French Onion Gnocchi

Savor the delicious combination of French Onion Gnocchi with this mouthwatering recipe. This dish brings together the comforting flavors of French onion soup and tender gnocchi, making it perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. With its rich caramelized onion and beef broth sauce, topped with gooey melted Gruyère cheese, this meal is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: Experience the delightful blend of classic French onion soup and gnocchi in one dish.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests; it suits various occasions.
• Comforting & Satisfying: This hearty meal will warm your soul, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings.
• Cheesy Goodness: The rich layer of melted Gruyère cheese adds a delightful creaminess that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

To create this fabulous dish, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large oven-safe skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Large oven-safe skillet: Ideal for sautéing onions and finishing the dish under the broiler.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accuracy in your ingredient portions for consistent results.

Ingredients

Savor the delicious combination of French Onion Soup and gnocchi with this mouthwatering recipe. Tender potato gnocchi in a rich caramelized onion and beef broth sauce, topped with melted Gruyere cheese!

For the Gnocchi Base

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• ¼ cup (60 g) red grape juice
• 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

For the Topping

• 1 ½ cups (169.5 g) Gruyère cheese, shredded
• Parsley, for garnish

How to Make French Onion Gnocchi

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

To a large oven-safe, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onions.
– Sauté for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are very tender and have a deep caramel color.

Step 2: Add Red Grape Juice

Toward the end of cooking the onions, add red grape juice.
– Continue cooking until the grape juice has completely evaporated.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
– Stir to combine all seasonings well.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth & Worcestershire Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
– Stir to combine thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook Gnocchi

Reduce heat to low, then add the gnocchi.
– Simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gnocchi are cooked through and tender.

Step 6: Broil with Cheese

Once the gnocchi are cooked, sprinkle the Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
– Place the skillet under the broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Remove from the oven. Garnish with parsley before serving.
– Enjoy your delicious French Onion Gnocchi hot!

How to Serve French Onion Gnocchi

French Onion Gnocchi is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of French onion soup with tender gnocchi. Serving this dish can elevate the dining experience, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the gnocchi.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing and croutons adds a crunchy texture to your meal.

Add Some Crusty Bread

• Baguette Slices: Warm slices of baguette are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a savory crunch that complements the creamy cheese topping.

Offer a Garnish Option

• Chopped Chives: Sprinkle fresh chives on top for a mild onion flavor that enhances the dish.
• Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add an extra layer of flavor and richness.

How to Perfect French Onion Gnocchi

Perfecting your French Onion Gnocchi is easy with a few helpful tips. These tricks will ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Bold Heat Control: Cook onions slowly over medium heat to achieve deep caramelization without burning them.
• Bold Broth Selection: Choose high-quality beef broth for maximum flavor; homemade broth can elevate the dish even further.
• Bold Cheese Choice: Use freshly shredded Gruyère cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
• Bold Gnocchi Cooking: Avoid overcooking the gnocchi; they should be tender but still hold their shape when added to the sauce.
• Bold Garnishing: Always garnish your dish right before serving for the best presentation and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Gnocchi

To complement your French Onion Gnocchi, consider serving it alongside some delightful side dishes. These options will enhance your meal and provide additional variety.

1. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini add nutrition and vibrant flavors to your plate.
2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus with lemon juice offers a refreshing contrast to the rich gnocchi.
3. Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
4. Spinach Gratin: Creamy spinach gratin is indulgent yet complements the starchiness of gnocchi perfectly.
5. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a light appetizer option.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with cucumbers and feta adds texture and health benefits to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your French Onion Gnocchi experience. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Bold Timing: Not cooking the onions long enough leads to a lack of depth in flavor. Ensure you sauté them until they are very tender and caramelized for about 15-20 minutes.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can make your dish bland. Always season generously to enhance the overall taste.
• Bold Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the heat, resulting in uneven cooking. Use a large enough skillet to allow everything to cook evenly.
• Bold Neglecting Cheese: Forgetting to sprinkle cheese before broiling means missing out on that delicious melted topping. Make it a point to add Gruyère right before broiling for the best finish.
• Bold Wrong Storage: Not storing leftovers properly can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers for refrigerator storage to keep your gnocchi fresh.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing French Onion Gnocchi

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating French Onion Gnocchi

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1 minute, stirring in between until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Warm over low heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is French Onion Gnocchi?

French Onion Gnocchi combines classic French onion soup flavors with soft potato gnocchi, creating a comforting dish packed with rich taste.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While Gruyère is traditional, feel free to experiment with mozzarella or cheddar for varying flavors and textures.

How do I customize this recipe?

You can add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, or even switch up the broth type based on your preference!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! French Onion Gnocchi stores well and reheats easily, making it perfect for meal prep.

Conclusion

This French Onion Gnocchi recipe offers a delightful mix of flavors that will impress anyone at your dinner table. Its versatility allows for easy customization, so feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you have available. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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