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French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich

French onion grilled cheese sandwich - featured image
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This French onion grilled cheese sandwich combines the deep, savory flavors of caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese, inspired by classic French onion soup, tucked between slices of golden, crispy bread. It’s a gourmet comfort food that’s quick and easy enough for any weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large yellow onions (about 1 lb), thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus 2 tablespoons, softened, for bread)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 4 slices sourdough or country white bread
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add sliced onions, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring every few minutes, until onions are soft, deep golden brown, and reduced by about half (20-25 minutes). Lower heat if onions brown too quickly.
  3. Add beef broth and thyme (if using). Stir and cook until liquid is mostly absorbed, about 2 minutes. If onions look dry, add a splash more broth or water.
  4. In a bowl, mix Gruyère and Swiss cheese. Butter one side of each bread slice with softened butter. Optionally, spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of two slices.
  5. Lay bread slices butter-side down. Divide half the cheese mix onto two slices. Spoon caramelized onions evenly over cheese. Top with remaining cheese and close with other bread slices, butter-side up.
  6. Wipe out skillet if needed and heat over medium-low. Place sandwiches in pan. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden and crisp and cheese is melted. Lower heat and cover pan for 1-2 minutes if cheese isn’t fully melted.
  7. Let sandwiches rest 1 minute. Slice in half and serve hot.

Notes

Don’t rush the onions—caramelizing them slowly brings out their sweetness. Use freshly grated cheese for best melt. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Keep finished sandwiches warm in a low oven if making multiple batches. Add mushrooms or swap cheeses for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion grilled cheese, caramelized onions, gourmet grilled cheese, comfort food, easy lunch, vegetarian option, sandwich recipe

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/french-onion-grilled-cheese-sandwich-easy-gourmet-comfort-food-recipe/