Baked French Onion Gnocchi – Cozy Comfort with Golden Cheese and Caramelized Onions

There are certain dishes that feel like a warm blanket the moment they hit the table, and baked French onion gnocchi is absolutely one of them. Inspired by the deep, savory flavors of classic French onion soup and the pillowy comfort of gnocchi, this dish brings together everything we crave when we want something cozy, indulgent, and deeply satisfying. It’s rich without being heavy, cheesy without being overwhelming, and layered with flavor in a way that feels both familiar and a little special.

French onion soup has always been about patience. Those onions, slowly caramelized until they turn golden, sweet, and deeply flavorful, are the heart of the dish. In this recipe, they play the same starring role, wrapping each tender gnocchi in their savory sweetness. Butter and olive oil help the onions cook gently, while thyme adds an earthy note that feels timeless and comforting.

Instead of broth alone, this baked version leans into creaminess and cheese. Gruyère brings that unmistakable nutty, slightly salty flavor you expect from French onion soup, while mozzarella adds melt and stretch. As the dish bakes, the gnocchi soak up the oniony broth, the cheese bubbles and browns, and the whole pan turns into something that smells impossibly good.

This is the kind of recipe you make when the weather turns cool, when you’re feeding people you love, or when you simply want a dinner that feels like it took more effort than it actually did. It’s weeknight-friendly but dinner-party worthy, simple enough to throw together yet impressive when served straight from the oven.

Whether you serve it as a vegetarian main, a cozy side dish, or the centerpiece of a casual gathering, baked French onion gnocchi is guaranteed to earn its place in your comfort food rotation.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 lb shelf-stable potato gnocchi
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden.
4. Stir in garlic and thyme and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Pour in the broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
7. Add gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the onion mixture.
8. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish.
9. Sprinkle Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan evenly over the top.
10. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Baked French Onion Gnocchi

A cozy baked gnocchi dish inspired by French onion soup, loaded with caramelized onions and melted cheese.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: French, Italian

Calories: 560

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Gnocchi Bake

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 yellow onions thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Caramelize onions in butter and olive oil until golden.
2. Add garlic, thyme, and broth; simmer briefly.
3. Toss gnocchi with onion mixture and transfer to baking dish.
4. Top with cheeses and bake until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Let rest briefly before serving for best texture.

Tips & Tricks:

• Don’t rush the onions—slow caramelization builds the flavor foundation.
• Slice onions evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• For extra browning, broil the dish for 1–2 minutes at the end.

Variations:

• Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth and earthiness.
• Stir in a splash of cream for an even richer sauce.
• Top with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for crunch.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or crusty bread.
• Enjoy as a vegetarian main or a decadent side dish.

Storage Information:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

FAQ:
Can I use fresh gnocchi?
Yes, but reduce baking time slightly as fresh gnocchi cooks faster.

What cheese works best?
Gruyère is classic, but Swiss or fontina are great substitutes.

History / Fun Facts:
French onion soup dates back to 18th-century France and was beloved for its simplicity and depth of flavor. This baked gnocchi version is a modern comfort-food twist, combining classic flavors with Italian-inspired pasta.