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Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

4.5 from 115 reviews

This Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi recipe combines tender gnocchi with deeply caramelized sweet onions, flavorful beef broth, and melted Gruyere cheese for a comforting, cheesy bake perfect for a cozy meal. Enhanced by a splash of white wine and fresh thyme, this dish is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with crusty French bread for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Caramelized Onions

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced)

For the Gnocchi and Sauce

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

For Topping and Serving

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese (Gruyere preferred)
  • 810 slices French bread (day-old works best)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, for caramelizing onions)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the 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 the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Slow cooking enhances sweetness and flavor.
  2. Deglaze and Simmer the Gnocchi: Pour in 1/4 cup white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add 1 tbsp fresh minced thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme) and 2 cups beef broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in 1 lb gnocchi and cook over medium heat, occasionally stirring, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened and reduced, about 5-10 minutes.
  3. Season and Assemble for Baking: Season the gnocchi mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture into a greased medium baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese for a rich, melty finish.
  4. Bake the Gnocchi: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is lightly browned and the gnocchi bake is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
  5. Serve with French Bread: Serve the hot baked gnocchi alongside 8-10 slices of day-old French bread for dipping. Enjoy the comforting combination of cheesy, savory gnocchi with crusty bread.

Notes

  • Using day-old French bread gives better texture for dipping because it’s slightly stale and sturdy.
  • Gruyere cheese is preferred for its deep, nutty flavor, but Swiss cheese is a fine substitute.
  • Caramelizing onions slowly is key for maximum sweetness and flavor development.
  • You can use fresh or frozen gnocchi; just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.

Keywords: baked gnocchi, french onion gnocchi, caramelized onions, cheesy gnocchi bake, comfort food, easy dinner, Gruyere cheese, French bread side