Baked French Onion Gnocchi

Introduction

If you’re a fan of French onion soup, you’re going to love this Baked French Onion Gnocchi! This dish has quickly become a family favorite in my household for its rich, comforting flavors and hearty textures. Imagine the savory, caramelized goodness of French onion soup, but with pillowy gnocchi and gooey melted cheese. The gnocchi absorbs the luscious broth, creating a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. My family absolutely devoured it! It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warming and indulgent. Plus, the crispy toasted French bread slices for dipping make every bite even better. This recipe has it all – comfort food with a twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked French Onion Gnocchi

If you’re craving the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup but want something a little more substantial, this Baked French Onion Gnocchi is the perfect solution. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Hearty and Filling: The soft gnocchi soaks up the rich onion and beef broth, creating a more filling dish than traditional soup.
• Melty Cheese Topping: A generous layer of Swiss or Gruyère cheese is melted to perfection, adding a gooey, cheesy layer that’s irresistible.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: With the caramelized onions, savory broth, and gnocchi, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s warm, cozy, and satisfying.
• No Alcohol or Pork: Unlike traditional French onion soup, this version doesn’t require any wine or pork, making it a more accessible recipe for everyone.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests.

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Ingredients

To make this delicious Baked French Onion Gnocchi, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced thyme
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
• 8-10 slices French bread, toasted

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Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Baked French Onion Gnocchi:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for the final bake.
2. Caramelize the onions:
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This will take about 20 minutes. Be patient – this step adds so much flavor!
3. Add flavor:
   Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the fresh thyme and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the gnocchi:
   Add the gnocchi to the skillet and stir occasionally, letting the gnocchi cook in the broth until it’s tender, about 5-10 minutes. You’ll notice the broth thickening slightly as the gnocchi absorbs some of it. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble and bake:
   Transfer the gnocchi and onion mixture into a greased medium-sized baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese evenly on top. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
6. Serve:
   Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve hot with toasted French bread slices for dipping into the cheesy, savory broth. Enjoy!

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Nutrition Facts

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of Baked French Onion Gnocchi:

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 469 kcal
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 42mg
• Sodium: 974mg
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 14g

Note: The nutritional facts are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

This recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner that doesn’t take hours to prepare, and it’s simple enough for anyone to master, even beginners in the kitchen!

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How to Serve

This Baked French Onion Gnocchi is a full meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

• As a main course: Serve it as a standalone dish with the cheesy, caramelized goodness as the star.
• With side dishes: Pair with a simple green salad for balance, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
• With extra bread: Ensure you have plenty of toasted French bread slices for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Wine pairing: If you enjoy wine, try pairing it with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich flavors.
• Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it perfect for leftovers.

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Additional Tips

To get the best results and make this dish even more enjoyable, here are five helpful tips:

1. Caramelize the onions slowly: Take your time with caramelizing the onions. Low and slow cooking will bring out their natural sweetness and create a deeper flavor.
2. Use a mix of cheeses: While Swiss and Gruyère are the traditional choices, you can mix in some Parmesan or fontina for added depth of flavor.
3. Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly, so be sure to add it to the broth only when it’s almost ready. Overcooking gnocchi can make it mushy.
4. Toast the bread well: For the best dipping experience, toast the French bread slices until they’re crispy, but not too hard. You want them to be sturdy for dipping without being tough to chew.
5. Customize with herbs: If you don’t have thyme, try rosemary or sage for a slightly different flavor profile.

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FAQ

1. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
   Yes, chicken broth will work, though it will give a lighter flavor compared to the rich beef broth.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the gnocchi and onion mixture up to the point of baking, then refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply sprinkle on the cheese and cook as directed.
3. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
   Absolutely! Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking frozen gnocchi before adding it to the broth.
4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
   Yes, feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to customize the dish to your liking.
5. Is this recipe vegetarian?
   No, this recipe contains beef broth, but you can use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a bit of heat.
7. What if I can’t find Swiss or Gruyère cheese?
   You can substitute with mozzarella or provolone cheese, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.
8. Can I use homemade gnocchi?
   Yes, homemade gnocchi will work wonderfully in this dish.
9. What other bread can I serve with this?
   While French bread is ideal, you can use any sturdy bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta.
10. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the gnocchi may become soggy upon reheating. However, it will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.

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Conclusion

Baked French Onion Gnocchi is a warm, comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of French onion soup and the hearty texture of gnocchi. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or as a special treat, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its creamy broth, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese, it’s truly comfort food perfection. And with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make it even more delicious. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent, savory meal – your taste buds will thank you!

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