If you adore the rich, comforting flavors of French onion soup but want a fun, hearty twist, this Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe is your new go-to! Combining tender gnocchi with deeply caramelized sweet onions, fresh thyme, and a luscious beef broth base, all topped with bubbling, golden Gruyère cheese, this dish turns classic flavors into a warm, satisfying casserole that’s perfect for cozy dinners. It’s simple to make, packs incredible savory depth, and will easily become a beloved recipe in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe plays a key role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the sweet caramelized onions to the gooey melted cheese, these essentials are easy to find and straightforward to use, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps caramelize the onions perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Enhances richness and creates that classic French onion depth.
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced: The star of the dish, which caramelizes slowly to bring sweetness and color.
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced thyme: Offers an herby brightness that balances the richness.
- 2 cups beef broth: Provides a savory, meaty base to infuse the gnocchi with deep flavor.
- 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade): Pillowy potato dumplings that soak up all those wonderful juices.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully into a golden, gooey topping.
- 8-10 slices French bread, toasted: The perfect crunchy companion for scooping and dipping.
How to Make Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the oven ready early ensures your dish bakes evenly and the cheese achieves that perfect, golden brown finish.
Step 2: 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, stirring occasionally, and let them slowly caramelize for about 20 minutes. This patience pays off—those deeply browned onions bring sweet, savory complexity that defines the entire dish.
Step 3: Add Flavor with Thyme and Broth
Once the onions are richly caramelized, stir in the minced fresh thyme and pour in the beef broth. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. The thyme infuses a fresh herbal note while the beef broth transforms the caramelized onions into a luscious sauce that coats the gnocchi beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Now, add the gnocchi directly to the skillet. Cook them in the simmering broth, stirring gently every now and then, until the gnocchi is tender and the liquid has thickened slightly—this usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, making sure each bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your savory gnocchi and onion-broth mixture to a greased baking dish. Generously sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese over the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden brown crust that will have your mouth watering.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Toasted French Bread
Once out of the oven, serve the Baked French Onion Gnocchi hot, accompanied by toasted slices of French bread. The bread is perfect for scooping up every cheesy, oniony morsel, making each bite a cozy, indulgent experience.
How to Serve Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra thyme leaves on top adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma, perfectly balancing the richness of your baked dish.
Side Dishes
Consider serving this gnocchi alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to contrast the creamy texture. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the savory flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with melted cheese. You can even experiment by adding caramelized mushrooms or crispy bacon on top to give delightful texture and flavor contrasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days while maintaining much of the original flavors and textures.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe, transfer portions into a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 1 month for optimal taste and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to revive the crispy cheese topping, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
Absolutely! While beef broth delivers a richer, more traditional flavor, vegetable broth or even mushroom broth can be great substitutes that keep the dish flavorful and just as comforting.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can! Swap butter for plant-based margarine, use a vegetable broth, and choose vegan cheese alternatives. Just be sure your gnocchi doesn’t contain eggs to keep it fully vegan.
Can I make homemade gnocchi for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade gnocchi will add a delightful freshness and allow you to control the ingredients. Just be sure they are fully cooked before assembling the bake for best results.
How do I avoid soggy bread when serving?
To keep the French bread slices perfectly crisp, toast them separately and serve on the side rather than layering them in the dish. This way, you get the best dip-without-soggy experience.
What cheese works best if I don’t have Gruyère or Swiss?
Fontina, mozzarella, or even a mild cheddar can be delicious substitutes that melt well and provide a lovely richness. Just aim for a cheese that melts smoothly and complements those savory onion flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both indulgent and surprisingly simple, this Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe hits all the marks. It brings together the deep, caramelized sweetness of onions with pillowy gnocchi and melty cheese, creating a one-pan wonder to cherish on any chilly night. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Baked French Onion Gnocchi is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a rich, caramelized onion and beef broth sauce, then baked with a golden, gooey layer of Swiss or Gruyère cheese on top. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe combines classic French onion soup flavors with soft, pillowy gnocchi and crispy 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 gnocchi dish later.
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, which should take about 20 minutes.
- Add flavor: Stir in the fresh minced thyme and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors and heat through.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and the broth has thickened slightly, about 5-10 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the gnocchi and broth mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly top with the shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the baked gnocchi from the oven and serve hot alongside toasted French bread slices for dipping, enhancing the rich onion and cheese flavors.
Notes
- Use either Swiss or Gruyère cheese based on your preference; Gruyère offers a stronger nutty flavor while Swiss is milder.
- Store-bought gnocchi works well, but homemade gnocchi will elevate the dish’s texture and flavor.
- To caramelize onions faster, keep the heat medium but be patient; this process builds the rich depth of flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit any non-vegetarian ingredients.
- Make sure to toast the French bread slices until crisp for the best dipping experience.
