Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi combines tender gnocchi with rich caramelized onions and a savory cheese topping. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with crusty French bread.

Ingredients

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

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 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. Take your time with this step—the slower you cook the onions, the sweeter and more flavorful they become.
2. Step 2: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the fresh minced thyme (or dried) 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 has thickened and reduced, 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 it out evenly. Top with the shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese.
4. Step 4: Bake the assembled gnocchi at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned and the gnocchi is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
5. Step 5: Serve the hot gnocchi bake with French bread slices on the side for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

Tips & Variations

• For an even richer flavor, use Gruyere cheese instead of Swiss.
• Day-old French bread works best for dipping as it soaks up the sauce without becoming too soggy.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for beef broth.
• Be patient when caramelizing the onions; this step adds the key depth of flavor.

Storage

Store any 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 to keep the cheese melted and the gnocchi tender. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

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 cook until tender and follow the remaining steps as directed.

What can I substitute for Gruyere or Swiss cheese?

Mozzarella or fontina are good alternatives that melt well, though they offer a milder flavor compared to Gruyere or Swiss.

Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 73 reviews

This Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish combining caramelized sweet onions, tender gnocchi, and a savory broth base, all baked with a rich layer of melted Gruyere or Swiss cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners, the recipe features slow-cooked onions deglazed with white wine, enhanced with thyme, and finished off with a golden bubbly cheese crust.

• Author: Natalie
• 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

Main Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish later on.
2. Caramelize Onions: 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 the onions allows them to develop a sweet, rich flavor.
3. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add the fresh minced thyme (or dried thyme) and the beef broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Cook Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the simmering mixture and stir occasionally over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.
5. Season and Transfer: Season the gnocchi and onion mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a greased medium baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Add Cheese and Bake: Top the gnocchi evenly with the shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is nicely melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the gnocchi bake cool slightly. Serve hot with slices of French bread on the side for dipping and enjoying every cheesy, savory bite.

Notes

• Use Gruyere cheese for a deeper, nuttier flavor, or Swiss cheese for a milder taste.
• Day-old French bread works best for dipping because it holds up better and adds texture.
• Slow caramelizing the onions enhances the sweetness and overall flavor, so avoid rushing this step.
• If preferred, vegetable broth can be substituted for beef broth for a lighter flavor.
• Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi in the skillet before baking to avoid mushiness.

Keywords: baked gnocchi, French onion gnocchi, caramelized onions, cheesy gnocchi bake, Gruyere gnocchi, comfort food