Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
This Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi offers a comforting and delicious twist on traditional French onion soup by combining caramelized sweet onions, tender gnocchi, and a rich Swiss or Gruyere cheese topping baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy meal, it delivers deep, savory flavors enhanced by fresh thyme and a splash of white wine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi and Broth
- 1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 tbsp fresh minced thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Onions and Fat
- 1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (Gruyere preferred for deeper flavor)
- 8–10 slices French bread (day-old works best, for serving)
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt together the olive oil and unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This slow cooking enhances their sweetness and flavor.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add the fresh minced thyme and beef broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth and onion mixture. Stir occasionally over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.
- Season and prepare to bake: Season the gnocchi mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture into a greased medium baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve hot with slices of French bread on the side for dipping in the rich sauce.
Notes
- For a deeper, nuttier flavor, Gruyere cheese is preferred over Swiss.
- Day-old French bread slices are ideal for dipping because they hold up better without becoming soggy.
- Take your time caramelizing the onions slowly for the best flavor development.
- You can use fresh or frozen gnocchi; cooking time may vary slightly.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: baked gnocchi, French onion gnocchi, caramelized onion dish, cheesy gnocchi bake, comfort food, French cuisine
