French Onion Gnocchi
If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this French Onion Gnocchi is just the ticket. Imagine pillowy soft gnocchi enveloped in a rich and savory French onion soup sauce, topped with melted cheese that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that brings family together, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Every bite is infused with love and comfort, and I promise it will become a favorite in your household too.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. You’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again, whether you’re trying to impress guests or just enjoying a quiet night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting flavors: The combination of caramelized onions and melty cheese warms the soul.
- Easy preparation: With simple steps, this dish is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Family favorite: Everyone loves gnocchi! It’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
- Versatile sides: Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this scrumptious French Onion Gnocchi. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!
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 the 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 get creative with some variations that suit your taste.
- Swap the cheese: Try using mozzarella or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.
- Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost.
- Change up the protein: Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms to make it heartier.
- Use gluten-free gnocchi: This recipe can easily accommodate gluten-free options without sacrificing flavor.
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 melts, toss in those sliced onions. This process takes about 45-60 minutes because we want them beautifully caramelized—slow cooking allows their natural sweetness to come out. Don’t rush it! Stir occasionally and keep an eye on them; if they start browning too quickly, sprinkle in a little water as needed.
Step 2: Add Thyme and Garlic
When your onions are deep brown and fragrant, stir in the thyme and minced garlic. Cooking these together for two minutes releases even more lovely aromas into your kitchen. This step is key for layering flavors!
Step 3: Deglaze with Grape Juice
Next, pour in the dry white grape juice and let it simmer until reduced by half (about 3-4 minutes). This helps concentrate flavors while adding a hint of sweetness that balances everything beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over your mixture and cook for another minute or two until it thickens slightly. Then mix in dijon mustard and worcestershire sauce—this adds depth to our sauce!
Step 5: Simmer with Stock
Pour in beef stock along with that bay leaf you’ve saved. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet; they’re packed with flavor! Bring this mixture to a boil then lower to simmer until slightly reduced (about 6-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi
While waiting for your sauce to thicken up nicely, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Drop in those gnocchi; once they float back up (which means they’re cooked!), drain them well before transferring them into your delicious onion mixture.
Step 7: Top with Cheese
Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle grated parmesan over your gnocchi followed by gruyère cheese. Transfer everything into an oven-safe dish and broil for about 3-5 minutes or until that cheese is perfectly melted—watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 8: Serve It Up!
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if you like and serve immediately alongside crusty bread or mashed potatoes. Enjoy every single bite of this comforting French onion gnocchi!
Pro Tips for Making French Onion Gnocchi
Creating the perfect French Onion Gnocchi is all about attention to detail and a few handy tricks. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time!
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Patience is key: Caramelizing onions takes time, usually around 45-60 minutes. This slow cooking process develops deep flavors, making your sauce rich and aromatic.
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Use low-sodium beef stock: Opting for low-sodium stock allows you to control the saltiness of your dish better. It ensures that the flavors of the onions and other ingredients shine through without being overwhelmed by salt.
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Don’t rush the sauce: After adding the beef stock, let it simmer properly. This not only thickens the sauce but also melds all those incredible flavors together, creating a deliciously cohesive dish.
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Fresh cheese makes a difference: Grating your own Gruyère and Parmesan will elevate your dish’s flavor and texture significantly compared to pre-grated options, which can contain anti-caking agents that dull the taste.
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Taste as you go: Always season at different stages of cooking! Tasting your sauce allows you to adjust flavors according to your preference, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
How to Serve French Onion Gnocchi
Serving your French Onion Gnocchi in an appealing way can enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas on presenting this delightful dish!
Garnishes
- Fresh thyme: Sprinkling fresh thyme leaves on top just before serving adds a pop of color and complements the onion flavors beautifully.
- Parmesan shavings: For an elegant touch, add some shaved Parmesan cheese on top just after broiling for an extra creamy layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
- Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce from the gnocchi. It’s simple yet satisfying!
- Mixed green salad: A light mixed green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the hearty gnocchi and adds freshness to your plate.
- Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes provide a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of French Onion Gnocchi.
- Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts bring additional nutrients and colors to your meal while complementing the main dish’s richness.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress family and friends with a delicious plate of French Onion Gnocchi! Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage
This French Onion Gnocchi recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious creation.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the gnocchi to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer the leftover gnocchi to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
- Place the gnocchi in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- For best results, try to remove as much air as possible from bags.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen gnocchi overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef stock or water until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
FAQs
Have questions about this delightful recipe? Here are some common queries!
Can I use different types of cheese for French Onion Gnocchi?
Absolutely! While gruyère and parmesan are traditional choices, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or gouda. Just keep in mind that flavor profiles may change slightly.
How do I make French Onion Gnocchi vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace beef stock with vegetable broth. This will still give the dish a rich flavor without any meat.
Can I prepare French Onion Gnocchi in advance?
Yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Follow my storage tips above for best results.
What should I serve with French Onion Gnocchi?
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, fresh salad, or mashed potatoes. You can’t go wrong!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll enjoy making this evocative French Onion Gnocchi as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table. Don’t hesitate to share your cooking adventures with me—I’d love to hear how yours turned out!
Dinner
French Onion Gnocchi
Indulge in the comforting embrace of French Onion Gnocchi, a delightful dish that combines pillowy gnocchi with a rich, savory onion sauce topped with gooey melted cheese. This heartwarming meal is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, bringing everyone together around the dinner table. With its luscious flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your home. Enjoy each bite as the sweet caramelized onions and creamy cheeses meld together to create an unforgettable dining experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 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
- 24 ounces gnocchi, store bought
- 1½ cups gruyere cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and caramelize for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in thyme and minced garlic; cook for 2 minutes.
- Deglaze with dry white grape juice and reduce by half (about 3-4 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour into the mixture; cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Add beef stock and bay leaf; simmer for 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Boil salted water; cook gnocchi until they float, then drain and mix into the sauce.
- Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with grated cheeses, and broil for 3-5 minutes until melted.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg