If you love cozy comfort food that feels indulgent but is actually light and packed with protein, then you will absolutely adore this Cottage Cheese Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic gnocchi you know and love, made fluffy and tender with creamy cottage cheese and topped with a rich, nutty brown butter sage sauce that’s both simple and luxurious. Every bite combines pillowy dough with crispy browned edges, and the fragrant sage elevates this dish into something truly special. It’s perfect to share with friends or to savor as a heartfelt homemade meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board sits on a white marbled surface with scattered white flour. On the cutting board, there is a long white dough roll partially sliced into small pieces shaped like small dumplings or gnocchi, each with a soft and slightly rough texture. The dough pieces are arranged loosely across the board with white flour dusted around and on them, giving a light powdery look. The natural wood grain of the board contrasts with the pale dough and flour, creating a rustic kitchen scene photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to create perfect texture and flavor. Each item plays an essential role—from the creamy cottage cheese that keeps the gnocchi light and high in protein to the browned butter that adds a deep, nutty richness complemented by fresh sage leaves.

Full fat cottage cheese: This is the star ingredient that provides creaminess and protein while keeping gnocchi soft and tender.
Egg yolks: Help bind the dough together without making it heavy.
All purpose flour (or gluten free flour): Gives structure to the gnocchi, with gluten free as a great alternative if needed.
Finely grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory depth to the gnocchi dough and topping.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the dough and sauce.
Salted butter: For the brown butter sauce—melts and browns slowly creating that irresistible nutty aroma.
Fresh sage leaves: Their earthy, peppery notes crisp up beautifully in the browned butter, taking the sauce to the next level.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Cottage Cheese

Start by placing the full fat cottage cheese in a food processor and whipping it for about one minute—you want it light, creamy, and fluffy. This step is crucial because it transforms the cottage cheese texture so your gnocchi feels delicate and airy rather than dense.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients into Dough

Next, add the egg yolks, flour, Parmesan cheese, and salt to the whipped cottage cheese. Pulse the processor several times until everything is fully incorporated. You might need to scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure even mixing. The end result should be a sticky but manageable dough that’s ready to be rolled.

Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi

Turn your dough out onto a well-floured surface. Scatter some extra flour on top to make kneading easier. Gently knead just a few times, then roll the dough into ropes about three-quarters of an inch thick. Depending on your space, aim for 3 to 4 ropes. From here, you’ll cut into bite-sized pieces before cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi pieces in and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until they float to the top—that’s your sign they’re perfectly cooked inside. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain them carefully.

Step 5: Brown the Gnocchi

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon or two of extra virgin olive oil. Add the cooked gnocchi and sauté, turning occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. This textural contrast makes the dish truly memorable.

Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Remove the browned gnocchi and reduce the heat to medium-low. If your pan is especially hot, take it off the heat to cool slightly—burnt butter is no one’s friend! Melt the butter slowly, stirring, until it turns a warm golden brown and releases its signature nutty aroma. Add fresh sage leaves and gently toss them so they crisp up in the butter.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Return the gnocchi to the pan and toss in the brown butter sage sauce, making sure every piece is coated. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and adjust salt to taste. Your Cottage Cheese Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe is ready to delight!

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe

The image shows a close-up of golden brown gnocchi in a white pan, with a slightly crispy texture on many pieces. The gnocchi pieces are scattered unevenly, with some parts showing a smooth, soft yellow surface while others have a darker, browned crust. There are a few green sage leaves mixed in, adding a fresh contrast to the light gnocchi. Tiny specks of black pepper and grated cheese lightly cover the dish, adding texture and detail. The pan handle is visible on the left, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a final touch of elegance and flavor, top your gnocchi with a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese, some cracked black pepper, or a few extra crispy sage leaves. These small details create a stunning presentation and add bursts of savory taste with every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and comforting on its own but pairs beautifully with bright, fresh sides. Consider a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the creamy gnocchi. A light glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the gnocchi in warmed shallow bowls, drizzle the brown butter sage sauce artfully across the top, and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. You can even add toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts for extra crunch and texture that pairs wonderfully with the pillowy gnocchi.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place the gnocchi and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume within two days for optimal freshness and texture since the gnocchi might absorb the sauce over time.

Freezing

Resist freezing the fully cooked gnocchi in sauce as the texture may suffer. Instead, freeze uncooked gnocchi arranged on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, cook frozen gnocchi directly in boiling water, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the gnocchi and brown butter sauce separately in a pan over low heat, tossing carefully to prevent them from breaking apart. Avoid microwaving, which can make gnocchi rubbery or soggy and cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?

While full fat cottage cheese yields the best creamy texture and flavor, low-fat versions can work in a pinch. Just be mindful that the gnocchi might turn out less tender and slightly less rich.

Is this recipe gluten free?

You can make this Cottage Cheese Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe gluten free by swapping the all purpose flour for a gluten free all purpose flour blend. The texture will remain light and delicious.

How do I know when the gnocchi are cooked?

The gnocchi are ready when they float to the surface of boiling water, generally after about 2 to 3 minutes. This classic indicator means they are cooked through and ready for the pan.

Can I make the brown butter sage sauce ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and gently rewarm it before tossing with the browned gnocchi. Just be sure not to overcook the butter during reheating to avoid burning its delicate flavor.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky to handle?

If your dough feels overly sticky, sprinkle a small amount of additional flour on your work surface and dough. Knead gently until it becomes easier to manage but be careful not to add too much flour or the gnocchi may become dense.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Cottage Cheese Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those comforting yet light dishes that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds. The combination of tender gnocchi with the warm, nutty sauce and fresh sage is a little slice of heaven that’s surprisingly easy to make. Gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a meal that feels like a warm embrace on a plate!