Sweet Potato Gnocchi is a flavorful and comforting twist on the traditional Italian gnocchi. Soft, pillowy, and slightly sweet, these gnocchi are made with mashed sweet potatoes, which bring a subtle earthy flavor to the dish, perfectly balancing the richness of the potato dough. Unlike traditional gnocchi, which often rely on white potatoes, sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness and vibrant color, making this version of the beloved pasta even more delightful.
The beauty of Sweet Potato Gnocchi lies in its simplicity. The dough is made with just a few ingredients — mashed sweet potatoes, flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. The sweet potatoes make the gnocchi soft and tender, while the flour gives it the right amount of structure. The key to perfect gnocchi is in the delicate handling of the dough, ensuring it’s not overworked, which helps maintain the light, pillowy texture.
What sets Sweet Potato Gnocchi apart is the balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with savory sauces. Whether served with a rich brown butter sage sauce, a creamy garlic sauce, or a simple marinara, the sweet potato gnocchi creates a perfect balance between the sweetness of the potatoes and the savory flavors of the sauce. The gnocchi absorb the sauce beautifully, making each bite a comforting, flavorful experience.
These gnocchi are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a main course, paired with roasted vegetables or a protein of your choice, or as a side dish to complement a larger meal. For those who enjoy a little extra crunch, consider roasting the gnocchi after boiling them to give them a crispy, golden exterior.
This homemade gnocchi recipe is not only a delicious alternative to traditional gnocchi but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners, holiday meals, or any time you want to indulge in a comforting, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes medium, about 1 pound
- 1 cup all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1 egg large
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and bake until tender, about 45 minutes.
- Allow sweet potatoes to cool, then peel and mash them in a bowl.
- Add flour, egg, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes and mix until a dough forms.
- Dust a surface with flour and roll the dough into long ropes, then cut into gnocchi pieces.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the gnocchi in batches until they float, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove gnocchi with a slotted spoon and serve with your favorite sauce.
Nutrition
I tried making this but the dough was too sticky. I added too much flour I think. Not sure what went wrong.
It sounds like you might have added too much flour, which can happen! Try going easier on the flour next time, and make sure your sweet potatoes are really well mashed. They should be moist to help with the dough consistency. Good luck!
I forgot the egg and it still turned out decent! Just a bit crumbly, but I added some cheese and it worked out.
Mine fell apart in the water. What did I do wrong?
This gnocchi recipe is a game changer! So easy and sooo delicious. Highly recommend it!
So easy! I made it with kids and they loved it. Will definitely make again!
I love the flavor! But where do I find that ‘slotted spoon’?
Gnocchi? Is that fancy pasta? 🤔
Gnocchi is actually a type of dumpling made from potatoes, flour, and egg! It’s quite different from pasta. It’s delicious!
Can you use purple sweet potatoes instead? Would that work?
Ok but why do we preheat the oven first? Like, can’t you just microwave the sweet potatoes? (Not that I’ll change it, just wondering.)
You *can* microwave them, but you gotta watch the moisture. I’ve done it and sometimes the dough ends up sticky so I end up adding more flour. Oven is just more consistent, that’s why they say preheat.
Preheating’s basically so the sweet potatoes bake evenly right away—if you don’t, they can cook slower on the outside and not get that tender, mashable texture. Microwaving will work in a pinch, but it can make them a bit drier/wetter unevenly, and then the dough gets fussy.
Could you use other types of potatoes? I’ve got some russets lying around.
Why do you have to bake the sweet potatoes? Just boil ’em for quicker results!
Baking gives them a better flavor and sweetness! Boiling can make them watery. Trust the process!
Who has time for all that baking? Boil them and get it done faster! 😂
This gnocchi recipe is super easy! I love sweet potatoes, and it had a lovely flavor. Will definitely make again!
I think 1 pound sweet potatoes is too little for 1 cup flour—mine looked dry at first and then suddenly sticky. Confusing recipe but edible.
Yeah, I’ve had that happen too—sweet potato size can really swing the moisture. I usually add flour gradually until it’s soft but not sticky.
Gnocchi is supposed to be soft! This was more like rocks! What went wrong???
Absolutely loved this gnocchi! So fluffy and delicious. Gonna make it again for sure! 😊
So glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites too! 😋
Why do people rave about this? Just tastes like dough to me.
Really? Gnocchi from sweet potatoes? Sounds weird.
Tried it but it was too sticky. I dunno if I measured wrong or what. Not making it again.
