Description
French Onion Gnocchi Soup with Gruyere is a comforting and rich dish that combines sweet caramelized onions, soft potato gnocchi, and nutty Gruyere cheese. This soup blends the classic flavors of French onion soup with the tender texture of gnocchi, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyere cheese, creating a warm and hearty meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Fats & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Liquids
- 6 cups beef broth or vegetable broth (for vegetarian option)
Carbohydrates
- 1 pound potato gnocchi, store-bought or homemade
- 8 slices baguette, slightly stale for toasting
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions and slowly sauté them in butter and olive oil over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn deep golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, layering the soup with aromatic depth.
- Pour in the Broth and Simmer: Add your choice of beef or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Gnocchi: In a separate pot, cook the potato gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Prepare for Baking: Add the cooked gnocchi into the soup and stir gently to combine. Ladle the soup evenly into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Top each serving with toasted baguette slices and a generous amount of shredded Gruyere cheese.
- Broil Until Bubbly and Golden: Place the bowls under a hot broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns lightly browned. Serve immediately to enjoy the gooey, savory experience.
Notes
- Take Your Time with Onions: Slow caramelization is essential for deep, sweet onion flavor; avoid rushing this step.
- Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded Gruyere melts better and creates a smoother crust than pre-shredded.
- Toast Your Bread Well: Slightly stale baguette slices toast better and hold up under melted cheese without becoming soggy.
- Skim Excess Fat: If using fatty broth, skim excess fat from the top for a cleaner flavor and lighter texture.
- Serve Hot and Fresh: Enjoy immediately after broiling to experience the cheese at its melty best.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg