Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

This Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi is a comforting dish featuring caramelized onions, tender gnocchi, and melted Gruyere cheese. It’s a delightful twist on classic French onion flavors, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 tbsp fresh minced thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (Gruyere preferred)
• 8-10 slices French bread (day-old works best, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the olive oil and butter together. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Take your time here for the best flavor.
2. Step 2: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the minced thyme and beef broth, then bring to a simmer. Stir in the gnocchi and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer everything into a greased medium baking dish and spread evenly. Top with shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese.
4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is lightly browned and the gnocchi is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
5. Step 5: Serve the baked gnocchi with slices of French bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

Tips & Variations

• For deeper flavor, use Gruyere cheese instead of Swiss.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with mushroom or vegetable broth.
• Day-old French bread is best for dipping as it soaks up the sauce without getting too soggy.
• Cook onions slowly and patiently for a sweeter, richer caramelization.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for quicker reheating. The dish may thicken when refrigerated, so add a splash of broth or water if needed when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the simmering time to ensure they cook through completely.

What can I substitute for beef broth?

You can use vegetable or mushroom broth as a vegetarian alternative. It will still provide a rich, savory flavor to the dish.

Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

This Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi recipe combines tender gnocchi with deeply caramelized sweet onions, a rich beef broth and white wine sauce, fresh thyme, and melted Gruyere cheese baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting, savory meal served alongside crusty French bread.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramelized Onions

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced)

Sauce and Gnocchi

• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 tbsp fresh minced thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Topping and Serving

• 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (Gruyere preferred for deeper flavor)
• 8–10 slices French bread (day-old works best, for serving)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the olive oil and unsalted butter together. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Slow cooking enhances the sweetness and flavor.
2. Deglaze and Simmer the Gnocchi: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the fresh minced thyme (or dried thyme) and beef broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the gnocchi and cook over medium heat until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce thickens and reduces, about 5-10 minutes.
3. Season and Assemble for Baking: Season the gnocchi mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer everything into a greased medium baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese for a rich, melty finish.
4. Bake the Gnocchi: Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly, and the gnocchi bake is heated through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
5. Serve with French Bread: Serve the hot baked gnocchi alongside 8-10 slices of day-old French bread to dip into the savory sauce. Enjoy the cheesy, comforting dish!

Notes

• Using Gruyere cheese enhances the flavor with its deep nutty notes but Swiss cheese works well too.
• Day-old French bread is ideal as it holds up well for dipping without getting soggy.
• Slowly caramelizing the onions is key to developing their sweetness and depth in flavor.
• You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth to make it a bit lighter.
• This dish is best served immediately but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: French onion gnocchi, baked gnocchi, caramelized onion recipe, Gruyere cheese gnocchi, comfort food, French cuisine