I love sweet potatoes but gnocchi? Nahhh, not for me. Tried it, won’t again.
Yum! 😍 Easy to make and delicious! Perfect with marinara sauce!
These were way better than I expected—sweet, pillowy, and not gummy. I used a little extra flour and it held up great.
Yes!! I’m so glad they weren’t gummy—sweet potato gnocchi can be tricky. Extra flour usually helps if the dough feels a bit sticky. What sauce did you use?
Sweet potatoes? Isn’t that too sweet for gnocchi? I prefer the regular kind. Doubt this recipe will convince me otherwise.
I thought the same too, but they taste amazing! You might be surprised if you give it a try.
These are the best gnocchi I’ve ever made! So soft and delicious.
Absolutely! I made them too and my family loved it! Can’t believe how fluffy they turned out.
I don’t know… sweet potato gnocchi? Isn’t regular potato better? Just sounds weird to me.
This sounds good but I’m not a fan of sweet potatoes. Any suggestions?
Quick and easy! I love sweet potatoes, so this was a win-win for me.
Do I really need to bake sweet potatoes? Can’t I just boil them?
Boiling will change the texture! Baking makes them sweeter!
Pretty solid base recipe. I used a little less flour at first (because sweet potato varies), and ended up with dumplings that were lighter than expected. Next time I’ll weigh my potatoes—mine were slightly larger.
This gnocchi recipe is great! Took me back to Italy! 😊
I agree! This recipe really captures the heart of Italian cuisine. Can’t wait to try it myself! 🍽️
Really? I found it a bit bland. Maybe I did something wrong? 🤔
Sweet potato gnocchi? Sounds fancy but actually pretty simple! It was fun making them with the kids.
Sweet potato gnocchi?? Sounds weird. But I tried it and my fam loved it! Who woulda thought? Lol!
This recipe was a disaster! My gnocchi dissolved in the pot. 😢
I’m so sorry to hear that! Gnocchi can be tricky. Maybe the dough was too wet? 🤔
I made this for dinner last night, and my family devoured it! Yummy 😋
Delish! I grew up eating this in Italy, tastes just like mama used to make! ❤️
Wasn’t super impressed. The dough was sticky, and I ended up adding too much flour.
I tried this recipe and it turned out great! My kids loved it! Gonna make it again next week. 😊
I’m not a fan of sweet potatoes, but these were ok. I had to add extra flour, they kept sticking. Meh.
I don’t understand why people rave about sweet potatoes. They taste weird. Maybe this is good tho?
Why would u ruin pasta with sweet potato? Gnocchi is supposed to be made with regular potatoes! Sad.
These were amazing! I never knew making gnocchi could be so easy. The sweet potatoes gave it a unique flavor. Will definitely make again!
This was so easy and tasted amazing! I never thought I could make gnocchi at home. Definitely making it again!
Wow, I tried this and it was a mess! My gnocchi turned out flat and gummy. What did I do wrong? 😩
Glad you liked it! Gnocchi can be tricky, but sweet potatoes are a game changer! 🥰
Really easy to follow but mine turned out a bit gooey. Maybe I used too much flour?
Yeah, I think too much flour can make it gooey. Maybe try less next time! It worked for me.
I don’t know, mine turned out kinda sticky. Maybe I added too much flour?
Yummy! Just sprinkled some cinnamon on top for something extra! 😋
Gnocchi in 8 minutes? This is a myth. It took me forever and I got flour everywhere. 😂
Gnocchi? More like no-chi. I don’t get the hype.
I don’t know, it turned out kinda mushy for me. What did I do wrong? Followed the recipe exactly. Pretty disappointed.
Maybe you added too much flour or overcooked the gnocchi? It happens, don’t be too hard on yourself!
Gnocchi?? Why not just buy them at the store?? Anyway, my mom would never make this, too much time.
Wasn’t sure about the egg but it turned out fine! Thanks!
Yummy in my tummy! 😋
I don’t know what gnocchi is. Is it a pasta? I like potatoes tho.
Gnocchi is actually a type of pasta made with potatoes! It’s super tasty, you should definitely try making it!
I wasn’t sure about sweet potatoes in gnocchi but this recipe changed my mind.
Really? Sweet potatoes? I always thought gnocchi had to be just potato. Might not try it.
I totally get you! Sweet potatoes in gnocchi is a game changer! I never thought they’d be so good!
Had a hard time with the dough, it turned out too sticky. What did I do wrong?
It sounds like you might not have added enough flour! Try adding more a little at a time next time.
