French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Introduction
Who doesn’t love grilled cheese? Now imagine that classic comfort food with a twist! The French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines the creamy goodness of cheese with the rich flavors of caramelized onions. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night at home or a quick lunch.
Why Make This Recipe
This French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich is not just any ordinary sandwich – it’s a mouthwatering experience! The sweet and savory caramelized onions pair perfectly with melty cheese. Plus, it’s simple to make and uses ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. If you love grilled cheese and French onion soup, this recipe is for you.
How to Make French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 3 medium yellow onions (peeled, halved, and thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (chopped)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or dry sherry, or water)
- 4 slices hearty sourdough bread
- 6 oz Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- 4 oz sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded)
Directions:
To Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet.
- Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until they are soft and golden brown.
- Add the thyme and beef broth (or sherry/water) to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes until the liquid dissipates. Remove from heat.
To Prepare the Sandwiches:
- Heat a clean skillet over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread with the remaining butter.
- Place the unbuttered side down in the skillet.
- Layer the shredded Gruyère and cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Add a generous spoonful of the caramelized onions over the cheese.
- Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Cook the sandwiches for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
How to Serve French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Cut the sandwich in halves or quarters for easier eating. Serve hot with a side of soup, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every bite of gooey cheese and flavorful onions!
How to Store French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich
If you have leftovers, let the sandwich cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for about 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Tips to Make French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Make sure to cook the onions on medium heat to prevent burning.
- Use a mix of cheeses for different flavors – gouda or mozzarella are great options.
- For an extra crunch, use a panini press if you have one.
Variation
For a vegetarian option, simply leave out any beef broth. You can replace it with vegetable broth or add more spices to enhance the flavor. Try adding sautéed mushrooms for an interesting twist!
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of bread?
A: Yes, you can use any bread you prefer. Just pick a hearty bread that can hold the filling well.
Q: Can I make the onions in advance?
A: Yes! You can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before adding them to the sandwich.
Q: Is this sandwich suitable for freezing?
A: It’s best to enjoy this sandwich fresh. However, you can freeze the cooked sandwich wrapped tightly in foil. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a skillet to regain crispiness.
Enjoy your delicious French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich!
