Description

This Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a rich caramelized onion and beef broth sauce, topped with melted Gruyere cheese and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or cozy weekend meal, it combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with savory broth and wine, delivering a delightful twist on classic French onion flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids & Seasonings

1/4 cup white wine
2 cups beef broth
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fresh minced thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

Produce

1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced

Dairy & Fats

1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (Gruyere preferred)

Other

1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
8–10 slices French bread (day-old preferred, for serving)

Instructions

Preheat and caramelize onions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the olive oil and unsalted butter together. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Slow cooking will ensure sweet, flavorful onions.
Deglaze and simmer with gnocchi: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the minced thyme and beef broth, then bring to a simmer. Stir in the gnocchi and cook over medium heat until tender and the sauce thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
Season and transfer to baking dish: Season the gnocchi mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer everything evenly to a greased medium baking dish.
Top and bake: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese evenly over the top. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve hot with French bread slices on the side for dipping and enjoy the rich, cheesy, savory flavors.

Notes

For deeper flavor, use Gruyere cheese rather than Swiss.
Day-old French bread works best as it holds up well for dipping.
Take your time caramelizing onions – slow cooking enhances sweetness.
You can use fresh or frozen gnocchi; adjust simmering time accordingly to cook thoroughly.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit butter if not vegan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-inspired

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