Irresistible Baked Gnocchi alla Romana with Sage Butter – 5-Star Comfort

Baked Gnocchi alla Romana with Sage Butter / MagicInKitchen.com

Baked Gnocchi alla Romana with Sage Butter

Discover this easy Baked Gnocchi alla Romana recipe with crispy sage butter. A comforting, homemade Italian dish from MagicInKitchen.com—perfect for any meal.

Introduction

If you’re searching for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dish that embodies the heart of Roman cuisine, this Baked Gnocchi alla Romana with Sage Butter is your answer. Unlike the typical potato gnocchi, this version features semolina flour, baked until golden, and finished with nutty brown butter infused with fragrant sage. It’s rich, elegant, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re craving a warm vegetarian gnocchi dish or want to explore a classic Roman-style recipe, this baked gnocchi recipe is sure to win a spot in your weekly rotation.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Gnocchi alla Romana recipe:

For the Gnocchi Base:

• 1 liter (4 cups) whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, divided
• 250g (1 1/4 cups) semolina flour
• 2 large egg yolks
• 100g (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sage Butter Topping:

• 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 10–12 fresh sage leaves
• Additional grated Parmesan for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Semolina Mixture

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk with salt and nutmeg over medium heat. Just before it comes to a boil, whisk in the semolina slowly to avoid clumps. Stir constantly for about 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens to a soft dough-like consistency.

Step 2: Enrich and Chill

Remove from heat and stir in 50g (about 3.5 tbsp) of butter, egg yolks, half the Parmesan, and some black pepper. Mix well. Spread the dough onto a parchment-lined baking tray to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cover and chill for 30–60 minutes until firm.

Step 3: Cut and Assemble

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use a round cutter (2–3 inch diameter) to cut out gnocchi rounds. Arrange slightly overlapping in a buttered baking dish. Reroll scraps if needed.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Melt the remaining butter and pour over the arranged gnocchi. Sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy around the edges.

Step 5: Make the Sage Butter

While the gnocchi bake, heat butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until the butter browns and sage becomes crisp—about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve

Drizzle sage butter generously over the baked gnocchi and serve hot. The result is a gnocchi with brown butter sauce that’s decadent and aromatic.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian baked gnocchi makes a luxurious vegetarian main course, or an indulgent side dish for a holiday meal. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. Serve it with a glass of white wine and crusty bread to soak up that delicious brown butter gnocchi sauce.

For a richer presentation, top the gnocchi with extra herbs like thyme or rosemary or add a side of sautéed mushrooms to deepen the umami flavor.

Why Baked Gnocchi alla Romana Stands Out

Unlike traditional potato gnocchi, Baked Gnocchi alla Romana with Sage Butter is made from creamy semolina, giving it a rich, custard-like interior with a crispy, golden crust when baked. The infusion of brown butter and crispy sage elevates this dish from a simple comfort food to a gourmet vegetarian gnocchi dish that’s both satisfying and elegant. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this baked gnocchi recipe offers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease.

FAQs

What is Gnocchi alla Romana made of?

It’s made primarily of semolina flour, milk, butter, eggs, and Parmesan. Unlike traditional potato gnocchi, these are shaped from cooked dough and baked instead of boiled.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the gnocchi rounds and refrigerate them overnight. Simply bake and top with sage butter before serving.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! This is a satisfying vegetarian gnocchi dish. Just ensure your Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly if needed.

Can I freeze semolina gnocchi?

You can freeze the uncooked rounds in a single layer, then store them in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes in the oven.

Comfort Food, Roman Style

This Baked Gnocchi alla Romana with Sage Butter recipe delivers rich flavor and rustic charm in every bite. It’s creamy on the inside, golden on top, and coated in a herby, nutty sage butter that elevates the entire dish. Whether you’re new to semolina gnocchi or a long-time fan of comfort food gnocchi, this recipe is sure to impress.

Looking for more cozy Italian recipes? Explore our collection at MagicInKitchen.com—your go-to destination for heartwarming, homemade meals that satisfy.