Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Originally posted on November 18, 2023 @ 6:48 am

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal, look no further than sweet potato gnocchi. This soft and pillowy pasta made from sweet potatoes and flour is a perfect canvas for a variety of flavors and textures.

But what should you serve with sweet potato gnocchi to really make it shine? In this article, we’ll explore some delicious accompaniments and serving ideas that will take your meal to the next level.

Key Takeaways:

• There are many delicious accompaniments for sweet potato gnocchi.
• Serving sweet potato gnocchi with classic tomato sauce and fresh basil is a popular option.
• A creamy garlic parmesan sauce is a rich and indulgent pairing for sweet potato gnocchi.
• Sautéed spinach and mushrooms create a well-balanced and satisfying meal with sweet potato gnocchi.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze provide a hearty and flavorful combination with sweet potato gnocchi.

Classic Tomato Sauce and Fresh Basil

If you’re looking for popular pairings for sweet potato gnocchi, you can never go wrong with a classic tomato sauce and fresh basil. This side dish for sweet potato gnocchi is not only easy to make, but it also complements the flavors of the dish perfectly.

To prepare this side dish, you can start by making the tomato sauce. You can use canned or fresh tomatoes, depending on your preference. Saute some garlic and onion in olive oil, and then add the tomatoes and cook until the sauce thickens and the flavors are well combined. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, as well as fresh basil leaves to finish.

For presentation, place the sweet potato gnocchi on a plate and spoon the tomato sauce on top. You can add some grated parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

• Sweet potato gnocchi
• Canned or fresh tomatoes
• Gralic
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper
• Grated parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs (optional)

“The tangy, savory flavors of the sauce complement the sweetness of the gnocchi, while the aromatic basil adds a fresh and herbaceous note.”

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

When it comes to choosing the best sides for sweet potato gnocchi, there are many perfect combinations that you can try. One of the most flavorful options for sweet potato gnocchi is to serve it with a luxurious creamy garlic parmesan sauce that is rich and indulgent.

To create this sauce, start by heating a tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Sprinkle in grated parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and combines with the cream. Finally, season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Ingredients	Quantity
Butter	1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Heavy cream	1 cup
Parmesan cheese, grated	1/2 cup
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste
Red pepper flakes	To taste

Pour the sauce over the sweet potato gnocchi, and watch as the smooth and velvety texture of the sauce, combined with the bold flavors of garlic and parmesan, create a heavenly combination with the soft and pillowy gnocchi.

Creative and Flavorful Dishes to Serve with Sweet Potato Gnocchi

If you’re looking for something a little more outside of the box to serve with sweet potato gnocchi, we’ve got you covered. These creative dishes will add variety and excitement to your meal, while still complementing the flavors of the soft and creamy gnocchi.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots

For a touch of sweetness and heat, pair your sweet potato gnocchi with some tender honey glazed carrots. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the honey glaze, while the pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick.

Broiled Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan

Serve your sweet potato gnocchi alongside some broiled asparagus spears, tossed with tangy lemon juice and grated parmesan cheese. The bright citrus flavor and salty cheese perfectly balance the rich and buttery gnocchi.

Ingredients	Instructions
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed	Preheat broiler. In a large bowl, toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a broiler-safe pan and broil for 5-7 minutes, or until tender and lightly charred. Remove from oven and sprinkle with lemon juice and parmesan cheese.

Garlicky Roasted Broccoli

Add some garlicky roasted broccoli as a side dish for your sweet potato gnocchi for a boost of savory flavor and crispy texture. The roasted garlic brings depth and richness to the dish, while the tender broccoli florets add a satisfying crunch.

Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad

For a fresh and vibrant side dish, serve a classic tomato and mozzarella Caprese salad alongside your sweet potato gnocchi. The juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil create a harmonious blend of flavors that pair beautifully with the soft and pillowy gnocchi.

Ingredients	Instructions
2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced	Arrange tomato slices and fresh mozzarella slices on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Crispy Fried Sage Leaves

Add a crispy and aromatic element to your sweet potato gnocchi by serving it with some fried sage leaves. The earthiness of the sage leaves and the crunchiness of the fried batter perfectly complement the soft and tender gnocchi.

Herbed Ricotta Cheese

For a light and refreshing side dish, serve some herbed ricotta cheese alongside your sweet potato gnocchi. The light and fluffy cheese, combined with fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, and chives, adds a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet and starchy gnocchi.

Ingredients	Instructions
1 cup ricotta cheese	In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Serve alongside sweet potato gnocchi.

These creative and flavorful dishes are sure to impress your palate and elevate your sweet potato gnocchi meal to new heights. Experiment with different combinations and discover your own perfect pairing for this delicious and versatile dish.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

For a hearty and flavorful combination, we recommend pairing sweet potato gnocchi with roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. To make this dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Wash and trim the ends off of 1 pound of Brussels sprouts.
3. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, and toss them until they’re evenly coated.
5. Roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re slightly crispy and golden brown.
6. While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the balsamic glaze by whisking together 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey in a small saucepan over medium heat.
7. Stir the mixture occasionally until it thickens, then remove it from the heat and set it aside.
8. When the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, serve them alongside the sweet potato gnocchi and drizzle the balsamic glaze on top.

