How to Make Soft & Fluffy Sweet Potato Gnocchi from Scratch
If you have a few extra sweet potatoes lying around, why not turn them into soft, pillowy Sweet Potato Gnocchi? This easy homemade gnocchi recipe is a great way to use up leftover sweet potatoes and create a freezer-friendly meal that can be enjoyed at any time.
Try it with different sauces and toppings, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this homemade dish.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe
- Minimal ingredients – You only need four simple ingredients.
- Quick to make – Prep and cook time is only 30 minutes.
- Freezer-friendly – Make a big batch and store for easy future meals.
- Versatile – Pairs well with many sauces and toppings.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Gnocchi
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups 00 flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potato
Start by poking holes in the sweet potato with a fork. Cook it in the microwave for 6-7 minutes, or bake it in the oven at 400°F for about an hour until it’s fork-tender. Once cooled slightly, scoop out the flesh into a bowl and mash it until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Dough
On a clean, floured surface (or in a stand mixer with a dough hook), add the 00 flour and make a well in the center. Add the mashed sweet potato, egg, and salt. Mix by slowly incorporating the flour into the wet ingredients. If using a stand mixer, mix on low speed until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Lightly knead the dough on a floured surface for about 2 minutes until it forms a soft but firm dough. Be careful not to over-knead, or the gnocchi may become dense.
Step 4: Shape the Gnocchi
Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about ¾-inch thick. Then, cut the rope into small bite-sized pieces, around ½ to ¾ inch each.
Step 5: Create Ridges (Optional)
If you want traditional ridged gnocchi, roll each piece over a gnocchi board or the back of a fork. The ridges help the gnocchi hold onto sauces better.
Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi into the water in small batches. Once they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes), they’re done. Remove them with a slotted spoon.
Step 7: Serve or Pan-Fry
You can enjoy the gnocchi immediately with your favorite sauce, or take it a step further by pan-frying in butter or olive oil with garlic and herbs for a crispy finish.
How to Store & Freeze Sweet Potato Gnocchi
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. I love making a large batch and freezing extra gnocchi for quick meals. Here’s how:
- Lightly coat the gnocchi in flour after cutting them into pieces.
- Arrange the individual pieces on a baking sheet.
- Flash freeze for 2 hours uncovered.
- Transfer the frozen gnocchi to freezer-safe bags.
- When ready to cook, boil straight from frozen—no need to thaw!
Best Sauces for Sweet Potato Gnocchi
This gnocchi pairs well with many sauces. Some favorites include:
- Brown Butter & Sage – The nutty flavor of brown butter complements the sweetness of the gnocchi.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce – A rich and indulgent choice.
- Pesto Sauce – Fresh basil pesto adds a bright and herby flavor.
- Marinara Sauce – A classic tomato sauce works great for a lighter meal.
Making your own Sweet Potato Gnocchi is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy homemade pasta. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s freezer-friendly and completely customizable. Try it with different sauces and toppings, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this homemade dish.
This Recipe is in my Cookbook, From Scratch!
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups 00 flour
Instructions
- Poke holes in the sweet potato with a fork several times. Cook in the microwave for 6 to 7 minutes or bake in the oven for one hour at 400°F until fork-tender. Let cool for a few minutes until easy to handle.
- Scoop out the inside of the sweet potato into a bowl and mash with a fork.
- Add the flour to a flat surface or in your stand mixer with a dough hook and make a well in the middle. Add the sweet potato, egg and salt into the well. Mix by dragging flour in from the edges and incorporate in the sweet potato mix. If using a mixer, turn your mixer on to a low speed and turn off when dough comes together.
- Gently knead the dough on a floured work surface for 2 minutes.
- Divide the dough into four pieces. Roll out one piece at a time, keeping the other pieces in an airtight container.
- Roll out each piece of dough into a rope about ¾ inch in diameter. Cut the rope into ½ inch to ¾ inch pieces.
- Cook in boiling water as is, or roll each piece on a gnocchi board or the back of a fork to create ridges.
- When gnocchi floats, you can eat as is with sauce, or transfer pieces to a frying pan with butter or olive oil, garlic and spices to toast.
