Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Caramelize the onions
- Melt the unsalted butter with the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet, then add the thinly sliced onions. Cook over medium-low heat for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and glossy.
Build the French onion sauce
- Pour in the dry white wine or dry sherry to deglaze the skillet, scraping up the browned bits. Cook for 2 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme, then stir to coat the onions. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Maintain a gentle simmer for 1-2 minutes so it looks smooth and slightly thickened.
Cook and bake the gnocchi
- Add the uncooked potato gnocchi to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste so the gnocchi are evenly covered.
- Scatter the shredded Gruyère over the top in an even layer. Spread it so the surface is covered for a golden crust.
- Bake (or broil) at 425F for 15-18 minutes, until the gnocchi are cooked through, the sauce is bubbling at the edges, and the cheese is golden. Let it stand for 3-5 minutes after baking so the sauce clings to the gnocchi.
Notes
Pro tip: stir the onions often toward the end so they caramelize evenly without burning. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a 325F oven or microwave until hot. Freezing is not recommended because gnocchi can soften and the cream sauce may break after thawing. For a lighter option, swap half-and-half for the heavy cream for a slightly less rich sauce.
