Cooking Class – Gnocchi like an Italian Grandma

You don’t need to travel far to enjoy a genuine taste of Italy’s culinary traditions. This Cooking Class – Gnocchi like an Italian Grandma offers a warm, hands-on experience in Naples, where you’ll learn to craft Gnocchi alla Sorrentina from scratch. The tour lasts around 2 hours and is hosted in a local chef’s home, providing an intimate setting that feels more like visiting a friend than taking a typical cooking class.

The guide is Alfredo, an experienced chef who grew up making gnocchi with his grandmother. His friendly attitude and clear instructions make this tour accessible even for those with little cooking experience. The class includes time to cook, tasting your own gnocchi, and a glass of local wine—making it a relaxed, enjoyable session. Since the meeting point is in Napoli, slightly outside the central station area, you’ll need a brief metro ride, but the location is always communicated beforehand.

This experience appeals most to food lovers, those interested in Italian cuisine, and anyone wanting a meaningful connection with a local family. Keep in mind, the group size is limited to 8 participants, which offers a cozy, personalized atmosphere. The class is rain or shine, and full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Key Points

• Authentic Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Learn to make this famous recipe from a seasoned local chef.
• 2-hour private-style experience: Includes hands-on cooking, tasting, and wine.
• Hosted in a Naples home: In Fuorigrotta or Old Town, away from tourist-heavy spots.
• Small group setting: Limited to 8 participants for personal attention.
• Detailed instructions: Alfredo guides you through each step, ensuring you leave with a new skill and the recipe.
• High ratings: An impressive 4.9/5 from 20 reviews, praised for friendly guidance and delicious results.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Naples: A Perfect Setting for Gnocchi-Making

This class takes place in Naples, in either the Old Town or the Fuorigrotta area, near the Stadium. The meeting point is a private residence, accessible by public transport, just 8 minutes from the Old Town by metro. The location offers a local, authentic atmosphere that enhances the cooking experience.

The host’s home environment allows for an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, different from larger, commercial kitchens. The host will greet you warmly, making you feel part of the family immediately. This setting lends a personal touch to the lesson and often leads to engaging conversations about Neapolitan cuisine and local life.

Transportation logistics are straightforward, and the hosts are helpful in ensuring everyone finds the location easily. The experience happens rain or shine, so weather is no obstacle to this authentic culinary afternoon.

Making Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: A Classic Recipe

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is one of Italy’s most beloved dishes, known for its soft, pillowy gnocchi baked with cheese and tomato sauce. Its origins date back to the 16th century, making it a true culinary classic.

In the class, Alfredo begins by sharing the story behind the dish before moving into the hands-on preparation. You’ll wash ingredients, learn how to mix the dough, and shape the gnocchi with care. The gnocchi are traditionally baked to develop a crisp crust, adding a satisfying contrast to the soft interior. The final step involves baking the gnocchi in the oven, completing the authentic experience.

After cooking, the gnocchi are tasted together, accompanied by a glass of local wine. This slow-paced, calmly enjoyed meal ensures you fully appreciate the flavors and textures of a true Italian family recipe. Alfredo guarantees that, after this class, you’ll have the skills to reproduce these gnocchi anywhere, especially in Sorrento.

The Story Behind the Recipe from the 16th Century

The history of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina traces back over 400 years, making it a tradition-rich dish that has stood the test of time. Alfredo shares insights into its origins, connecting you with the cultural significance of the recipe.

This storytelling element enriches the cooking process, giving a deeper appreciation for the dish. It also highlights how the recipe has been passed down through generations, with Alfredo’s family having a personal connection to the dish. Such stories make the experience more meaningful, transforming a cooking class into a cultural journey.

The Cooking Process: From Ingredients to Baked Gnocchi

The class begins with analyzing ingredients: flour, potatoes, cheese, and tomato sauce. Alfredo emphasizes simple, fresh components that are easy to find in Italy. Participants wash their hands and learn how to knead the dough and shape the gnocchi with traditional techniques.

The gnocchi are then cooked in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then baked in the oven to achieve a crunchy crust. Alfredo explains the importance of oven baking to enhance flavor and texture. The process is step-by-step, with Alfredo offering tips and tricks to ensure success, such as how to avoid overworking the dough.

This interactive approach makes the process fun and accessible, even for those new to cooking. The resulting dish combines soft, fluffy gnocchi with a melty cheese topping and a rich tomato sauce, ready for tasting.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wine and Tasting: Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor

After the cooking, participants gather around the dining area to sample the homemade gnocchi. A glass of local wine is served, adding to the experience and helping you relax and enjoy your culinary creation.

The wine tasting complements the flavor profile of the dish and adds a festive touch. The unhurried meal allows for conversations, questions, and sharing stories, making this not just a cooking class but a cultural exchange.

The Chef and the Atmosphere: Alfredo’s Teaching Style

Alfredo’s warm personality and clarity shine through as he guides the group. Reviewers praise his patience and expertise, often mentioning that he learned from his grandmother and passes down that knowledge effortlessly.

Participants appreciate the personalized attention due to the small group size, which fosters a friendly environment. Alfredo’s engaging storytelling and detailed explanations ensure everyone feels confident, and the casual atmosphere encourages questions.

The setting in Naples home makes the experience feel authentic, like cooking with family members, and Alfredo’s hospitality is a highlight.

What Participants Receive: Recipes, Memories, and New Skills

At the end of the class, participants leave with the recipe for Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, videos, and contact info for follow-up questions. Several reviews mention they now feel confident to recreate the dish at home.

The class also includes additional homemade appetizers and dessert at some points, further enriching the experience. The personal stories, tips, and cultural insights shared during the session leave a lasting impression.

Practical Details: Booking, Location, and Group Size

This tour is operated by Napoli Turista and can be booked with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The meeting point is in Naples, with precise coordinates provided after booking.

The small group format, limited to 8 participants, ensures personalized attention. The tour is wheelchair accessible and available in English and Italian. The duration is approximately 2 hours, making it an easy addition to any Naples itinerary.

A Real Taste of Naples Family Cooking

This Gnocchi-making class offers a warm, immersive experience that leaves you with more than just a recipe. You gain a deeper connection to Neapolitan culinary traditions through Alfredo’s storytelling and hospitality.

The class balances hands-on involvement with leisurely tasting, so you leave feeling accomplished and satisfied. It’s perfect for foodies, cooking lovers, or those wanting a personalized introduction to Italian cuisine.

While the location requires a short metro ride, the authenticity and intimacy of the experience make it worthwhile. If you’re seeking a fun, genuine way to learn about Naples cuisine and make authentic gnocchi, this class offers excellent value and memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the class?
The class lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the tour take place?
In a private home in Naples, either in the Old Town or Fuorigrotta, near the Stadium.

How many participants are there in each class?
Groups are limited to 8 people for a personal experience.

Is the class suitable for beginners?
Yes, Alfredo provides clear instructions making it accessible for all skill levels.

What should I bring?
All ingredients and equipment are provided; just bring a hunger for learning and an appetite.

Will I receive a recipe?
Yes, participants leave with the recipe and additional videos.

Is the experience accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What is included in the price?
Hands-on cooking, wine, appetizers, dessert, recipe, and memories.

Can I cancel?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is transportation provided?
No, but guidance is given on reaching the meeting point by public transport.

Are there options for dietary restrictions?
The data does not specify; inquire directly when booking for customization options.

Would I recommend this experience?
Absolutely, especially for those interested in authentic Italian cooking and culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby