Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi (Printable version)

Pan-fried potato gnocchi in nutty brown butter with crispy sage, Parmesan, and lemon zest.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Gnocchi

01 - 500 g fresh potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

→ Brown Butter Sage Sauce

02 - 75 g unsalted butter
03 - 20 fresh sage leaves
04 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced (optional)
05 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ To Serve

06 - 30 g grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
07 - Zest of 1 small lemon (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the gnocchi to a plate and pat dry with paper towels.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the sage leaves. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter foams, turns golden brown, and the sage becomes crispy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the minced garlic, if using, and cook for 30 seconds.
03 - Add the cooked, dried gnocchi to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are golden and slightly crisp.
04 - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, then toss with grated Parmesan and lemon zest (if using).
05 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and sage leaves.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • There’s a quiet thrill in browning butter just right—it smells like you’ve mastered something fancy, even if the whole thing takes minutes.
  • It’s the ideal way to treat yourself on a weeknight or to impress friends without breaking a sweat.
02 -
  • Skipping the paper towel step leaves you with soggy gnocchi that just won’t brown well.
  • Browning the butter too fast can burn both it and the delicate sage—go slow once the butter melts.
03 -
  • Always brown the butter over medium heat for the richest, deepest flavor—patience wins here.
  • Don’t crowd your skillet; frying the gnocchi in batches will help them crisp, not steam.
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