Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère

Imagine this Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère on a chilly evening, the aroma of slowly caramelizing onions filling your kitchen, and a bubbling skillet of Gnocchi topped with melted Gruyère cheese. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience. A dish that wraps you in warmth, comfort, and the kind of satisfaction that only a well-made meal can provide.

Why You’ll Love This Golden Baked Gnocchi Recipe:

Golden Baked Gnocchi: Crispy on the Outside, Tender Inside

The gnocchi in this recipe undergoes a two-step cooking process. First, you pan-fry them until the bottoms are golden and crispy. Then, they bake under a blanket of caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese, absorbing all the rich flavors.

Caramelized Onions: Sweet, Savory, and Deeply Flavorful

Caramelizing onions slowly over medium heat transforms their natural sugars, resulting in a deep, sweet-savory flavor that adds complexity to the dish. This process takes time, but the reward is well worth it.

Gruyère Cheese: Nutty, Creamy, and Perfectly Melty

Gruyère cheese is known for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. When broiled, it forms a golden, bubbly crust that adds both texture and taste to the dish.

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Ingredients You’ll Need:

Ingredient	Amount
Yellow onions	2 lbs (about 2 large or 4 medium), thinly sliced
Fresh thyme	1 small bunch (leaves picked, divided)
Olive oil	2 tbsp (divided)
Potato gnocchi (fresh/frozen)	2 packages (16–18 oz each)
Unsalted butter	2 tbsp
Kosher salt	1 tsp, plus more to taste
Black pepper (freshly ground)	½ tsp, plus more for serving
Gruyère cheese (grated)	6 oz (about 1½ cups)
Dry white wine	¼ cup
Balsamic or sherry vinegar	1 tsp

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How to Make Baked Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère

1. Crisp the Gnocchi in a Skillet:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, broiler-safe skillet over medium heat.
2. Add half of the gnocchi in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3–5 minutes until the bottoms are golden.
3. Transfer the cooked gnocchi to a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Repeat with the remaining gnocchi and olive oil.

2. Caramelize the Onions:

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, half of the fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 28–30 minutes.

3. Deglaze and Add Flavor:

• Pour the dry white wine over the caramelized onions, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
• Continue cooking until the wine has evaporated, about 1 minute.
• Remove from heat and stir in the balsamic or sherry vinegar.

4. Combine and Broil:

• Return the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, mixing gently to combine with the onions.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
• Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet and sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese on top.

5. Broil:

• Preheat the broiler, positioning the rack 6–8 inches below the broiling element.
• Broil the skillet for 4–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining thyme leaves and freshly ground black pepper.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Baked Gnocchi Every Time:

• Caramelize Slowly: Don’t rush the caramelization process. Low and slow is key to achieving that golden-brown, melt-in-your-mouth result.
• Use Quality Cheese: Gruyère cheese adds a nutty flavor and melts beautifully. If you can’t find Gruyère, you could use Swiss cheese, Fontina, or Monterey Jack.
• Avoid Overcrowding: When crisping the gnocchi, avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure they cook evenly.

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Wine Pairings and Serving Suggestions:

Best Wines to Complement This Dish

• Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Light reds like Pinot Noir.
• Avoid overly oaky wines.

Side Dishes That Go Well

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus.
• Crusty bread to mop up cheese and onion.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

FAQs:

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes! Both fresh and frozen potato gnocchi work perfectly.

What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Try Fontina, Emmental, or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan.

How long does it take to caramelize onions properly?

About 28–30 minutes — low and slow is key to achieve sweetness and depth.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the onions and gnocchi in advance, then assemble and broil before serving.

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Conclusion: A Dish Worth Repeating

Whether you’re hosting guests or craving something soul-warming on a weeknight, Golden Baked Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère is that magical one-skillet meal that delivers every time — with melt-in-your-mouth textures and flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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