French Onion Gnocchi

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: French Onion Gnocchi. This delightful recipe combines the pillowy goodness of gnocchi with a rich, savory sauce inspired by traditional French onion soup. It’s creamy, cheesy, and just bursting with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Trust me; once you try this dish, it will become a regular in your dinner rotation!

What makes this French Onion Gnocchi truly special is its luxurious texture and depth of flavor. The caramelized onions create a sweet and savory base that pairs perfectly with the soft gnocchi. And let’s not forget about the gooey cheese topping that melts beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re serving it to friends or enjoying it all by yourself, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delicious dish without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves gnocchi! This dish is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sauce in advance and simply combine with gnocchi before baking for an effortless meal.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish fits right in.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of caramelized onions, garlic, and cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple yet wholesome ingredients for this delightful French Onion Gnocchi! Each component plays a crucial role in building that rich flavor we all love.

For the Sauce

• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 2½ tablespoons salted butter
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 2 pounds yellow onion (halved and thinly sliced)
• 1½ tablespoons thyme (finely chopped)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup dry white grape juice
• 2½ teaspoons dijon mustard
• 2½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 large bay leaf
• 2½ cups beef stock (low sodium)

For Topping

• 24 ounces gnocchi (store bought)
• 1½ cups gruyere cheese (freshly grated)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Variations

This French Onion Gnocchi recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.

• Swap the Cheese: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique twist.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Use Different Broths: Swap beef stock for vegetable broth for a lighter version.
• Make It Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce if you enjoy a little heat!

How to Make French Onion Gnocchi

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter to your skillet. Once the butter has melted, toss in those sliced onions. Now comes the magic—caramelizing takes time! Stir them every few minutes and remember: patience is key. You want them deep brown and sweetly fragrant after about 45-60 minutes. If they start to dry out, just add a splash of water to keep them moist. Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of salted water to boil about 40 minutes into cooking.

Step 2: Enhance the Flavor

When your onions are beautifully browned, add in the thyme and minced garlic. Cook these together for about two minutes until everything smells amazing! This step adds another layer of flavor that truly captures that classic French onion experience.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce

Pour in the white grape juice next—this will deglaze your pan—scraping up those tasty bits stuck at the bottom. Let it reduce by half over about 3-4 minutes before adding flour to thicken things up. After stirring in dijon mustard and worcestershire sauce, you’ll have an incredible base ready for your gnocchi!

Step 4: Simmer Away

Now add the beef stock and bay leaf into your mixture. Bring everything to a boil before lowering it down to simmer away for another 6-7 minutes. Don’t forget to season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your taste; adjusting flavors at this stage is important!

Step 5: Cook Your Gnocchi

While that savory sauce simmers away, drop your gnocchi into boiling water. They’re done when they float! Drain well and gently fold them into your caramelized onion mixture until fully combined.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Transfer everything into an oven-safe dish and top first with parmesan, followed by gruyere cheese. Pop it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until that cheese is melting beautifully—bubbling perfection achieved!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving immediately. Pair your French Onion Gnocchi with some crusty bread or maybe even a light salad for balance. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Gnocchi

Making French Onion Gnocchi is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll be able to elevate your dish even further!

• Take Your Time with the Onions: The key to rich flavor lies in properly caramelizing the onions. Don’t rush this step; a low and slow cook will bring out their natural sweetness, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme not only adds flavor but also brings a vibrant freshness to the dish. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving to brighten up the flavors.

• Adjust the Thickness: If you find your sauce too thick after adding the gnocchi, don’t hesitate to add a splash more beef stock or water. This helps maintain that creamy consistency that makes each bite delightful.

• Experiment with Cheese: While Gruyère and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses! A bit of mozzarella can add extra stretchiness, while a sharp cheddar could lend a different depth of flavor.

• Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven until bubbly and golden for an easy dinner option later!

How to Serve French Onion Gnocchi

Presenting your French Onion Gnocchi beautifully not only enhances its appeal but also sets the tone for a wonderful meal. Here are some ideas on how to serve this comforting dish:

Garnishes

• Fresh Thyme: A few sprigs of fresh thyme on top adds a touch of elegance and reinforces those herbaceous notes.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A light sprinkle just before serving provides an aromatic kick that brightens up every bite.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or ciabatta is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. It’s an essential companion that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the hearty gnocchi.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes can enhance the comfort factor of this meal, creating a truly satisfying experience.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts provide a colorful side that adds texture and nutrition to your plate.

Feel free to get creative with your presentation! With these serving suggestions, your French Onion Gnocchi will not only taste amazing but look stunning on your table too! Enjoy every moment of sharing this delicious dish with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This French onion gnocchi is a fantastic option for meal prep! Not only does it reheat beautifully, but the flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious when enjoyed later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the gnocchi to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, label with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish.

Can I make French Onion Gnocchi vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the beef stock with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian option that maintains all the flavor.

How do I store leftover French Onion Gnocchi?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage!

What type of cheese works best on French Onion Gnocchi?

Gruyère cheese is traditional for its melting quality and flavor, but feel free to mix it with mozzarella or another favorite cheese!

Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi can add a personal touch and elevate this dish even further. Just make sure they are cooked properly before combining them with the sauce.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this cozy French onion gnocchi as much as I do! It’s perfect for comforting dinners and special occasions alike. The rich flavors combined with soft gnocchi will surely impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to dive into this recipe; I know you’ll love every bite! Happy cooking!