French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

If your idea of comfort food is a cozy bowl brimming with deep, savory flavors, you’re about to meet your new weeknight obsession: French Onion Gnocchi. Imagine everything you love about classic French onion soup mingling with soft, pillowy gnocchi and a bubbling crown of melted Gruyère cheese. It’s the kind of recipe that swoops in to save a rainy day or spark a dinner party conversation, and best of all, it comes together in under 40 minutes with just one skillet. Whether you’re a French onion soup devotee or simply looking to shake up your gnocchi routine, this dish will have you scraping the skillet clean and proclaiming it a new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This French Onion Gnocchi leans on simple, straightforward ingredients, each bringing essential character to the final dish. The magic is in the layering: sweet, caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and oozy Gruyère transform humble gnocchi into a showstopper you won’t forget. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps kickstart the caramelization of the onions.
• Unsalted butter: Delivers old-fashioned flavor and a silky sheen to the onions as they cook.
• Yellow onions: The soul of French onion anything! Slice them thin for melting, jammy sweetness.
• Red wine: Deepens the flavor base, lending just a trace of acidity and color to balance the sweetness of the onions.
• Kosher salt: Enhances every layer and keeps the dish from tasting flat.
• Black pepper: Offers a little bite and accentuates the savory notes.
• Garlic powder: Gives gentle undertones of garlic without overpowering the onions.
• Beef broth: Builds a rich, deeply savory sauce—choose a good quality broth for best results.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami, echoing classic French onion soup’s signature depth.
• Potato gnocchi: Soft, tender, and fast-cooking—perfect for soaking up all the flavor in one skillet.
• Gruyère cheese: Melty, nutty, and the perfect gooey blanket for this French Onion Gnocchi.
• Parsley: Freshens the whole dish and adds a bright pop of color at the finish.

How to Make French Onion Gnocchi

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Grab your biggest oven-safe skillet—this is where all the flavor magic begins. Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat, then add your sliced yellow onions. The trick here is patience: Stir them often for about 15 to 20 minutes, letting them soften and transform into golden brown ribbons. By the end, they should look jammy and smell irresistible; this is the essence of French Onion Gnocchi.

Step 2: Add Red Wine and Evaporate

As the onions hit their sweet spot, splash in the red wine. Scrape up any delicious browned bits and watch that splash of color soak into the onions. Let it cook down until there’s no liquid left, concentrating the flavor and building an incredible savory base.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Give it all a gentle stir so the seasonings meld seamlessly with the onions. This step infuses depth and ensures every gnocchi bite will taste of those classic French onion flavors.

Step 4: Add Broth and Gnocchi

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then stir everything together. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Now, toss in the uncooked potato gnocchi, nestling them into the saucy onions. Let them cook for 3 to 5 minutes; they’ll soak up flavor and become deliciously tender.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese Under the Broiler

Scatter shredded Gruyère cheese over your bubbling skillet of French Onion Gnocchi. Slide the whole thing under your broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is gooey, melty, and irresistible with its golden brown spots. Watch closely so the top achieves maximum bubbly-ness without burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove your skillet from the oven and sprinkle over a shower of fresh parsley. This final step brightens up the rich flavors—and now, it’s time to dig right in!

How to Serve French Onion Gnocchi

Garnishes

Nothing brings this dish alive quite like a scatter of fresh parsley for color and brightness. For extra flair, try adding a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or even some finely snipped chives. If you want some crunch, a handful of crispy fried onions on top is pure magic!

Side Dishes

French Onion Gnocchi is rich and hearty, so it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Don’t forget a crusty baguette or slices of sourdough—ideal for soaking up that incredible sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, serve French Onion Gnocchi in individual ramekins or small oven-safe bowls, just like classic French onion soup. You can also try ladling it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a wow-worthy twist, or offer it as a decadent side to a simple grilled steak or roast chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover French Onion Gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors may deepen as it sits, making for an even more savory encore the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the gnocchi cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. French Onion Gnocchi freezes surprisingly well; it’ll last for about 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Pop leftovers into a microwave-safe dish or skillet, cover loosely, and reheat gently until piping hot. If you want to revive that melty cheese lid, pop the skillet under the broiler again for a minute or two. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce looks too thick.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi or should I make my own?

Absolutely go with store-bought! French Onion Gnocchi is all about ease and comfort—pre-packaged gnocchi works beautifully and saves time. Homemade gnocchi is lovely if you want a from-scratch project, but not necessary for great results.

Do I need an oven-safe skillet?

An oven-safe skillet is handy for melting and browning the cheese, but if you don’t have one, simply transfer the cooked gnocchi and sauce to a baking dish, sprinkle over the Gruyère, and broil as directed.

Can I make French Onion Gnocchi vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth (choose a rich, flavorful one), and you’ll still get all those wonderful savory qualities. Double-check your Worcestershire sauce, as some brands contain anchovies—vegan versions are available.

Is there a substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Yes! While Gruyère is the classic choice for its nutty, melty texture, you can also use Swiss cheese, Emmental, fontina, or even mozzarella in a pinch. Aim for a cheese that melts well and tastes slightly nutty or sharp.

Can I prep French Onion Gnocchi ahead for entertaining?

You sure can. You can caramelize the onions in advance and refrigerate; when guests arrive, simply finish the recipe from simmering the broth onward. This makes French Onion Gnocchi a superstar for prepping ahead and reducing last-minute fuss.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight treat or showing off at your next gathering, French Onion Gnocchi is the kind of soul-satisfying comfort that earns rave reviews every time. The recipe is so approachable, but the result feels extra-special. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from everyone’s plate!

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