Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage has quickly become a favorite in the frozen food aisle. If you’re a fan of quick, comforting meals that don't skimp on flavor, this dish is a must-try. The sweet potato gnocchi combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery sage sauce that’s perfect for cozy dinners. In this review, we’ll cover the taste, texture, cooking methods, and how to elevate the dish with easy additions. Whether you’re familiar with gnocchi or new to it, Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi is sure to be a hit.
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The taste and texture
Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage features a delightful balance of flavors. The sweet potato gnocchi provides a slight sweetness that’s complemented by the rich, creamy butter and sage sauce. The sauce isn’t overly sweet, allowing the savory notes to come through, making this dish perfect for those who enjoy comfort food with a twist. The earthy sage adds depth to the flavor, rounding out the buttery richness without overpowering the sweet potato gnocchi. It’s a well-balanced meal that feels indulgent yet satisfying.
Texture plays a huge role in enjoying gnocchi, and Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi does not disappoint. Unlike traditional potato gnocchi, which tends to be light and airy, this sweet potato version is denser and more substantial. When cooked correctly, the gnocchi retains a soft, chewy texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully. For those who prefer a bit of crispiness, pan-frying the gnocchi will give you a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
The packaging
Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage are packaged in a 14.1-ounce plastic bag. There is no additional packaging beyond the product pictured here. The only problem with the current packaging is that some of the sage and butter sauce gets stuck to the inside.
That can be a bit of a mess when you want to pour out the product quickly or want to use up every bit of what has been packaged.
Best Ways to Cook Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Getting the right texture and flavor from Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage depends on how you cook it. Here are some of the best methods to try:
- Pan-Frying: For the perfect crispy finish, sauté the gnocchi in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. This method gives the gnocchi a golden brown crust while keeping the inside soft, adding a wonderful contrast in textures.
- Microwave: The quickest method for preparing Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi is to microwave it. This option is great for busy weeknights when you want a fast, satisfying meal. While the gnocchi will be soft, it won’t have the crispy edges you get from pan-frying.
- Air-Frying: If you own an air fryer, try cooking the gnocchi at 400°F for about 10 minutes. The result is crispy, evenly cooked gnocchi with minimal effort. This method also allows the buttery sage sauce to coat the gnocchi evenly.
- Baking: For those who prefer a hands-off approach, baking the gnocchi on a sheet pan at 425°F for 15 minutes provides a good mix of crispy and soft textures. This method works well if you’re cooking other items in the oven simultaneously.
Versatility and Pairing Ideas
Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage can be enjoyed as a stand-alone meal or enhanced with simple add-ins. Here are some ideas to take it to the next level:
- Add Protein: To make this a heartier meal, pair the gnocchi with grilled chicken, sausage, or tofu. The savory flavors of the proteins complement the sweet and buttery gnocchi.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adding roasted vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini introduces more texture and nutrients. The earthiness of roasted veggies pairs beautifully with the sweet potato and sage sauce.
- Cheese and Herbs: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh cracked black pepper elevates the dish, adding depth to the flavor profile. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh finish.
Nutritional Information
Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage comes in a 14.1-ounce bag, containing about three servings. Each serving has 250 calories, making it a relatively moderate option for a quick dinner. While it’s easy to polish off the entire bag in one sitting, you can balance out the meal by serving it with a side salad or some roasted vegetables. This frozen gnocchi is a great option for those looking to enjoy comfort food without overindulging.
Cooking Tips
Getting the right texture and flavor from Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage depends on how you cook it. Here are some of the best methods to try and some of these aren't mentioned on the bag:
Baking: For those who prefer a hands-off approach, baking the gnocchi on a sheet pan at 425°F for 15 minutes provides a good mix of crispy and soft textures. This method works well if you’re cooking other items in the oven simultaneously.
Pan-Frying: For the perfect crispy finish, sauté the gnocchi in a non-stick skillet over medium heat on a stove top. This method gives the gnocchi a golden brown crust while keeping the inside soft, adding a wonderful contrast in textures.
Microwave: The quickest method for preparing Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi is to microwave it. This option is great for busy weeknights when you want a fast, satisfying meal. While the gnocchi will be soft, it won’t have the crispy edges you get from pan-frying.
Air-Frying: If you own an air fryer, try cooking the gnocchi at 400°F for about 10 minutes. The result is crispy, evenly cooked gnocchi with minimal effort. This method also allows the buttery sage sauce to coat the gnocchi evenly.
