Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe
This Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe uses caramelized onions, gnocchi, broth, and cheese for a savory, cheesy, and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably heavy-bottomed)
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven-safe baking dish (or use the same skillet if oven-safe)
- Oven
- Optional but helpful:
- Mandoline slicer for evenly sliced onions
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 large onions thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, helps caramelization
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1 package 500g potato gnocchi
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated gruyere or parmesan cheese
Optional additions:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Splash of cream for extra richness
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions (Don’t Rush This)
- In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them evenly.
- Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions will soften first, then slowly turn golden, then deeper brown. This is where the magic happens—flavor builds here.
- If needed, reduce heat slightly to avoid burning. Add a teaspoon of sugar to help deepen the caramelization.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning
- Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well. Let it cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the broth, stirring continuously. The mixture will loosen and become slightly thick and glossy.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi
- Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet. Stir gently so every piece gets coated in that rich onion sauce.
- Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes so the gnocchi begin to soften and absorb flavor.
Step 5: Transfer and Add Cheese
- Transfer everything into a baking dish (or keep it in your skillet if it’s oven-safe).
- Top with mozzarella and gruyere evenly. Don’t be shy here—the cheese creates that signature golden crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden on top.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use good-quality gnocchi for better texture
- Don’t skip the browning on the cheese—it adds flavor
- Taste and adjust seasoning before baking
- Add a splash of cream if you want a richer finish