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July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Gnocchi

Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings, most commonly made from potato, flour, and sometimes egg or semolina.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings, most commonly made from potato and flour. They are typically boiled and served with sauce, similar to pasta but classified as dumplings.

What it is

Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings or pasta-like dumplings, usually made with potato and flour. They are commonly served as a first course in Italian meals, paired with a variety of sauces.

How it's made

Traditional gnocchi are made from cooked potato mixed with flour, sometimes egg or semolina. The dough is shaped into small pieces and boiled in salted water until they float to the surface.

How it's served

Gnocchi are commonly served with butter and sage, tomato sauce, pesto, ragù, or cheese-based sauces. Regional variations across Italy offer different shapes and accompaniments.

In short

  • Traditional Italian dumpling often made with potato and flour.
  • Boiled and served with a variety of sauces.
  • Eaten as a first course in Italian meals.
Canadian angle

Gnocchi is widely available in Canadian grocery stores and restaurants as a familiar Italian dish, and it is also made at home by many Canadian cooks using fresh or packaged pasta-style products.

Quick questions

What is gnocchi?
Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings, usually made from potato and flour, and commonly served with sauce.
How to make gnocchi?
Boil or steam potatoes, mash, mix with flour and sometimes egg and salt, shape into small pieces, then boil until they float.
Is gnocchi gluten free?
Not always. Many recipes contain wheat flour, but gluten-free versions can be made with potato and gluten-free flour.

Sources

  1. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gnocchi
    Supports: Dictionary definition of gnocchi as dumplings usually made with potato or semolina and served with sauce.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnocchi
    Supports: Overview of gnocchi as Italian pasta-like dumplings, common ingredients, cooking method, and serving styles.
  3. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/gnocchi
    Supports: Definition as small round balls made from potato or wheat flour mixed with water, eaten in soup or with sauce.
  4. La Cucina Italiana — https://www.lacucinaitaliana.com/glossary/gnocchi
    Supports: Traditional preparation, shaping, boiling method, and common sauces.
  5. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/gnocchi
    Supports: Origins in northeastern Italy, common preparation method, and regional variations and sauces.
  6. Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/gnocchi
    Supports: Definition as dumplings made from potatoes, semolina, flour, or combinations of these ingredients.