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French Onion Gnocchi Bake With Caramelized Onions
French Onion Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort-food fusion, combining the deep, slow-cooked richness of classic French onion soup with the pillowy satisfaction of baked gnocchi. This dish is everything you want on a cold day: cheesy, savory, deeply aromatic, and soul-warming.
Caramelized onions are the heart of this recipe. Slowly cooked until golden and jammy, they deliver natural sweetness and complexity that defines French onion flavor. When paired with soft gnocchi, savory broth, herbs, and melted cheese, the result is a dish that feels indulgent yet incredibly satisfying.
Unlike traditional French onion soup, this recipe transforms the flavors into a fork-friendly baked casserole, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. It’s rustic, elegant, and deeply comforting all at once.
This gnocchi bake is also wonderfully flexible. You can keep it vegetarian, add protein, or adjust cheeses depending on what you have. No matter how you customize it, the essence remains the same: slow onions, creamy gnocchi, and golden cheese perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to aid caramelization)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 cup vegetable or beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt; cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often.
- Sprinkle in sugar (if using) and thyme; continue cooking until onions are deeply caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and black pepper; remove from heat.
- Gently fold uncooked gnocchi into the onion mixture.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle Gruyère and mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh herbs.
Taste & Texture Experience
This dish delivers layers of savory sweetness from caramelized onions, creamy softness from baked gnocchi, and irresistible cheesiness on top. The gnocchi absorb the onion-infused sauce while maintaining their pillowy bite, creating a deeply comforting texture.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
- Slow caramelization builds deep flavor
- Gnocchi cook directly in sauce for maximum absorption
- Gruyère delivers classic French onion flavor
- Baking creates a golden, crave-worthy crust
Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon
- Vegetarian Boost: Add mushrooms while caramelizing onions
- Extra Crunch: Top with toasted breadcrumbs
- Lighter Option: Swap cream for half-and-half
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat covered in oven or gently in microwave with a splash of broth.
French Onion Gnocchi Bake With Caramelized Onions
Cheesy baked gnocchi inspired by classic French onion soup, loaded with caramelized onions and rich savory flavor.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Caramelize onions slowly in butter and oil until golden.
- Add garlic, thyme, and broth; simmer briefly.
- Stir in cream and season.
- Fold in gnocchi and transfer to baking dish.
- Top with cheeses and bake until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Let rest before serving to allow sauce to thicken.
