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This baked French onion gnocchi transforms the beloved soup into a hearty, comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings. The pillowy gnocchi absorbs all the rich flavors of caramelized onions and savory beef broth, while the melted cheese creates that irresistible pull with each bite.
I created this recipe when craving French onion soup but needing something more substantial for dinner. My family now requests it regularly during fall and winter, especially when we have guests to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Sweet onion: choose a large Vidalia or Spanish onion for natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
- White wine: adds acidity to cut through the richness and helps deglaze the flavorful brown bits
- Fresh thyme: provides earthy brightness that complements the beef and onion flavors
- Beef broth: forms the foundation of flavor homemade is best but a good quality store bought works well
- Gnocchi: use refrigerated for the best texture they absorb the sauce while maintaining their pillowy bite
- Swiss or Gruyere cheese: authentic to French onion soup with perfect melting properties
- French bread: get a fresh baguette and slice it yourself for the best dipping experience
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts completely. Add thinly sliced onion and cook for a full 20 minutes, stirring occasionally but not constantly. Be patient as they slowly transform from translucent to golden to deep amber. This slow process develops the sweet complex flavor that defines the dish.
- Develop the Sauce:
- Pour in the white wine and immediately scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release all the flavorful browned bits. Let the wine reduce for about 1 minute before adding fresh thyme and beef broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to blend together.
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- Add the gnocchi directly to the simmering broth mixture. Stir occasionally while cooking for 5 to 10 minutes until the gnocchi becomes tender and the sauce thickens slightly. The gnocchi will absorb some of the flavorful broth as it cooks.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Transfer the gnocchi mixture to a greased baking dish, making sure to scrape all the sauce from the pan. Sprinkle generously with cheese, covering the entire surface. Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown with some darker spots and the sauce bubbles around the edges.
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The white wine might seem like a small addition, but it makes all the difference in this recipe. I discovered this when I once skipped it thinking it wouldnt matter much, and the dish lacked that special depth. Now I always keep cooking wine on hand specifically for this recipe.
Make Ahead Options
This dish works wonderfully as a make ahead meal. You can complete all steps up to the baking stage, cover the dish tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold. The flavors actually develop nicely with a rest in the refrigerator.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this rich gnocchi with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the richness. The acidity and freshness of the greens complement the savory depth of the dish perfectly. For a special occasion, start with a light soup like tomato bisque or end with a fruit based dessert to round out the meal without overwhelming your guests.
Vegetarian Adaptation
To make this dish vegetarian friendly, substitute the beef broth with mushroom broth or vegetable broth enhanced with a tablespoon of soy sauce for depth. For even more umami flavor, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the pan after the onions have cooked for about 10 minutes. Cremini or shiitake varieties work especially well, adding meaty texture and rich flavor.
Common Queries
- → What kind of gnocchi works best?
Potato gnocchi is ideal, offering a tender texture that holds up well when baked and absorbs the flavors of the onion sauce.
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Gruyere or Swiss cheese melt beautifully, but mozzarella or provolone can be substituted for a slightly different taste and texture.
- → How do I achieve caramelized onions?
Slowly cook thinly sliced onions over medium heat with butter and olive oil, stirring often until deep golden and fragrant, about 20 minutes.
- → Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and choose cheese suitable for vegetarians for a meat-free version.
- → What bread is best for dipping?
Toasted French baguette slices offer great crunch and soak up the savory sauce nicely, enhancing the overall experience.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.