French Onion Gnocchi Soup – Comfort Food With a Twist

Introduction

Recipe for French Onion Gnocchi Soup—a comforting and hearty take on the classic French onion soup, made even more indulgent with pillowy gnocchi. This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions with the soft texture of gnocchi, creating a warm, satisfying meal perfect for chilly days. Whether you’re a fan of traditional French onion soup or looking for a new way to enjoy gnocchi, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With guidance from our virtual chef, Elonore Chef IA, we’ll show you how to make this delicious soup with simple ingredients and easy steps!

Elonore Chef IA’s Tip:

“Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to achieving the deep, rich flavor that French onion soup is known for. Take your time with this step for the best results!”

A Brief History of French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a classic dish with origins dating back to the Roman Empire, though it became particularly popular in France in the 18th century. Made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and often topped with crusty bread and melted cheese, this soup was considered a hearty, affordable meal for the working class. Over time, it has become a beloved comfort food around the world, often served in cozy bistros and restaurants.

This modern twist on the classic, French Onion Gnocchi Soup, replaces the traditional bread topping with tender gnocchi, making the soup heartier while maintaining its rich, savory flavor. The addition of gnocchi adds a satisfying texture, making this dish a complete meal in itself.

Perfect Occasions for French Onion Gnocchi Soup

This French Onion Gnocchi Soup is perfect for:

• Cozy Dinners: Ideal for those chilly evenings when you crave a warm, comforting meal.
• Entertaining: Impress your guests with this twist on a classic soup—gnocchi adds an unexpected yet delicious touch.
• Meal Prep: Make a big batch of this soup and store it in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly Meals: The combination of gnocchi and savory broth makes this a kid-approved meal that’s hearty and flavorful.

Pair it with a simple green salad and a glass of wine for a complete meal that’s both comforting and elegant.

French Onion Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 large yellow onions (thinly sliced) 🧅
• 4 tablespoons butter 🧈
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
• 4 cloves garlic (minced) 🧄
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried) 🌿
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 🌾
• 4 cups beef broth 🥣
• 2 cups chicken broth 🍗
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 16 oz gnocchi 🍝
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or mozzarella cheese 🧀
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) 🌿

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

In a large pot, melt the butter 🧈 with the olive oil 🫒 over medium heat. Add the sliced onions 🧅 and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized. Be patient—this step develops the rich, sweet flavor that makes French onion soup so delicious.

2. Add Garlic and Flour

Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic 🧄 and thyme 🌿. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour 🌾 and stir well to coat the onions. This will help thicken the soup slightly.

 

3. Pour in the Broth

Slowly pour in the beef broth 🥣, chicken broth 🍗, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Cook the Gnocchi

While the soup simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi 🍝 according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

5. Add Gnocchi and Cheese

Once the soup has finished simmering, stir in the cooked gnocchi 🍝. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt 🧂 and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, sprinkle with grated Gruyère or mozzarella 🧀, and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and Garnish

Remove the bowls from the broiler and garnish with fresh parsley 🌿 if desired. Serve the soup hot, with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

French Onion Gnocchi Soup : Nutritional Benefits

French Onion Gnocchi Soup offers the comfort and warmth of traditional French onion soup but with the added heartiness of gnocchi 🍝. Onions 🧅 are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while gnocchi provides a satisfying carb base that makes the dish more filling. The addition of Gruyère 🧀 or mozzarella adds calcium and protein, making this a well-balanced meal perfect for cooler weather.

For a lighter version, you can swap the gnocchi for whole wheat or gluten-free gnocchi, and reduce the amount of cheese used.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Cooking

• Large Pot: For caramelizing theOnion Gnocchi Soupand simmering the soup.
• Oven-Safe Bowls: Ideal for broiling the cheese topping to get that perfect melted, golden finish.
• Colander: For draining the gnocchi after boiling.
• Wooden Spoon: To stir the soup and ensure the Onion Gnocchi Soup caramelize evenly.

Health Considerations and Precautions

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi and swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian-friendly soup.
• Low-Sodium Option: Opt for low-sodium broths and limit the amount of salt added to the soup to keep the sodium content in check.

FAQ

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup up until adding the gnocchi and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup, cook the gnocchi, and add it in just before serving.

2. Can I freeze French Onion Gnocchi Soup?

It’s best to freeze the soup without the gnocchi, as gnocchi can become mushy when frozen. Freeze the Onion Gnocchi Soup

broth, and when ready to serve, cook fresh gnocchi to add in.

3. What other cheeses can I use?

While Gruyère is traditional for French onion soup, you can use mozzarella, Swiss, or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

This French Onion Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a unique twist. It’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving a cozy meal. Try it out today and tag us with #Recipesify to share your delicious creation! For more comforting fall recipes, check out our Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe for another hearty dish.