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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Build Flavor Base: Deglaze the skillet with white wine and a splash of vinegar, reducing heat to concentrate and intensify the sauce’s complexity.
- 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.
- 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