French Onion Gnocchi Recipe

French Onion Gnocchi is the cozy, one-pan meal you never knew you needed. Combining the rich, caramelized flavor of French onion soup with the pillowy softness of potato gnocchi, this dish delivers pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe will impress without overwhelming your schedule. Ready in just over an hour, it layers savory depth with cheesy goodness in the easiest way possible. If comforting, hearty dishes are your thing, this skillet gnocchi is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Gnocchi

This recipe takes everything you love about French onion soup and turns it into a satisfying, cheesy, skillet meal. The gnocchi gets pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, while the onions are slowly caramelized to perfection. Gruyère adds that signature French onion flavor, melting into every bite. Best of all, it’s made in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more flavor. It hits all the right notes: savory, cheesy, cozy, and incredibly simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of yellow onions, which equals roughly 2 large or 4 medium onions
• 1 small bunch fresh thyme, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 (16- to 18-ounce) packages fresh, shelf-stable, or frozen potato gnocchi (do not thaw)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving
• 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon balsamic or sherry vinegar

Step-by-Step: How to Make French Onion Skillet Gnocchi

1. Slice the onions thinly and strip the thyme leaves until you have about 2 tablespoons.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large broiler-safe skillet over medium heat. Add one package of gnocchi in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown. Remove to a baking sheet. Repeat with the second tablespoon of olive oil and remaining gnocchi.
3. Using the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add sliced onions, half the thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until onions are deeply caramelized, soft, and reduced in volume. This takes about 28 to 30 minutes.
4. While the onions cook, grate the Gruyère cheese and set your oven to broil with a rack positioned 6 to 8 inches from the top.
5. Once onions are caramelized, pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let the wine cook off, then stir in vinegar.
6. Add the gnocchi back into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Season with more salt if needed and spread into an even layer.
7. Sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top and broil for 4 to 6 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with remaining thyme and a few extra grinds of black pepper. Serve warm.

Helpful Tips

• Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet for the best caramelization and broiling.
• Don’t rush the onions. Slow caramelization is key to the flavor.
• Use pre-shredded cheese for a shortcut, but grating it fresh will melt more evenly.
• If using frozen gnocchi, do not thaw before cooking.

Substitutions And Variations

• Cheese: Swap Gruyère for Swiss or even mozzarella for a more budget-friendly option.
• Wine: Use vegetable or chicken broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
• Gnocchi: Cauliflower gnocchi works well for a lighter, gluten-free twist.
• Add protein: Stir in cooked sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even white beans.
• Extra veggies: Add sliced mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and texture.

Storage Instructions

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second bursts. If the cheese looks too dry, add a splash of broth or water to revive it.

Nutritional Information

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings. Each serving (based on 6 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and substitutions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this French Onion Skillet Gnocchi with a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A glass of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully. To make the meal more filling, serve it alongside garlic bread or a side of roasted veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Skillet Gnocchi

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions and even pan-fry the gnocchi ahead of time. Assemble and broil just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I freeze this? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just store them in a freezer-safe container and reheat in the oven or skillet for best texture.

What type of skillet should I use? A cast iron or heavy oven-safe skillet is ideal. It holds heat well and allows for perfect broiling.

Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely. Just make sure to use a vegetarian-friendly cheese and skip any meat add-ins.

Why is my gnocchi sticking? Be sure your skillet is hot and well-oiled before adding the gnocchi. Also, don’t stir too early. Let them crisp undisturbed.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for joining me in making this French Onion Skillet Gnocchi. It’s one of my absolute favorite comfort meals to prepare and share. The way the sweet caramelized onions pair with crispy gnocchi and melty Gruyère is just magic in a skillet. I hope it brings warmth and flavor to your kitchen like it does mine. Enjoy the ease, enjoy the depth of flavor, and most importantly, enjoy every bite. Happy cooking and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!

French Onion Skillet Gnocchi Recipe

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• Author: lisa
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

French Onion Skillet Gnocchi is a cozy one-pan dinner with caramelized onions, golden gnocchi, and melty Gruyère. Easy, cheesy comfort food ready in under an hour. Save this recipe and make it tonight!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds yellow onions (about 2 large or 4 medium)

1 small bunch fresh thyme, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

2 (16- to 18-ounce) packages potato gnocchi (fresh, shelf-stable, or frozen – do not thaw)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for serving

6 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 teaspoon balsamic or sherry vinegar

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Instructions

• Slice the onions thinly and strip the thyme leaves until you have about 2 tablespoons.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large broiler-safe skillet over medium heat. Add one package of gnocchi in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown. Remove to a baking sheet. Repeat with the second tablespoon of olive oil and remaining gnocchi.
• Using the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add sliced onions, half the thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until onions are deeply caramelized, soft, and reduced in volume. This takes about 28 to 30 minutes.
• While the onions cook, grate the Gruyère cheese and set your oven to broil with a rack positioned 6 to 8 inches from the top.
• Once onions are caramelized, pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let the wine cook off, then stir in vinegar.
• Add the gnocchi back into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Season with more salt if needed and spread into an even layer.
• Sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top and broil for 4 to 6 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Garnish with remaining thyme and a few extra grinds of black pepper. Serve warm.

Notes

Use cast iron or broiler-safe skillets for best results.

Don’t rush the onions — slow caramelization builds flavor.

Swap Gruyère for Swiss or mozzarella if preferred.

Vegetarian-friendly when using appropriate cheese.

Frozen gnocchi should not be thawed before cooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet + Broil
• Cuisine: French-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 generous portion
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 14g