Name: French Onion Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 4 pounds yellow onions, sliced 1/4-in. thin (about 6-7 medium); 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup dry red wine or dry sherry wine; 6 cups beef stock; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 3 sprigs fresh parsley; 2 fresh thyme sprigs; 1 bay leaf; 1 package (17-1/2 ounces) potato gnocchi; 2 cups shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, for garnish

Print Recipe·4 from 14 reviews

Welcome to a cozy bowl of pure comfort: this French Onion Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a spectacular twist on a classic favorite. It combines the rich, deeply caramelized sweetness of onions with the pillowy goodness of gnocchi, all swimming in a flavorful, herb-infused broth crowned by bubbling, golden cheese. If you love warm, hearty dishes that hug you from the inside out, you are going to adore making and savoring this soup as much as I do.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot on a white marbled surface is filled with a thick dark red sauce mixed with soft cooked onions. On top, there are many small, pale yellow gnocchi pieces scattered evenly across the sauce. A wooden spoon is partly submerged in the sauce near the right side of the pot, stirring gently. To the left of the pot, there is a small white plate with brown cooked onions and white string placed neatly on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this French Onion Gnocchi Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden finish you’ll love.

Butter and canola oil: The perfect combo for caramelizing onions to a rich, golden brown without burning.
Yellow onions: Thinly sliced to release their natural sweetness and develop deep caramel flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the caramelization process.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten the soup’s flavor.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses a gentle, aromatic warmth.
Tomato paste: Concentrated umami that deepens the soup’s richness.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the broth slightly for a satisfying texture.
Dry red or sherry wine: Adds acidity and complexity to deglaze the pan and build layers of flavor.
Beef stock: The hearty base that melds all ingredients into a savory broth.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret boost of savory depth and umami.
Fresh parsley, thyme, and bay leaf: Bundled herbs that gently perfume the soup as it simmers.
Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the flavorful broth.
Swiss or Gruyere cheese: Melts wonderfully for that luscious, gooey topping.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and a lovely golden crust when broiled.
Fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens the finished dish with a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make French Onion Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the onions

Begin by melting butter and canola oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your thinly sliced yellow onions, stirring them to coat with the butter-oil mixture. Cover and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes to soften, stirring occasionally. Then, remove the lid and sprinkle over brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let the onions slowly caramelize uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring now and then until they reach that perfect deep golden brown color that forms the soul of this French Onion Gnocchi Soup Recipe.

Step 2: Deglaze and layer with flavor

Next, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and flour to coat the caramelized onions, allowing the mixture to cook for 2 to 3 minutes so the raw flour taste cooks off and the tomato paste deepens the flavors. Pour in the dry wine to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom to lift those delicious browned bits. Add Worcestershire sauce along with the beef stock, turning up the heat to bring it all to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer with fresh herbs

Now, bundle your fresh parsley, thyme, and bay leaf by tying them with cooking twine or wrapping in cheesecloth, and add this bouquet garni into the boiling soup. Reduce to a gentle simmer and let those herbs infuse the broth for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. After simmering, turn off the heat and remove the herb bundle, discarding it to prevent over-extraction.

Step 4: Add gnocchi and top with cheese

Stir the package of potato gnocchi directly into the soup. Preheat your broiler while you arrange six oven-safe soup crocks on a sheet pan. Ladle the soup into the crocks, filling about three-quarters full, then generously top each bowl with shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, setting the stage for that irresistible bubbling finish.

Step 5: Broil to golden perfection

Place the sheet pan with crocks under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, watching carefully as the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns a gorgeous golden brown. Pull the crocks from the oven as soon as they reach that perfect, lightly crisped cheese crust. Garnish with finely minced fresh parsley or thyme leaves for a fresh herbal touch before serving your divine French Onion Gnocchi Soup Recipe.

How to Serve French Onion Gnocchi Soup Recipe

The image shows six white round bowls arranged on a dark baking tray placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl contains a dark brown mixture with chunks of gnocchi and onion visible at the bottom. On top of this mixture, there is a layer of shredded light yellow cheese being sprinkled. A woman's hand is seen adding cheese to one of the bowls at the bottom left. Nearby, on the white marbled surface, there are two small white bowls, one filled with shredded cheese and the other with grated cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme brightens the deep, savory flavors and adds a lovely green contrast to the golden cheese crust. For an extra flourish, cracked black pepper or a tiny drizzle of good olive oil on top can add nuanced layers to the presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

This soup shines best when paired with simple, rustic sides like a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping. A light green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette also complements it beautifully, balancing the richness of the broth and melted cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Use individual oven-safe crocks for a charming, restaurant-style presentation, perfect for cozy dinner parties. For a communal meal, serve the soup in a cast-iron pot with a platter of melted cheese toasties on the side, encouraging everyone to scoop and savor their own combinations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the gnocchi and cheese separate if possible to avoid them becoming too soggy, especially if you want to reheat later.

Freezing

Although freezing is possible, the texture of the gnocchi can change after thawing, sometimes becoming a bit softer. For best results, freeze the soup base without the gnocchi, and add gnocchi fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Gently warm the soup on the stove over medium-low heat until heated through. If reheating with cheese, consider adding fresh shredded cheese on top and briefly broiling again to revive that melty, golden finish that makes this French Onion Gnocchi Soup Recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable stock instead of beef stock?

Absolutely! While beef stock gives the soup a deeper richness, vegetable stock can work well for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version, preserving much of the onion’s sweet character.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme or parsley?

Dried herbs can be substituted—use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs listed since dried versions are more concentrated. Tie them in a small cheesecloth for easy removal after simmering.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup. Just be sure to mix it well to avoid lumps. Also, check that your gnocchi brand is gluten-free.

What kind of cheese works best?

Swiss and Gruyere cheeses melt beautifully and provide a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with caramelized onions and broth. Parmesan adds a sharp finish when broiled. You can experiment with combinations for a unique twist.

How long can I simmer the onions?

Caramelizing onions low and slow is key, which is why 45 to 50 minutes is ideal. This ensures their natural sugars develop a rich golden sweetness without becoming bitter—patience truly pays off with this recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something wonderfully satisfying about making this French Onion Gnocchi Soup Recipe from scratch. The time spent in caramelizing onions and layering flavors translates into a bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug. Whether for a chilly evening or a special meal, this soup has earned a permanent spot in my recipe collection—and I hope it will in yours, too. Grab your apron and some good company, and get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort and delight.