Baked French Onion Gnocchi (Cheesy, Cozy Comfort Food)

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If you love the deep, savory flavor of classic French onion soup and the pillowy bite of gnocchi, this baked French onion gnocchi is about to become your new favorite comfort meal. It brings together caramelized onions, rich broth, creamy sauce, and melty cheese — all baked until golden and bubbling.

This dish is indulgent without being complicated. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, casual dinner parties, or anytime you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

Why This Dish Works So Well

French onion soup is beloved for its slow-cooked onions and savory depth, while gnocchi offers a soft, comforting base that soaks up flavor beautifully. When baked together, magic happens.

Caramelized Onions
Slow-cooked onions create sweetness and complexity that defines this dish.

Creamy Broth Sauce
A mix of broth and cream keeps the gnocchi rich but not heavy.

Gruyère Cheese
Nutty, melty, and classic for French onion flavor.

Baked Finish
Baking brings everything together with a bubbly, golden crust.

Ingredients for Baked French Onion Gnocchi

Simple ingredients, incredible payoff.

Ingredients:

  • Shelf-stable potato gnocchi
  • Yellow onions
  • Unsalted butter
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Fresh thyme
  • Beef or vegetable broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Gruyère cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions: How to Make Baked French Onion Gnocchi

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  3. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until deeply caramelized.
  4. Stir in garlic and fresh thyme; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in broth and simmer 3–4 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
  6. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Stir in gnocchi and season with salt and black pepper.
  8. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
  9. Top evenly with shredded Gruyère cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
  11. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Baked French Onion Gnocchi

A cozy baked gnocchi dish with caramelized onions, creamy broth sauce, and melted Gruyère cheese inspired by French onion soup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb potato gnocchi
  • 3 yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef’s knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Caramelize onions in butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
  3. Add garlic and thyme; cook briefly.
  4. Deglaze with broth and simmer.
  5. Stir in cream and gnocchi; season well.
  6. Transfer to baking dish and top with cheese.
  7. Bake 18–22 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Do not rush onion caramelization for best flavor.

Tips for Perfect French Onion Flavor

  • Low and slow onions are key — don’t rush them.
  • Use Gruyère, not mozzarella, for authentic flavor.
  • Deglaze the pan well for maximum depth.
  • Taste and season after caramelizing onions.

Variations & Add-Ins

  • Protein Boost: Add shredded rotisserie chicken.
  • Vegetarian Upgrade: Use vegetable broth and add mushrooms.
  • Extra Cheese: Mix Gruyère with mozzarella for stretch.
  • Herb Swap: Try rosemary instead of thyme.

Serving Suggestions

Serve baked French onion gnocchi with:

  • A crisp green salad
  • Roasted green beans or asparagus
  • Crusty bread for scooping

It works beautifully as a main dish or a hearty side.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave gently.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked French onion gnocchi is:

  • Rich and comforting
  • Simple yet impressive
  • Perfectly cheesy
  • Ideal for cozy nights

It tastes like classic French onion soup turned into a casserole — in the best way possible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food with depth and elegance, this baked French onion gnocchi delivers. With caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and a golden cheese topping, it’s a recipe that feels indulgent while still being approachable.

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