Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Sage Walnut Butter and Crispy Pancetta Crumble - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Sage Walnut Butter and Crispy Pancetta Crumble

Looking to impress at dinner tonight? This Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Sage Walnut Butter and Crispy Pancetta Crumble is pure magic! Fluffy gnocchi, nutty butter, and crunchy pancetta—every bite is a flavor-packed hug. Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this dish to life together!

4.8 out of 5 (4 ratings)

There’s something so satisfying about making gnocchi from scratch, especially when it’s sweet potato gnocchi. It’s like making little edible pillows of happiness! And this dish? Oh, it’s the kind of thing dreams are made of. Sweet potatoes bring their natural sweetness, the sage walnut butter offers a nutty, aromatic richness, and crispy pancetta adds that salty crunch we all secretly crave (or openly crave—no judgment here). If you’re looking for a meal that’s both indulgent and impressive, this recipe is your golden ticket to culinary stardom. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Sage Walnut Butter And Crispy Pancetta Crumble Recipe

What sets this dish apart is its perfect medley of flavors and textures. The star of the show is, of course, the sweet potato gnocchi—soft, tender, with just the right hint of earthiness. But the supporting cast is just as fabulous! The sage walnut butter is a game-changer that layers savory nuttiness with a fragrant herbaceous punch. And then there’s the crispy pancetta crumble, which I lovingly call “flavor glitter” because it sprinkles joy over the entire dish. The combination is simple yet deeply refined, reminding me of the balance found in Italian cuisine: minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.

Before you get started, here’s a pro tip: don’t overwork the gnocchi dough! Sweet potatoes can be a bit sticky, so use just enough flour to bring everything together without making the dough tough. Also, when browning the butter with sage and walnuts, keep an eye on it—those toasty, nutty aromas can turn to “uh-oh” territory if you get distracted (trust me, it’s a slippery butter slope). Finally, when frying the pancetta, save a bit of the rendered fat to drizzle over the gnocchi for an extra punch of flavor. That, my friends, is the ultimate chef’s kiss.

Now it’s time to channel your inner Italian nonna and whip this up (apron optional but encouraged). Serve the gnocchi right out of the pan, ensuring every bite is warm and coated in that glorious butter sauce. If pancetta isn’t your thing, you could substitute crispy prosciutto or even toasted breadcrumbs for a vegetarian twist. Pair this masterpiece with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon. Trust me, one forkful of this sweet potato gnocchi and you’ll be hooked. Cooking magic like this is meant to be shared, so invite some friends over and let the compliments roll in!

Keywords: sweet potato gnocchi recipe, homemade gnocchi with butter sauce, sage butter gnocchi recipe, pancetta crumble pasta dish, sweet potato gnocchi dinner ideas, Italian-inspired gnocchi recipes, easy gnocchi with sage butter

Prep Time

45 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), baked and mashed
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 fresh sage leaves
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
  • 4 ounces pancetta, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bake the sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes or until soft. Allow them to cool, then peel and mash until smooth.

  2. 2

    In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, flour, salt, nutmeg, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms, adding more flour if the dough is too sticky.

  3. 3

    Dust a clean surface with flour. Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each piece into a long rope, about 3/4-inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces and roll each piece gently with a fork to create ridges.

  4. 4

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi pieces into the water in batches. Cook until they float to the surface, approximately 2-3 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

  5. 5

    In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove the pancetta and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

  6. 6

    In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to brown slightly. Add the sage leaves and walnuts, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  7. 7

    Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sage walnut butter. Toss gently to coat and heat through.

  8. 8

    Serve the gnocchi topped with the crispy pancetta, grated Parmesan cheese, and additional salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Information

Calories

425 calories

Protein

12g

Carbs

45g

Fat

22g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of potato instead of sweet potatoes?

A: Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, such as russet or Yukon Gold, for a traditional gnocchi texture. However, the flavor will differ as sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a vibrant color. If substituting, adjust the flour amount since different potatoes have varying moisture levels.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for pancetta?

A: You can substitute pancetta with bacon or prosciutto for a similar salty, crispy element. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the pancetta and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or crispy fried shallots as a garnish for flavor and crunch.

Q: Can I make the gnocchi dough ahead of time?

A: It's best to prepare and cook the gnocchi fresh, as the dough may become too sticky when stored. However, you can shape the gnocchi pieces, place them on a floured tray, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and cook directly from frozen when ready to use.

Q: How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming too sticky?

A: Sticky gnocchi dough is usually caused by overly wet sweet potato or insufficient flour. Ensure the sweet potatoes are fully baked and slightly dry before mashing, and add flour gradually as needed during mixing until the dough is soft but not sticky. Avoid overhandling the dough, which can make it tough.

Q: Can I use gluten-free flour to make this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Be aware that gluten-free dough might require a bit more care during handling, as the texture can differ from traditional dough. Slowly incorporate the flour and test small batches to ensure the gnocchi holds its shape when cooked.

Q: What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

A: Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, sauté the gnocchi in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter or olive oil until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this can make the gnocchi gummy.

Q: Are there any variations or additional ingredients I can try?

A: For a twist, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey to the sage walnut butter for extra warmth and sweetness. Roasted garlic or a sprinkle of chili flakes can also add another layer of flavor. For serving, consider topping with a dollop of ricotta or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

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