Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines tender gnocchi with sweet caramelized onions and a savory broth. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with crusty French bread.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 tbsp fresh minced thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (Gruyere preferred)
• 8-10 slices French bread (day-old works best)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt olive oil and butter together. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Take your time—the slower the onions cook, the sweeter they become.
2. Step 2: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add thyme and beef broth, then bring to a simmer. Stir in the gnocchi and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer everything into a greased medium baking dish and spread out evenly. Top with shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese.
4. Step 4: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is lightly browned and the gnocchi is bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
5. Step 5: Serve warm with slices of French bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

Tips & Variations

• Use Gruyere cheese for a richer, deeper flavor, or Swiss for a milder taste.
• Caramelize onions slowly over low heat if you have extra time—this enhances their sweetness.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
• Day-old French bread works best as it holds up well for dipping but you can use fresh if needed.

Storage

Store leftover gnocchi bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the dish flavorful. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly. Just cook it a little longer if needed during the simmering step until tender.

What can I serve instead of French bread?

Crusty bread like ciabatta or baguette slices are great alternatives for dipping. Garlic bread also pairs nicely for extra flavor.

Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

This Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi recipe combines deeply caramelized sweet onions with tender gnocchi simmered in a savory broth and white wine sauce, baked to perfection with melted Gruyere cheese on top. Served alongside crispy French bread slices, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick dinner or cozy meal.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

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For the Gnocchi:

• 1/4 cup white wine
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 cups beef broth
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh minced thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
• 1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced)

For the Topping:

• 8–10 slices French bread (day-old works best)
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (preferably Gruyere for deeper flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Caramelize Onions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter together. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Slow cooking enhances sweetness and flavor.
2. Deglaze and Simmer Gnocchi: Pour in 1/4 cup white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add 1 tbsp fresh minced thyme (or 1 tsp dried) and 2 cups beef broth, then bring to a simmer. Add 1 lb gnocchi and stir occasionally over medium heat until gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened and reduced, about 5-10 minutes.
3. Season and Assemble: Season the gnocchi mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer everything into a greased medium baking dish and spread evenly. Top with 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (Gruyere preferred for deeper flavor).
4. Bake the Gnocchi: Bake the assembled gnocchi at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is lightly browned and gnocchi is bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
5. Serve with French Bread: Serve the hot gnocchi bake with 8-10 slices of French bread on the side for dipping and enjoy the cheesy, savory dish.

Notes

• For best flavor, slowly caramelize onions until deeply golden; patience yields sweeter onions.
• Using Gruyere cheese provides a richer, nuttier flavor than Swiss cheese.
• Day-old French bread works best for dipping due to its texture.
• If using frozen gnocchi, no need to thaw before cooking; just simmer until tender.
• Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to taste after simmering the gnocchi.

Keywords: French onion gnocchi, baked gnocchi recipe, caramelized onion gnocchi, cheesy gnocchi bake, comfort food, easy dinner recipes