Name: Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine (or low-sodium broth); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth; 1 package (16 oz) shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi; 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Get ready for a cozy, flavor-packed twist on a classic: Baked French Onion Gnocchi! Imagine everything you love about French onion soup—those sweet caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and rich, savory notes—now paired with pillowy gnocchi and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This dish is pure comfort in a skillet, perfect for impressing dinner guests or curling up for a decadent weeknight meal. The best part? It’s deceptively simple, yet delivers layers of flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked French Onion Gnocchi lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each one pulls its weight, from the deep sweetness of caramelized onions to the creamy cheese topping. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few quick tips for best results:

Olive oil: A splash to get those onions started and add a subtle fruity note to the base.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps the onions caramelize beautifully.
Yellow onions: The star of the show—make sure they’re thinly sliced for even caramelization.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the moisture from the onions and seasoning the dish.
Black pepper: Lends just the right amount of warmth and mild heat.
Fresh thyme: Earthy, herby notes that balance the sweetness of the onions; dried works in a pinch!
Garlic: A quick sauté brings a sweet, mellow depth to the sauce.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity; sub in broth if you’re avoiding alcohol.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and luxurious.
Beef or vegetable broth: Adds savory depth—use mushroom or beef broth for extra flavor.
Potato gnocchi: Shelf-stable or refrigerated, these little dumplings soak up all the saucy goodness.
Gruyère cheese: Melts like a dream, lending that signature French onion “stretch.” Swiss is a good substitute.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, salty finish and golden crust.

How to Make Baked French Onion Gnocchi

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add those thinly sliced onions and let them work their magic. Caramelizing onions takes patience—stir them often for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re deeply golden and sweet. This slow process is the secret to capturing that unforgettable French onion flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Season and Sauté

When the onions reach that gorgeous golden color, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. This step layers in herby warmth and brings the whole skillet to life.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the white wine (or broth if you prefer) and use your spoon to scrape up all the tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer until almost all the liquid evaporates—this concentrates the flavors and creates a rich base for your sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Add in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; you’ll see it transform into a luscious, velvety sauce. This is where the Baked French Onion Gnocchi dreams really start to come together!

Step 5: Gnocchi Time

Toss the gnocchi right into the sauce—no need to pre-boil! Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and soak up all that savory flavor. If you’re using shelf-stable gnocchi, this is a game changer for both texture and taste.

Step 6: Cheese It Up and Bake

Remove the skillet from the heat and evenly sprinkle the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses over the top. Pop the whole pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. The aroma is irresistible! Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving for the perfect, creamy consistency.

How to Serve Baked French Onion Gnocchi

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves over the top just before serving. A crack of black pepper or a handful of finely chopped chives also makes every serving look and taste special.

Side Dishes

Baked French Onion Gnocchi is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside warm, crusty bread—perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a bistro-style touch. Or, for family-style comfort, place the skillet right in the center of the table and let everyone dig in together. It’s a showstopper at dinner parties or casual gatherings alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the Baked French Onion Gnocchi cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors only deepen with time.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the cooled gnocchi into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the creamy texture and cheesy top.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last few minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven preserves that coveted bubbly cheese crust.

FAQs

Can I make Baked French Onion Gnocchi vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and double-check that your cheeses are vegetarian-friendly. The result is just as rich and flavorful.

What kind of gnocchi should I use?

Shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi work best for this recipe. Both absorb the sauce beautifully and become wonderfully tender as they bake.

Is there a good substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Yes, Swiss cheese is a great alternative if Gruyère isn’t available. You could also try Emmental or a mild provolone for a similar melt and flavor.

Can I make Baked French Onion Gnocchi ahead of time?

You can prepare the dish up to the point before baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then proceed as directed.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy, cheesy sauce and caramelized onions. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir is fantastic alongside Baked French Onion Gnocchi.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and a little bit luxurious, you have to try Baked French Onion Gnocchi. Each bite is a comforting blend of classic French flavors and modern comfort food. Gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy sharing this irresistible dish with your favorite people!

Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked French Onion Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender potato gnocchi smothered in a rich, creamy caramelized onion sauce topped with melted Gruyère and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or special occasion, this French-inspired recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the indulgent creaminess of cheese and a hint of thyme for fresh herbal notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

1/2 cup dry white wine (or low-sodium broth)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth

Main Ingredient

1 package (16 oz) shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi

Cheese Toppings

1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare onions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently until they become golden brown and caramelized.
Season and add garlic: Season the caramelized onions with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrance.
Deglaze the pan: Pour in the dry white wine (or low-sodium broth) and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Allow the mixture to simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, intensifying the flavor.
Add cream and broth: Stir in the heavy cream and beef or vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Cook gnocchi in sauce: Add the gnocchi directly into the sauce and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring gently. This softens the gnocchi and allows them to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
Add cheese and bake: Remove the skillet from heat. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top of the gnocchi mixture. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to settle.

Notes

If you don’t have Gruyère cheese, Swiss cheese is an excellent substitute that melts well and offers a similar nutty flavor.
For an added depth of flavor, consider using mushroom broth or beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-Inspired