why make this recipe
French Onion Gnocchi combines the rich, savory flavor of caramelized onions with soft, pillowy gnocchi. This dish brings together classic French onion soup elements, topped with melty cheese, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a hearty vegetarian option, and it’s easy to make either for family dinners or special gatherings.
how to make French Onion Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2½ tablespoons salted butter
- Kosher salt, (to taste)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, (to taste)
- 24 ounces gnocchi, (store bought)
- 2 pounds yellow onion, (halved and thinly sliced)
- 1½ tablespoons thyme, (finely chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic, (minced)
- ½ cup dry white wine (I use Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2½ teaspoons dijon mustard
- 2½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 large bay leaf
- 2½ cups beef stock, (low sodium)
- 1½ cups gruyere cheese, (freshly grated)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, (freshly grated)
Directions
Over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter to a large skillet. Once the butter melts, add the sliced onions and stir them every few minutes. Be patient; caramelizing onions takes about 45-60 minutes. Make sure they slowly brown instead of cooking too quickly. If the mixture gets dry, add 1½ teaspoons of water at a time and stir.
After about 40 minutes of cooking the onions, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
When the onions are deep brown, stir in the thyme and minced garlic. Cook for another two minutes or until fragrant.
Add the white wine to the skillet and let it cook until the liquid reduces by half, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Sprinkle in the flour and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until everything blends together.
Pour in the beef stock and add the bay leaf. Scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook until the liquid reduces slightly, about 6-7 minutes. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
While the sauce thickens, add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Once they float to the top, drain them well, then transfer the gnocchi to the sauce mixture and stir to combine.
Top the dish first with grated Parmesan cheese, followed by gruyère cheese. Transfer to an oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely.
Garnish with extra thyme and serve immediately alongside crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
how to serve French Onion Gnocchi
French Onion Gnocchi is delicious when served hot straight from the oven. Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread to balance the richness of the dish. You can also enjoy it as a main course or as a hearty side dish at family gatherings.
how to store French Onion Gnocchi
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a little beef stock or water if it seems too thick.
tips to make French Onion Gnocchi
- Take your time with the onions; patience is key to achieving that sweet, caramelized flavor.
- If you don’t have dry white wine, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
- For added flavor, consider using herbs like rosemary or oregano along with the thyme.
variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of beef stock. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar to create your ideal flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can use fresh gnocchi. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as fresh gnocchi usually takes less time to cook.
How do I prevent the onions from burning?
Keep the heat on medium or medium-low and stir the onions regularly. If they start browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
Can I freeze French Onion Gnocchi?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen, adding a bit of liquid if needed.
French Onion Gnocchi
Ingredients
Cooking Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil Used for sautéing.
- 2.5 tablespoons salted butter For added richness.
- 24 ounces gnocchi Store bought.
- 2 pounds yellow onion Halved and thinly sliced.
- 1.5 tablespoons thyme Finely chopped.
- 6 cloves garlic Minced.
- 0.5 cup dry white wine Sauvignon Blanc recommended.
- 2.5 teaspoons dijon mustard For flavor.
- 2.5 tablespoons all-purpose flour To thicken the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 large bay leaf For seasoning.
- 2.5 cups beef stock Low sodium recommended.
- 1.5 cups gruyere cheese Freshly grated.
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese Freshly grated.
Instructions
Preparation
- Over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter to a large skillet.
- Once the butter melts, add the sliced onions and stir them every few minutes.
- Caramelize the onions for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If the mixture gets dry, add 1.5 teaspoons of water at a time.
- After about 40 minutes, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
- When the onions are deep brown, stir in the thyme and minced garlic. Cook for another two minutes.
- Add the white wine to the skillet and let it reduce by half over 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce until blended.
- Pour in the beef stock and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 6-7 minutes.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking
- Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Once they float, drain and add to the sauce mixture.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese, then gruyère cheese.
- Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serving
- Garnish with extra thyme and serve immediately with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a salad.