My easy homemade Ricotta Gnocchi makes for a protein-packed dinner the whole family will love! They are so much easier than traditional gnocchi because you don’t have to fuss with potatoes. Gnocchi made with ricotta cheese are light and fluffy. Finishing these in bacon butter is optional, but it adds flavor and irresistibly crisp edges.
Ricotta Gnocchi Video
My ricotta gnocchi recipe comes together quickly and can be made ahead or frozen, so they are always ready when I have a hankering. Homemade ricotta gnocchi sound so fancy, but they are truly so simple!
Easy Ricotta Gnocchi Recipe
This is easier than my 5-star potato Gnocchi recipe (since you don’t have to peel potatoes), and served like my mom’s famous Pierogi, this ricotta gnocchi recipe is a family favorite.
My kids gobble up these ricotta gnocchi, which makes them a favorite in our family. They are easy to make, and then I take it a step further by sautéing the gnocchi in bacon drippings and butter for a light texture, savory flavor, and a crispy edge. It’s optional, but I highly recommend it!
Ricotta Gnocchi Ingredients
Grab these pantry staples along with the cheese to make this simple ricotta gnocchi recipe.
- Ricotta cheese – whole milk ricotta works best, since the higher fat content makes the dough tastier, creamier, and smoother in texture, while skim ricotta can make it watery.
- Egg – this binds the dough together, while the extra yolk adds a luxurious richness and smoothness to the gnocchi.
- Parmesan cheese – This traditional Italian cheese cuts the creaminess with a nutty saltiness. So much depth of flavor!
- Pantry staples – nutmeg, salt, pepper, and all-purpose flour
- Bacon – optional, but so highly recommended! The bacon is sauteed, and then the bacon fat is used to flavor and brown the gnocchi.
- Butter – optional, but I like to add this to the bacon grease for more richness when sauteeing.
How to Make Ricotta Gnocchi
This ricotta gnocchi recipe is so simple to make, and don’t miss the make-ahead instructions below the recipe to make it convenient to prep dinner on your schedule.
- Make dough – Mix the ricotta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large bowl, and then add 1/2 cup of flour at a time, mixing just until there are no dry streaks. *Add the last 1/2 cup of flour only if the dough is too wet.
- Chill dough on a flour-dusted dinner plate. Form the dough into a disk, dust with flour, and then cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. *See make-ahead tips
- Optional – Brown the bacon – While the water is heating, saute the chopped bacon until browned, and then remove the bacon with a slotted spoon. Melt the butter in the grease, and then turn off the heat.
- Boil water – bring a large pot or Dutch oven of salted water to a boil. Add enough salt so it tastes like ocean water
- Shape gnocchi – On a floured surface, divide the chilled dough into 4 pieces. Cover 3 pieces in plastic wrap, while dusting with flour and rolling the 4th piece into a 3/4″ thick log. Cut the log into 3/4″ chunks using a knife or bench scraper. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Cook gnocchi in the pot of boiling water in 3 batches until they float to the top (1-2 minutes). Cook another 2 minutes and then remove with a strainer. **They are ready to serve if wanted, OR you can continue with the final step to add crispy edges.
- Sauté gnocchi – heat the pan with the butter and bacon grease until the butter foams, and then add the cooked gnocchi, heating for 2 minutes per side. Sautee in a couple batches if needed then toss with the bacon bits and serve.
How to Serve Ricotta Gnocchi
I love serving the gnocchi with the bacon butter and pair it with sour cream for dipping. You can just enjoy them right out of the boiling water, tossed with butter or your favorite sauce such as Basil Pesto, warm Marinara Sauce, or Vodka Sauce (from my Penne alla Vodka).
My Ricotta Gnocchi recipe is a fun, protein-packed dinner or appetizer of fluffy dumplings crisped and mixed with savory bacon bits. It’s a family favorite, and I find the gnocchi so much fun to make. Add a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.