Homemade Gnocchi Recipe
Introduction
Homemade gnocchi is a comforting Italian classic that’s surprisingly simple to make from scratch. Soft potato dumplings perfect for pairing with your favorite sauce, they bring warmth and heartiness to any meal.

Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 3 lb. total)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tsp kosher salt, plus more
- Semolina flour, for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Poke potatoes all over with a fork, then place them directly on the oven racks. Roast until easily pierced with a knife, about 1 hour. Let cool slightly.
- Step 2: When potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, discarding the skins. Run the potato flesh through a ricer or mash well with a fork. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Step 3: Add eggs, all-purpose flour, and salt to the potatoes. Mix with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
- Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Sprinkle a layer of semolina flour on a baking sheet. Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1/2″ in diameter. Cut the ropes into 1″ pieces and arrange on the baking sheet. Toss gently in semolina to coat. If the dough feels too soft, freeze for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Using the back of a fork, roll each piece along the tines to create ridges. Return to the baking sheet.
- Step 7: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi until they float to the top, about 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the gnocchi to your preferred sauce and toss to coat.
Tips & Variations
- Make sure potatoes are fully cooled before mixing to prevent a sticky dough.
- Russet potatoes work best for fluffy gnocchi due to their high starch content.
- For a lighter texture, avoid overworking the dough when kneading.
- Try serving with simple sauces like browned butter and sage or a classic marinara.
Storage
Store uncooked gnocchi in a single layer on a semolina-dusted baking sheet, covered loosely with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To freeze, arrange gnocchi on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed container for up to 1 month. Cook frozen gnocchi directly in boiling water until they float.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Russet potatoes are preferred for their dry, starchy texture, but Yukon Golds can be used for a slightly creamier gnocchi. Avoid waxy potatoes as they can make the dough gummy.
How do I prevent gnocchi from sticking together?
Dust each piece generously with semolina flour before cooking and stir gently in boiling water. Also, avoid overcrowding the pot during boiling to keep them from sticking.
PrintHomemade Gnocchi Recipe
This homemade gnocchi recipe guides you through creating soft, pillowy potato dumplings from scratch using roasted russet potatoes, eggs, and flour. The gnocchi are shaped, ridged, boiled until they float, and then ready to be served with your favorite sauce, making for a delightful Italian classic.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 48 gnocchi pieces) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potatoes and Dough
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 3 lb. total)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tsp kosher salt, plus more
For Dusting
- Semolina flour, for dusting
Instructions
- Roast Potatoes: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F. Poke each potato all over with a fork. Place potatoes directly on the oven racks and roast until easily pierced with a knife, about 1 hour. Allow them to cool slightly.
- Prepare Potato Flesh: When cool enough to handle, cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, discarding the skins. Use a ricer or mash the potato flesh thoroughly with a fork. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a large bowl.
- Mix Dough: Add eggs, all-purpose flour, and salt to the mashed potatoes. Mix with a wooden spoon until a dough forms; it should come together softly but not be sticky.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth, about 3 minutes. Be careful not to overwork it.
- Form and Cut Gnocchi: Sprinkle semolina flour on a baking sheet. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into a long rope approximately 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut these ropes into 1-inch pieces and arrange them on the baking sheet. Toss gently to coat with semolina. If the dough feels too soft to handle, freeze for 10 minutes.
- Shape Gnocchi: Using the back of a fork, roll each piece of dough along the fork’s tines to create ridges, which help sauce cling to the gnocchi. Return the shaped gnocchi to the baking sheet.
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop gnocchi into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked gnocchi to your preferred sauce. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.
Notes
- It’s important to use starchy russet potatoes for light, fluffy gnocchi.
- Roasting the potatoes with skins on helps keep them dry and enhances flavor.
- If dough is sticky, resist adding too much flour; chilling helps firm it up without toughening.
- Creating ridges on gnocchi helps sauces stick better for a tastier bite.
- Fresh gnocchi cook very quickly; watch for them to float before removing from water.
Keywords: homemade gnocchi, potato gnocchi, Italian pasta, soft gnocchi recipe, roasted potato gnocchi

