If you are craving a cozy, indulgent dish that wraps the soul in comfort, you need to try this Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe. Imagine pillowy gnocchi swimming in a rich, deeply caramelized onion and beef broth sauce, topped with bubbling, golden melted cheese and perfect toasted French bread for dipping. This recipe blends simple ingredients in an elegant way that elevates weeknight dinners or impresses guests effortlessly. It’s a one-bake wonder that fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma of French onion soup while delivering a hearty, cheesy gnocchi bake you’ll fall for immediately.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great dishes start with fantastic ingredients, and this Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe is no exception. Each element is simple yet essential, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly special.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity base flavor and helps soften the onions while keeping them rich but light.
- Unsalted butter: Brings creaminess and aids in the caramelization process for those perfectly sweet onions.
- Large sweet onion: Thinly sliced to develop a deep golden caramelized sweetness that defines the dish’s character.
- Fresh minced thyme: Fresh herbs elevate the aroma with an earthy brightness that complements the richness.
- Beef broth: Creates the savory liquid that bathes the gnocchi, infusing every bite with hearty depth.
- Gnocchi: Store-bought or homemade, these tender dumplings soak up all the luscious flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the ingredients.
- Shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese: Melts to a golden, bubbly topping that’s both nutty and gooey—irresistible!
- French bread slices, toasted: Perfect for sopping up every last bit of rich, cheesy sauce.
How to Make Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Starting off right, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the heat ready in advance ensures that your cheese topping melts and browns perfectly at the end.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the olive oil and unsalted butter together over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced sweet onion and cook slowly, stirring every few minutes. This patience pays off as the onions gradually turn a deep golden brown with a sweet, jammy finish—this step is crucial because the caramelized onions carry all the flavor in this Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Simmer
Once your onions have that perfect sweetness and color, stir in the fresh minced thyme. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. This step melds the flavors, softening the aromas of onion and thyme into a soulful broth.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Next, toss the gnocchi into the skillet. Simmer and stir occasionally as the gnocchi cooks through and absorbs the broth, about 5 to 10 minutes. The gnocchi should be tender and the liquid slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to bring everything together.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the gnocchi and sauce from your skillet into a greased baking dish. Generously sprinkle shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese over the top—the cheese is what transforms the dish into that golden, bubbly masterpiece. Pop it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese melts fully and browns beautifully. This final baking step adds texture and a comforting crust that makes the dish irresistible.
How to Serve Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or finely chopped parsley brightens the presentation and adds a pop of fresh color. A light dusting of cracked black pepper on top can also enhance the visual appeal and hint at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Serve this rich dish alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy cheese and broth, or roasted vegetables for additional warmth and texture. The toasted French bread slices served with the dish are perfect on their own for dipping and scooping.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins topped with cheese and broiled until bubbly. You can also layer the dish with caramelized onions and cheese in a casserole for a party-sized version that looks impressive and tastes even better.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover baked French onion gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to savor this comforting dish again soon.
Freezing
If you want to save it for even longer, freezing is an option! Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese on top regains some of its melt and crispiness. You can also use a microwave, though the oven brings back the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth; just keep in mind that it will create a lighter flavor profile, but the caramelized onions and cheese will still deliver plenty of richness.
Is it better to use store-bought or homemade gnocchi?
Both work wonderfully for this recipe. Store-bought gnocchi saves time and is perfectly tender, while homemade gnocchi can add a fresh, rustic touch if you have time to make it yourself.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Swiss and Gruyère are traditional choices because of their meltability and nutty flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina if you prefer a milder taste.
Can I prepare the dish entirely ahead of time?
You can caramelize the onions and assemble the dish ahead but wait to bake it until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the cheese fresh and perfectly melted.
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked through?
The gnocchi will become tender and float slightly as it cooks in the broth. The thickened sauce and soft texture of the gnocchi signal that it’s ready to be baked.
Final Thoughts
This Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe is one of those dishes that brings warmth and joy in every bite. Its comforting layers, melty cheese, and deeply flavorful onions make it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends, give it a go—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved favorite on your table.
Print
Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and savory baked French Onion Gnocchi recipe featuring caramelized sweet onions, tender gnocchi, and rich beef broth, all topped with melted Swiss or Gruyère cheese and served with toasted French bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced thyme
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 8–10 slices French bread, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the final dish.
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced sweet onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized, which usually takes about 20 minutes. This step develops the rich, sweet onion flavor essential to the dish.
- Add flavor: Stir in the fresh minced thyme, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the skillet with the broth and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 10 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the broth has thickened slightly. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the gnocchi and broth mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the baked French Onion Gnocchi hot, accompanied by toasted French bread slices for dipping. Enjoy this warm, flavorful comfort dish!
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a slightly lighter flavor.
- Homemade gnocchi can be used for a fresher texture, but store-bought works well too.
- Use Gruyère cheese for a nuttier flavor; Swiss cheese is a good alternative if preferred.
- Make sure to caramelize onions slowly over medium heat to avoid burning and develop full sweetness.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef broth with a rich vegetable broth and use vegetarian cheese if needed.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave, though texture is best when freshly baked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
