Gnocchi are perfect comfort food and these acorn squash gnocchi are some of the best: deliciously savory, light, pillowy & flavorful. A great taste of fall.
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I mentioned when I shared my acorn squash wild rice salad that I am a relatively new convert to the goodness of acorn squash. Having started cooking with it more and, weirdly, seeming to get it more in the vegetable delivery recently than I remember last year, I have been playing around with how to use it.
Our household is a big fan of gnocchi so it wasn't much of a leap until I got to the idea of acorn squash gnocchi. Soft, pillowy, savory deliciousness, they were such a hit when we first made them. So much so, that I will now buy an acorn squash just to make them (and maybe also some acorn squash soup).
Why homemade gnocchi are best
I know for some people the thought of making gnocchi might seem a bit crazy, but for me I now can't buy pre-made ones as they just don't taste right to me anymore. Something else added to the 'can't buy it because I feel like I can make it better' category.
And it honestly is true - fresh gnocchi have a lightness you just can't get when they have been packaged up. I also suspect they add higher quantities of flour or other things to get them to hold together more firmly. While that's great to be able to cook them, it does mean they are heavier/stodgier.
I also think it's nice to be able to play around with the flavors. We really enjoy potato spinach gnocchi but these acorn squash version have a lovely almost nutty savory note which has made them a firm favorite too.
How to make acorn squash gnocchi
Gnocchi, and certainly these acorn squash gnocchi, really aren't that hard to make. They're also a great thing to get kids involved in making between mashing, mixing and rolling. You just need to allow a bit of time.
- Steam the squash then mash it.
- Once it has cooled, but ideally still slightly warm mix in the egg, flour and optional sage and goat's cheese.
- Take spoonfuls of the dough at a time and roll into logs, cut off bite-sized pieces and roll into little balls.
My son loves rolling a bit of dough in his hands - true he has yet to be useful in this but I am sure it all helps him engage with the food.
Tips for making & freezing acorn squash gnocchi
Between steaming, mixing and rolling out, it can seem like there are a lot of steps here, but it's not actually that difficult. Thins to keep in mind as you make them, include don't steam the squash too long, as you want to limit the amount of water it absorbs. Then, take care not to over-work the dough.
In terms of managing your time, you can form them, put them on a plate, cover and set aside for a little while. If longer than say 30 minutes or so, it's probably best to refrigerate. If you chill them, just watch they may stick to the plate so you will need to be careful as you ease them off.
The actual cooking is very quick, which is great for me when I have a constant 'have some gnocchi' chorus going on in the background. If you ever manage to have any leftover, you can cook and store them in sauce or pesto and they will re-heat fairly well in the microwave.
Alternatively, freeze uncooked gnocchi separated on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen and cook from frozen when you need them.
These acorn squash gnocchi work well on their own as a main dish or side eg to lamb chops. To me, they are definitely worth the slight bit more time it takes to make them. Deliciously savory, comforting and a wonderful taste of fall, these acorn squash gnocchi are definitely worth trying.
Remember to pin this for later!
Looking for more acorn squash ideas? Try these:
- Roasted apple and acorn squash soup
- Acorn squash and Brussel sprout side dish
- Plus see my collection of acorn squash recipes for ideas from around the web, and get more seasonal inspiration in the fall recipes archives.
Acorn squash gnocchi
Ingredients
- 11 oz acorn squash peeled and deseeded weight, approx ½ a medium squash, 16oz/450g before peeling
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour plain flour (or a little more as needed)
- ½ teaspoon sage (optional) 2 good size leaves, finely chopped
- 2 oz soft goats cheese crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and deseed the squash, cut into chunks then steam the squash until tender to knifepoint, around 10mins or so.
- Mash the squash, removing any tough bit of the skin you might have missed, and allow to cool.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix until combined, mashing the cheese and squash as necessary so you don’t get lumps.
- Lightly flour a work surface to roll out and rest gnocchi on until you are ready to cook.
- With floured hands, roll out large spoonfuls of the dough into logs and cut off sections about ½-3/4in/2cm thick. Roll each chunk into a ball and place onto a floured surface or a plate if chilling to cook a bit later.
- Bring a shallow, wide pan of water to the boil. Drop a few gnocchi into the boiling water at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan and keeping the water boiling.
- Remove with a slotted spoon once the gnocchi rise to the top. If they don't rise after a couple minutes or some do but others don't, nudge them with a spoon as they may have stuck to the bottom.
- Serve with browned butter (great if you cook some sage leaves in it), pesto or your choice of sauce and some parmesan on top.
Notes
or Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Round Braiser
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Note - you can freeze uncooked gnocchi by laying out on a baking sheet, freezing then transferring to a freezer bag once frozen. Cook from frozen as you would normally, they'll just take an extra minute to float up.Nutrition
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This post has been updated, primarily with new photos.
