Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
