French Onion Gnocchi

Take the soul-warming essence of French onion soup and pair it with crispy, golden gnocchi to create the ultimate comfort meal—French Onion Skillet Gnocchi. This cozy one-pan dish combines sweet caramelized onions, nutty Gruyère cheese, and pillowy pan-fried gnocchi, all bubbling under the broiler until irresistibly melty and golden.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-skillet simplicity: Easy to make, minimal cleanup.

• No boiling needed: Gnocchi are pan-fried until crispy—no need to pre-cook.

• Deep, savory flavor: Caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese create a rich, soup-like taste.

• Customizable: Great base for adding mushrooms, greens, or leftover roasted veggies.

• Perfect for cold nights: Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds yellow onions (about 2 large or 4 medium), halved and thinly sliced

• 1 small bunch fresh thyme, leaves picked (about 2 tablespoons)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 2 packages (16 to 18 ounces each) potato gnocchi (fresh, shelf-stable, or frozen—do not thaw)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving

• 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (about 1½ cups)

• ¼ cup dry white wine

• 1 teaspoon balsamic or sherry vinegar

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Directions

1. Caramelize the onions: Melt butter in a large broiler-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onions, half the thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 28–30 minutes, stirring often, until very soft and golden brown.

2. Pan-fry the gnocchi: In a separate step, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet. Add one package of gnocchi in a single layer. Cover and cook undisturbed for 3–5 minutes, until golden. Remove and repeat with the second package and remaining olive oil.

3. Deglaze: Pour wine into the onion mixture, scraping the bottom of the pan. Let simmer until the liquid evaporates, about 1 minute. Stir in the vinegar.

4. Combine: Return all gnocchi to the skillet with the onions and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Broil: Spread mixture evenly in the pan. Top with Gruyère cheese. Broil 4–6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden brown spots.

6. Garnish and serve: Top with remaining thyme and extra black pepper. Serve hot.

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Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 to 6
Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

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Variations

• Add mushrooms: Sauté with the onions for an earthy boost.

• Use different cheese: Try Swiss, fontina, or mozzarella.

• Add greens: Toss in spinach or kale during the final mix for added nutrients.

• Make it meatier: Add cooked sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken before broiling.

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Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain gnocchi crispness.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, but do not thaw them. Pan-fry straight from frozen.

What kind of pan should I use?

A cast iron or broiler-safe skillet is ideal for achieving a crispy finish and safely broiling.

Can I use pre-caramelized onions?

Yes, though freshly caramelized onions give the best depth of flavor.

Is it okay to substitute the wine?

You can use broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar if you prefer not to use alcohol.

Can I make it ahead?

You can caramelize the onions in advance. Assemble and broil just before serving.

What’s the best cheese substitute for Gruyère?

Swiss or Emmental cheese works well and melts beautifully.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, cooked shredded chicken, pancetta, or sausage are great additions.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, if you use vegetarian cheese and broth.

Does the gnocchi get soggy?

Pan-frying ensures the gnocchi stay crisp on the outside, even after broiling.

Can I use sweet onions?

Yes, sweet onions add even more flavor depth, but you may want to reduce additional sugar or sweet ingredients.

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Conclusion

French Onion Skillet Gnocchi is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food—rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. With caramelized onions, golden gnocchi, and gooey Gruyère cheese all broiled to perfection, it’s a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight and cozy enough for a dinner party. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your winter meal rotation.