Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the ideal comfort food, with every bite offering a perfect blend of soft gnocchi, savory caramelized onions, and rich Gruyère cheese. The sweetness of the caramelized onions pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor of the Gruyère, creating a harmonious dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginner cooks to make but impressive enough for any dinner gathering. The addition of fresh thyme adds a touch of freshness, making it a versatile dish that works as a main course or a side dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 16 oz (450g) potato gnocchi
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup (100g) grated Gruyère cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, typically until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until the onions begin to soften and caramelize.
- Finish caramelizing: Sprinkle the onions with sugar and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are deep golden brown and have developed a rich sweetness.
- Combine with gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi with the onions, allowing the flavors to mix evenly.
- Add Gruyère cheese: Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the top and stir gently to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the cheese is fully melted and the flavors have melded together. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Use different cheeses: If you’re not a fan of Gruyère, consider substituting with Fontina or a mild Gouda, both of which will melt beautifully and offer similar creamy textures.
- Add vegetables: For added freshness and nutrition, try tossing in some spinach or arugula just before serving. The greens will wilt slightly and add color and depth to the dish.
- Gluten-free version: For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free gnocchi and you’ll have a dish that everyone can enjoy.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the gnocchi on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or a little extra butter to help restore the dish’s creamy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for cooking, and you’ll have a quick and easy base for the caramelized onions and Gruyère.
2. Can I make this dish without Gruyère cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with other cheeses such as Parmesan, mozzarella, or Fontina. However, Gruyère adds a unique nutty flavor, so try to use a cheese with similar melting properties for the best result.
3. Can I prepare the caramelized onions in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions a day or two ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and then reheat them when you’re ready to assemble the dish.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s possible to freeze gnocchi, the texture of the onions and cheese may change once frozen and reheated. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze the caramelized onions separately for later use.
5. How do I know when the onions are properly caramelized?
The onions are done when they are deep golden brown and have a rich, sweet aroma. Be patient, as caramelizing onions takes time—rushing the process can lead to uneven cooking.
6. Can I add garlic to the dish?
Yes, garlic would complement the onions beautifully. Add minced garlic to the skillet when you begin caramelizing the onions for an added layer of flavor.
7. Can I use sweet onions instead of regular onions?
Yes, sweet onions can add an even more delicate and sweet flavor to the dish, which would pair wonderfully with the richness of the gnocchi and Gruyère.
8. How do I make the gnocchi crispy?
For a crispy texture, you can sauté the gnocchi in the skillet after boiling it. Just heat some olive oil in the skillet and sauté the gnocchi until golden and crispy on the edges before mixing with the caramelized onions.
9. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is already vegetarian as it contains no meat. It’s a rich and satisfying option for anyone following a vegetarian diet.
10. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you want to add some heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper while caramelizing the onions. It will add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the onions.
Conclusion
Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère is the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and comforting textures. With minimal effort, you can create a gourmet dish that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner for yourself or something impressive for guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something both hearty and delicious.
Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish of soft gnocchi paired with sweet caramelized onions, rich Gruyère cheese, and fresh thyme, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Ingredients
16 oz (450g) potato gnocchi
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup (100g) grated Gruyère cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, typically until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until the onions begin to soften and caramelize.
- Sprinkle the onions with sugar and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are deep golden brown and have developed a rich sweetness.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi with the onions, allowing the flavors to mix evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the top and stir gently to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the cheese is fully melted and the flavors have melded together. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Notes
If you don’t have Gruyère, you can substitute with Fontina or a mild Gouda, both of which will melt beautifully.
For added freshness, toss in spinach or arugula just before serving to add color and nutrition.
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free gnocchi.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or extra butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
