Best French Onion Gnocchi Recipe (Rich, Cheesy, & Easy!)

If you’ve been craving something warm, cheesy, and just downright comforting, let’s talk about the Best French Onion Gnocchi. Think: everything you love about French onion soup—sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty Gruyère—now mixed with tender, pillowy gnocchi. It’s rich without being over-the-top, comforting without taking hours in the kitchen, and just fancy enough to feel like a treat (even if you’re still in sweats from Monday).

This recipe has all the heartiness of a cozy casserole but with less fuss, making it ideal for weeknights when you’re tired but still want something delicious. And yes, it’s packed with flavor bombs and still vegetarian-friendly if you swap the broth. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, partners who claim they “don’t like onions” (they’re about to), or just yourself after a long day, this dish is a warm hug in a skillet. And truly, the best part? You only need 45 minutes. Now that’s winning dinner.

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What is French Onion Gnocchi?

French Onion Gnocchi is a mash-up of two deeply comforting classics: the iconic French onion soup and soft Italian gnocchi. Instead of ladling soup into bowls and topping it with toasted bread and cheese, we toss gnocchi right into the oniony broth and bake it with melty Gruyère until golden and bubbly.

What you get is a skillet full of creamy, cheesy bliss, with those little potato dumplings soaking up all that rich, caramelized goodness. The onions are slowly cooked until they’re golden brown and sweet, the broth adds depth and a touch of umami, and the cheese… well, you know what Gruyère does. It’s basically the lovechild of soup and pasta bake, and if that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.

Reasons to Try Best French Onion Gnocchi

Why should Best French Onion Gnocchi be on your table this week? First of all, it’s a low-lift way to make something that tastes like it came out of a fancy bistro. You get all the cozy vibes of a soup without needing a baguette or any extra dishes. It’s surprisingly easy—no special gadgets or culinary wizardry required. If you’re a fan of one-pan meals, this will be your jam. Also, the ingredients are easy to find and pretty budget-friendly.

Got onions? Butter? Gnocchi? Cheese? Great, you’re halfway there. And if you’ve got a vegetarian in the house, a quick broth swap makes this a meat-free meal. It’s also a great “make once, eat twice” kind of situation—leftovers taste even better. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter at the dinner table: “Wait, you made what with gnocchi?” Trust us, this one’s going into the regular rotation.

Ingredients Needed to Make French Onion Gnocchi

• 1 pound gnocchi
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups beef broth (or veggie broth for vegetarian)
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional add-ins: a pinch of garlic powder, rosemary sprigs, or a splash of white wine for extra oomph.

Instructions to Make French Onion Gnocchi (Step by Step)

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil—yes, both. You want that perfect combo of richness and heat control. Once the butter melts, toss in the thinly sliced onions. Now here’s the part where patience pays off: cook the onions low and slow for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden, sweet, and jammy. If they start sticking too much, add a splash of broth or water. You’re going for deep flavor here, not speed.

Step 2: Simmer with Broth and Thyme

Once your onions look beautifully caramelized (and your kitchen smells like heaven), stir in the thyme. Then pour in the beef broth and give it a good stir to loosen any oniony bits stuck to the pan—this is flavor gold. Let it all simmer together for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic starts to happen, and your onions go from “yum” to “whoa.”

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

While the onion mixture simmers, cook your gnocchi according to the package instructions. Usually, that means tossing them into boiling salted water and scooping them out once they float. Easy peasy. Drain and set aside—you’ll add them to the skillet shortly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now gently stir the cooked gnocchi into the onion-broth mixture. Let it simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the gnocchi can soak up all that rich, oniony flavor. Taste it, then season with salt and pepper as needed. Don’t skip this—broth varies, and your dish should sing, not snooze.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Broil

Pour the gnocchi mixture into a baking dish (or if your skillet is oven-safe, leave it right there). Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese generously over the top. Now comes the fun part: pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye—it goes from golden to burnt in the blink of an eye. When it’s melty and irresistible, it’s ready.

Looking for other cozy meals? Check out this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole for another onion-inspired hug in a pan.

What to Serve with French Onion Gnocchi

Since this dish is rich and hearty, you’ll want something light on the side. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts the richness perfectly. Think arugula, lemon juice, and maybe some shaved Parmesan. A roasted veggie like green beans or asparagus also works beautifully. Crusty bread is optional, but if you’re carb-committed like we are, go ahead and tear off a chunk—you’ll want it to soak up any cheesy sauce left on your plate. And for dessert? A light fruit salad or this refreshing Strawberry Crackle Salad is a sweet way to round out the meal.

Key Tips for Making French Onion Gnocchi

Caramelize those onions slowly—rushing this step will rob the dish of its signature flavor. If you’ve got time, let them go even longer than 25 minutes for deeper color and taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—broth can be salty or bland depending on the brand, so always taste before you serve. Want more depth? Add a splash of white wine right before the broth. You can also make this in an oven-safe skillet to skip transferring it to a baking dish (yay for fewer dishes). And if you’re feeding a crowd, just double the recipe—it scales like a charm.

Storage and Reheating Tips for French Onion Gnocchi

Leftovers? You’re in luck—this dish stores and reheats like a champ. Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave or rewarm in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. If it looks a little dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating. Avoid freezing—gnocchi can turn mushy when thawed. But if you must freeze it, undercook the gnocchi slightly and freeze in individual portions.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and boom—meat-free and still delicious.

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Swiss works great, or try a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella for an extra gooey top.

Do I need fresh gnocchi?
Nope—shelf-stable or frozen gnocchi work just fine. Just follow the package instructions.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Then bake and broil right before serving.

What’s the best skillet to use?
A large, heavy-bottomed one like cast iron is perfect for caramelizing and baking.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—Best French Onion Gnocchi is the comfort dish you didn’t know you needed but now can’t live without. It’s flavorful, warm, and totally satisfying, but doesn’t ask for a ton of your time or ingredients. Whether it’s a casual Tuesday night or a cozy dinner with friends, this one’s a hit. Looking for more creamy, soul-hugging meals? Don’t miss our One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi or the Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup. Now, go grab those onions and let’s make magic.

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