Millionaire Gnocchi: The Ultimate Guide to Making Decadent Potato Dumplings

Millionaire Gnocchi: the name alone conjures images of decadent indulgence, doesn’t it? Forget counting calories; this dish is all about pure, unadulterated comfort food. Imagine pillowy soft gnocchi bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, elevated with the rich, savory flavors of crispy pancetta and earthy mushrooms. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling utterly satisfied.

While the exact origins of “Millionaire Gnocchi” are shrouded in a bit of mystery, the concept of elevating simple gnocchi with luxurious ingredients is a time-honored Italian tradition. Gnocchi itself, a humble potato dumpling, has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, offering a blank canvas for culinary creativity. This particular rendition takes that canvas and paints it with strokes of extravagance.

People adore Millionaire Gnocchi for several reasons. First, the taste is simply divine. The creamy sauce, often infused with truffle oil or Parmesan cheese, clings perfectly to the delicate gnocchi. The crispy pancetta adds a delightful salty crunch, while the mushrooms provide an earthy depth. Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make! While it feels like a restaurant-quality dish, it can be whipped up in under an hour, making it perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking, adding different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins. So, are you ready to treat yourself like royalty? Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Gnocchi:
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) Russet potatoes, unpeeled
• 300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the Sage Brown Butter Sauce:
• 150g (10 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce:
• 150g (5.3 oz) Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For Serving:
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Toasted walnuts or pine nuts, for garnish (optional)

Making the Gnocchi:

1. Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Wash the potatoes thoroughly but leave the skins on. Prick each potato several times with a fork. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are very soft and easily pierced with a fork. The baking process is crucial because it dries out the potatoes, preventing the gnocchi from becoming gluey.
2. Rice the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle (but still warm!), cut them in half and use a potato ricer to rice the flesh into a large bowl. If you don’t have a ricer, you can use a fine-mesh sieve and push the potatoes through with a spoon. It’s important to do this while the potatoes are still warm, as they’ll be easier to work with. Discard the potato skins.
3. Add the Flour, Egg, and Seasonings: Make a well in the center of the riced potatoes. Add the flour, egg, salt, and nutmeg.
4. Combine the Dough: Gently mix the ingredients together with your hands. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this will develop the gluten in the flour and make the gnocchi tough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
5. Knead Lightly: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it for just a minute or two, until it forms a smooth ball. Again, avoid over-kneading.
6. Shape the Gnocchi: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) in diameter. Use a knife or dough scraper to cut the ropes into 2 cm (3/4 inch) pieces.
7. Add Ridges (Optional): For a more traditional look and to help the sauce cling to the gnocchi, roll each piece of gnocchi over the tines of a fork or a gnocchi board. This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch.
8. Dust with Flour: Place the gnocchi on a lightly floured baking sheet to prevent them from sticking. You can also freeze them at this point. To freeze, place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the gnocchi are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

Making the Sage Brown Butter Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the Sage and Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the sage leaves and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a nutty brown color and the sage leaves are crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter.
3. Season: Remove the saucepan from the heat and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Keep Warm: Set aside and keep warm.

Making the Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce:

1. Melt the Gorgonzola: In a small saucepan, combine the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and heavy cream.
2. Simmer Gently: Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the Gorgonzola cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Parmesan and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt, as Gorgonzola cheese is already quite salty.
4. Keep Warm: Set aside and keep warm.

Cooking the Gnocchi:

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook until they float to the surface, plus an additional minute. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, they may take a little longer to cook.
3. Drain the Gnocchi: Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the boiling water and drain them well.

Assembling the Millionaire Gnocchi:

1. Combine with Sauces: Divide the cooked gnocchi between serving plates. Drizzle generously with the sage brown butter sauce and the creamy Gorgonzola sauce.
2. Garnish: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and toasted walnuts or pine nuts (if using).
3. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy your Millionaire Gnocchi! The combination of the earthy gnocchi, the nutty brown butter sage sauce, and the rich, creamy Gorgonzola sauce is truly decadent.

Conclusion:

This Millionaire Gnocchi isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience. The pillowy soft gnocchi, bathed in that decadent, creamy sauce, and topped with crispy pancetta and a generous shower of Parmesan – it’s pure comfort food elevated to something truly special. I promise you, once you taste it, you’ll understand why I call it “Millionaire Gnocchi.” It tastes like a million bucks!

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers an explosion of flavor and texture that will impress even the most discerning palates. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or anytime you want to treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something truly indulgent. The combination of the creamy sauce, the savory pancetta, and the delicate gnocchi is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to elevate store-bought gnocchi into something extraordinary.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For a vegetarian option: Skip the pancetta and add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like butternut squash or asparagus. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
* Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter, but still incredibly delicious, sauce. You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
* Add some greens: Stir in some wilted spinach or kale at the end for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor.
* Serving suggestions: This Millionaire Gnocchi is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would be the perfect accompaniment. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It’s the perfect balance of comfort, indulgence, and ease, making it a winner in my book.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen. I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love this Millionaire Gnocchi.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and let me know what you think. Share your photos, your variations, and your experiences in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking! I am sure you will enjoy this recipe as much as I do.