Get ready to fall in love with Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi—a heavenly dish where pillowy gnocchi meet crispy edges, golden brown butter, and the irresistible fragrance of fresh sage. This quick yet elegant recipe is a weeknight game-changer with cozy, restaurant-worthy vibes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table in just 25 minutes—no culinary degree required!
- Irresistible Texture: The gnocchi are pillowy-soft inside and perfectly crisped on the outside, thanks to pan-searing and butter magic.
- Buttery Sage Goodness: Golden brown butter and fragrant fresh sage create a rich, nutty, and herbal sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
- Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you use homemade or store-bought gnocchi, this recipe is endlessly versatile and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi the ultimate cozy comfort food? The answer is simple, high-quality ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each component layers in flavor and texture, giving you a dish that truly shines with just a handful of staples.
- Gnocchi (16 ounces, homemade or store-bought): Choose pillowy potato gnocchi or your favorite store-bought brand—both work beautifully for this recipe.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): The heart of the sauce—browning the butter amplifies its rich, nutty flavor and coats each gnocchi irresistibly.
- Fresh sage (2–3 sprigs): Whole leaves infuse the butter and become crisp, adding earthy, herbal notes that are the soul of this dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Encourages the gnocchi to brown to crispy perfection in the pan—don’t skip it!
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds melty, salty-sweet creaminess as a finishing touch. Freshly shredded works best.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: A generous grind of black pepper and a sprinkle of salt truly make the flavors pop and balance the richness.
Variations
Craving a twist? One of my favorite things about Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi is just how easy it is to riff on! Swap out ingredients, adjust to dietary needs, or simply add your personal touch for a new experience every time.
- Gluten-Free Gnocchi: Use gluten-free packaged gnocchi or make your own with gluten-free flour so everyone at the table can dig in.
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or roasted butternut squash for a more veggie-packed, colorful version.
- Lemon Zest and Parsley: Stir in a sprinkle of lemon zest and fresh parsley before serving for brightness and a pop of color.
- Crispy Prosciutto: Crumble crisped prosciutto or pancetta over the top for a savory, meaty upgrade.
How to Make Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi
Step 1: Boil the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and gently add the gnocchi. They cook lightning-fast—just a few minutes until the little dumplings float to the surface. Drain them well so they’re ready for their golden transformation.
Step 2: Brown the Butter with Sage
While the gnocchi are cooking, set a large pan over medium-high heat and add the butter and sage leaves. Keep watching—swirl the pan as the butter melts, turns foamy, and starts to brown. The aroma will be nutty and toasty, and the sage will crisp. As soon as the color is golden and beautiful, remove the butter and sage from the pan to prevent burning.
Step 3: Crisp the Gnocchi
Add olive oil to the same hot pan, letting it shimmer. Tip in the drained gnocchi and leave them undisturbed for about 5–6 minutes—resist stirring! This gives them a gorgeous golden-brown crust on one side and puffed, pillowy insides.
Step 4: Finish with Brown Butter and Cheese
Return the browned butter and crisp sage to the pan. Toss the gnocchi so every bite is slicked in nutty, herby sauce. Cook just another minute or two, season generously with salt and pepper, then shower with freshly grated Parmesan. Serve up immediately, and get ready for a standing ovation at the table!
Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi
- Butter-Watching Is Key: Brown butter goes from golden perfection to burned in seconds, so swirl, watch for the nutty aroma, and remove it as soon as it turns hazelnut brown.
- Don’t Stir Too Soon: When crisping gnocchi, let them cook undisturbed for the best crust—give them at least 5 minutes before flipping.
- Upgrade with Fresh Cheese: Grate your own Parmesan for maximum melt and flavor; the pre-shredded versions just can’t compare.
- Customize with Herbs: While sage is classic, try tossing in a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note.
How to Serve Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, shower your Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi with extra Parmesan, crisped sage leaves, and—if you love brightness—a pop of lemon zest. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This dish sings alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlicky sautéed greens. For something heartier, serve it with roasted chicken or grilled salmon, letting the gnocchi shine as the star but still sharing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Make dinner feel special by serving Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi in wide, shallow bowls for that bistro vibe, or arrange it family-style on a rustic platter for guests to help themselves. Individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets make for a playful, elegant touch at parties or cozy nights in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors settle in beautifully, and the dish remains delicious even after a night in the fridge.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, it’s best to do so with cooked, cooled gnocchi (before adding sauce) or homemade uncooked gnocchi. Brown Butter Sage sauce doesn’t freeze as well due to the dairy, but you can prepare gnocchi ahead for speedy dinners.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the gnocchi in a skillet with a dab of butter or splash of olive oil. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the gnocchi rubbery—pan frying keeps the edges crisp and the centers tender.
FAQs
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Can I use dried sage instead of fresh for Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi?
Yes! If fresh sage isn’t available, use about ½ teaspoon of dried sage leaves (not ground sage). Add it to the butter as it browns so the flavors infuse—you’ll still get that iconic earthy aroma, though fresh sage leaves will be crisper and more fragrant.
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Why do I need to brown the butter—can I just melt it?
Browning the butter unlocks deep, nutty flavors and adds so much richness compared to simply melting. It transforms the entire dish, infusing every gnocchi bite with toasted, aromatic goodness.
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What kind of gnocchi works best?
Classic potato gnocchi works beautifully, whether homemade or store-bought. Gluten-free varieties are fantastic, too! Just avoid the kind that’s vacuum-packed with lots of added preservatives for the best texture and flavor.
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Can I make Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes—boil and crisp gnocchi in advance, then reheat gently in the pan with the brown butter sauce just before serving. It’s great for entertaining or prepping meals ahead without sacrificing flavor or crispness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something soul-warming that feels both special and totally doable, give Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi a try. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time, the flavors and textures of this dish will never fail to bring comfort and a smile to your table. Enjoy every golden bite!
Print
Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make recipe for Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi that combines tender gnocchi with the rich flavors of browned butter and aromatic sage. This dish is finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Gnocchi:
- 16 ounces gnocchi homemade or store bought
Brown Butter Sage Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 sprigs fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi according to recipe or package directions. Drain well.
- Brown the Butter: In a large pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter with fresh sage leaves until it browns and develops a nutty aroma, about 2 minutes. Remove from the pan.
- Sear the Gnocchi: Add olive oil to the pan, then sear the drained gnocchi until golden on one side without stirring, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the browned butter to the pan, mix with the gnocchi, and cook briefly. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
- Check out our favorite homemade gnocchi recipe for a personalized touch.
- Monitor the browning butter closely to prevent burning.
- For premade browned butter, use 4 tablespoons and cook the sage in olive oil before adding the gnocchi.
- Let the gnocchi brown undisturbed for a flavorful crust.
- For variation, chop sage or add lemon zest and parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 309 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 585mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 34mg
