French Onion Gnocchi – Cozy, Cheesy, and Pure Comfort Food

If there was ever a dish that wore a fuzzy blanket and handed you a glass of wine, it would be this French Onion Gnocchi. Imagine all the cozy flavors of French onion soup—sweet caramelized onions, a splash of wine, rich beef broth, and bubbling Gruyère cheese—tucked around pillowy gnocchi instead of soup-soaked bread. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

This skillet wonder is comfort food at its finest: one-pan cooking, layers of savory depth, and a cheesy finish that will have you scooping seconds (and thirds). It’s hearty enough for Sunday dinner, but easy enough for a Tuesday night when you just want something cozy, cheesy, and soul-hugging.

So grab your onions and let’s get that skillet sizzling—comfort is just 38 minutes away.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Gnocchi

• Cozy vibes in every bite: Caramelized onions + cheese = pure magic.
• One-skillet wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Weeknight ready: Only 38 minutes start to finish.
• Crowd pleaser: Feels fancy but is secretly very simple.
• Comfort food upgrade: A twist on French onion soup without the soggy bread.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• ¼ cup (60 g) red wine
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 ½ cups (360 g) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi, uncooked
• 1 ½ cups (169.5 g) Gruyère cheese, shredded
• Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden and caramelized.

Step 2: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits. Cook until wine evaporates.

Step 3: Season

Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Make It Brothy

Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Add Gnocchi

Lower heat, stir in gnocchi, and cook 3–5 minutes until tender.

Step 6: Cheese Heaven

Sprinkle Gruyère evenly over the top. Broil 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Top with parsley and serve hot straight from the skillet.

Melania’s Tips for Perfect French Onion Gnocchi

• Slice onions evenly for the best caramelization.
• Don’t rush the onions—low and slow makes them sweet and golden.
• Gruyère is traditional, but Fontina or Swiss cheese also melt beautifully.
• Want extra richness? Add a splash of cream before the cheese topping.

Bake It With the Littles

Okay, maybe let’s skip handing toddlers red wine and broilers, but kids can:

• Sprinkle cheese over the top before broiling.
• Tear parsley leaves for garnish.
• Stir gnocchi into the sauce (bonus: taste-testing a few doesn’t hurt).

Meal-Prep Magic

• Make ahead: Caramelize onions in advance and refrigerate. Finish the recipe in 20 minutes.
• Storage: Keeps 3 days in the fridge, covered.
• Reheat: Pop in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to keep that cheesy topping gooey.

Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

• Swap whole wheat gnocchi for extra fiber.
• Use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter finish.
• Try vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
• Add sautéed mushrooms for an umami boost without more calories.

Leftover Remix

• Cheesy Bake: Spread leftovers in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and reheat until crispy.
• Soup Hack: Stir into extra broth for a gnocchi-French-onion hybrid soup.
• Breakfast Twist: Fry an egg and serve it over reheated gnocchi.

Gift It Like a Pro

Pack portions into oven-safe containers with a note: “Bake until bubbly for a hug in a dish.” Perfect for new parents, neighbors, or a friend who just needs a little cozy in their life.

FAQs

Can I use white wine instead of red?
Yes—white wine gives a lighter flavor, while red adds depth.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Cook on the stovetop, then transfer to a baking dish before adding cheese and broiling.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—swap in veggie broth and skip the Worcestershire (use soy sauce or tamari instead).

What’s the best cheese substitute for Gruyère?
Fontina, Emmental, or even mozzarella will work in a pinch.

Final Thought

French Onion Gnocchi is comfort food that feels like a big, cheesy hug at the end of a long day. It’s cozy, rich, and weeknight-friendly, with all the flavor of French onion soup—minus the soggy bread. Whether you make it for your family or just for yourself (no shame in eating it straight from the skillet), it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something special.

---

Print