Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
If you are craving a comfort dish that brings together the deep, savory richness of caramelized onions with pillowy gnocchi baked to golden perfection, this Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe is a must-try. It takes the essence of classic French onion soup and transforms it into a warm, cheesy casserole that’s effortless to prepare yet packed with flavor in every bite. Expect gooey Gruyère and mozzarella with herbaceous thyme and garlic, all melting together into the most satisfying weeknight meal or cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from the sweet caramelized onions to the creamy cheese blankets that cover the tender gnocchi. These simple essentials come together to create layers of flavor and texture that feel luxurious without fuss.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity base note while helping to caramelize the onions beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the dish and aids in achieving those golden-brown onions.
- Yellow onions: Thinly sliced, they slowly cook down to develop a luscious sweetness and deep color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors throughout the dish.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar helps to coax out the natural sweetness of the onions during caramelization.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Impart a delicate, fragrant herbal note that pairs perfectly with the onions and cheese.
- Garlic: Adds savory depth that complements the onions without overpowering.
- Dry white wine (optional): A splash to deglaze and deepen the dish’s flavor complexity.
- Beef or vegetable broth: Provides savory moisture and umami richness; choose vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luscious sauce that binds the gnocchi and onions together.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the savory goodness.
- Gruyère cheese: Known for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts to a perfect bubbling blanket.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretch and creaminess to the topping.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten the finished dish.
How to Make Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the onions
Start by heating olive oil and butter together in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar, then stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Patience is key here, as the onions need about 20 to 25 minutes to turn a rich golden brown and develop that deep, sweet flavor. This slow caramelization is what transforms the entire dish into something soul-satisfying.
Step 2: Add aromatics and deglaze
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in fresh thyme leaves and minced garlic, cooking for just another minute to release their fragrant oils. Then, if using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those lovely browned bits stuck to the bottom — these add incredible depth. If you’d rather skip the wine, no worries, just increase the broth slightly to keep the sauce rich.
Step 3: Create the creamy sauce and cook gnocchi
Next, pour in your broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything into a luscious sauce. Toss in the potato gnocchi directly into the skillet, stirring gently so each dumpling is coated. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, so the gnocchi start to soften and absorb the rich flavors of the sauce. This step is crucial for getting that perfect tender bite.
Step 4: Bake with cheese topping
Now comes the fun part — sprinkle shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the gnocchi and sauce. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden. For an extra touch of perfection, broil the top for 1 to 2 minutes to get a lightly crisp, golden crust. It’s that irresistible cheese crust that puts this Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe over the top.
Step 5: Serve and garnish
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you like a burst of color and brightness. Serve warm straight from the skillet or onto plates for an inviting presentation that promises cozy comfort in every bite.
How to Serve Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds fresh color and a clean, herbal lift that contrasts beautifully with the deep, cheesy richness. For a little extra flair, a few cracked black pepper flakes or even a drizzle of aged balsamic can elevate the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This satisfying dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, which offers a refreshing counterpoint. Sauteed greens like spinach or kale make a nutritious, earthy side, while roasted root vegetables can turn your meal into a full-on cozy feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets makes for a beautiful presentation at dinner parties. You can also turn leftovers into a layered casserole topped with breadcrumbs for a delightful twist, or use the components as a decadent filling for stuffed peppers or mushrooms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked French Onion Gnocchi keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent the cheese topping from drying out.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish if needed. Cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the gnocchi’s delicate texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the sauce creamy. If in a hurry, microwave covered with a damp paper towel, but expect the topping to be less crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be aware frozen gnocchi might need a couple extra minutes of simmering time in the sauce to become tender before baking.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?
Swiss cheese or mild cheddar can be good alternatives, though Gruyère provides that signature nutty flavor that makes this dish special.
Is it necessary to use white wine when deglazing?
Not at all. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, just replace the wine with an equal amount of broth; the rich, caramelized onions will still shine through.
Can this Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Choose vegetable broth and make sure to use rennet-free cheeses to keep the dish vegetarian friendly without sacrificing flavor.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning when broiling?
Keep a close eye on the broiler during the last 1 to 2 minutes, as it can go from golden to burnt quickly. Remove the skillet as soon as the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.
Final Thoughts
This Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe is pure comfort food magic with layers of caramelized onion sweetness, creamy sauce, and melty cheese all bubbling across soft gnocchi. It’s a warm hug in a dish, perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to pull together. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to soul-warming meals.
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Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked French Onion Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring deeply caramelized onions, tender gnocchi, and a rich blend of Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy fall dinner, this French-inspired recipe combines stovetop caramelizing and baking techniques for a hearty and satisfying main course.
Ingredients
For the Onion Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable or fresh potato gnocchi
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the dish.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions become deeply caramelized and golden brown, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Add Herbs and Garlic: Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute to release their aroma and flavor into the caramelized onions.
- Deglaze the Pan: Optionally add the dry white wine to the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom to lift the flavorful residue into the sauce. If you skip the wine, add a splash more broth instead.
- Add Broth and Cream: Stir in the beef or vegetable broth and heavy cream, combining the mixture to create a rich, savory sauce base for the gnocchi.
- Add Gnocchi and Simmer: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them evenly with the sauce. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the gnocchi are slightly tender and begin to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the gnocchi and onion mixture, preparing it for baking.
- Bake the Dish: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. For an extra crispy cheese crust, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting baked French onion gnocchi.
Notes
- Skip the white wine if preferred and use a splash more broth to deglaze the pan.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and ensure the cheese is rennet-free.
- Frozen or refrigerated gnocchi might require a few extra minutes of cooking time to achieve tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
