Description

This comforting and flavorful recipe features tender potato gnocchi tossed with sweet, deeply caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese. The dish is enriched with butter and olive oil, creating a creamy and savory experience, perfect for a cozy meal any time of year. Garnished with fresh thyme for a subtle herbal note, it combines simple ingredients with satisfying textures and rich flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi and Main Ingredients

16 oz (450g) potato gnocchi
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 cup (100g) grated Gruyère cheese

Cooking Fats and Seasonings

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook following package instructions until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain and set aside carefully to avoid breaking.
Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize, developing a rich golden color and sweet aroma.
Add Sugar to Enhance Caramelization: Sprinkle the onions with sugar and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. This deepens the caramelization and enhances the sweetness, resulting in onions that are deeply golden brown and flavorful.
Toss Gnocchi with Onions: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi with the onions and distribute everything evenly in the pan.
Add Gruyère Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the gnocchi and onions. Allow the cheese to melt slightly from the residual heat and stir gently to blend the creamy cheese evenly throughout the dish.
Season and Finish Cooking: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together and ensure everything is warmed through.
Serve: Serve the gnocchi immediately, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if using, adding a fresh herbal finish to the dish.

Notes

Use fresh potato gnocchi for the best texture and flavor; if using frozen, thaw according to package instructions before cooking.
Caramelizing onions slowly is key for maximum sweetness and depth, so be patient and keep the heat moderate.
Gruyère cheese adds a nutty and creamy element—substitute with other melting cheeses like fontina or mozzarella if desired.
The fresh thyme garnish is optional but adds a nice aromatic contrast.
Serve immediately to enjoy the cheese melted and the gnocchi tender.