Homemade Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Homemade gnocchi are tender, pillowy potato dumplings that make a wonderful base for a variety of sauces. This recipe guides you through roasting potatoes and transforming them into delicate little pillows of flavor right in your own kitchen.

A black plate holds about twenty golden brown gnocchi pieces arranged closely together, each piece showing a slightly crispy, browned surface texture with a soft, pillowy inside. The gnocchi are coated in a glossy sauce that pools slightly at the bottom of the plate, and sprinkled with fine white shreds of cheese and small green herb leaves. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially under some gnocchi. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 3 lb. total)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tsp kosher salt, plus more
  • Semolina flour, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F. Poke the potatoes all over with a fork, then place them directly on the oven racks. Roast until the potatoes are easily pierced with a knife, about 1 hour. Let them cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, discarding the skins. Run the potato flesh through a ricer or mash thoroughly with a fork. Transfer to a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: Add the eggs, flour, and salt to the mashed potatoes. Mix together with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth, about 3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle a layer of semolina flour on a baking sheet. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece by hand into a long rope about ½ inch in diameter.
  6. Step 6: Cut the ropes into 1 inch pieces and arrange them on the baking sheet. Gently toss the pieces in semolina to coat. If the dough feels too soft to handle, freeze for 10 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Using the back of a fork, roll each piece along the tines to create ridges, then return to the baking sheet.
  8. Step 8: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in batches, removing them with a slotted spoon as they float to the surface, approximately 2 minutes. Toss with your preferred sauce and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Use russet potatoes as they are starchy and produce light, fluffy gnocchi.
  • If the dough feels sticky, add flour gradually but avoid adding too much to keep the gnocchi tender.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute one egg yolk for an additional whole egg.
  • Try serving gnocchi with browned butter and sage for a simple, classic dish.
  • Semolina flour dusting helps prevent sticking and adds a slight texture to the gnocchi surface.

Storage

Uncooked gnocchi can be stored on a baking sheet in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, covered loosely with plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or bag for up to one month. Cook frozen gnocchi directly from the freezer; add an extra minute or two to cooking time. Leftover cooked gnocchi can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated gently in a pan with sauce or butter.

How to Serve

A close-up of a black plate filled with golden-brown gnocchi pieces, each with a slightly crispy outside and soft texture. The gnocchi are sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and small green herb leaves scattered around. A spoon above drizzles a dark brown sauce over the gnocchi, adding a glossy shine and some seasoning specks on top. The plate sits on a white marbled texture, highlighting the warm colors and textures of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for gnocchi?

While you can use other potatoes, russets are ideal due to their high starch and low moisture content. Waxy potatoes may make the dough too dense or sticky.

How do I know when gnocchi is cooked?

Gnocchi cook quickly and are done once they float to the top of boiling water, usually about 2 minutes. At this point, scoop them out immediately to avoid overcooking.

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Homemade Gnocchi Recipe


  • Author: lilan
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 4 cups cooked gnocchi) 1x

Description

This Homemade Gnocchi recipe guides you through creating tender, pillowy gnocchi from scratch using roasted russet potatoes, eggs, and flour. The gnocchi are shaped with ridges for perfect sauce adherence and cooked by boiling until they float, resulting in a classic Italian comfort dish that’s perfect for pairing with your favorite sauce.


Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi Dough

  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 3 lb. total)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tsp kosher salt, plus more for boiling water

For Dusting

  • Semolina flour, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Roast Potatoes: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Poke the potatoes all over with a fork to allow steam to escape during roasting. Place the potatoes directly on the oven racks and roast until they are easily pierced with a knife, about 1 hour. Remove and let cool slightly.
  2. Prepare Potato Flesh: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, discarding the skins. Pass the potato flesh through a ricer or mash well with a fork into a large bowl.
  3. Make Dough: Add the eggs, all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt to the mashed potatoes. Mix with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Then turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth, about 3 minutes, being careful not to overwork it.
  4. Shape Gnocchi: Sprinkle semolina flour on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces and arrange them on the baking sheet. Gently toss the pieces in semolina to coat. If the dough feels too soft to handle, freeze for 10 minutes. Using the back of a fork, roll each gnocchi piece along the tines to create ridges, which help hold the sauce.
  5. Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook until the gnocchi float to the surface, about 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi to your preferred sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Notes

  • Roasting the potatoes whole and with skins on helps to dry them out, which is essential for light gnocchi.
  • Use a ricer for the smoothest potato texture; mashed potatoes can be used but may result in denser gnocchi.
  • Do not overwork the dough to avoid tough gnocchi.
  • If the dough feels sticky, chill briefly instead of adding excessive flour, which can make the gnocchi heavy.
  • Semolina flour in the shaping process prevents sticking without adding too much extra flour.
  • You can freeze the shaped gnocchi before cooking for up to 2 weeks; cook directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to cooking time.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: homemade gnocchi, gnocchi recipe, Italian pasta, potato gnocchi, soft gnocchi, classic Italian, potato dumplings

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