Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi

🥄 Introduction to Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi

When autumn rolls in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, homemade pasta dish — especially one that brings out the best flavors of the season. Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi is exactly that: a cozy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for fall gatherings or a quiet night in. This dish combines soft, pillowy sweet potato gnocchi with a rich and nutty brown butter sauce, subtly sweetened with maple syrup and infused with the warm aroma of fresh sage and cinnamon.

Unlike traditional gnocchi made with white potatoes, this version adds an earthy sweetness and beautiful orange hue, making it a visual and culinary standout on the table. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity — minimal ingredients, no fancy tools, and a result that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.

Whether you’re preparing for a cozy weekend dinner or looking for an impressive dish to serve during the holidays, sweet potato maple brown butter gnocchi is a versatile and elegant choice. In the sections below, you’ll learn how to make it from scratch, discover expert tips for perfect texture, and get pairing ideas that turn this dish into a full fall-inspired feast.

If you’re a fan of fall baking and cozy flavors, you’ll love rounding out this meal with a treat like brown butter apple blondies — they share the same nutty caramel flavor notes found in this gnocchi’s brown butter sauce.

🌍 Origins & Popularity of Gnocchi Dishes

Gnocchi — the beloved Italian dumplings — have been a staple of comfort food for centuries. Traditionally made with russet potatoes, flour, and egg, gnocchi originated in Northern Italy, where the cooler climate favored hearty, starchy vegetables. Over time, regional variations emerged, from ricotta-based gnocchi in Southern Italy to semolina styles like gnocchi alla romana.

In recent years, sweet potato gnocchi has gained popularity in North America and beyond, thanks to its seasonal appeal and naturally sweet, earthy flavor. It’s particularly favored in fall menus, where it pairs beautifully with sage, cinnamon, maple syrup, and other cozy ingredients.

Part of the appeal is its versatility — it can be dressed up for elegant dinner parties or served rustic-style in a skillet for weeknight dinners. And when paired with brown butter sauce, it brings a gourmet touch that rivals many restaurant dishes. This modern twist on a classic is now a favorite among home cooks and food bloggers alike.

🍁 Why Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi Are a Perfect Trio

The magic of Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi lies in its flavor harmony. Each ingredient brings a unique depth, and together, they create a comforting, well-balanced dish that feels like fall in every bite.

• Sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet, earthy base. Their creamy texture and vibrant orange color make them a perfect alternative to traditional potatoes in gnocchi.
  
• Maple syrup, especially darker grades, offers rich caramel-like notes that enhance the sweetness of the potatoes without overpowering them.
  
• Brown butter adds a nutty, toasted complexity that ties everything together. When browned just right, butter transforms into a deep, aromatic sauce base with layers of flavor.
  

To elevate it even further, fresh sage adds an herbal sharpness, while a touch of cinnamon brings subtle warmth. This trio — sweet, savory, and aromatic — makes the dish both cozy and refined, ideal for holiday dinners or seasonal indulgence.

🧄 Ingredients for Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi

Creating the perfect Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each element plays a key role in texture, flavor, and balance.

🥔 For the Gnocchi:

• Sweet Potatoes
  Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Beauregard or Garnet for their rich color and natural sweetness. Bake them instead of boiling to reduce moisture and concentrate flavor.
  
• All-Purpose Flour
  Choose unbleached all-purpose flour. Add it gradually — too much will make your gnocchi dense. The goal is a soft, slightly tacky dough.
  
• Egg
  Acts as a binder. One large beaten egg is typically enough to hold the dough together without making it sticky.
  
• Kosher Salt
  Enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and balances the richness of the sauce.
  

🍁 For the Maple Brown Butter Sauce:

• Unsalted Butter
  Go for high-quality unsalted butter. Browning butter intensifies its nutty, toasty notes — a cornerstone of this sauce.
  
• Maple Syrup
  Always use real maple syrup — not pancake syrup. Darker grades offer deeper flavor. Learn about the different grades of maple syrup for best results.
  
• Fresh Sage
  Dried sage can taste bitter; use fresh sage leaves for a clean, peppery aroma that complements the sweetness.
  
• Cinnamon
  A pinch of ground cinnamon in the sauce adds warmth and depth — subtle, but essential for a fall-inspired twist.
  

Parmigiano Reggiano (optional)
For grating on top. Its salty, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with sweet and savory notes.

