Gnocchi are various thick, soft doughs dumplings that may be made from semolina, ordinary wheat flour, egg, cheese, potato, breadcrumbs, or similar ingredients. Gnocchi are served warm to hot and eaten as a first course (primo piatto), as an alternative to soups (minestre) or pasta. Common accompaniments of gnocchi include melted butter (sometimes fried butter) with sage, pesto, and various sauces.