If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the rich, savory charm of French onion soup with the pillowy delight of gnocchi, then you are absolutely going to love this Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe. It takes those deeply caramelized onions, fragrant thyme, and a luscious beef broth, then nests soft gnocchi right into the mix before topping it all with ooey-gooey melted cheese. Baked to golden perfection and served with crisp toasted French bread, this dish is pure comfort in every bite and perfect for any cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays an important role, from the sweetness of caramelized onions to the melt-in-your-mouth cheese finish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the onions gently and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Works alongside olive oil for buttery depth and perfect caramelization.
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a tender bite when caramelized.
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced thyme: Adds an earthy, herbaceous aroma that lifts the whole dish.
- 2 cups beef broth: Infuses the gnocchi with hearty, savory flavor reminiscent of classic French onion soup.
- 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade): Soft potato dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out and balancing all the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden, bubbly crust.
- 8-10 slices French bread, toasted: Perfect for dipping and adding a crunchy contrast to the creamy gnocchi.
How to Make Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready exactly when you need it. Having the oven hot from the beginning is the secret to achieving that irresistibly bubbly and golden cheese topping.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt together the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced sweet onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a rich amber color and their sweetness is fully developed. This caramelizing process takes about 20 minutes, but trust me, that patience rewards you with deep, complex flavor that’s the heart of this recipe.
Step 3: Add Herbs and Broth
Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, stir in the fresh thyme, letting its fragrance blend with the sweetness in the pan. Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This step infuses the broth with those amazing onion flavors and herbs that will soak right into your gnocchi.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Drop the gnocchi into the simmering broth and stir occasionally. The gnocchi will soften and the broth will thicken slightly in about 5–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, balancing all the savory flavors. The gnocchi should be tender but still hold their shape, absorbing all the delicious essence around them.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your onion-gnocchi mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese evenly over the top. Pop the dish into your preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese has melted into a golden, bubbly crust. This final bake adds texture and richness that makes every bite absolutely heavenly.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Serve your Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe piping hot alongside toasted French bread slices. The crispy bread is perfect for scooping up the cheesy, onion-rich gnocchi and soaking every last drop of that luscious broth.
How to Serve Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this dish is a joy! Fresh herbs like thyme sprigs or chopped chives add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a touch of grated Parmesan on top can create an extra layer of flavor and an inviting visual contrast to the golden cheese topping.
Side Dishes
This baked gnocchi pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp salads to cut through its richness. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a light beet salad with goat cheese can brighten the meal and make it feel balanced. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans complement it perfectly as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins baked until bubbly and golden straight from the oven. Alternatively, consider layering with caramelized onions and cheese in a clear glass casserole dish so everyone can admire the delicious layers before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions for later, place cooled gnocchi into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best to freeze without the bread topping for easier reheating. Frozen portions will keep well up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is once again bubbling. Avoid microwaving for best texture—oven reheating preserves the crispness of the cheese crust and keeps the gnocchi tender.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
Absolutely! While beef broth adds rich depth, vegetable broth is a great substitute for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version. Just expect a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
Is it better to use store-bought or homemade gnocchi?
Both work wonderfully, but homemade gnocchi offers a fresh, tender bite that’s hard to beat. Store-bought gnocchi saves time and still tastes delicious in this baked dish, so choose whatever suits your schedule.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. The dish will still be comforting and flavorful without the dairy.
How long can I caramelize the onions?
The 20-minute caramelization gives a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. If you want more depth, you can cook them a bit longer, but watch carefully to avoid burning as it can become bitter.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Swiss or Gruyère are the classic choices here because they melt beautifully and have a nutty, mellow flavor. If you prefer something sharper, Emmental or a good aged cheddar could be fun alternatives.
Final Thoughts
There is something so heartwarming and satisfying about this Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe that it quickly becomes a beloved go-to for chilly evenings or family dinners. With its layers of caramelized sweetness, tender gnocchi, and golden, melty cheese, it’s like French onion soup reimagined in the most comforting way. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and experience that incredible, cozy magic for yourself.
Print
Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Baked French Onion Gnocchi recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavors of sweet onions and fresh thyme with tender gnocchi simmered in savory beef broth, all topped with melted Swiss or Gruyère cheese and served with crispy toasted French bread. It’s a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Base
- 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
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
Accompaniment
- 8–10 slices French bread, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the gnocchi later.
- Caramelize 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 are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes. This step develops the foundational flavor of the dish.
- Add thyme and broth: Stir in the fresh minced thyme, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
- Cook gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and the broth has thickened, approximately 5-10 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the gnocchi and broth mixture evenly into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the baked gnocchi hot, accompanied by toasted French bread slices for dipping. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this hearty meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit or replace cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, use Swiss cheese instead of Gruyère for a milder flavor and lower fat.
- Toast the French bread slices under the broiler for a minute or two for extra crispiness.
- Homemade gnocchi can be used for a fresh texture; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Caramelizing onions slowly enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish—don’t rush this step.
