Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
309 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi
Description
Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi brings together cooked potato dumplings and a brown butter sauce gently flavored with fresh sage leaves. The gnocchi are boiled then pan-fried in olive oil to get a crisp, lightly browned surface before being combined with browned butter, which adds a nutty aroma and richness. Whole sage leaves are browned briefly in butter and olive oil to impart their flavor without overwhelming the dish. Parmesan sprinkles add savory depth while salt and black pepper season the dish to balance the flavors.
This gnocchi preparation stands out due to the careful browning of butter and the cooking of sage to release its aroma without burning. The texture contrasts between crisped gnocchi exteriors and tender interiors provide an inviting mouthfeel. It makes for a satisfying meal component or a notable side, suitable for casual dinners or small gatherings.
Watch browned butter closely to prevent burning; it should be removed once golden and nutty. You can use fresh or dried sage (not ground) and add extras like lemon zest or parsley for brightness. If using store-bought browned butter, adjust quantities accordingly. Cook sage in oil to infuse flavor before adding gnocchi. Allow gnocchi to brown on one side undisturbed for best texture.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces gnocchi homemade or store bought
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 prigs sage fresh
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the gnocchi according to recipe or package directions. Drain well.
- While the gnocchi is cooking, add the butter and sage leaves to a large pan over medium high heat. Stir the butter occasionally until it begins to lightly brown and have a slightly nutty smell, about 2 minutes (the time can vary based on the type of pan).
- Remove the butter from the pan and set aside.
- Add the olive oil to the pan (add a few extra sage leaves if you have them to flavor the oil) and heat over medium-high heat. Add the drained gnocchi to the pan and cook until golden on one side without stirring, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the browned butter back to the pan and mix with the gnocchi. Cook 1-2 minutes.
- Season generously with salt and fresh black pepper. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve.
Notes
- Brown butter requires attention; remove from heat as soon as it turns golden to avoid burning.
- Use fresh sage leaves for the best flavor, or substitute with ½ teaspoon dried sage (not ground).
- When pan-frying gnocchi, let them brown on one side without stirring for a crisp crust.
- Optionally, add lemon zest or fresh parsley for an herbal brightness alongside parmesan cheese.
- If using pre-made browned butter, 4 tablespoons are sufficient; cook sage in olive oil before adding gnocchi to layer flavors.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 309 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 309 | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 34mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 585mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 10mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 399IU | 8% |
| Calcium | 101mg | 10% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.