Robi
These have a very nice texture but are really lacking salt and I'm or sure I could even taste the goat cheese. I'm very impressed that they hold together and stand up so well to boiling water being made of squash.
Caroline's Cooking
I think levels of salt are very much a personal taste. I've never known a gnocchi recipe to use salt, it's more in how you serve them. I certainly wouldn't recommend you add salt to the dough, but maybe cook in salted water. And I can appreciate the goat's cheese doesn't come through much, I sometimes skip myself, but I think it adds to the texture.
Narissa
This recipe is oh so easy and delicious. Adding it to my go-to week night recipes. I made a creamy ricotta , spinach sauce to accompany the gnocchi. Delicious
Caroline's Cooking
So glad you enjoyed, it's a regular in our house! Your sauce sounds great as well.
Katie Crenshaw | A Fork's Tale
This is such a pretty little gnocchi. The acorn squash must add in a creamy sweet texture. It will be perfect with my lamb chops I am making this week. Can't wait to make it.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, it's both very smooth and a lovely flavor. Worth trying for sure! And definitely good with lamb.
Molly
I made these today, they do taste sweeter than potato, but just a bit. Really enjoyed this. Thanks!
Caroline's Cooking
So glad to hear you enjoyed! And yes, just that tiny bit sweeter but I also really like the flavor, too.
Beth
I have always been intimidated by gnocchi! I love your recipe using the acorn squash! What a great way to sneak those veges in! I guess if your little cutie can make them, so can I! Definitely making these ASAP!
Caroline's Cooking
I can understand that, but these are definitely worth a try!
Amanda
Yum! This sounds like the PERFECT fall recipe. I love gnocchi and the addition of squash sounds so delicious.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, it really is a true taste of fall. The squash gives a lovely flavor.
Rhiannon
I am embarrassed to admit that as much as I love to cook, I have never made my gnocchi from scratch. I think I really must try it - your son looks like he was having a great time 🙂 Every time I eat someone else's home made gnocchi I am reminded that it really is so much better than the pre-packaged ones. This looks lovely.
Caroline's Cooking
You know, I had been cooking all my life and never made them until I had kids, but they are such a favorite now I make them often.
Brian Jones
I love making gnocchi at home, I never get them looking like beautiful little pillows, but you are so right they are so light and fluffy. I've made them with butternut squash before and they were great, this acorn squash version sounds divine!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, the acorn squash gives such a lovely flavor it's definitely worth trying. I admit I don't tend to try the rolling you often see on gnocchi but these are delicious either way!
Kristen R.
I just stumbled on this and while an old post, it looks excellent! Do you have an suggestions for a substitute for the goat cheese? Sadly I've found that's an ingredient that doesn't agree with me. Thank you!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Kristen, it might be an older post but it's still definitely one of our favorites and we've been having it a fair bit recently. You can just miss the goat's cheese out if you like, it still works fine without it. Alternatively something like ricotta will give you that slight creaminess. Hope you enjoy!
Judi Graber
I have quite a collection of gnocchi recipes ever since I took a class a couple of years ago. I shall certainly add your seasonal recipe - I am amazed at how many different ingredients you can use to make this dish special 🙂
Johanne Lamarche
These look sublime but it is your adorable sous chef who stole the show!!! When I was in 3 rd grade my Italian teacher would make gnocchi from scratch on Saturdays and would often invite me over. I still remember them as one of the best things I had ever eaten! Never have made them but know I would love acorn squash ones. Yum!
Caroline's Cooking
What a lovely story! I love how early food memories stick with you. Hope you might be inspired to make them now!
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake
I love gnocchi and I've always wanted to make my own, but it feels a little daunting! You have definitely inspired me to give it a go soon though! I've never tired acorn squash, but I love most squashes so I don't doubt I'd love this one too!
I love the photo of your little one helping out, so cute!!
Thanks for bringing these along to Fiesta Friday, they'll definitely be enjoyed by everybody!
Caroline's Cooking
Thank you, glad it inspired and hope you manage to try them!
Kimberly
I haven't made gnocchi before, but this makes it sound do-able! (and delish!)
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, they really are yummy, hope you manage to give them a try!
Julie @ HostessAtHeart
These look wonderful. I haven't made gnocchi yet but it is definitely on my list! Thank you for the hints you use to make yours a success. Happy FF!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, I hope you enjoy them.
Marsha
This has got to be my favorite receipt so far! Yummy!!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, you have seen how much my helper likes them!
Angie
Love gnocchi! Even better with squash! Gotta try, gotta try....I keep telling myself that :D. I think I should now that I have this excellent recipe of yours. Thanks for joining Fiesta Friday!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, it took me some time, but once I started making my own gnocchi, I wondered why I didn't sooner! And thanks for hosting Fiesta Friday 🙂