Homemade Potato Gnocchi

Featured in: Weekend Rustic Recipes

This dish features tender, pillowy potato gnocchi made from starchy potatoes, flour, and egg. The potatoes are boiled until soft, mashed until smooth, then combined gently with flour and egg to form a delicate dough. After shaping and cutting, the gnocchi cook quickly in boiling salted water until they float. Perfect served immediately with sauces like sage butter, tomato, or pesto, these gnocchi offer classic Italian comfort with simple techniques and ingredients.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:03:33 GMT
Fluffy, homemade potato gnocchi, ready to be cooked and served with your favorite rich sauce. Save
Fluffy, homemade potato gnocchi, ready to be cooked and served with your favorite rich sauce. | olivebriar.com

Tender, pillowy potato gnocchi made from scratch with just four simple ingredients—a classic Italian comfort food thats perfect with your favorite sauce.

I remember making this gnocchi with my family and enjoying the process of shaping each piece by hand.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 900 g (2 lbs) starchy potatoes (such as Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled
  • Dough Ingredients: 1 large egg lightly beaten, 150 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour plus more for dusting, 1 tsp fine sea salt

Instructions

Step 1:
Place the peeled potatoes in a large pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil then simmer until fork-tender about 20 25 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
Step 2:
While still warm pass the potatoes through a potato ricer or mash thoroughly until smooth and lump-free.
Step 3:
Spread the potato mash onto a clean work surface. Sprinkle with salt and half of the flour.
Step 4:
Make a well in the center. Add the beaten egg.
Step 5:
Gently mix the ingredients together gradually adding the remaining flour. Knead just until a soft smooth dough forms do not overwork.
Step 6:
Divide the dough into 4 portions. Roll each into a rope about 2 cm (¾ inch) thick.
Step 7:
Cut each rope into 2 cm (¾ inch) pieces. If desired roll each piece over the back of a fork to create grooves.
Step 8:
Dust with flour and set aside on a floured tray.
Step 9:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add gnocchi in batches they are done when they float to the surface (about 2 3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon.
Step 10:
Serve immediately with your favorite sauce such as sage butter tomato sauce or pesto.
Golden, perfectly formed Homemade Potato Gnocchi, dusted with flour, waiting to be boiled and enjoyed. Pin it
Golden, perfectly formed Homemade Potato Gnocchi, dusted with flour, waiting to be boiled and enjoyed. | olivebriar.com

Our family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these gnocchi, making every meal special.

Required Tools

Large pot, Potato ricer or masher, Mixing bowl, Knife, Slotted spoon

Allergen Information

Contains egg and gluten (wheat). Double-check flour labels for potential cross-contamination if gluten-intolerant.

Nutritional Information

Calories 230, Total Fat 2 g, Carbohydrates 46 g, Protein 6 g per serving.

Freshly made Homemade Potato Gnocchi, a soft, pillowy texture promising delicious Italian comfort food. Pin it
Freshly made Homemade Potato Gnocchi, a soft, pillowy texture promising delicious Italian comfort food. | olivebriar.com

Enjoy your homemade gnocchi fresh or frozen for a quick comforting meal anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What potatoes work best for gnocchi?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold provide the ideal texture for soft, fluffy gnocchi because they absorb less moisture and hold shape well.

How can I prevent the dough from becoming sticky?

Use just enough flour to bring the dough together and avoid overworking it. If sticky, add flour gradually by tablespoon increments.

How do I know when gnocchi are cooked?

Gnocchi are done when they float to the surface of gently boiling salted water, usually within 2–3 minutes.

Can gnocchi be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, shape gnocchi and freeze them on a tray; once frozen, transfer to a bag. They can be cooked from frozen without thawing.

What sauces pair well with potato gnocchi?

Classic pairings include sage brown butter, freshly made tomato sauce, or vibrant pesto, enhancing the gnocchi's delicate flavors.

Should the dough be kneaded extensively?

No, knead just enough to form a soft, smooth dough to maintain tender texture; excessive kneading leads to toughness.

Homemade Potato Gnocchi

Soft potato gnocchi made with basic ingredients, ideal for pairing with rich sauces.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes


Difficulty: Medium

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

Potatoes

01 2 pounds starchy potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled

Dough Ingredients

01 1 large egg, lightly beaten
02 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
03 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

Step 01

Boil Potatoes: Place peeled potatoes in a large pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.

Step 02

Mash Potatoes: While still warm, pass potatoes through a potato ricer or mash thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps.

Step 03

Prepare Dough Base: Spread mashed potatoes on a clean work surface. Sprinkle with salt and half of the flour.

Step 04

Add Egg: Make a well in the center of the potato mixture and add the beaten egg.

Step 05

Form Dough: Gently combine ingredients, gradually incorporating the remaining flour. Knead lightly until a soft, smooth dough forms, being careful not to overwork.

Step 06

Shape Gnocchi Ropes: Divide dough into four equal portions. Roll each into a rope approximately ¾ inch thick.

Step 07

Cut and Texture: Cut each rope into pieces about ¾ inch long. Optionally, roll each piece over the back of a fork to create grooves.

Step 08

Dust and Rest: Dust gnocchi with flour and arrange on a floured tray, setting aside until cooking.

Step 09

Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Cook gnocchi in batches; they are ready when they float to the surface, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.

Step 10

Serve: Serve immediately with your preferred sauce, such as sage butter, tomato sauce, or pesto.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Potato ricer or masher
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Slotted spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains egg and gluten (wheat).
  • Check flour packaging for possible cross-contamination if gluten intolerant.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 230
  • Total Fat: 2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 46 g
  • Protein: 6 g