Irresistible French Onion Skillet Gnocchi Recipe for Cozy Nights

Savory aromas of caramelized onions and buttery French onion skillet gnocchi promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Golden-brown edges peek through a rich, deeply flavored sauce that speaks to comfort and warmth.

Tender potato dumplings soak up layers of sweet, jammy onions and melted cheese.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rustic charm and elegant simplicity.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this skillet masterpiece rises to the challenge.

Grab your cast-iron pan and get ready to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Make French Onion Skillet Gnocchi

• Gnocchi Preparation

Warm a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Spread gnocchi in a single layer and cook until golden and crispy. Move cooked gnocchi to a side plate.

• Onion Magic

Melt butter in the same skillet, then add sliced onions and fresh thyme. Slowly cook onions until they transform into a rich, caramel-like golden color, which takes around 30 minutes.

• Flavor Boost

Pour white wine into the skillet, splash in a touch of vinegar, and let the liquid reduce and concentrate the flavors.

• Cheese Transformation

Return gnocchi to the skillet, gently mixing with the caramelized onions. Sprinkle Gruyère cheese across the top and slide under the broiler until the cheese melts and turns a beautiful golden brown.

• Final Touch

Finish by scattering remaining thyme leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper over the dish. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Tips and Tricks for French Onion Skillet Gnocchi

• Crisp up gnocchi by ensuring they're dry before searing, creating a golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavor.
• Swap Gruyère with provolone, fontina, or aged cheddar for different flavor profiles that complement the caramelized onions beautifully.
• Replace white wine with chicken broth or dry sherry to enhance the dish's depth while maintaining its rich, complex taste.
• Use a nonstick skillet if cast iron isn't available, ensuring you'll still achieve those stunning caramelized onions and crispy gnocchi edges.
• Experiment with fresh rosemary or sage instead of thyme, adding unexpected aromatic layers that elevate the entire skillet meal's complexity.

Serving Suggestions for French Onion Skillet Gnocchi

• Savor Solo Comfort: Enjoy this rich, cheesy gnocchi straight from the skillet as a cozy solo dinner with a glass of crisp white wine.
• Rustic Family Feast: Serve family-style directly from the cast iron skillet, encouraging everyone to scoop up the golden gnocchi and caramelized onions together.
• Elegant Appetizer Twist: Cut portions into smaller servings and plate on individual small dishes for an impressive starter at dinner parties, garnished with extra fresh thyme sprigs.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the dish's rich, cheesy flavors and add fresh crunch.

Meal Prep & Storage for French Onion Skillet Gnocchi

• Batch Cook with Confidence: Prepare extra gnocchi and caramelized onions to store separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerate components up to 3-4 days for effortless reheating.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Cool the skillet dish completely before storing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to sealed containers to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Seal cooled gnocchi and onion mixture in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient make-ahead dinners. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm refrigerated or thawed gnocchi in a skillet over medium heat. Add splash of white wine or broth to refresh texture. Sprinkle fresh Gruyère on top and broil briefly to restore crispy cheese layer.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 5

French Onion Skillet Gnocchi Ingredient Checklist

• Gnocchi: Pillowy potato dumplings that create a hearty foundation for this skillet dish, choose fresh or vacuum-sealed for best texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden crispy exterior for gnocchi, select extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps caramelize onions smoothly.

• Onions: Sweet, mellow base that transforms into deep caramel notes when slowly cooked, select yellow or white varieties with firm, smooth skins.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that brings aromatic depth, use fresh sprigs for most vibrant flavor.
• White Wine: Adds sophisticated acidic touch for deglazing, choose dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Vinegar: Provides subtle tangy balance, white wine vinegar works best.

• Gruyère Cheese: Nutty, complex Swiss cheese that melts beautifully, select aged version for deeper flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds sharp, warming heat, freshly ground provides most intense taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, use kosher or sea salt for clean mineral notes.

Cooking Equipment for French Onion Skillet Gnocchi

• 12-inch cast iron skillet: Heavy-duty pan perfect for even cooking and broiling.
• Baking sheet: Helps transfer and manage gnocchi during initial cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring onions and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring tablespoon: Ensures accurate olive oil and butter measurements.
• Chef's knife: Useful for chopping thyme leaves.
• Broiler-safe skillet: Critical for final cheese-melting step.

Caramelized French Onion Skillet Gnocchi Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty french onion skillet gnocchi combines rich caramelized onions with pillowy potato dumplings for a comforting meal. Cheese-topped and broiled, this dish offers rustic Italian-French fusion that welcomes hungry diners to savor each cheesy, savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) yellow onions (about 2 large or 4 medium), halved and thinly sliced
• 2 packages (16 to 18 oz or 454 to 510 g) fresh, shelf-stable, or frozen potato gnocchi (do not thaw)
• 6 oz (170 g) Gruyère cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• 1 small bunch fresh thyme
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving
• 1 tsp balsamic or sherry vinegar

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Instructions

1. Sear Gnocchi: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Create a golden-brown crust on gnocchi by cooking in a single layer, working in batches and transferring to a baking sheet.
2. Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in the same skillet, adding sliced onions, half the thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Slowly transform onions to a deep golden-brown with a rich, sweet profile through patient, continuous cooking for approximately 30 minutes.
3. Build Flavor Base: Deglaze the skillet with white wine and a splash of vinegar, reducing heat to concentrate and intensify the sauce’s complexity.
4. Combine and Broil: Return gnocchi to the skillet, gently coating with the caramelized onion reduction. Sprinkle Gruyère cheese generously over the surface, then position under a preheated broiler for 4-6 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and crisp at the edges.
5. Finish and Garnish: Scatter remaining fresh thyme leaves and add a final grind of black pepper to elevate the dish with a vibrant, aromatic touch.

Notes

• Caramelization Technique: Patience is key when caramelizing onions; low and slow cooking develops deep, sweet flavors without burning, transforming ordinary onions into a rich, golden delicacy.
• Gnocchi Browning Tip: Cook gnocchi in batches to ensure a crispy, golden exterior by avoiding overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of proper browning.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Use Gruyère for its superior melting qualities, creating a luxurious, bubbly topping that adds depth and complexity to the entire dish.
• Skillet Selection: Cast iron or broiler-safe skillets are crucial for achieving even heat distribution and allowing seamless stovetop-to-broiler cooking without changing cookware.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg