French Onion Gnocchi

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to my beloved French Onion Gnocchi. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of classic French onion soup with the delightful chewiness of soft gnocchi. It’s perfect for cozy evenings at home or when you’re hosting friends for dinner. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this dish is so special to me!

With its rich onion sauce and cheesy topping, this French Onion Gnocchi is not just delicious; it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a family gathering, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have this dish on the table in no time!
• Comfort Food Classic: The combination of caramelized onions and cheesy gnocchi makes every bite feel like a warm embrace.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy date night, this dish suits every setting.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the sauce in advance and simply cook the gnocchi when you’re ready to eat!
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the soft texture and cheesy goodness of this dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these wholesome ingredients is part of the joy! Each one plays an important role in creating that rich and comforting flavor profile we all adore. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Try using mozzarella or cheddar if gruyere isn’t available.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute beef stock with vegetable stock for a delicious meat-free version.
• Change the Herbs: If you don’t have thyme, rosemary works beautifully too!

How to Make French Onion Gnocchi

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts, add the onions. Stir them every few minutes; patience is key here! Caramelizing onions takes about 45-60 minutes. We want them deep brown for maximum sweetness. If they start to dry out too quickly, add a little water as needed.

Step 2: Add Thyme and Garlic

Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the thyme and minced garlic. This step adds an aromatic depth that complements our gnocchi perfectly. Cook for two minutes until fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

Next, pour in the white grape juice and let it reduce by half over 3-4 minutes. Stir in flour to thicken things up slightly before adding dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. This blend brings that signature French onion flavor we all love!

Step 4: Incorporate Stock and Seasoning

Now it’s time to add your beef stock along with a bay leaf. Scrape any brown bits from the skillet—they’re packed with flavor! Bring everything to a boil before reducing it to a simmer for about 6-7 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper!

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

While your sauce thickens beautifully, bring another pot of salted water to a boil and add your gnocchi. They’re ready when they float to the top—about 2-3 minutes! Once done, drain them well and transfer them into your sauce mixture.

Step 6: Cheese It Up!

Sprinkle grated parmesan over the top first, followed by gruyère cheese—more cheese equals more happiness! Transfer everything into an oven-safe dish and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh thyme before serving immediately alongside crusty bread or mashed potatoes. This French Onion Gnocchi is best enjoyed right away while hot and melty!

And there you have it—a comforting plate of goodness that’s sure to become a favorite in your home as it has in mine! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Gnocchi

Creating a mouthwatering French onion gnocchi dish is all about nailing the details, and I’m here to help you make it perfect!

• Take your time with the onions: Caramelizing onions is a slow process, but it’s crucial for developing that rich, deep flavor. Rushing this step can lead to bitterness instead of sweetness.

• Use freshly grated cheese: Freshly grating your gruyère and parmesan not only melts better but also provides a creamier texture compared to pre-packaged options. It makes a world of difference in the final dish!

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi: When boiling gnocchi, keep an eye on them! They’re done as soon as they float to the surface. Overcooking can lead to mushy gnocchi that lose their delightful texture.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Every onion varies in sweetness and strength, so it’s essential to taste and adjust your salt and pepper as you go. Trust your palate to get the perfect balance!

• Experiment with herbs: While thyme is traditional, feel free to add other herbs like rosemary or parsley for a fresh twist. Herbs can enhance the flavor profile and add a beautiful pop of color.

How to Serve French Onion Gnocchi

Presentation is key when serving your French onion gnocchi! This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, so let’s make it shine.

Garnishes

• Fresh thyme leaves: A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a burst of color and enhances the herby aroma.
• Cracked black pepper: A dash of cracked black pepper not only adds visual interest but also gives an extra kick of flavor.
• Chopped chives: These delicate green onions provide a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every bit of that rich sauce. It’s an inviting addition that everyone will love!
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing balances out the richness of the gnocchi while adding freshness to your meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini provide a colorful and nutritious side that pairs well with the flavors of this dish.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: For those who crave comfort food, creamy garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect side to complement this hearty main course.

Enjoy bringing this French onion gnocchi dish to life in your kitchen! Each bite is sure to be met with smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

This French Onion Gnocchi recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for a delicious dinner later in the week.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Prepare the dish as directed, but do not broil the cheese.
• Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• If previously frozen, ensure it is fully thawed before reheating.
• Broil for 3-5 minutes after reheating to melt and brown the cheese on top.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish!

Can I use different cheese in my French Onion Gnocchi?

Absolutely! While Gruyère adds a wonderful flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like mozzarella or white cheddar for a different taste.

How can I make French Onion Gnocchi vegetarian?

Simply substitute beef stock with vegetable stock. This will maintain the rich flavor while keeping it meat-free.

What should I serve with French Onion Gnocchi?

This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

How long does it take to cook French Onion Gnocchi?

The total time for making this recipe is about 75 minutes. However, most of this time is spent caramelizing the onions to achieve that rich flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this French Onion Gnocchi! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comfort. Enjoy every bite of this savory delight, and don’t hesitate to share your culinary adventures with friends and family. Happy cooking!