French Onion Gnocchi

Love the deep, caramelized flavors of French onion soup? This French Onion Gnocchi takes that classic comfort and transforms it into a creamy, cheesy, pasta-style skillet dinner. Pillowy potato gnocchi are simmered in a rich onion gravy, finished with melty Gruyère cheese, and baked (or broiled) to golden perfection. It’s cozy, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make—all in one pan!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cozy & Comforting – All the flavors of French onion soup in a creamy gnocchi dish.
One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Perfectly Cheesy – Bubbly, golden Gruyère cheese seals the deal.
Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for weeknights.
Restaurant-Style at Home – A gourmet twist on classic gnocchi that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar (helps caramelize the onions)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup vegetable or beef broth (low sodium)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for extra melt)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or oven-safe pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Grater for cheese
• Broiler or oven (for final melt)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar.
Cook, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes, until the onions are deeply golden and soft.
Add garlic and thyme during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Step 2: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute.
Slowly add broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Add the Gnocchi
Add gnocchi directly into the sauce.
Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is soft and the sauce is thickened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle Gruyère and mozzarella evenly over the top.
If your skillet is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
If not, cover with a lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Let the dish cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips for the Best French Onion Gnocchi
Take Your Time with Onions – Low and slow caramelizing is key to rich flavor.
Use Good Cheese – Gruyère adds that classic French onion depth.
Stir Gnocchi Gently – To avoid breaking them as they soften.
Broil for the Finish – It adds beautiful golden color and cheesy crust.

Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread – For scooping up every bit of sauce.
Simple Green Salad – Balances the richness of the dish.
Roasted Veggies – Like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
Glass of Sparkling Water or Iced Tea – Refreshing with every creamy bite.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not ideal due to the dairy-based sauce, but can be done for up to 1 month.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.
Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Just thaw before using, or add a few minutes to the cook time.

2. What cheese can I substitute for Gruyère?
Swiss, Fontina, or even white cheddar work well in a pinch.

3. Is it vegetarian?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth and ensure the cheese is vegetarian-friendly.

4. Can I caramelize onions faster?
You can turn up the heat slightly, but true caramelization takes time for the best flavor.

5. Can I add mushrooms or meat?
Absolutely! Sauté mushrooms with the onions or add shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier dish.

Final Thoughts
French Onion Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy, rich skillet dish that brings together the best of soup and pasta. Whether you’re making it for guests or treating yourself to a cozy dinner in, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Try it once, and you’ll fall in love with every melty, golden, savory bite. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos—I can’t wait to see your version!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American-French Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 470 | Protein: 15g | Carbohydrates: 44g | Fat: 27g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 510mg

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