There’s something incredibly comforting about the sweet depth of caramelized onions paired with creamy gnocchi and bubbling cheese.
This French Onion Gnocchi Bake is my go-to when I want something cozy but still elegant enough to serve to guests.
Why I Love This Recipe
This bake brings all the flavors of classic French onion soup into a more filling, spoonable dish.
The gnocchi soaks up the rich broth and buttery onions, and that layer of melted Swiss or Gruyère cheese?
Pure comfort. Plus, the crusty bread for dipping seals the deal!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Sweet onions: Caramelized slowly until golden and sweet—don’t rush this step!
Gnocchi: Pillowy and tender, soaking up all the rich broth.
White wine + beef broth: Create a deep, complex sauce that mimics classic onion soup.
Swiss or Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully into a gooey, golden topping.
French bread: Toasted slices for dipping—essential!
Pro Tips Before You Start
Thinly slice the onions for even caramelization.
Use a good-quality white wine that you’d actually drink.
Don’t skip toasting the bread—it gives the perfect crunch and helps it hold up when dipped.
Let the gnocchi rest a few minutes after baking—it thickens slightly as it cools.
How to Make French Onion Gnocchi Bake
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced sweet onion and cook slowly for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
Step 2: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour the white wine into the pan to deglaze, scraping up all the brown bits from the bottom.
Stir in the minced thyme and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi to the skillet and stir gently.
Let it simmer over medium heat for 5–10 minutes until the gnocchi is soft and the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.
Step 4: Season and Assemble
Season everything with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the mixture to a greased medium baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and the edges are bubbling.
Step 6: Toast Bread and Serve
While the gnocchi is baking, toast the French bread slices until crisp.
Serve the hot gnocchi bake with toasted bread for dipping.
What to Serve It With
This dish is hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some sautéed green beans with garlic.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap Swiss with mozzarella or provolone if that’s what you have.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami depth.
Storage & Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Add a splash of broth if it looks dry.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work perfectly in this recipe.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Gruyère is traditional and melts beautifully, but Swiss, provolone, or even mozzarella work well.
Do I need to use wine?
Wine adds depth, but you can substitute with extra broth if needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish ahead, refrigerate it, and bake when ready—just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, just thaw it before adding to the skillet so it cooks evenly.
How do I toast the French bread?
Brush with a little olive oil and bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Can I caramelize the onions faster?
Not really—low and slow is key for the best flavor, but adding a pinch of sugar can help speed things up slightly.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Gnocchi Bake is everything I love in a comfort food—deeply savory, creamy, cheesy, and perfect for scooping with crispy bread.
It’s a beautiful way to bring warmth to the table on any chilly evening.
French Onion Gnocchi Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. In a skillet, melt olive oil and butter.
- Add onions and cook until deeply caramelized, about 20 minutes.
- Deglaze with wine, add thyme and beef broth. Simmer.
- Stir in gnocchi and cook 5–10 minutes until tender and sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to greased baking dish.
- Top with cheese and bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/french-onion-gnocchi-bake-2/
Notes
- For extra depth, use a mix of Swiss and Gruyère.
- Add a splash more broth if you want it saucier.
- You can make the onion mixture ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.
