Name: French Onion Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 2 cups); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 ¾ cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor); 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi, uncooked; 1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 5 reviews

If you love cozy, comforting dishes that bring a touch of French elegance to your weeknight dinner, then the French Onion Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish masterfully combines pillowy potato gnocchi with the rich, sweet flavors of deeply caramelized onions and finishes it off with a luscious layer of melted Gruyère cheese. It’s like your classic French onion soup took a cozy, creamy gnocchi bath, making every bite a warm hug of deliciousness that’s perfect for any day you want to impress yourself or your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a black cast iron skillet with a blue handle, there is a single layer of cooked onions. The onions are soft and slightly browned with a mix of golden, light brown, and caramel colors. A light wooden spatula is resting on the right side of the skillet, partly under the onions. The skillet is set on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the silky gnocchi to the deep, savory flavors of caramelized onions and beef broth. Each one is simple, straightforward, and together they create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a fruity, light base for sautéing the onions gently, enhancing their sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps achieve that perfect caramelization.
Yellow onions: The heart of the dish—thinly sliced and slowly caramelized to develop deep, sweet flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps draw out moisture from the onions.
Black pepper: Gives a mild kick to balance the sweetness.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle, comforting warmth without overpowering the dish.
Beef broth: Brings that rich, savory backbone reminiscent of classic French onion soup.
Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a wonderful umami depth to the broth.
Balsamic vinegar (optional): A splash adds complexity and balances the richness.
Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the luscious broth beautifully.
Gruyère cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping that brings nutty, cheesy goodness.
Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish to cut through the richness with a touch of color and flavor.

How to Make French Onion Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions to Perfection

Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and be patient—you’ll stir frequently as the onions cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes until they become incredibly soft, deeply browned, and bursting with sweet, rich flavor. This step builds the foundation of your dish’s signature taste.

Step 2: Season Your Sweet Onions

Sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, stirring well to coat the onions evenly. These simple seasonings elevate the natural sweetness, adding just the right savory balance.

Step 3: Create the Brothy Base

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then stir in the optional balsamic vinegar if you’re using it. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. This warm, flavorful broth is what ties the gnocchi and onions together into a soup-inspired delight.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Lower the heat and add your potato gnocchi straight to the skillet. Let them simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they puff up and become tender—soft little clouds soaking up all the luscious flavors in the pan.

Step 5: Add the Gruyère Finishing Touch

Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère evenly over the gnocchi and place the skillet under your broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully as the cheese melts into a bubbly, lightly golden blanket that makes this dish utterly irresistible.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is perfectly melted and golden, take the skillet out of the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect gooey, savory, and comforting meal while it’s still warm and inviting.

How to Serve French Onion Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Recipe

A black plate holds a meal with three main layers: on the bottom, there are golden-brown grilled pieces of chicken with a slightly crispy texture; on top of that layer, orange-brown gnocchi pieces with a smooth, soft appearance are scattered; mixed in with the gnocchi are dark brown sautéed mushrooms with a shiny, glossy look. Small green parsley flakes are sprinkled over everything, adding a touch of color. The plate sits on a brown wooden table next to slices of white bread on a wooden board and green parsley sprigs, all photographed from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that complements the rich layers of caramelized onion and cheese. If you want to add an extra touch, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil elevates the experience even further.

Side Dishes

This dish stands out on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to counterbalance the richness. Roasted vegetables or a crusty baguette also make excellent accompaniments to complete your meal with contrasting textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, serve the gnocchi in individual oven-safe ramekins or small cast iron skillets, broiling the Gruyère cheese until golden right before serving. This personal touch makes it perfect for dinner parties or cozy family dinners where everyone gets their own bubbling, golden bowl of comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover French Onion Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the cheese topping may harden slightly but reheats beautifully.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze as well due to the delicate texture of both the gnocchi and the cheese. For best results, enjoy fresh or store refrigerated leftovers only.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the gnocchi gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems dry. If you want to revive the melty cheese topping, pop it briefly under the broiler just as you would when initially cooking.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi work perfectly and save time, making this recipe both easy and satisfying.

What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

If Gruyère isn’t available, fontina, Emmental, or even a mild mozzarella can be good substitutes that melt well and complement the dish.

Is the beef broth essential?

While beef broth adds a rich, savory depth, you can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter version, though it won’t have quite the same classic French onion soup flavor.

How long does it take to caramelize onions properly?

Patience is key—allow about 15 to 20 minutes on medium heat, stirring often. Rushing this step results in less flavor, so give the onions the time they deserve.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef broth for a robust vegetable broth and skip the Worcestershire sauce or use a vegetarian version to maintain the dish’s savory profile.

Final Thoughts

French Onion Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Recipe is a heartwarming, indulgent dish that brings the best of French flavors right to your table with effortless elegance. Once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication—a delicious way to elevate your everyday meals. So go ahead, treat yourself and the people you love to this gooey, savory masterpiece. You won’t regret it!