This Mouthwatering Baked French Onion Gnocchi recipe is a comforting dish that perfectly melds the richness of French onion soup with the delightful chewiness of gnocchi. From cozy weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, this dish elevates the humble gnocchi experience into something unforgettable. The warm, gooey cheese paired with caramelized onions and hearty broth creates a rich and savory delight that is sure to please everyone at the table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why choose Baked French Onion Gnocchi? Simply put, this dish is a blend of flavors and textures that transforms ordinary ingredients into a masterpiece. It’s a delightful comfort food that’s not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for every cook. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe checks all the boxes.

“This recipe turned out even better than I imagined! The combination of cheese and onions with the gnocchi is pure magic. It’s now a weekly dinner staple in our household!” – A Happy Home Cook

The Cooking Process Explained

This dish comes together in a beautifully simple way. First, you’ll caramelize the onions to bring out their natural sweetness, creating a rich base for the dish. As the flavors deepen, mix in the gnocchi and top everything with a cheesy blend that melts into gooey perfection. Finally, a quick bake in the oven achieves that golden crust that makes this meal oh-so-irresistible.

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze. Here’s what you need:

1 package gnocchi
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Feel free to play around with the cheese! If Gruyère isn’t available, a good Swiss or even cheddar could work in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bring this dish to life? Follow these simple steps:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and let them cook until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Sprinkle in the flour and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually pour in the broth while stirring to ensure the mixture thickens nicely.
Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface.
Combine the gnocchi with the onion mixture in a baking dish, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Generously sprinkle both the Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving warm.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

To make your dining experience even better, consider serving this gnocchi dish alongside a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a simple vinaigrette. A glass of robust red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully, enhancing the meal’s rich flavors. For a heartier side, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up that gooey goodness.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), it’s essential to store them properly. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before enjoying!

Helpful Cooking Tips

Onion Care: Keep an eye on your onions; low and slow is the way to caramelization. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat a bit.
Cheese Tips: Shredding your own cheese from a block often results in a creamier melt compared to pre-shredded varieties that include anti-caking agents.
Experiment with Herbs: Fresh parsley, chives, or even a hint of rosemary can add a delightful twist to the dish.

Creative Twists

Feel free to switch things up! You might try adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy note or even incorporating spinach for a pop of color and nutrients. If you’re aiming for a vegetarian option, simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth.

Your Questions Answered

Q: How long does this dish take to prepare?
A: The total time is about an hour, making it perfect for after-work cooking.

Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi instead?
A: Absolutely! Just follow the package directions for cooking.

Q: Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking point, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready to eat. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Dive into this recipe, and experience the harmonious blend of gnocchi and French onion flavors. With every bite, you’ll discover a new depth of comfort that warms the soul!

Baked French Onion Gnocchi

A comforting dish that combines the richness of French onion soup with the chewiness of gnocchi, topped with gooey cheese and caramelized onions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Comfort Food, French

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 package gnocchi Frozen or fresh gnocchi can be used.
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter For caramelizing onions.
2 cups beef or vegetable broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded Can substitute with Swiss or cheddar.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons flour For thickening the onion mixture.
1 teaspoon thyme
to taste Salt and pepper
Chopped for garnish parsley Optional for garnish.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and let them cook until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Sprinkle in the flour and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually pour in the broth while stirring to ensure the mixture thickens nicely.
Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface.
Combine the gnocchi with the onion mixture in a baking dish, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Generously sprinkle both the Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving warm.