Gnocchi Board

A small ridged wooden board, used with a light roll of the thumb or a small dowel, to press decorative ridges into gnocchi so they hold sauce better.

Material & Construction

A small paddle of ridged wood, held in one hand while gnocchi dough pieces are rolled against the ridges with a thumb or small rolling tool in the other.

Traditional Uses

Rolling individual gnocchi against the ridged surface to create a textured groove pattern, a step considered functional (for sauce adhesion) as well as traditional.

Modern Availability / Equivalents

The back of a fork, pressed and rolled the same way, is the common informal substitute and produces a similar ridged texture.

Care & Maintenance

Wipe with a dry cloth; avoid soaking, and occasional oiling keeps the ridged wood from drying and cracking.