Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi (Printable)

Pillowy gnocchi pan-fried in nutty brown butter with crispy sage and Parmesan.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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)

# Steps:

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.

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -
  • The crispy sage is like a salty, herby snack tucked right into your meal–it’s addictive.
  • This dish feels elegant but is unfailingly reliable, perfect for when you need something both special and low-effort.
02 -
  • I learned (the messy way) that soggy gnocchi never crisp–so always pat them dry before frying.
  • Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt in a heartbeat, so never walk away from the stove during that step.
03 -
  • If your pan feels overcrowded, crisp the gnocchi in batches so each one gets a golden crust.
  • Sneak in a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving if you love a bright finish–it elevates every bite.
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