Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the aroma of caramelized onions fills the kitchen, it’s hard not to feel instantly comforted. This Cheesy Baked French Onion Gnocchi marries the savory goodness of classic French onion soup with the delightful pillowy texture of gnocchi, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Not only does this recipe come together in a snap, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it also brings the whole family to the table, eager for a hearty serving of indulgence. With melted Swiss or Gruyere cheese bubbling on top, your tastebuds are in for a soothing surprise. Who can resist such a cozy comfort food experience? Ready to dive into this delicious adventure together? Why Is This Gnocchi So Special? Comforting Flavors: This recipe blends the warm, savory notes of French onion soup with the delightful texture of gnocchi, taking comfort food to the next level. Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delightful dish ready in no time, perfect for those busy weeknights! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: The gooey, melty cheese on top makes it an instant favorite for the whole family, ensuring everyone gathers around the table. Endless Variations: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand, like using mushrooms or different cheeses, making it versatile for any palate. If you’re looking for other comforting dishes, check out this Chicken Gnocchi Soup or French Onion Pasta. Perfect Leftovers: This dish stores beautifully, so you can enjoy the leftovers without losing any of that comforting flavor. Baked French Onion Gnocchi Ingredients For the Base White Wine – Adds acidity and depth of flavor; substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version. Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and aids in caramelizing onions; use olive oil for a dairy-free option. Beef Broth – Essential for the base flavor; vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian alternative. Fresh Minced Thyme – Enhances the dish with an herbaceous note; dried thyme can be used as a substitute. Olive Oil – Aids in cooking the onions; can be replaced with canola or another oil. For the Gnocchi Gnocchi (Fresh or Frozen) – The main component that adds a pillowy texture; homemade is delicious, but store-bought is perfectly fine. Sweet Onion (Thinly Sliced) – The key ingredient for that sweet, caramelized flavor; yellow or red onions make good substitutes. For the Topping French Bread (day-old recommended) – Adds a crisp texture on top; any crusty bread will work. Shredded Swiss or Gruyere Cheese – Provides creaminess and rich flavor; mozzarella is a milder substitute if preferred. Enjoy this Baked French Onion Gnocchi that captures the essence of comfort food in every cheesy bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked French Onion Gnocchi Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the delicious components of your Baked French Onion Gnocchi. A hot oven will give your dish that perfect bubbly, golden finish, making it irresistible when served. Step 2: Sauté the Onions In a large skillet, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 2 thinly sliced sweet onions. Cook the onions for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized and softened, releasing their sweet aroma. Step 3: Deglaze the Pan With the onions beautifully caramelized, add ½ cup of white wine to the skillet and deglaze it by scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step enhances the flavor of the dish. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until the wine reduces slightly, ensuring a rich base for your Baked French Onion Gnocchi. Step 4: Add Broth and Herbs Now, stir in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of fresh minced thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes. The broth will give a hearty depth to your sauce, creating that iconic French onion flavor that pairs so wonderfully with gnocchi. Step 5: Incorporate the Gnocchi Next, add 1 pound of fresh or frozen gnocchi directly into the skillet with the simmering broth. Allow the gnocchi to cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until they are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. This step makes sure the gnocchi soak up the delicious flavors of your Baked French Onion Gnocchi. Step 6: Season and Transfer Once the gnocchi are cooked but still hold their shape, season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Carefully transfer everything to a greased baking dish, ensuring an even distribution of gnocchi and onions. This will become the cozy base for your cheesy topping, bringing all the comforting flavors together. Step 7: Prepare for Baking Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese over the gnocchi mixture. You can also add a few pieces of day-old French bread for a delightful crunch on top. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a luscious, gooey layer that is essential for your Baked French Onion Gnocchi. Step 8: Bake to Perfection Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for the cheese to bubble and develop a golden-brown crust. The combination of textures—creamy cheese and tender gnocchi—will create the ultimate comfort food experience. Step 9: Let it Rest After baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Your Baked French Onion Gnocchi is now ready to be enjoyed, with a wonderful melty topping that will have everyone eagerly gathering at the table! Expert Tips for Baked French Onion Gnocchi Caramelize Onions Slowly: Avoid rushing this step; caramelizing onions for 20-30 minutes brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing the flavor of your baked French onion gnocchi. Simmer Gently: Ensure the broth simmers gently before adding gnocchi to prevent them from becoming mushy; a gentle steam allows the gnocchi to incorporate flavors beautifully. Monitor Broth Amount: Use a sufficient amount of broth to keep the mixture moist. A dry dish will lead to unpleasant texture after baking; keep it saucy! Toast Bread for Crunch: Don’t skip the bread topping! Toast slices before adding them on top for a delightful crispy contrast to the soft gnocchi. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to swap Swiss or Gruyere for mozzarella or cheddar if they better suit your taste. Each cheese brings its unique flavor to the dish! How to Store and Freeze Baked French Onion Gnocchi Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the flavors and softness of your baked French onion gnocchi. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture may slightly change after thawing. Reheating: Bake frozen gnocchi at 350°F (about 15-20 minutes) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal on busy nights. Thawing: If you freeze your dish, remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This gradual thawing helps retain the dish’s comforting flavors. Baked French Onion Gnocchi Variations Feel free to make this recipe your own with these delightful twists that brighten up the flavors and textures! Cheese Swap: Go for mozzarella or cheddar instead of Swiss for a different flavor profile. Your baked gnocchi will still be gooey and delicious! Vegetarian Delight: Swap beef broth with vegetable broth and add in mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition while still keeping that comforting taste. