll it to form a long rope 1/2-inch in diameter.
- Cut the rope into pieces 1-inch long.
- Use a gnocchi roller or fork to give the gnocchi its classic shape. The gnocchi can also be cooked without being shaped.
- To cook the gnocchi: Bring a pot of water to boil, add a tsp of salt to the boiling water. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water. Cook in small batches (see notes)
- When the gnocchi floats to the surface of the water, it is cooked. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the boiling water.
- The gnocchi can be frozen on a sheet pan and then vacuum packed for storage for up to 6 months. Alternately, store the frozen gnocchi in a ziplock freezer bag for up to a month.
Sage Browned Butter (see notes)
- Watch the video in the blog, on how to make sage browned butter
Assembly
- Put the roasted squash in a large serving bowl. Add the gnocchi and sage browned butter. Gently toss to evenly distribute the gnocchi with the squash, and coat them with the browned butter. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ:
What is gnocchi made of?
How do I know when gnocchi is cooked?
Can I freeze homemade gnocchi?
What herbs are best for roasting butternut squash?
What if I don’t have a potato ricer?
Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead of homemade?
Final Thoughts
Homemade Gnocchi with Butternut Squash is the perfect reminder that comfort food can also be wholesome and deeply satisfying. The naturally sweet, creamy butternut squash pairs beautifully with soft, pillowy gnocchi, creating a meal that’s both elegant enough for special occasions and cozy enough for a family dinner.
While making gnocchi from scratch takes a little extra time, the fresh flavor and tender texture are well worth the effort. Whether you finish it with brown butter and sage, a light cream sauce, or a sprinkle of Parmesan, this versatile recipe celebrates simple, seasonal ingredients in every bite.
If you’re looking for a comforting homemade meal that feels both rustic and impressive, this butternut squash gnocchi is sure to become a favorite you’ll return to throughout the fall and winter seasons.
Fabulous recipe! Loved the combination of gnocchi and butternut squash with the brown butter sage!! I couldn’t quit eating it – so good!
Thanks – I’m glad you loved it.