Baked French Onion Gnocchi

Baked French onion gnocchi is comfort food at its best bringing together the luscious flavor of caramelized onions melted cheese and pillowy gnocchi all in one golden bubbling skillet. Imagine your favorite French onion soup but richer and heartier with toasty French bread for dipping and every bite oozing with creamy goodness.

The first time I made this I wanted something extra special for a Sunday supper that still tasted like homey French onion soup Now it’s my go to dish whenever my family craves a warm cheesy bake and there are never any leftovers.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften onions Choose a good quality extra virgin for best flavor
• Unsalted butter: Deepens the caramel sweetness in onions and gives the dish silkiness Look for fresh butter without off flavors
• Large sweet onion: Essential for developing that classic caramelized sweetness Look for heavy onions without soft spots
• White wine: Brings a subtle tang and helps deglaze the pan Use something dry that you’d enjoy sipping
• Fresh minced thyme: Boosts savory notes and balances the onions Go for bright green bunches that smell fragrant
• Beef broth: The heart of the sauce Choose a low sodium high quality broth for depth
• Gnocchi: Light fluffy potato dumplings that soaks up all the delicious juices Find fresh or shelf stable gnocchi with few ingredients
• Salt and pepper: Sharpens and lifts all the flavors A little goes a long way
• Shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese: Creates a golden gooey crust Opt for authentic European cheeses if possible
• French bread slices: Perfect for scooping up the sauce and cheese Toast slices until deeply golden for the best texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Caramelize the onions:

Start by melting the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly stirring every few minutes Keep them over medium low heat for about twenty minutes until they turn a rich deep brown and smell sweet This step builds the savory core of your dish

Deglaze and add flavor:

Pour in the white wine straight into the pan and immediately use a wooden spoon to scrape up every bit stuck to the bottom Those browned bits are pure flavor magic Once the wine has reduced toss in the fresh thyme and pour in your beef broth Bring it all to a gentle simmer

Simmer with gnocchi:

Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth Cook over medium heat stirring gently now and then Let the gnocchi bathe in the sauce for five to ten minutes until they are soft and pillowy and the sauce has thickened a bit

Season and bake:

Taste for salt and pepper then pour this mixture into a greased medium baking dish Scatter shredded Swiss or Gruyere generously over the top Bake at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for twenty to twenty five minutes Keep an eye out for cheese that bubbles and turns gloriously golden

Serve with bread:

Take it out of the oven and let it cool just a bit Serve with plenty of toasted French bread for dunking into that irresistible oniony cheesy sauce

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I get the biggest thrill from watching the onions caramelize and fill the kitchen with that savory sweet aroma My kids always rush into the kitchen when they smell this baking and it has become our snowy day tradition

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through The bread is best toasted fresh each time so store it separately

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Gruyere cheese Swiss works beautifully For a vegetarian version swap in vegetable stock Replace white wine with a little extra broth plus a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang Gluten free gnocchi are also great for those avoiding wheat

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors Or try roasted broccoli or asparagus Freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of additional fresh thyme on top just before serving takes it up a notch

Cultural Context

French onion soup is a timeless dish hailing from humble Parisian bistros This recipe puts a spin on the classic transforming it into a stick to your ribs casserole thanks to the addition of gnocchi and that golden baked top

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What kind of onions work best for this dish?

Sweet onions are ideal due to their higher sugar content, which enhances caramelization and creates a delicate flavor profile.

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, store-bought potato gnocchi saves time and works perfectly, but homemade gnocchi adds extra softness if you prefer.

→ What cheese can I use besides Swiss or Gruyère?

Fontina or mozzarella melt well and impart rich flavors, making them great alternatives if Swiss or Gruyère aren't available.

→ How do I get onions deeply caramelized?

Cook onions slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until they achieve a deep golden color.

→ Can the dish be prepared ahead?

You can assemble and refrigerate before baking. Add cheese and bake when ready to serve for best texture and flavor.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and ensure cheese is vegetarian-friendly for a meatless version.