If you’re looking for a comforting, decadent dish that’s surprisingly easy to pull together, this Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine pillowy gnocchi bathed in a luscious, rich sauce made from deeply caramelized sweet onions, aromatic thyme, and a touch of white wine, all baked under a blanket of gooey melted Gruyere cheese. It’s the perfect cozy meal that brings layers of flavor and irresistible textures with every bite, making it a new favorite to have in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting a dish that marries flavor, texture, and warmth. These straightforward ingredients combine simply yet create something truly special.
- 1/4 cup white wine: Adds a bright, subtle acidity that balances the richness of the onions and cheese.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Provides creamy richness and helps caramelize the onions perfectly.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates a savory, deep-flavored base for the sauce that complements the sweet onions.
- 1 tbsp fresh minced thyme: Brings fresh herbal notes, or use dried thyme for convenience.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps cook the onions gently and adds a fruity undertone.
- 1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen): The soft, pillowy pasta that soaks up all the flavorful sauce.
- 1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced): The heart of the dish, caramelized to golden perfection for natural sweetness.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances every flavor, balancing sweetness and savoriness.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds just the right hint of warmth and depth.
- 8-10 slices French bread: Perfect for dipping and adding crunch when paired with the gooey gnocchi.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese: Ideally Gruyere for that nutty, melted top that makes every bite heavenly.
How to Make Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake the gnocchi, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully and develop a golden crust.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
This is where magic happens. Melt the butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium heat, then add the thinly sliced sweet onion. Let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn deep golden brown and caramelized. This 20-minute process brings out an incredible natural sweetness and a rich, complex flavor that forms the base of the dish.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the pan bottom. Then add your minced thyme and beef broth, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This combination creates a silky, aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the gnocchi.
Step 4: Cook Gnocchi in the Sauce
Drop the gnocchi into the simmering liquid and stir occasionally. Cook over medium heat until the gnocchi soften and the sauce thickens to a wonderful consistency—typically about 5 to 10 minutes. It’s amazing to see how the gnocchi soak up all those flavors, becoming tender and luscious.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Add salt and pepper to taste here. This step is essential to enhance all the flavors and bring harmony to the dish, so don’t skip tasting and adjusting!
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the gnocchi mixture into a greased medium baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese over the top, making sure it covers all the gnocchi. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown—this topping adds a wonderfully melty and slightly crispy finish that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the baked gnocchi sit for a few minutes after coming out of the oven, then serve it up with slices of French bread that are perfect for soaking up every bit of that rich sauce. Every bite is a celebration of smooth, cheesy, and savory comfort food goodness.
How to Serve Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add a fresh contrast, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves on top just before serving. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper also adds a lovely final touch. These simple garnishes brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterbalance. Roasted or steamed green vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or a side of sautéed spinach work wonderfully to add texture and fresh flavors alongside the richness of the baked gnocchi.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family-style meal, serve the Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe directly in the baking dish. If you’re impressing guests, plate individual portions in warm shallow bowls and drizzle extra sauce over the top. You can also place the French bread slices standing around the dish for a charming, rustic vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish holds up well and tastes fantastic reheated, offering a quick, satisfying meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe, allow it to cool completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe dish or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is slightly bubbly again, about 15-20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave in shorter bursts, stirring in between to heat the gnocchi evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly here and adds convenience without sacrificing texture or flavor.
What cheese works best for this dish?
Gruyere is the classic choice because of its nutty, melting qualities, but Swiss cheese is also a delicious alternative if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian without losing any savory depth.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
Plan for about 20 minutes on medium heat to get them perfectly golden and sweet. Patience here really pays off in flavor.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It stores well in the fridge and can be easily reheated, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe, it’s going to become a beloved dish you’ll reach for again and again. Its ease, incredible flavors, and comforting textures make it perfect for any night when you want something special without a fuss. So grab these simple ingredients, enjoy the cooking process, and delight in a meal that feels like a warm, cheesy hug from your kitchen!
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Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi recipe combines tender gnocchi with deeply caramelized sweet onions simmered in a savory broth, topped with melted Gruyere cheese, and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
- 1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp fresh minced thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 8–10 slices French bread (day-old works best)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (preferably Gruyere)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) ensuring it is ready for baking after preparing the gnocchi mixture.
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the olive oil and unsalted butter together over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes, which enhances their sweetness and flavor.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the fresh minced thyme and beef broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer to blend the flavors.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth mixture. Stir occasionally over medium heat until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened and reduced, about 5-10 minutes.
- Season: Season the gnocchi mixture with salt and pepper to your taste to amplify the flavors.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the gnocchi mixture into a greased medium baking dish and spread it evenly. Generously sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese on top to create a rich, melted crust.
- Bake: Bake the assembled dish at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbling, indicating perfect melting and golden finish.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve with the sliced French bread on the side for dipping, and enjoy this comforting, cheesy baked gnocchi dish.
Notes
- Day-old French bread is best for serving as it is firmer and holds up well for dipping.
- Using Gruyere cheese provides a richer flavor, but Swiss cheese is a good substitute.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Ensure onions are cooked low and slow for proper caramelization without burning.
- This dish can be prepared ahead up to the baking step and baked just before serving.
