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French Onion Grilled Cheese

French Onion Grilled Cheese

French Onion Grilled Cheese is a rich and comforting twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Featuring sweet caramelized onions, melty Gruyère cheese, and crusty sourdough bread, this hearty dish delivers a warm, gooey texture and bold, savory flavors perfect for lunch, dinner, or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions and Seasoning

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for caramelizing onions)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or stock (optional, for deglazing)

Bread and Cheese

  • 4 slices sourdough bread
  • 4 tablespoons butter (for spreading on bread)
  • 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated or sliced

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly and slowly cook them in 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown and sweet. This process takes about 25-30 minutes and is essential for developing the rich flavor of the sandwich. Optionally, deglaze the pan with beef broth to add savory depth.
  2. Prepare the Bread and Cheese: While the onions cook, slice sourdough bread evenly and grate or slice Gruyère cheese. Butter one side of each bread slice generously to ensure a crisp, golden crust.
  3. Assemble the Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of one bread slice, layer a generous amount of caramelized onions, then top with plenty of Gruyère cheese. Close the sandwich with the buttered sides facing out.
  4. Grill to Perfection: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwich in the pan. Grill slowly for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts completely. Press gently with a spatula for even cooking and perfect browning.
  5. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Remove the sandwich carefully, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the melty cheese and sweet richness of the onions.

Notes

  • Take your time caramelizing the onions for maximum sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Grill the sandwich over medium or medium-low heat to avoid burning the bread and ensure even cheese melting.
  • Spread butter liberally on the outside of the bread for a crispy, golden crust.
  • Press gently while cooking to create good contact between bread and skillet for perfect browning.
  • Use Gruyère cheese or mix with other melty cheeses like Swiss or sharp cheddar for complex flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Grilled Cheese, caramelized onion sandwich, grilled cheese sandwich, comfort food, French sandwich