Homemade Potato Gnocchi

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Cook: 10 min./batch

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Dec. 13, 2023
My Italian mother remembers her mother making these dumplings for special occasions. She still has the bowl Grandma mixed the dough in, which will be passed down to me some day. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1-3/4 to 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Spaghetti sauce, warmed
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano or parsley

Directions

  1. Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and mash.
  2. Place 2 cups mashed potatoes in a large bowl (save any remaining mashed potatoes for another use). Stir in egg and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually beat in flour until blended (dough will be firm and elastic).
  3. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead 15 times. Roll into 1/2-in.-wide ropes. Cut ropes into 1-in. pieces. Press down on each piece with a lightly floured fork.
  4. In a Dutch oven, bring 3 qt. water and remaining salt to a boil. Add gnocchi in small batches; cook for 8-10 minutes or until gnocchi float to top and are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon. Serve immediately with spaghetti sauce. Add toppings as desired.

Homemade Potato Gnocchi Tips

Is it better to boil or bake potatoes for gnocchi?

You can bake or boil, but boiling can sometimes add too much moisture to the dough. Get familiar with these gnocchi recipes to get a handle on your method.

Why are my gnocchi mushy?

If you boiled the potatoes, it could be excess moisture. Otherwise, the issue could be in the dough. Make sure you don't skip the kneading step—this can help develop the gluten enough to give it some "tooth."

What do you eat potato gnocchi with?

A fork! Seriously though, serve this hearty dish with a light salad that complements its richness, such as this simple toss, or go all-in for coziness with a quick homemade soup.

How do you store potato gnocchi?

It's best to store gnocchi uncooked. It will last about 5 days in the refrigerator or about one month in the freezer. To freeze, place uncooked gnocchi on a baking tray in the freezer. Transfer to zip-top bags once frozen.

Research contributed by Elizabeth Harris

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 159 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.