Name: Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup white wine; 1 tbsp fresh minced thyme (or 1 tsp dried); 2 cups beef broth; 1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen); Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (preferably Gruyere); 8-10 slices French bread (day-old works best, for serving)

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Introduction

Simple Baked French Onion Gnocchi is a comforting dish that combines soft gnocchi with sweet caramelized onions and melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe brings together rich flavors with an easy baking method.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a golden-brown baked dish. The bottom layer appears to be a dark, rich sauce or stew with a slightly glossy texture. On top, there is a thick, bubbly layer of melted cheese that is browned in spots and stretchy as a spoon lifts some up, pulling long cheese strings. Scattered evenly across the top are small, round, golden gnocchi, some with a slightly crispy roasted surface. Fresh green sprigs of thyme decorate the baked cheese layer, adding a touch of color. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with pieces of toasted bread blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup white wine
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
2 cups beef broth
Pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fresh minced thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced)
8-10 slices French bread (day-old works best)
1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
1 tbsp olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, for caramelizing onions)

Instructions

Step 1: 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. Take your time—the slower the onions cook, the sweeter and more flavorful they become.
Step 2: 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) and 2 cups beef broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Add 1 lb gnocchi and stir occasionally over medium heat until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened and reduced, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 3: Season the gnocchi mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer everything into a greased medium baking dish and spread evenly. Top with 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese for a deeper flavor, Gruyere is recommended.
Step 4: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned and the gnocchi is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Step 5: Serve the hot gnocchi bake with 8-10 slices of French bread (day-old works best) on the side for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

Tips & Variations

For extra sweetness in the onions, try adding a pinch of sugar while caramelizing.
Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.
Use fresh thyme if available for a brighter herbal note, but dried works well too.
Gruyere cheese enhances depth and melts beautifully, but Swiss cheese offers a mild alternative.
If you prefer a crispier topping, toast the French bread slices with a little garlic butter before serving.

Storage

Store leftover baked gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture of the cheese and gnocchi.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a baked dish that has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a dark brown sauce, the middle layer consists of small round gnocchi with a golden-brown crust, and the top layer is melted cheese bubbling and stretching as a spoon lifts a portion out, showing gooey, stringy texture. Fresh green herb sprigs are placed on top for garnish. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with pieces of sliced bread in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly. Just be sure to stir and cook until tender during the simmering step, which may take a few extra minutes.

What can I substitute for French bread if I don’t have any?

You can serve the dish with crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough. Even toasted breadsticks or crackers can work well for dipping.