If you’re craving something cozy, impossibly cheesy, and just a little bit fancy without hours of effort, Baked French Onion Gnocchi is about to become your new favorite. Imagine plush, pillowy gnocchi bathed in a silky sauce infused with deeply caramelized onions, rich broth, a touch of cream, and crowned with a gooey blanket of bubbling Gruyère. This is the kind of dinner that invites you to slow down and savor, with flavors inspired by classic French onion soup but with the weeknight simplicity of a baked pasta. Whether you’re cooking for company or treating yourself, Baked French Onion Gnocchi delivers comfort and a dash of elegance in every bite.

Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It always amazes me how a few simple ingredients can create such layered, restaurant-worthy results. Each item on this list brings something special—depth, creaminess, or irresistible cheese pulls—so don’t be tempted to skip anything!

Butter: For unbeatable richness and to help caramelize those onions to sweet, golden perfection.
Olive oil: Balances out the butter and keeps the onions from burning as they slowly cook.
Yellow onions: The foundation of French onion flavor; patience here rewards you with lush, savory sweetness.
Salt: Essential for coaxing out moisture and intensifying each ingredient’s flavor.
Black pepper: Just a hint brings warmth and mild heat to the final dish.
Thyme: Earthy, aromatic, and absolutely necessary for French-inspired recipes.
Balsamic vinegar: A quick splash deepens the onion flavor and adds a subtle tangy finish.
Dry white wine (optional): Adds complexity and brightness—skip or sub extra broth if you prefer no alcohol.
Beef or vegetable broth: Builds savory flavor and keeps everything luscious; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian meal.
Heavy cream: Marries everything together for a silky, indulgent sauce.
Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi: The base—tender, satisfying, and ready to soak up all that sauce.
Gruyère cheese (or Swiss): Melts beautifully for a nutty, classic French onion touch.
Parmesan cheese: For a final hit of salty umami and gorgeous golden crust.

How to Make Baked French Onion Gnocchi

Step 1: Slowly Caramelize the Onions

Kick things off by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper, and let them work their magic for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir frequently and don’t rush—turning translucent is not enough! You’re looking for deeply golden, meltingly soft onions that taste almost sweet. This is where Baked French Onion Gnocchi gets its signature flavor.

Step 2: Build That French Onion Foundation

Next, stir in the thyme and balsamic vinegar, and if you’re using white wine, pour it in now. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom for even more flavor. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the wine cooks down a little and everything gets fragrant and deeply savory.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce and Cook the Gnocchi

Reduce the heat and add the broth and heavy cream, giving everything a good stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the uncooked gnocchi. Stir to coat them well and let them cook for 3 to 5 minutes right in the sauce. The gnocchi will begin to plump up and absorb all those French onion flavors.

Step 4: Layer on the Cheese and Bake

This is where Baked French Onion Gnocchi truly becomes irresistible. Sprinkle the Gruyère and Parmesan evenly across the whole skillet, making sure every bite gets some of that cheesy love. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden all over.

Step 5: Rest and Serve Up

Take the skillet out and let it cool for 5 minutes—trust me, this makes it easier to serve and lets every flavor settle. The wait is tough, but the rewards are absolutely worth it!

How to Serve Baked French Onion Gnocchi

Garnishes

As soon as your bubbling dish comes out of the oven, sprinkle on some extra fresh thyme, crack a bit more black pepper, or add a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley. If you love a little crunch, top with homemade croutons or crispy fried onions for a nod to the original soup.

Side Dishes

Baked French Onion Gnocchi is luxurious all by itself, but a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette helps balance the richness. Pair with a side of crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce, or steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for a bit more color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins for dinner parties or holidays—it instantly feels like something special! Or, for a rustic touch, bring the entire skillet to the table and let everyone dig in family-style. You can even use mini Dutch ovens for a cozy, personalized vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Baked French Onion Gnocchi left (and that’s a big if!), transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight and, trust me, leftovers are worth looking forward to.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the cooled gnocchi into freezer-friendly containers. It’ll keep well for 1 to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce might thicken a bit, but a splash of broth can bring it right back.

Reheating

To reheat, pop single servings in the microwave or rewarm on the stove over low heat. If you want that crispy cheese top again, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, adding a tiny bit of broth or cream if the sauce looks dry.

FAQs

Can I make Baked French Onion Gnocchi vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you can leave out the wine or substitute with more broth to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

What’s the best kind of gnocchi to use?

Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or even homemade potato gnocchi will all work here. Shelf-stable is great for convenience and holds its shape well in the oven, but choose whatever you love or have on hand!

Can I caramelize the onions ahead of time?

Yes, this is a huge time saver! Caramelize a big batch the day or night before, store in the fridge, and assemble the recipe when you’re ready to bake. Dinner comes together in no time.

How can I lighten up this recipe?

Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce some cheese, or pile on extra veggies (like thinly sliced mushrooms or spinach) for a lighter touch while keeping all the satisfying flavors of Baked French Onion Gnocchi.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Use a larger skillet or bake in a big casserole dish if needed. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want to treat friends and family to something truly special.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the warmth and heartiness of Baked French Onion Gnocchi. Whether you’re impressing guests or indulging in a comforting night at home, this dish never fails to satisfy. Don’t wait to give it a try—you’re in for a seriously swoon-worthy meal!

Baked French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Baked French Onion Gnocchi. Caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese come together to create a delicious main course that will satisfy your cravings for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Caramelized Onions:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)

For the Gnocchi:

1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 pound shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Caramelize the onions: In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the onions with salt and pepper until golden. Stir in thyme and balsamic vinegar.
Add liquids: Deglaze with white wine, then add broth and cream. Simmer and add gnocchi.
Bake: Top with cheeses and bake until golden and bubbly. Rest before serving.