Baked French Onion Gnocchi – Cozy, Cheesy, and Irresistible

If you love the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup and the comforting bite of pillowy gnocchi, this Baked French Onion Gnocchi is the ultimate mashup you didn’t know you needed. Richly caramelized onions, tender gnocchi, and a blanket of melted Gruyère come together in a baked dish that feels both rustic and indulgent.

This recipe transforms classic French onion flavors into a hearty, oven-baked pasta-style dinner. It’s cozy enough for cold nights, impressive enough for guests, and simple enough for weeknights when you want something special without extra effort.

Why French Onion Flavor Works So Well with Gnocchi

French onion dishes are built on patience and depth. Slowly caramelized onions develop sweetness and umami that pair beautifully with soft, potato-based gnocchi. Instead of broth-soaked bread, gnocchi absorbs the savory onion sauce, creating a creamy, satisfying texture in every bite.

The final bake melts everything together, giving you crisped edges, stretchy cheese, and rich onion flavor throughout.

What Makes This Baked Gnocchi So Comforting

This dish hits all the comfort-food notes:

• Deep caramelized onion flavor
• Creamy, savory sauce
• Tender gnocchi that soaks up flavor
• Golden, bubbly cheese topping
• Simple ingredients with big payoff

It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but still balanced.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 lb shelf-stable gnocchi
• 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil.
3. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until deeply caramelized.
4. Stir in garlic and thyme; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
6. Add heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Stir in gnocchi, salt, and pepper, coating evenly in the sauce.
8. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
9. Sprinkle Gruyère evenly over the top.
10. Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
11. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Baked French Onion Gnocchi

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

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, French-inspired

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 yellow onions thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp thyme fresh
• 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 lb gnocchi shelf-stable
• 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese shredded
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Caramelize onions in butter and olive oil.
3. Add garlic and thyme.
4. Deglaze pan with broth.
5. Stir in cream and simmer.
6. Add gnocchi and season.
7. Transfer to baking dish.
8. Top with Gruyère.
9. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Take time caramelizing onions for the best flavor.

Tips for Perfect Caramelized Onions

• Use low to medium heat—don’t rush
• Stir occasionally, not constantly
• Let onions brown before stirring
• Add a splash of water if pan gets too dry
• Deep golden color = maximum flavor

Caramelizing onions properly is the heart of this recipe.

Cheese Options That Work Well

Gruyère is classic, but you can also use:

• Swiss cheese
• Fontina
• Mozzarella + Parmesan blend
• Provolone

Choose cheeses that melt smoothly and complement onion sweetness.

Easy Add-Ins & Variations

Protein Boost
Add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage.

Vegetarian Upgrade
Add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.

Extra Herbs
Rosemary or sage work beautifully with onions.

Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this baked gnocchi with:

• A crisp green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls
• Simple steamed greens

It’s rich, so lighter sides balance it perfectly.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days
• Reheat covered in the oven or microwave
• Add a splash of broth or cream if needed
• Cheese re-melts beautifully when warmed gently

Why This Dish Is a Crowd Favorite

• Comforting and filling
• Familiar flavors with a twist
• Minimal prep once onions are caramelized
• Elegant enough for guests
• Perfect for cozy nights in

It’s a recipe that feels special every time.

Final Thoughts

This Baked French Onion Gnocchi takes everything you love about French onion soup and turns it into a creamy, cheesy, baked comfort dish that’s impossible to resist. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll crave again and again.

Warm, cozy, and packed with flavor—this one belongs in your regular rotation.