A comparison of gnocchi
And believe me, I've tried all the gnocchis they offer: Cauliflower Gnocchi, Chocolate Lava Gnocchi, Gnocchi alla Gorgonzola, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Inside Out Stuffed Gnocchi, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, and even the dried gnocchi which I haven't reviewed yet (but are always on my pantry shelf).
If I had to recommend them in order of the best to the worst:
- Sweet potato gnocchi
- Cauliflower gnocchi
- Inside Out Stuffed Gnocchi
- Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
- Gnocchi alla Gorgonzola
- Chocolate Lava Gnocchi
- and lastly Kale Gnocchi.
You can click on any of the links above to be taken to the reviews of each of these products.
Frequently asked questions
Below are common product questions that I get:
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400F. Place them in a single layer for 10-14 minutes. Be sure to check halfway through and give the basket a good shake.
Yes! You can bake these at 450F for 15 minutes. Be sure to coat these with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also make an easy sheet pan dinner by tossing in a vegetable with some salt and pepper.
No, this product contains milk and eggs. The cheese also contains animal rennet.
It’s best to enjoy the gnocchi fresh after cooking. While you can technically refreeze it, the texture may change, and the sauce could separate upon reheating.
Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi has a long shelf life when stored in the freezer. Typically, it can last for several months, but for best quality, it’s recommended to use it within 3-6 months of purchase.
Creative Uses and Recipes
Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage can be enjoyed as a stand-alone meal or enhanced with simple add-ins. Here are some ideas to take it to the next level:
- Add Protein: To make this a heartier meal, pair the gnocchi with grilled chicken, sausage, or tofu. The savory flavors of the proteins complement the sweet and buttery gnocchi.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adding roasted vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini introduces more texture and nutrients. The earthiness of roasted veggies pairs beautifully with the sweet potato and sage sauce.
- Cheese and Herbs: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh cracked black pepper elevates the dish, adding depth to the flavor profile. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh finish.
Overall
Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage is a freezer staple for anyone who enjoys quick, delicious, and comforting meals. It's a blend of sweet potato and buttery sage sauce makes it a versatile dish that works as a main course or a side dish. With multiple cooking methods available, you can tailor the texture to your liking—whether you prefer crispy gnocchi from the air fryer or soft gnocchi straight from the microwave. This is one Trader Joe's frozen food item that you'll want to keep stocked in your freezer, especially on busy nights when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
Conclusion
- Summary: This has been on freezer shelves for years and it's not a surprise as to why that is. This is a reliable dish that can easily be improved with the addition of a protein or more veggies.
- Final Thoughts: Yes, this is a buy from me for those nights I'm too lazy to cook.
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Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage
Product Name: Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage
Product Description: Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage is a long-standing favorite in the freezer aisle.
Price: $3.49
Summary
Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage is a perennial favorite in the freezer aisle and is part of a series of frozen gnocchis.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Makes for an easy and quick dinner.
- Very flavorful and requires little effort
- One of the top frozen gnocchi options in the freezer case.
Cons
- If you aren't a fan of sweet potatoes then give this a pass
- Very easy to eat the whole bag.
- Expect this to be closer to 1-2 actual serving sizes based on normal portions
- A lot of the frozen sauce can stick to the sides of the bag.
Evelyn B says
After having a similar experience to you following the microwave instructions for this, now I use the stove top method instead. I love this gnocchi though!
becomebetty says
Me too. It's my favorite gnocchi flavor.
Dag says
After ready your review of TJs Fusilli with Vegetables & Basil Pesto I decided to back track to look at your reviews of other TJs pasta & pasta-like products. I looked up the Gorgonzola Gnocchi which I personally like. I doctor it up with lots of spinach, parmesan & roasted garlic. I saw your review on the Sweet Potato Gnocchi product. I have passed it dozens of time & have never purchased it. Not sure why though. Sweet potatoes - yum. Butter - yum. Sage - yum. Your review was in 2016. I am assuming you have purchased it a number of times since then. Do you still give it high marks?
If so, it is going on my next TJs shopping list:)
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! Yes, I still love my sweet potato gnocchi. The only problem is there are three servings in the bag. It's very easy to eat all three in one sitting. I still get it at least once a month. It's a completely different gnocchi than the other ones. Not strong on the sage, but still very tasty. Worth a try.