Baked French Onion Gnocchi

$- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 3 large onions, thinly sliced - 3 tablespoons butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional) When I make Baked French Onion Gnocchi, I focus on using fresh ingredients. Gnocchi can be store-bought or homemade, depending on your time and skill. Onions are the star here, so choose large ones for the best flavor. Butter and olive oil together create a rich base for cooking. Garlic adds a nice kick. The sugar helps caramelize the onions, making them sweet and golden. Balsamic vinegar brightens the dish. Vegetable broth ties everything together, providing depth. Gruyère cheese melts beautifully, while mozzarella gives a great stretch. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Fresh thyme can add a nice touch when serving. If you want different cheese options, try Swiss or cheddar. Both add unique flavors. You can also make your own gnocchi if you're feeling adventurous. For broth, low-sodium options work well too. Homemade broth is tasty and healthy. This flexibility helps you tailor the dish to your taste and needs. Remember, using what you have is key. Cooking should be fun and personal. Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for cooking your dish evenly. Now, let's talk about onions. Caramelizing them properly gives your dish a sweet, rich flavor. Don't rush this step; it takes time. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 large, thinly sliced onions and stir them often. Cook for about 20-25 minutes until they turn golden and soft. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sugar to help them caramelize. After this, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute. Finally, pour in 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Let this simmer for 10-15 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste. While your onions cook, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook 1 pound of gnocchi. They are done when they float to the top. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside. Once your onion mixture is ready, gently fold the gnocchi into it. Make sure every piece is coated well. Now transfer this mixture to a baking dish for optimal layering. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish right away! To achieve even browning, slice your onions thinly. This helps them cook uniformly. Use a large skillet to give them space. Stir often to avoid burning. If you want to speed up the process, add a pinch of sugar early on. It helps the onions caramelize faster. This dish pairs well with crusty bread. A side salad can add a nice crunch. For a garnish, fresh thyme sprigs add color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top right before serving for a melty touch. You can prep the onions a day before. Just store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, mix with gnocchi and cheese. For reheating, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps everything warm and cheesy. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can make Baked French Onion Gnocchi even more tasty. Adding mushrooms or spinach boosts nutrition. Mushrooms add earthiness, while spinach brings a fresh green taste. Try sautéing them with onions for a rich mix. Also, consider different herbs and spices. Thyme adds a classic flavor. You could also use rosemary or parsley for a twist. Just sprinkle them in while cooking the onions. This small change can create a big impact. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this choice. It will still taste great. You can also make your own gnocchi using gluten-free flour. For vegan diets, try plant-based cheese. There are many brands that melt well. This way, you can enjoy a creamy texture without dairy. Just ensure the broth is vegetable-based, and you’re all set. Seasonal vegetables can change the dish's flavor. In winter, try adding roasted butternut squash. In summer, zucchini or fresh tomatoes work well. These swaps give the dish a fresh take. You can also incorporate unique toppings. For a special occasion, add crispy fried onions or fresh herbs. They add crunch and look beautiful. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite version of Baked French Onion Gnocchi. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. To store leftovers safely, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. The recommended shelf life in the fridge is about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, refrigerate it right away. For freezing Baked French Onion Gnocchi, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This method helps prevent freezer burn. The best part is that it can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Enjoy the same comforting flavors even after freezing! You can tell when onions are caramelized by their color and smell. Perfectly caramelized onions turn a rich, golden brown. They will smell sweet and fragrant. The onions should feel soft and have a jam-like texture. Cooking them takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir them often to avoid burning. Yes, you can use store-bought gnocchi. It saves time and is easy to use. Packaged gnocchi cooks quickly and tastes good. However, homemade gnocchi gives a fresher texture. Making your own gnocchi can be fun and rewarding. It allows you to control the ingredients and flavor. For Baked French Onion Gnocchi, I recommend Gruyère and mozzarella. Gruyère melts well and adds a nutty flavor. Mozzarella provides a creamy texture and stretchiness. Together, they create a rich, indulgent topping. You can also experiment with other cheeses like fontina or cheddar for different tastes. To add heat, you can use red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. These spices work well and can be added to the onion mixture. Hot sauce is another option if you prefer a liquid spice. Consider adding jalapeños or even spicy sausage for extra flavor. This recipe for Baked French Onion Gnocchi combines great flavors and textures. You learned about essential ingredients and how to caramelize onions for the best taste. I shared tips for swapping ingredients and making this dish your own. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these steps, you're set to impress anyone with your cooking. Dive in, experiment, and savor every bite of this dish!$

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Baked French Onion Gnocchi with this easy and delicious recipe! Perfectly caramelized onions combined with tender gnocchi and topped with gooey Gruyère and mozzarella cheese create a mouthwatering dish everyone will love. Follow simple steps to whip up this cozy meal that’s perfect for any night! Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner experience!

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Ingredients

1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

3 large onions, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle in the sugar to help the process along.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the balsamic vinegar and vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring to combine, and let the mixture simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.

Combine the cooked gnocchi with the onion mixture in the skillet, gently folding them together until the gnocchi are well coated.

Transfer the gnocchi and onion mixture to a baking dish. Top evenly with Gruyère and mozzarella cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the Baked French Onion Gnocchi in individual dishes, garnishing each portion with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch. Enjoy it with some crusty bread on the side!