Yikes, this took way longer than 45 minutes for me. Definitely need practice.
Omg, you’re telling me! It took me like an hour just to mash the sweet potatoes! 😅
I get that! I’m still trying to perfect mine too. Practice makes it better!
These gnocchi were amazing! So fluffy and delicious. Will definitely make again!
Make sure you flour your surface enough! Mine were sticky! 😅
I had the same problem! It’s super sticky but once you flour it enough it gets better. 😊
Did you let the sweet potatoes cool down properly? That helps! Or maybe try a little more flour next time.
Super yummy! Perfect with tomato sauce. 🍅
Absolutely! I love gnocchi with a rich tomato sauce too. It adds so much flavor! 😍
These gnocchi were amazing! I used them with a marinara sauce and everyone loved it. I’ll definitely make this again!
I tried it, but mine turned out too sticky. What did I do wrong? 🤔
Glad you liked it! Sweet potato gnocchi is so versatile. I also made it with pesto and it was delicious!
Uh, kinda confusing. I thought gnocchi was supposed to be like pasta? This was more like a dough. Not sure if I did it right…
Gnocchi can be tricky! It’s supposed to be fluffy and a bit doughy. Maybe use less flour next time? Don’t worry, it’s a learning process!
Idk, I always thought gnocchi is like tiny pasta too. But dough is fine, it’s still good! Just needs right sauce, I guess.
Yum! Just made this with a sage brown butter sauce. It was a hit with the family! Best gnocchi ever!
I tried it but my gnocchi fell apart when I pulled them out. I think I didn’t salt the water enough and I rushed the batches. The flavor was good, just a messy result.
That sounds like a classic gnocchi texture issue—salt level usually isn’t the main culprit though. More often it’s too much flour (dry dough) or not enough flour (too sticky), plus overcrowding the pot so they break apart. Next time, dust the surface lightly, don’t pack on extra flour, and cook in smaller batches so they can float and set properly. Also make sure you boil hard (real simmer) before adding them.
Aw man, that’s rough. I’ve had this happen when I rushed too. I also accidentally used the wrong kind of flour once (like self-rising) and it turned into mush. Try cooling the mashed sweet potato completely before mixing, and if the dough feels sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time. And don’t stir them much when they’re cooking.
Sweet potatoes are so good for u! Made this and added some spices, turned out amazing!
This is actually pretty simple to make! I love sweet potatoes so this was perfect.
I agree! Sweet potatoes are the best. This recipe is so fun to make!
I love gnocchi but this seems like a lot of work for something you can just buy. That said, the sauce tasted amazing with these.
Too hard 😩
Yum! Just what I needed for dinner. My new favorite dish!!
I followed the recipe but added garlic and herbs. So good!
Good flavor, but mine came out a bit dense. I think I packed the flour too much. Still tasty though, served with pesto.
I don’t even like sweet potatoes, but this was pretty good. My kids loved it! Who knew? 😊
Good but not as flavorful as I expected. Maybe add garlic next time?
Not sure about baking the potatoes instead of boiling. I’ve always boiled mine and the texture was different. Also, 1 pound sweet potato is vague—depends how wet it is, so the flour ratio is tricky.
I’ve never made gnocchi before, but I tried this with my friend. It was a fun mess! 👍
Yummy! Really enjoyed this. It’s kinda sweet thanks to the potatoes, but in a good way. 🌟
Are you sure you can bake sweet potatoes for 45 mins? I just boil em, way faster! But I’ll try this recipe maybe.
Mine turned purple-grey somehow? I think I mashed too rough? They still ate fine, just not pretty. Flavor is sweet and cozy though.
Simple and quick! But the taste was kinda bland… Maybe add some spices?
I followed the steps exactly but my gnocchi turned out super sticky. What did I do wrong?
Maybe you added too much sweet potato? It can get sticky if there’s too much moisture. Try using less next time.
I don’t know, gnocchi is supposed to be soft but not sticky. You sure you followed all steps right?
Okay but where’s the sauce? I can’t have gnocchi just like that, it needs some sauce to go with it.
I think 1 pound sweet potatoes to 1 cup flour is way off depending on the potato. Mine turned into sticky paste until I added more flour. Recipe needs flexibility notes.
I followed it exactly and the gnocchi came out tasty, but they were a bit soft and stuck together when I moved them. Next time I’ll be more careful with dusting.
So glad they tasted good! Soft/ clumpy gnocchi usually means a bit too much moisture—did you mash while still warm or not drain the mash? More flour (a tablespoon at a time) and letting them rest briefly before shaping can help. Also don’t overcook once they float.
