Golden Baked Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère: A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Skillet Meal

JUMP TO RECIPE

Imagine this: 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.   Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

---

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.

---

Golden Baked Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère – 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

---

How to Make Baked Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère

1. Crisp the Gnocchi in a Skillet

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

2. Caramelize the Onions

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions, half of the fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper.
• 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.

---

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.

---

Golden Baked Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère: 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.

---

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.

Print