The caramelized sweetness of the Brussels sprouts and the acidity of the balsamic glaze create a delightful contrast to the soft and sweet gnocchi, making this one of the most flavorful options for sweet potato gnocchi. This dish is also visually stunning, with the bright green Brussels sprouts and the deep brown balsamic glaze adding a pop of color to your plate. For an even more filling meal, add some grilled chicken or tofu on the side!

Sage Brown Butter Sauce

For an elegant and sophisticated option, try serving sweet potato gnocchi with a sage brown butter sauce. This delicious side dish for sweet potato gnocchi is a popular pairing that is easy to make and packed with flavor.

To make the sauce, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. (Image source: link) Add fresh sage leaves and continue to cook until the butter is golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and drizzle over the cooked sweet potato gnocchi.

The nutty and aromatic flavors of the brown butter, combined with the earthy notes of the sage, perfectly complement the sweet and delicate gnocchi. This side dish for sweet potato gnocchi is a great choice for special occasions, or anytime you want to add a touch of elegance to your meal.

Serving Ideas for Sweet Potato Gnocchi: Creative Dishes to Impress Your Guests

If you’re looking to elevate your meal and impress your guests, consider serving sweet potato gnocchi with grilled shrimp skewers. This creative pairing adds a delicious seafood twist to the soft and creamy gnocchi, creating a memorable and satisfying meal.

To prepare the shrimp skewers, season large fresh shrimp with garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

For an added pop of flavor, brush the shrimp with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley while grilling. The buttery and herbaceous flavors complement the smoky and succulent shrimp perfectly.

Ingredients:	Instructions:
Large fresh shrimp	Season with garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Thread onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
Butter	Melt with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Brush over shrimp while grilling.

The combination of sweet potato gnocchi and grilled shrimp skewers is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Arrange the skewers on a platter with the gnocchi and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a cozy meal at home, this creative serving idea for sweet potato gnocchi is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Citrus Arugula Salad

A light and refreshing citrus arugula salad is the perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of sweet potato gnocchi. This salad offers a burst of zesty flavors that complement the sweet and delicate gnocchi.

To make the salad, start by combining fresh arugula, thinly sliced red onions, and segmented oranges in a large bowl. Drizzle with a simple dressing made of olive oil, honey, and lemon juice, and toss to coat.

The peppery arugula and the bright citrus flavors provide a contrast to the creamy and rich flavors of the gnocchi, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal. This salad is also a great way to add some extra vitamins and nutrients to your dish.

Delicious accompaniments for sweet potato gnocchi don’t always need to be heavy; sometimes, a light and refreshing salad can be the perfect pairing.

Caramelized Onions and Gorgonzola Cheese

For a combination of sweet and savory flavors, caramelized onions and tangy gorgonzola cheese are the perfect combination to serve with sweet potato gnocchi. The caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness, while the creamy and pungent gorgonzola cheese adds a sharp and distinctive taste.

Ingredient	Amount
Sweet onions	2, thinly sliced
Butter	2 tbsp
Garlic	2 cloves, minced
Gorgonzola cheese	1/2 cup, crumbled

To make caramelized onions, heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions are golden brown and caramelized. Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

To serve, toss the sweet potato gnocchi with the caramelized onions and sprinkle with crumbled gorgonzola cheese.

This combination of flavors is sure to impress your guests and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and sharpness.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage

To enhance the autumnal flavors of sweet potato gnocchi, serve it with roasted butternut squash and fresh sage. The sweet and nutty flavors of the roasted squash, combined with the earthiness of sage, create a delicious and seasonal pairing.

For this dish, you’ll need:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 lb sweet potato gnocchi
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

To prepare the roasted butternut squash, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, and spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized.

In the meantime, cook the sweet potato gnocchi according to package instructions, and set it aside.

When the squash is ready, toss it with chopped fresh sage, and serve it alongside the cooked gnocchi. You can sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Popular pairings for sweet potato gnocchi include roasted butternut squash and sage, a delicious and seasonal combination that enhances the dish’s autumnal flavors. Serve it alongside cooked gnocchi and sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top, if desired. This creative dish is sure to impress your guests and make your taste buds dance with delight.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has provided you with plenty of inspiration for serving sweet potato gnocchi. Whether you prefer classic tomato sauce or more creative combinations, there are endless possibilities to enhance the flavors of this delicious dish.

Why not try sautéed spinach and mushrooms for a well-balanced and satisfying meal, or roasted butternut squash and sage for a deliciously seasonal pairing?

Remember, the key to perfect pairings is to experiment with different flavors and textures to find what works best for you. So, get creative and let your taste buds guide you to the perfect accompaniments for sweet potato gnocchi!