Easy Homemade Potato Gnocchi

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A guide for easy homemade potato gnocchi that will have you rolling little fluffy pillows like a pro! Homemade gnocchi is very simple and doesn't require many ingredients or equipment. This guide will give you all the tips and tricks for perfect gnocchi that I hope you will make time and time again.

Homemade gnocchi on a wooden chopping board with a knife. Above a tray lined with baking paper with more gnocchi.

Hello! One of my most requested recipes is for potato gnocchi. It's almost embarrassing I focus on Italian food and I haven't had one on my website until now. Homemade potato gnocchi is relatively simple to make and there are a few really important tricks that ensure success.

My favourite way to cook gnocchi is to boil and then pan fry. The golden crisp outside contrasts so well to the soft inside. After you have prepared the gnocchi check out my crispy gnocchi in brown butter. If you are looking for a fresh egg pasta then head over to my easy homemade pasta dough.

Homemade square gnocchi on a wooden chopping board.

Ingredients for homemade gnocchi

Potatoes - I am in New Zealand and use what we call Agria potatoes. You need a floury baking potato, nothing waxy. Use what you would normally use to roast. In the USA you could use Yukon Gold potatoes. Russet potatoes will also work.
Flour - I have used plain flour (all purpose flour) but you could use 00 also. I haven't tried it but you should be able to substitute the flour for a gluten free blend or rice flour.
Egg - I use one whole egg. Lots of recipes omit the egg entirely to make it vegan so I will test that at some stage, let me know if you try it!

Equipment

Scales - Like all my recipes you need scales to measure the ingredients. There isn't an alternative for pasta making.
Baking tray - The potatoes are baked in the oven.
Potato ricer - For making perfect homemade potato gnocchi you really do need a potato ricer. Mashing just won't give you light fluffy gnocchi, it will be heavy and dense. Seriously consider getting one if you don't have one.
Wooden chopping board - you need to roll the gnocchi out onto a wooden board.
Knife - Use a big sharp knife to cut the long ropes so you get nice clean edges.
Gnocchi board (optional!) I personally don't roll the pieces down a gnocchi board or back of a fork as I like to handle them as little as possible to keep them light and fluffy. By all means do what you like though!

Step-by-step instructions

This is a fairly stock standard Italian gnocchi recipe, most recipes don't vary too much. Full ingredient list and method is in recipe card below.

Bake and peel the potatoes while still warm.

Push the pieces of potato through a potato ricer.

Spread onto a clean work surface and drizzle the egg over the top.

Sift the plain flour over the top.

Bring together with your hands.

Very gently knead for 1-2 minutes with a light touch until it just comes together.

It won't ever be a perfect smooth ball of dough. Don't over knead. Divide the dough into six equal pieces.

Working with one section at a time (keeping the rest tightly wrapped) gently roll out.

Roll out the piece of dough into a rope of dough about 1 inch in width.

Cut into bite size pieces, generally an inch or just under. Repeat with remaining dough.

Cook straight away or they can be stored in the freezer to cook at a later date.

Expert Tips

Bake the potatoes - baking is the best way to cook potatoes for gnocchi. It removes moisture and ensures a light texture. I know it takes a long time but it's hands off, just throw them in the oven and walk away for an hour!
Use a potato ricer - I knowwww it's so annoying to buy equipment but a potato ricer is pretty key to getting a good texture. Mashing will make the gnocchi really heavy.
Use a light touch - in the whole process try and keep a light touch. Don't be vigorous when kneading like you would a regular pasta dough. Knead it very lightly until it just comes together. Potato gnocchi dough will never be smooth and perfect, it will be slightly rough looking.

My favourite way to cook potato gnocchi

PAN FRIED BABY! You cannot beat pan frying gnocchi in my opinion. It makes the outside perfectly crisp which is an amazing contrast to the fluffy inside. I have a couple of gnocchi recipes that you must try! Try my Crispy Gnocchi in Brown Butter and make sure you cover it in freshly grated parmesan cheese OK?! For a fall twist make my Pan Fried Gnocchi with Pumpkin and Brown Butter.

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A white plate with pan fried gnocchi in a foamy brown butter. Roasted pumpkin pieces and crispy sage on top.

You might think you can just throw the gnocchi in the butter and it will crisp but they actually need longer so pan fry them first before making a sauce.

How to pan fry homemade potato gnocchi

Boil the gnocchi in a large pot of water until they float then give them 30 seconds extra. Do them in a few batches.
Remove with a slotted spoon and pop onto a tray in a single layer so they don't stick.
In a large skillet (preferably non stick) heat a knob of butter and a drizzle of olive oil over medium - high heat.
Fry the gnocchi, turning often for 5 - 6 minutes until golden brown. Turn down to a medium heat if burning.
DELISH!

Golden crisp homemade potato gnocchi on a paper towel.

How to store:

You can leave them out on the bench on a tray dusted with coarse semolina and lightly covered with plastic wrap for an hour or two. If you won't be cooking them for a long time or the next day or week then freeze them.

They cook beautifully from frozen. I find they get really sticky if stored in the fridge, so even if I am cooking them in a few hours I freeze them to preserve their texure.

How to freeze homemade potato gnocchi

Put them on a baking sheet that is lined with baking paper and dusted with flour or coarse semolina.
Place in the freezer uncovered on the sheet until frozen. About 30 minutes.
Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container.
Cook straight from frozen in well salted boiling water.

Homemade potato gnocchi cut on a wooden board with a knife resting.

Recipe FAQs

Can I boil the potatoes instead of baking?

You definitely can but I promise you the result won't be as good. Baking removes moisture which is key for a light gnocchi.

Is this potato gnocchi recipe gluten free?

They can be if you use GF flour. You should be able to substitute the flour for a GF blend or rice flour you might just need to use a bit extra.

How do you cook gnocchi?

Gnocchi are so easy to cook as they tell you when they are ready! Cook in well salted boiling water and when they float to the top give them another 30 seconds then drain.

Can you freeze homemade potato gnocchi?

Yes! It's always my preferred method for storing any kind of pasta. Freeze open on a baking sheet or tray then transfer to a bag or container. Cook from frozen.

Can gnocchi be made without potato?

I have a recipe for gnocchi sardi which is made with semolina and water. It is a fantastic shape for beginners.

Which sauce is best for gnocchi?

After making this homemade gnocchi recipe you'll need a delicious sauce! Why not go for a classic tomato sauce? You could make my easy roast tomato pasta sauce, all the ingredients are roasted for maximum flavor. For something a bit more decadent you could try my creamy tomato pasta sauce. You could also do a simple basil pesto or they would be perfect in any meat sauce or ragu too.

Made this recipe and loved it?

I would love love LOVE if you could leave me a review down below and let me know what you thought! I love to hear any changes or adaptions you have made too. Also if you put a photo on instagram, please tag me so I can see, it makes my day!

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