Butternut Squash Gnocchi
These soft, pillowy, and cheesy butternut squash gnocchi are prepared from scratch with only three ingredients. This is a completely vegan, gluten-free version of the traditional potato gnocchi made with squash. To savor a bowl of pasta excellence, simply bring some water to a boil and simmer for a little while. Add your preferred cheese sauce or seasonings on top for a satisfying and healthy dinner anytime you want!
These days, Florida’s weather is very nice. Light winds are blowing from the north. Everybody is trying to get the most out of this weather in some way. Some are planning vacations to beautiful places, and some are hosting amazing parties or get-togethers at their homes. Some are indulging in cooking delicious food.
And I’m also planning for the same kinds of stuff.
Well, in addition to all of this, I’ve been pushing myself to try some of the “intimidating” recipes I previously mentioned. So far, so good. I’m happy to share that I have accomplished some of those goals and can now share them with you.
Gnocchi’s success is indeed one of them!
Years ago, I mastered the art of making potato gnocchi. Perfectly doughy, pillowy “pasta” that adheres to any sauce you put them in. One of my absolute favorite comfort foods!
I have recently been making a novel gnocchi recipe. That effort led to the creation of this recipe for butternut squash gnocchi. You don’t have to peel half a dozen potatoes, making this method much simpler than the one I use for potato gnocchi. In addition, this butternut squash gnocchi dish is vegetarian, nut-free, gluten-free, and egg-free.
Although this recipe for Butternut Squash Gnocchi takes longer than my typical 30-minute dinner, I decided to post it on my blog because it was so well-received on Instagram. gaining the most traction quickly, and for good reason, everyone. YES. The recipe just requires a few simple components, and the preparation is rather easy.
Check out Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew and our favorite Vegan Butternut Squash Recipes.
Butternut Squash Gnocchi Recipe
I prepared Butternut Squash Gnocchi with three ingredients. That’s right.
And the gnocchi cooked up so quickly! I’m not sure if it’s always this easy or if it goes faster because this version is gluten-free, but I was pleasantly delighted. They’re essentially the simplest and healthiest homemade gnocchi you’ll ever find.
When the gnocchi are done, serve them with your favorite cheese sauce!
The vegan cheese sauce, of course! Too tasty!
Gnocchi also has the added advantage of being quite filling. Although I wasn’t sure if it would be sufficient for us, it surely was.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is excellent in every way.
- It is a healthy, fall-inspired recipe with nutritious ingredients.
- This is a great substitute for mac and cheese.
- It is a fancy and flavorful gnocchi recipe, despite the fact that it is gluten free.
- They have a beautiful orange hue and sweet flavor thanks to the butternut squash, and the gluten-free rice flour does a fantastic job of holding the dough together.
- This recipe is a great way to involve the whole family in the kitchen!
- Butternut squash gnocchi goes beautifully with any kind of sauce and toppings.
- Homemade gnocchi’ are tastier and more delicious than gnocchi from the store.
- They’re light, delicate, and soft.
- This is a fantastic fall dinner, and it also works well as a first course.
- It is a hearty, filling, and comforting dish that warms you up during the winter months.
I Love Squash!
Whenever I go grocery shopping, it seems like a huge squash always ends up in my trolley! Of course, I don’t mind.
The one thing about squash that I truly adore is that it possesses every trait and benefit associated with a healthy vegetable. However, it can also pass for “meat” in curries and stews, or it can be pureed and used as “cream” in pasta recipes.
Moreover, although it has a unique flavor of its own, squash may also absorb the flavors of its surroundings.
Did I praise Squash enough? One more thing…It’s incredibly affordable! A simple, inexpensive meal can be made with just one squash.
Ingredients I Used:
- Butternut squash: My greatest advice for handling butternut squash is to use a very sharp knife and vegetable peeler. Even better, get it prepackaged—that is, peeled and cubed—at the local grocery store. Convenience sometimes justifies a little more expense.
- Superfine brown rice flour (get it here): To get a doughy, workable consistency for the roasted butternut squash, superfine rice flour is ideal.
- Salt: I used sea salt. You can use any.
How To Make Cheesy Butternut Squash Gnocchi (Gluten Free)?
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Peel and chop the squash, and bake on a lined baking sheet for 40 minutes or until tender. I mashed it with a fork, but you can puree it if you like. Allow it to cool.