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi to cater to dietary needs without compromising the comfort of this dish. Add a Kick: Spice things up by adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a subtle heat that gives your gnocchi an exciting twist. Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano in place of thyme to give a fresh spin to the flavor. Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking to create a richer, creamier sauce that envelopes the gnocchi in deliciousness. Extra Crunch: Top with crispy fried onions or panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch contrasting the soft gnocchi. It’s a simple addition that elevates the dish incredibly. Serve with Salad: Pair with a refreshing green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette alongside, mimicking the crispy baguette often served with French onion soup. If you’re in the mood for more comforting dishes, why not try this Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi or have a taste of our delectable Crunchy French Toast? The options in your kitchen are endless! Make Ahead Options These Cheesy Baked French Onion Gnocchi are a perfect meal prep solution for busy weeknights! You can prepare the caramelized onion mixture and combine it with the gnocchi up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. To finish, just spread the cheese on top and bake for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until bubbling and golden. If you’d like to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the dish remains just as delicious. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven for the best texture, and savor the comforting flavors with minimal effort! What to Serve with Baked French Onion Gnocchi As you prepare to enjoy this comforting gnocchi dish, consider these delightful pairings that will complete your meal beautifully. Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette contrasts the rich flavors of the gnocchi, adding a bright, crunchy element. A mixed greens salad with slices of pear or apple will elevate your dining experience, balancing the savory notes. Garlic Bread: The classic choice of garlic bread provides an irresistible crunch and buttery goodness. Warm, toasted bread is perfect for savoring every drop of that rich oniony sauce! Roasted Asparagus: This veggie side adds a lovely crispness and earthy flavor, creating a delightful balance. Drizzled with a touch of lemon, roasted asparagus will enhance the overall freshness of your meal. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic offers a simple but nutritious side that pairs harmoniously with the creamy gnocchi. Its vibrant color and mild flavor perfectly complement the richness of the baked dish. Wine: A glass of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, beautifully complements the flavors in the gnocchi. The wine’s acidity enhances the dish’s savory elements, making each bite even more pleasurable. Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a sweet note with a light chocolate mousse that melts in your mouth. Its airy texture and rich cocoa flavor provide a delightful contrast after the hearty pasta dish. Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe FAQs What’s the best way to choose sweet onions for this recipe? Absolutely! Look for sweet onions that are firm and heavy for their size, with a smooth skin and no dark spots or blemishes. If possible, select onions with a mild fragrance; this indicates they’re fresh and sweet. Yellow onions can also work, but will give a different flavor profile. How can I store leftover Baked French Onion Gnocchi? You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just allow it to cool completely before sealing to minimize moisture buildup. If you’re not ready to eat it right away, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. What’s the best method to freeze Baked French Onion Gnocchi? To freeze, first allow the dish to cool entirely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s well sealed—this helps prevent freezer burn. If you’re using baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Label the container with the date so you know when to enjoy it by! Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly? Very! Simply swap the beef broth with vegetable broth, and for the white wine, substitute it with more broth or a splash of vinegar diluted with water. The other ingredients, including the cheese, remain the same to keep those comforting flavors alive. What if I don’t have gnocchi on hand? No worries! You can use small pasta like ditalini or even make a homemade dough from scratch. If you opt for pasta, follow the package instructions for cooking before mixing it into the sauce. How should I reheat Baked French Onion Gnocchi? For the best texture, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F and bake the gnocchi for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave will work too; just heat individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Baked French Onion Gnocchi: Comfort in Every Cheesy Bite Baked French Onion Gnocchi is a comforting dish that combines the classic French onion soup flavors and the delightful texture of gnocchi. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: FrenchCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base½ cup White Wine Can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Use olive oil for a dairy-free option.1 cup Beef Broth Vegetable broth for vegetarian alternative.1 tablespoon Fresh Minced Thyme Dried thyme can be used as a substitute.2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can replace with canola or another oil.For the Gnocchi1 pound Gnocchi (Fresh or Frozen) Homemade is delicious, but store-bought is fine.1 Sweet Onion Thinly Sliced Yellow or red onions make good substitutes.For the Topping1 cup French Bread Day-old recommended; any crusty bread will work.1 cup Shredded Swiss or Gruyere Cheese Mozzarella is a milder substitute. Equipment Large skilletBaking DishOven Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked French Onion GnocchiPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).In a large skillet, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 2 thinly sliced sweet onions and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.Add ½ cup of white wine to the skillet and deglaze it by scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes until the wine reduces.Stir in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of fresh minced thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.Add 1 pound of gnocchi to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until tender and the sauce thickens slightly.Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish.Sprinkle a layer of shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese over the gnocchi mixture, and add pieces of day-old French bread.Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.Let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 16gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg NotesThis dish stores beautifully, allowing for delicious leftovers. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
