Introduction
When the leaves start to change and the temperatures drop, there’s nothing like a cozy meal to welcome the season. Imagine pillowy soft gnocchi tossed with herb-infused butter and just a drizzle of sweet maple syrup. Sounds like fall heaven, right?
This dish brings together the warm, aromatic notes of fresh herbs with the rich earthiness of golden maple syrup, creating a comforting, satisfying plate that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s surprisingly easy to make, yet impressive enough to serve guests for a cozy autumn dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and cozy: It’s like the flavors of fall wrapped in every bite.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have most of them in your pantry or fridge.
- Quick to make: Perfect for a weeknight meal or a lazy Sunday dinner.
- Versatile: You can serve it as a main dish or a hearty side.
- Vegetarian-friendly: A delicious meatless option that’s still super satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Gnocchi
- 1 pound of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese or toasted pecans for topping
How to Make It
- Boil the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top, about 2–3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Make the herb butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the garlic is just golden.
- Add the gnocchi: Toss the cooked gnocchi into the skillet and cook for another 3–4 minutes to get a slightly crispy, golden-brown edge.
- Drizzle with maple syrup: Turn down the heat to low and drizzle in the maple syrup. Toss everything gently to coat the gnocchi evenly.
- Season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a handful of toasted pecans if you like a bit of crunch.
Tips for the Best Flavor
Use fresh herbs
Fresh rosemary and thyme make all the difference here. Their aroma and bite really shine in the buttery sauce.
Don’t skimp on the browning
Crispy edges make gnocchi irresistible! Let them get golden in the skillet before adding syrup.
Choose real maple syrup
Skip the pancake syrup. A high-quality, pure maple syrup brings the right touch of earthy sweetness.
Homemade gnocchi? Even better
If you’re up for it, making homemade gnocchi takes this meal to the next level. You can find a simple recipe in our Easy Meal Ideas section.
What to Serve With It
- A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or butternut squash
- Warm sourdough bread on the side
- A crisp hard cider or a glass of Pinot Noir
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight!
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter. The microwave works too but may soften the gnocchi.
Freezing
We don’t recommend freezing this dish once cooked. However, uncooked gnocchi can be frozen and used later.
Make It Your Own
Try different herbs
Sage works beautifully in this dish, especially when crisped in brown butter.
Make it spicy
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter for a gentle kick.
Add protein
Top it with sautéed mushrooms, seared chicken thighs, or even crispy pancetta to make it heartier.
More Cozy Dishes You’ll Love
More Pasta Inspiration
If you’re into unique pasta twists, check out Food Network for more delicious ideas.
Want to explore artisan pastas? Eataly has a great selection of gnocchi and sauces.
FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the gnocchi and the sauce separately, then combine and reheat just before serving. It actually tastes even better the next day!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not by default, since most gnocchi are made with wheat flour. But you can use gluten-free gnocchi and it works beautifully.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, though fresh herbs are preferred. Use about 1/3 the amount if using dried since they’re more concentrated.
What kind of gnocchi should I use?
Potato gnocchi are traditional and work best. But you can also use sweet potato gnocchi for an extra autumn twist!
How sweet is this dish?
The maple syrup adds just a touch of sweetness—it doesn’t overpower the dish. The herbs and butter balance everything out.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now that your taste buds are tingling, it’s time to get your skillet ready and try this super comforting fall-inspired dish. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or your next cozy gathering, this meal is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below—we love hearing how your kitchen adventures turn out! For more seasonal recipes straight to your inbox, join our email list and never miss a bite. 🍁