- Place the superfine brown rice flour and salt in a bowl. Add the mashed squash and mix well to fully combine.
- Bring water and a pinch of salt to a boil in a large pot.
- Lightly dust a clean countertop with flour. Divide the dough in half and roll each into a thin rope. You may add more flour if it is too sticky. Cut into 1-inch slices, then use fork tines to make an indentation. Drop the gnocchi in boiling water until they float. Drain, then pour the sauce of your choice on top.
Serve and enjoy! It will make you feel like you are consuming the most decadent pasta dish at the greatest restaurant in town. But this recipe for butternut squash gnocchi is actually much healthier!
When I serve this dish, I can’t keep my fork away from it!
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Dust flour lightly over a clean countertop. Divide the dough in half and make two thin ropes. You may dust the ropes with more flour if the dough is too sticky. Cut the rope into 1-inch slices.
Now comes the tricky part: to make an indentation (also known as Rigagnocchi) on each gnocchi – a must for gnocchi lovers! You can omit this step on a hectic day and serve your gnocchi plain, resembling miniature pillows. If you like to have small indentations on your gnocchi, you have two options:
- Use a gnocchi board. Place the gnocchi dough on the board and press gently across the board with your thumb to make an indentation on the gnocchi.
- Use a fork. If you don’t have a gnocchi board, don’t worry; use fork tines to make an indentation.
Place prepared gnocchi on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook until they float. Drain and top with your favorite sauce.
Making gnocchi is undoubtedly a labor of love, but I can assure you that it is well worth the effort. You will get delicious, comforting, and nutritious butternut squash gnocchi!
Preparing Butternut Squash
In this recipe, I have used baked butternut squash to make butternut squash gnocchi. Baking is better than boiling because it results in a drier mixture that takes less flour. The squash can also be steamed until fork tender.
To shorten the baking time, cut the squash into smaller pieces before cooking.
Trouble handling the dough?
If you feel that the dough is sticky, add some extra flour to make it more supple and manageable.
Seasoning the gnocchi:
If you like to make your gnocchi even more flavorful and tastier, you can add your favorite seasoning in the dough like pepper of your choice, minced garlic, vegan cheese, and more!
Cheese Sauces Recipes
I used cheese sauce. Check out the sauces here:
- Vegan Cheese Sauce
- Vegan Mac and Cheese
- Creamy Baked Cauliflower
- Cheesy Potato Bean Casserole
- GF Potato Cheese Sauce
Topping Ideas
One of my favorite ways to eat mine is topped with the aforementioned cheese sauce. Squash’s delicate sweetness makes them ideal for a wide variety of toppings.
Here are a few delicious topping ideas that will elevate this gnocchi dish to a whole new level!
- Fresh Herbs
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Cracked pecans
- Crushed Walnuts
- Vegan Parmesan cheese
- Butter sauce or fresh sage sauce
Gnocchi serving and topping ideas:
- To make gnocchi even more delectable, heat some vegan butter in a skillet, add gnocchi, and sauté until slightly golden. Shake the pan frequently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Serve garnished with fresh sage and vegan parmesan cheese.
- Try the gnocchi with tomato sauce and sprinkle toasted walnuts.
- Serve gnocchi topped with lemon butter sauce, parsley leaves, and grated vegan parmesan cheese to impress your guests!
For lemon butter sauce, in a small pan, melt vegan butter (3-4 tbsp.) at medium heat. Once melted, add the lemon juice (3 tbsp.) and one small chopped garlic clove and cook for approximately 5 minutes on low heat.
Storing gnocchi:
It’s worth noting that gnocchi doesn’t keep well. They become slightly sticky if refrigerated for an extended period of time. A small tip is to dust the gnocchi with flour before refrigerating, and they should last for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them uncooked.
For freezing, spread them in a single layer on a baking tray and put them in the freezer. Transfer the gnocchi to zip-lock bags once they are firm. You can cook frozen gnocchi directly from the freezer; they will dimple slightly more, but they will taste fresh!
If you try and enjoy this butternut squash gnocchi recipe, please let me know by leaving a comment below.
Chef’s Tips For Making Perfect Gnocchi
Here are some tips to help you get perfect gnocchi every time.
- Make sure that when your squash is taken out of the oven, it has a reasonably low moisture level. So let it cool down and dry.
- When you are finished shaping your gnocchi, dust them with gluten free flour to keep them from sticking together.
