Dreamy Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere Recipe

Comfort meets elegance in this delectable gnocchi with caramelized onions and gruyere recipe that promises a symphony of rich, golden flavors.

Soft potato dumplings nestle among sweet, slowly caramelized onions, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Melted gruyere cheese blankets the dish with its nutty, complex profile, elevating each delightful bite.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning culinary experience that whispers of rustic sophistication.

Caramelization develops deep, almost honey-like undertones that complement the pillowy gnocchi perfectly.

Creamy, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to prepare, this dish will become a cherished addition to your cooking repertoire.

Savor every forkful of this irresistible combination that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Gnocchi Caramelized Onions Gruyere: Why It Works

• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Gnocchi with caramelized onions and Gruyère delivers a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: One-skillet cooking technique means less cleanup and more enjoyment, with each step building incredible depth of flavor from caramelized onions to golden-brown gnocchi.
• Impressive Dinner Party Star: Broiled cheese and beautiful presentation make this recipe perfect for entertaining, allowing home cooks to wow guests with minimal culinary expertise required.
• Adaptable Comfort Food: Versatile recipe works as a hearty main course or delicious side dish, easily customizable with additional herbs or proteins for personalized variations.

Ingredients For Caramelized Onion Gnocchi

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that serve as the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Gruyere Cheese: A rich, nutty Swiss cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth of flavor.
• Onions: Sweet yellow onions that transform into a rich, caramelized golden delight.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for creating a golden crust on gnocchi and caramelizing onions.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Thyme: A fragrant herb that adds an earthy, aromatic touch to the recipe.

• White Wine: A splash that helps deglaze the pan and adds complexity to the caramelized onions.
• Vinegar: A tangy ingredient that brightens the rich flavors of the dish.

Cooking Gnocchi With Onions & Gruyere

Step 1: Brown The Gnocchi

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place gnocchi into the pan and cook without moving them until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

This process creates a crispy exterior that adds delightful texture.

Transfer the browned gnocchi to a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining package.

Step 2: Create Silky Caramelized Onions

Use the same skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, allowing onions to transform into a rich, golden-brown delicacy.

This process takes around 30 minutes and will fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor With Wine

Pour wine into the skillet with caramelized onions.

Gently scrape the delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom.

Let the wine cook until it completely evaporates, which takes about one minute.

Splash in vinegar to brighten the flavor profile.

Step 4: Combine And Finish Under The Broiler

Return gnocchi to the skillet, mixing gently with the caramelized onions.

Spread everything evenly across the pan.

Generously sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top.

Place under the broiler and cook until the cheese becomes bubbly and develops a beautiful golden-brown color, which takes 4-6 minutes.

Finish by garnishing with remaining thyme and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Pro Tips For Cheesy Gnocchi Magic

• Let gnocchi cook undisturbed to achieve perfect crispy edges without breaking delicate potato dumplings.
• Patience is key – low and slow cooking transforms onions into sweet, deeply golden perfection over 30 minutes.
• Use wine to lift delicious browned bits from skillet, adding complex flavor layers to the dish.
• Choose freshly grated Gruyère for even, luxurious melting and rich nutty flavor under the broiler.
• Watch carefully during final 4-6 minutes to ensure cheese bubbles without burning, creating beautiful golden-brown topping.

Gnocchi – Try Fun Variations

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi varieties, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Cheese Transformation: Swap Gruyère with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew-based cheese to create a plant-based version.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Substitute thyme with fresh rosemary or oregano, adding a different aromatic profile to the dish while maintaining its rustic charm.
• Bacon Lover's Upgrade: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the final dish for a smoky, savory element that complements the caramelized onions and melted cheese.

Serve Gnocchi With Onion Gruyere

• Rustic Dinner Party Centerpiece: Serve this gnocchi as a show-stopping main course for an intimate gathering of friends, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere with its golden-brown cheese and caramelized onions.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Match the dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the rich Gruyère and sweet caramelized onions, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Hearty Side Companion: Pair the gnocchi with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese and provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm, comforting dish.

Storing Gnocchi With Onions And Gruyere

• Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled gnocchi to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Protect from freezer burn by removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Place gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed completely.

FAQs

• What makes gnocchi crispy in this recipe?

Cooking the gnocchi undisturbed in olive oil creates a golden-brown exterior, giving them a crispy texture without deep-frying.

• Can I use another type of cheese instead of Gruyère?

Parmesan or fontina are good alternatives that melt well and provide similar rich, nutty flavors to complement the caramelized onions.

• How do I know when onions are properly caramelized?

Onions should be deep golden brown, soft, and reduced by about half, which takes around 30 minutes of slow cooking on medium heat.

• Is there a way to speed up the onion caramelization process?

Low and slow is key for developing rich flavor. Rushing can lead to burning instead of proper caramelization, so patience is essential for the best results.

Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Heavenly gnocchi with caramelized onions and gruyere brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Pillowy potato dumplings melt with sweet caramelized onions and rich gruyere, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 pounds yellow onions
• 2 16- to 18-ounce packages potato gnocchi
• 6 ounces Gruyère cheese

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 small bunch fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon balsamic or sherry vinegar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the broiler and position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook gnocchi in batches, allowing each package to develop a golden-brown crust without stirring, approximately 3-5 minutes per batch. Transfer browned gnocchi to a baking sheet.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions, half the thyme, salt, and pepper. Slowly caramelize onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn a rich golden color and reduce in volume, around 30 minutes.
4. Deglaze the caramelized onions by pouring wine into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to evaporate completely within 1 minute.
5. Drizzle vinegar into the onion mixture and stir to incorporate the tangy flavor.
6. Return the golden gnocchi to the skillet, gently mixing with the caramelized onions to ensure even distribution.
7. Sprinkle grated Gruyère evenly over the gnocchi and onion mixture. Place the skillet under the broiler for 4-6 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts and turns a bubbly, golden-brown.
8. Remove from the broiler and garnish with remaining thyme leaves and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Notes

• Choose potato-based gnocchi for the best golden-brown crispy exterior when pan-searing, avoiding gummy or soft variations.
• Slow-cook onions on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning.
• Substitute Gruyère with aged cheddar or fontina if unavailable, ensuring similar melting properties and rich flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free gnocchi for celiac-friendly version and swap butter with olive oil for dairy-free alternative.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 341 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 414 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 26 mg