Description
This Baked French Onion Gnocchi recipe combines tender potato gnocchi with deeply caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and melted Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. The dish is cooked first on the stovetop to develop rich flavors, then baked to achieve a bubbly, golden cheese crust. Perfect as a comforting main course, this French-inspired vegetarian dish offers a delightful balance of savory, creamy, and sweet onion notes in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauce
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¾ cup beef or vegetable broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Main Ingredient
- 1 lb shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and melt the butter combined with olive oil to create a flavorful base for caramelizing onions.
- Caramelize onions: Add the thinly sliced yellow onions along with salt, pepper, and sugar to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20–25 minutes until the onions become deeply golden brown and caramelized, developing rich, sweet flavor.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute to release their fragrant flavors into the onion mixture.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly and melds with the caramelized onions.
- Create the sauce: Add the broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creates a creamy, flavorful base for the gnocchi.
- Cook gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the pan and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened to coat them well.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy warm as a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, use beef broth for a more traditional French onion taste.
- To save time, caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
