Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of tender gnocchi, sweet caramelized onions, and a golden cheesy bake. Baked French Onion Gnocchi is comfort food at its finest, blending the rich flavors of a classic French onion soup with the pillowy texture of soft gnocchi. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or weekend indulgence, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that elevates humble ingredients into a show-stopping dish.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice looking to impress, this baked gnocchi recipe is approachable yet full of flavor. The secret lies in slowly caramelizing the onions, choosing the right gnocchi, and topping it with a blend of cheeses that melt into a bubbly, golden crust.

Ingredients

• Gnocchi:
  • 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
• Caramelized Onions:
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Cheese & Cream Mixture:
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Optional Garnishes:
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Chopped chives or parsley
  • Extra Parmesan for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a medium baking dish lightly with butter or olive oil.
2. Caramelize Onions:
   In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until onions are golden brown and soft. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook Gnocchi:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi in batches, cooking until they float to the top (2–3 minutes). Drain and toss lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Combine Cream and Cheese:
   In a small bowl, mix shredded Gruyère, Parmesan, heavy cream, and thyme. Stir until well combined.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   Spread half of the cooked gnocchi evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the caramelized onions over the gnocchi. Drizzle with half of the cheese and cream mixture. Repeat layers with remaining gnocchi, onions, and cheese mixture.
6. Bake:
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, chives, or extra Parmesan. Serve warm as a comforting main course.

Tips for Perfect Baked French Onion Gnocchi

• Slow is key: Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, sweet flavors. High heat will burn them.
• Cheese choices: Gruyère gives a nutty, melty texture, but you can mix in Fontina or mozzarella for variation.
• Homemade gnocchi: If you want a hands-on approach, homemade potato gnocchi adds extra tenderness and flavor.
• Prevent sticking: Toss boiled gnocchi with a little olive oil before layering in the baking dish.

Variations

1. Mushroom Twist: Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the layers for an earthy depth.
2. Protein Boost: Incorporate cooked chicken, sausage, or pancetta for a heartier dish.
3. Vegan Version: Substitute butter with vegan margarine, cheese with plant-based cheese, and heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad and light vinaigrette to balance richness.
• Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the cheesy, oniony sauce.
• For wine pairing, a light Chardonnay or Pinot Noir complements the caramelized onions beautifully.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

French onion soup originated in France during the 18th century and became famous for its simplicity and rich flavor. By combining its classic elements—caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and creamy broth-inspired sauce—with gnocchi, this recipe fuses French elegance with Italian comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings, baked French onion gnocchi is an homage to European culinary traditions while remaining approachable for home cooks.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Baked French Onion Gnocchi

A comforting baked gnocchi dish with caramelized onions and cheesy goodness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: French Fusion, Italian

Calories: 420

Ingredients

  

Gnocchi

• 1 lb potato gnocchi store-bought or homemade
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt to taste

Caramelized Onions

• 2 yellow onions thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Cheese & Cream Mixture

• 1 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish
• Skillet
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a medium baking dish.
2. Caramelize onions with butter, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes.
3. Cook gnocchi in salted boiling water until they float. Drain and toss with olive oil.
4. Mix Gruyère, Parmesan, heavy cream, and thyme in a bowl.
5. Layer half gnocchi, half onions, and half cheese mixture in baking dish. Repeat layers.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
7. Garnish with thyme or chives and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine while caramelizing onions.