Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

This Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi combines tender gnocchi with sweet caramelized onions and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner that feels special without much fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature), plus 1 tbsp more
• 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 recommended)
• 8-10 slices French bread (day-old works best)

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 1 tbsp 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. Cooking slowly enhances their sweetness and flavor.
2. Step 2: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the minced thyme and beef broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the gnocchi and stir occasionally over medium heat until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce thickens and reduces, about 5-10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Season the gnocchi mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer everything into a greased medium baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese.
4. Step 4: Bake at 400°F (200°C) 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 your cheesy, savory meal!

Tips & Variations

• Using Gruyere cheese adds a deeper, nuttier flavor compared to Swiss, enhancing the dish’s richness.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
• Day-old French bread crisps up nicely when toasted and is perfect for dipping.
• Caramelize the onions slowly over low heat for the best flavor development.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the gnocchi tender. Avoid microwaving, which can make the gnocchi gummy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, both fresh and frozen gnocchi work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure frozen gnocchi are cooked through during the simmering step.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Gruyere or Swiss cheese?

Fontina or mozzarella can be used as substitutes, though the flavor will be milder. For a sharper taste, try aged cheddar.

Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 129 reviews

This Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi recipe combines tender gnocchi with caramelized sweet onions, rich beef broth, and melted Gruyere cheese for a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners. The gnocchi is simmered in a savory onion and thyme-infused broth, then baked until bubbly and golden with a cheesy crust, served alongside crusty French bread for the perfect dipping experience.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• 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)

Deglazing and Simmering

• 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)

Seasoning and Baking

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (Gruyere preferred)

To Serve

• 8–10 slices French bread (day-old works best)

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, for about 20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Slow cooking enhances 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 minced thyme and beef broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the gnocchi and stir occasionally 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 the mixture into a greased medium baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese evenly over the top for a delicious cheesy crust.
4. Bake the Gnocchi: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
5. Serve with French Bread: Serve the hot baked gnocchi immediately with slices of day-old French bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy the savory, cheesy flavors in every bite!

Notes

• Use Gruyere cheese for a deeper, nuttier flavor, but Swiss cheese works as a great substitute.
• Day-old French bread works best for soaking up the sauce and adds a nice texture contrast.
• Caramelizing onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness—don’t rush this step.
• Fresh or frozen gnocchi can be used; just adjust cooking times slightly if using frozen.
• Leftovers keep well and can be reheated in the oven for a crispy finish.

Keywords: French Onion, Gnocchi, Baked Gnocchi, Caramelized Onions, Gruyere, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner