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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
