French Onion Gnocchi

Ingredients

Let’s take a quick look at some of the ingredients in this hearty dish that’s great for fall and winter comfort food.

Onions: Get sweet onions, sometimes labeled Vidalia or Walla Walla, if you can. Sweet onions have a nice mild flavor and a high sugar content, making them perfect for caramelizing. If you can’t find sweet onions, get yellow onions. And you’ll want nice big onions for this dish.

Gnocchi: Pre-packaged skillet potato gnocchi is my choice for so many dishes. I love these because there’s no boiling required! You’ll find it in the fresh pasta area of well-stocked grocery stores. Other shelf stable or refrigerated gnocchi can be used, but may require additional cooking time. Check the package directions to make sure.

Broth: I prefer vegetable broth because it keeps everything vegetarian. Homemade broth or Better Than Bouillon Organic Vegetable Base. If you or your family has a both that you love, feel free to use that. Chicken broth or beef broth (which is the classic French Onion Soup flavor), will all work great here.

Gruyere Cheese: Gruyere or Swiss are the traditional cheeses used on French Onion soup. You could swap in Comté, Fontina, Provolone, or Mozzarella if you prefer.

How to make

Like I said, this skillet dish is actually pretty easy to make. Here are some tips, and be sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the ingredient amounts and full instructions.

Grab a skillet; you want something shallow, wide, and oven safe. Make sure that your skillet is oven safe. The dish goes under the broiler to get the cheese all melty. A 12-inch cast iron skillet is perfect, as is a large Dutch oven.

You’ll cook the onions, caramelizing them until they’re nicely browned. This will take about 30 minutes, give or take depending on the skillet you use and how hot your stove gets. Don’t rush this process. The onions are the main ingredient, so you want them to be great! The wide heavy skillet will help the onions cook more evenly.

Next up, you’ll add the broth and a little soy sauce for that umami flavor. Bring that to a boil, and then lower to a simmer. Add the cream cheese and the gnocchi. Stirring until the cream cheese is melted in and the gnocchi is cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.

Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese on top, and pop the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Garnish with parsley or fresh thyme leaves.

Leftovers and storage

Any leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Serving suggestions

Serve this meal with a nice crusty bread to help soak up the juices, and to mimic the classic bread on top of French onion soup.

It’s also great with a simple green salad or green vegetable like Roasted Green Beans, asparagus, or broccoli on the side.

This could also be served on top of mashed potatoes or cooked pasta.

I also think it would be delicious with some canned white beans added in before broiling. This would add some more fiber as well as protein to the dish.

Other French Onion Soup inspired recipes

You’ll absolutely love my French Onion Soup Dip, French Onion Bruschetta, and French Onion Tart.

And if you’re a fan of gnocchi, be sure to check out these amazing dishes: White Bean & Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi, Ratatouille Gnocchi, Red Pepper Corn Gnocchi Soup, and Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Tuna Casserole.