Happens to me too 😅 I always forget to flour the board enough and they stick like crazy. Your plan for dusting next time sounds right. Maybe even freeze them for a few minutes before boiling so they hold shape.
I tried rolling the ropes and the dough kept sticking to everything. Maybe my sweet potatoes were too wet? Added flour little by little.
What if I just mash the sweet potatoes in the microwave? Is that okay?
Absolutely delicious. My kid asked for seconds and that never happens. I used less salt because my sauce is salty and it was perfect.
Wait… I thought you *have* to salt the water for gnocchi? If your sauce was salty, did you skip any in the dough too? Still tastes good, though?
So glad it hit with your kid! 🎉 Love that you adjusted the salt—sweet potatoes can vary a lot.
I think the egg is not needed. I left it out and it was fine!
5 stars! This is way better than store-bought gnocchi. Yum!
I totally agree! This recipe is a game-changer! Store-bought just can’t compare.
I don’t know if I did something wrong, but my dough was too sticky. Had to add way more flour than the recipe said.
Not gonna lie, 45 minutes baking + 2-3 minutes boiling felt like a lot of time for “just dumplings.” But they were actually worth it—especially with garlic butter.
Totally get that—“45 min + boil” sounds like a trap for “just dumplings,” but sweet potato gnocchi actually needs that bake to get the right texture. Garlic butter is the move.
Tried this as a first-time cook and it came out pretty decent!
That’s awesome! Sweet potato gnocchi is so good. Great job for your first try!
I ain’t got time for this. Just buy it from the store!
Tried this tonight and the texture was so pillowy! I was worried about the flour amount but it came together nicely. Served with brown butter sage—10/10.
I ain’t never heard of gnocchi before, but this was real nice! I could eat it every day! 👌
Glad you liked it! Gnocchi is a game changer, right? 🌟
Easy to follow instructions! I was worried, but my kids helped and we had fun making these gnocchi. Thank you!
Easy to make, but WHY do we have to bake them first? Can’t we just boil? I’m lazy.
Lazy or not, baking does make the potatoes sweeter! Just think of it as a little wait for yummier gnocchi!
I get it! But baking really helps to enhance the flavor. Boiling them could make them mushy, you know?
Loved how tender these turned out! I baked the potatoes, mashed while still warm, and the dough came together fast. Mine floated maybe closer to 3 minutes. Sauce recommendation: brown butter + sage—tastes fancy.
Mine did not float after 3 min… I think I cooked them to long and they got all mushy. Still tasted good but the texture was off. What size gnocchi do you cut? Like, small or bigger?
Yesss—floating at ~3 minutes is exactly what I’ve seen too. Brown butter + sage sounds amazing. I’m definitely trying that next!
Not gonna lie, 45 minutes at 400°F is a long bake. My potatoes were still firm, so I added 10 more. After that, perfect.
Too much work for something so simple. Just boiling them is faster!
One word: Delicious.
Delicious!
From scratch? Nah, I’m just gonna buy the frozen ones! 😅
This gnocchi was AMAZING! I never knew sweet potatoes could taste this good in pasta form. 5 stars for sure!
I totally agree! Sweet potato gnocchi is my favorite. The flavor is just outta this world! 🌍
This is a great recipe! But can you use different flours? I only have whole wheat. Got anyone tried that?
Pretty good base recipe. I needed a little more flour than “1 cup” to get workable dough (my sweet potatoes were wetter). Still tasted great with marinara.
Loved this recipe! The gnocchi turned out so fluffy and flavorful. Will definitely make again! 😊
Tried it but the dough was too sticky, what’s up with that?
Yummy!
I followed the steps and it worked… until I overcooked them. They turned mushy the second batch. Next time I’ll pull them as soon as they float.
Not really what I expected. It was kinda mushy, and I think I added too much flour. Can anyone help me fix this?
This was super easy! My kids loved it! 😍
Didn’t like it! Too sweet for my taste, I was expecting savory. Maybe it needs something spicy 🙁
Sweet potatoes? Really? I always used the regular ones. Not sure how this will go, but I’ll try it.
This is missing the part about pan-frying after boiling! I know it says “favorite sauce,” but my gnocchi needed to be crisped a little or they felt mushy.
Mine got a bit gummy and I think I overmixed and added too much flour. Still edible though, and my kids ate it without complaining 😅 If you’re making this, go by dough texture, not just the amount of flour.