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
Scale
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.