🧰 Essential Tools & Prep Tips Before Cooking

Making sweet potato gnocchi from scratch is easier when you have the right tools — and a little preparation goes a long way.

🛠️ Tools You’ll Need:

• Potato ricer (for smooth, lump-free texture)
  
• Mixing bowl and bench scraper (for easy dough handling)
  
• Sharp knife or pastry cutter (to cut gnocchi pieces evenly)
  
• Gnocchi board or fork (optional, for those signature ridges)
  
• Large pot for boiling water
  
• Slotted spoon or pasta spider (to remove gnocchi gently)
  
• Nonstick or stainless skillet (for browning butter)
  

💡 Prep Tips:

• Cool and dry the mashed sweet potatoes before mixing to prevent soggy dough.
  
• Dust your work surface with just enough flour — too much makes gnocchi tough.
  

Have all ingredients and tools prepped before you start to keep the process smooth.

🔪 Step-by-Step For Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi

Making Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi at home is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for foolproof results:

🔥 1. Roast & Prep the Sweet Potatoes

• Bake 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1½ lbs) at 400°F for 45 minutes until fork-tender.
  
• Let them cool slightly, peel, and use a potato ricer or fork to mash.
  
• Spread the mash on a tray and let it cool for at least 30 minutes to release moisture.
  

🥣 2. Mix the Dough

• Combine riced potatoes with 1 beaten egg, 1¾ cups flour, and 1 tsp kosher salt.
  
• Gently mix and knead for 30 seconds — just until it forms a cohesive dough. Don’t overwork it.
  

🔪 3. Shape & Cut the Gnocchi

• Roll dough into ropes about ½ inch thick.
  
• Cut into 1-inch pieces. Optionally, roll each piece on a gnocchi board or fork for texture.
  

🍳 4. Cook the Gnocchi

• Boil salted water. Add gnocchi in batches.
  
• When they float, cook for 10 more seconds, then transfer to the brown butter sauce to finish.

🧈 How to Make Maple Brown Butter Sauce

In a large skillet:

1. Melt a stick of butter and let it cook until lightly browned and fragrant.
   
2. Add chopped sage leaves and cook for 30 seconds.
   
3. Drizzle in maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon.
   
4. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the sauce until coated.
   

Print

🧠 Expert Tips

• Use a potato ricer for a light, lump-free mash.
  
• Dry the sweet potatoes well after baking to avoid a soggy dough.
  
• Don’t over-knead — less is more when it comes to gnocchi dough.
  
• Freeze extra gnocchi on a tray before transferring to bags for long-term storage.
  

🥗 What to Serve With Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi

For a balanced plate:

• Pair with a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
  
• Add protein with grilled chicken or sage sausage
  
• For more potato-forward inspiration, try this cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage combo — indulgent and full of fall flavors!
  

🍴 Variations to Try for Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi

• Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash.
  
• Add crispy bacon or pancetta.
  
• Use toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  
• Make it vegetarian with plant-based butter and omit the egg.
  

🧾 Nutrition Snapshot for Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi (per serving)

• Calories: ~450
  
• Carbs: ~65g
  
• Protein: ~8g
  
• Fat: ~18g
  
• Vegetarian-friendly
  
• Can be made gluten-free
  

❄️ Storage Tips for Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi

One of the best things about sweet potato gnocchi is how well it freezes — making it a great make-ahead option.

🧊 To Freeze:

• Place uncooked gnocchi in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  
• Freeze for 2 hours, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag.
  
• Label with the date. Gnocchi keeps well for up to 3 months.
  

🍲 To Cook from Frozen:

Toss immediately into your maple brown butter sauce for best results.

No need to thaw! Drop frozen gnocchi straight into boiling salted water.

They’ll take 30–60 seconds longer to cook. Discover the Guide to real maple syrup (grades & how it’s made)

FAQs About Sweet Potato Maple Brown Butter Gnocchi❓

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make the gnocchi in advance and freeze them. The sauce can be reheated in minutes.

Q: What’s the best type of maple syrup to use?
Opt for Grade A dark amber maple syrup for the richest flavor.Q: Is there a way to make it spicy?
Yes! A dash of crushed red pepper in the brown butter or a drizzle of jalapeño honey mustard like this jalapeño honey mustard sauce gives it a sweet-heat twist.