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
Scale
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.
