5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe

If you love cozy, comforting meals that come together quickly, you’re going to want to save this one. I’m super excited to share my 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe with you — it’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is actually really simple to make. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how soft and pillowy the gnocchi turned out, with this beautiful subtle sweetness from the sweet potatoes and pumpkin. If you’re ready to impress with just a handful of ingredients, stay with me!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients each play an important role in creating the perfect gnocchi dough. I love how sweet potatoes and pumpkin puree bring natural sweetness and moisture, while the gluten-free flour helps hold everything together wonderfully.

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes for mash that’s creamy and smooth.
• Pumpkin Puree: Use plain canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the right flavor and texture.
• Egg: This acts as a binder, helping hold the gnocchi together without making it dense.
• 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour: Bob’s Red Mill is my go-to for reliable gluten-free baking results.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
• Butter (for cooking): Adds a rich, nutty finish; you can swap for oil or dairy-free butter if needed.
• Cinnamon (optional): Gives a subtle warm note that complements the sweet potato and pumpkin perfectly.

Variations

I like to tweak this gnocchi recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s super flexible, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it a favorite in my kitchen. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

• Use Butternut Squash Puree: I’ve swapped pumpkin for homemade butternut squash puree before, and it gave a lovely earthy sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Version: Instead of butter, I use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute, which still yields a rich, satisfying finish.
• Herb-Infused Butter: Adding fresh sage or thyme to the butter while cooking the gnocchi kicked the flavor up a notch — highly recommend trying this for special dinners.
• Spice it Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to the dough or seasoning to vary the profile.

How to Make 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes Until Tender

I love using the microwave for this step to save time — just stab those sweet potatoes a few times with a fork, wrap them in a paper towel, and microwave for 5-6 minutes until they’re soft. Don’t rush; let them cool for about 5 minutes to avoid burning your hands. Once cool, scoop out the flesh and mash it smooth. This step is key to getting gnocchi that’s light and fluffy instead of gummy.

Step 2: Mix Pumpkin, Egg, Flour, and Salt into the Mash

Next up, stir in your pumpkin puree and egg to the mashed sweet potatoes. Once everything is evenly combined, gradually add your gluten-free flour and salt. I find mixing with my hands (throw on gloves if you want!) gets the dough to the perfect consistency quicker. Remember, dough should be slightly sticky but manageable – add flour or a tablespoon of water as needed. Don’t overwork it or the gnocchi can get heavy.

Step 3: Shape Your Gnocchi

Divide your dough ball into four equal parts. Roll each part like a long snake on a floured surface, then slice each “rope” into roughly 25 small pieces. If you want to jazz things up, roll each piece along the back of a fork to create those classic grooves — they help hold onto the sauce beautifully. This step always feels a bit therapeutic to me!

Step 4: Boil and Sauté the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add half your gnocchi at a time. They cook fast — as soon as they float to the surface (about a minute), scoop them out with a slotted spoon. In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the gnocchi for 1-2 minutes on each side until they get a lovely light brown crust. Finish with a pinch of salt and cinnamon for a warm, comforting flavor. Repeat with the rest of your gnocchi and butter. Serve immediately — I promise you, the browned bits are where the magic lives!

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple here — a little sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast adds a salty tang. Fresh herbs like sage or parsley brighten things up beautifully, especially when paired with the butter sauce. Sometimes I even toss a few toasted pine nuts on top for a bit of crunch, and my family absolutely goes crazy for that.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides to round out this meal are a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette for brightness or some roasted Brussels sprouts. If you want something heartier, garlic sautéed kale or a simple tomato and basil salad work wonders. These sides balance the richness of the gnocchi perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating gnocchi in individual shallow bowls, drizzled with herb butter, and scattered with edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color. You could also layer gnocchi with a sprinkle of cheese and bake briefly to create a cozy gratin. Presentation is fun and makes the dish feel extra special — perfect if guests are coming over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cooked gnocchi goes into an airtight container in the fridge and lasts well for 3-4 days. When I reheat, I usually toss it gently in a skillet with a little oil or butter to revive that crispy edge and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I highly recommend freezing uncooked gnocchi if you want to meal prep. Line them up on a baking sheet spaced apart for about an hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to enjoy, just boil from frozen — no need to thaw. This trick saves so much time, especially on busy nights!

Reheating

For leftovers, reheating in a skillet with a bit of butter or oil is my favorite method because it crisps them up nicely. The microwave works in a pinch, but the gnocchi can get a bit soft. I avoid boiling reheated gnocchi since they’re already cooked and can break apart.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This 5 Ingredient Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe has become one of my favorite quick dinners — it fills my kitchen with that cozy, comforting vibe every time, and best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to nail, even if you’re new to gnocchi. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy how versatile it is, both in flavor and how you can serve it. Cooking doesn’t always have to be complicated to be delicious, and this recipe is proof of that. Consider this a hug in food form — your taste buds will thank you!

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