- When cooking the gnocchi the water should be kept to a gentle boil. Gnocchi is more prone to distort if the heat is set too high and it is stirred frequently while cooking.
Storing Suggestion
Enjoy your gnocchi fresh, but if you have any leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge for three to five days in an airtight container!
Just reheat it by heating it for a few minutes in the microwave while covered. Then, savor!
Substitutions And Variations
- Sweet Potatoes: You can also use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and a small amount of stock in place of butternut squash.
- Gnocchi with Cauliflower: I haven’t tried this dish with cauliflower, but I’m sure it would taste delicious!
FAQ
Is Gnocchi Usually Gluten-Free?
Unfortunately, not all gnocchi are gluten-free. Traditionally, wheat and potato flour are used to make gnocchi. In wheat flour, gluten is present.
What To Serve With Butternut Squash Gnocchi?
You can top it with your preferred protein, serve it with a salad, or just have a sandwich on the side. This recipe for Butternut Squash Gnocchi can be served in a variety of wonderful ways! Here are some suggestions:
- Thai Kale Salad with Creamy Peanut Sauce
- Three Bean Salad
- Roasted Chickpea Salad
- Santa Fe Salad
- Mango Avocado Salsa
- Air Fryer Falafel Salad Bowl
- Cajun Tofu Salad Recipe
Can You Freeze Butternut Squash Gnocchi?
Gnocchi is definitely freezer-safe! I often make double batches of gnocchi and store one batch in the freezer for later use. Gnocchi should ideally be frozen before cooking to avoid having a lot of water in them. Just sprinkle flour on the gnocchi, put it in a sealed freezer bag, and you can keep it for up to three months.
Is Gnocchi More Unhealthy Than Pasta?
It may surprise you to learn that gnocchi includes around twice as many carbohydrates per serving as normal pasta. Another well-known fact about gnocchi is that they contain more than 200 grams of salt per dish. Pasta al dente doesn’t contain nearly as much sodium.
Is Gnocchi OK for Weight Loss?
Because gnocchi is smaller and denser than conventional pasta, you are more prone to eat larger servings. While any item can be included in a balanced diet when consumed in moderation, avoid eating pasta or gnocchi if you’re attempting to lose weight.
Wrap Up!
I’m eagerly waiting to make fall comfort meals after this hot summer, and this cheesy Butternut Squash Gnocchi will definitely be one of the first.
And, if you’re also in the mood for something unique and tasty, try this delicious cheesy butternut squash gnocchi recipe! Quirky? Indeed. Non-traditional? Yes, absolutely. Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic opportunity to step out from your usual cooking routine and give something new a shot this year.
As I always request, keep visiting healthier steps for more easy and tasty recipes.
More butternut squash recipes and tips:
- How to peel and chop butternut squash?
- How to roast butternut squash?
- Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
- Butternut Squash Chickpea Curry
- Butternut Squash Coconut Curry
- Autumn Squash Soup
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Butternut Squash Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose gluten-free flour or just enough to bind the dough well together
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Vegan Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 cup raw cashews rinsed and drained
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel and chop the squash, then bake for 40 minutes or until tender on a baking sheet. I used a fork to mash them, but if you like, you can puree it in a food processor or with a hand blender. Let it cool.
- In a bowl, mix the gluten-free flour and salt, then add mashed butternut squash. Mix well until it is thoroughly combined.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil, and add a pinch of salt.
- Dust flour lightly over a clean countertop. Divide the dough in half and make two thin ropes. You may dust the ropes with more flour if the dough is too sticky. Cut the rope into 1-inch slices.
- Use a gnocchi board. Place the gnocchi dough on the board and press gently across the board with your thumb to make an indentation on the gnocchi. Use a fork. If you don’t have a gnocchi board, don’t worry; use fork tines to make an indentation.
- Place prepared gnocchi on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Add the gnocchi to boiling water and cook until they float. Drain and top with your favorite sauce.
For The Vegan Cheese Sauce
- Place cashews, water, nutritional yeast flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, salt in a high-speed blender and process until smooth.
- Pour vegan sauce in a pot over medium-high heat, cook until thick, stirring constantly with a whisk
- Pour over gnocchi and serve.
my favorite recipe, thank you.
Never heard or saw this before but, it’s something I would definitely love to try and, it looks amazing
Never heard or saw this before but, it looks like something I would definitely love to try and it looks amazing
thank you for this Butternut squash gnocchi its very nice for us