This gooey French Onion Grilled Cheese is cheesy and delicious. Serve it with a warm bowl of homemade au jus on the side for dipping, and it's like dining at an upscale bistro at home.
Easy French Onion Grilled Cheese
I can't utter the phrase "French Onions" without thinking of French Onion Soup. It's topped with a piece of crusty bread and cheese that's melted under a broiler until it's like a large gooey irresistible cheese crouton. It's a bistro soup that's often found on restaurant soup menus and a favorite of mine for lunch. This grilled cheese hits all of the same flavor points in the form of a sandwich.
How to Make the Best French Onion Grilled Cheese
- Ingredients you'll need to make homemade French Onion Grilled Cheese: Italian bread,¾-1 inch slices or rosemary olive oil boule from the grocery store bakery, sliced gruyere, swiss, mozzarella or sharp white cheddar cheese and softened butter for frying. Choose the cheese flavor that you enjoy most and you'll never go wrong.
- To make the French Onions you'll need: 4 large onions thinly sliced with rings separated, butter, salt, black pepper and white wine or chicken stock.
- To make the au jus you'll need: Beef stock, butter, salt, fresh thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce.
- Kitchen gadgets you'll need: A large deep pot or Dutch oven preferably 6 quart or larger to make the onions, a sharp knife and chopping board, measuring cups and spoons, a knife or butter spreader to butter the bread, a griddle or large non stick skillet for frying and a turning spatula.
- To make the onions it's best to use a larger pot or Dutch oven. They do reduce and wilt while cooking but at the outset of cooking they fill the pot. It's easier to go bigger than smaller for ease of stirring.
- This type of meal is one that is best made and served immediately. That said, you can make the onions and au jus in advance and chill in the refrigerator to expedite assembling and cooking the grilled cheese when you're ready to eat.
- When making ahead of time, the french onions and au jus can be fully prepared and chilled up to 1 day in advance.
- If you'd like to take a shortcut, you could adapt the au jus using beef consommé, warmed for dipping. You could also skip the au jus altogether if you're short on time.
What to Serve with French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
The soup and sandwich combination just got an upgrade when you serve these gooey grilled cheese for supper. You may like to serve them alongside a bowl of Vegetable Tomato Rotini Soup or Creamy Tomato Cheese Tortellini Soup. A delicious and unexpected option would be my make ahead Layered BLT Penne Pasta Salad or a classic Spinach Salad topped with Granny Smith apples, pecans, bacon and feta cheese all drizzled with a homemade honey Dijon vinaigrette. You can also enjoy this grilled cheese on its own with fresh fruit or chips. The sky's the limit.
More Easy Sandwiches and Sub Recipes to Make
Add these recipes to your easy meal menu soon:
- Monte Cristo Sandwiches are dusted with powdered sugar are a tasty way to use up leftover holiday ham.
- Bacon Egg and Cheese Paninis are a simple breakfast sandwich that anyone can make.
- Cucumber and Pimento Cheese Tea Sandwiches are made for snacking.
- This Italian Party Sub is game day ready.
- Cut this Fiesta Turkey Club Sub into wedges for serving.
- Serve this Pulled Pork on toasted Kaiser rolls with a side of slaw.
- Cheesesteak Sandwiches from Life in the Lofthouse.
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French Onion Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- French Onions:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 4 large sweet onions peeled sliced ¼ inch thick
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup white wine (Or chicken stock)
- Au Jus:
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low sodium beef stock
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼-1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme strip leaves from stem
- Grilled Cheese:
- 8 thick cut slices of Italian bread
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
- 8 slices thick cut gruyere, swiss, mozzarella or sharp white cheddar cheese
Instructions
- French Onions: Melt ¼ cup butter in large deep pot or skillet over medium-low heat until sizzling. Add onions, salt and black pepper. Cook uncovered without stirring for 15 minutes. Continue cooking, stirring periodically for 1 hour or until onions are dark golden brown.
- Increase heat to high. Add wine or chicken stock cooking until the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat place onto a platter and keep warm. (This can be done in advance and chilled until assembling. When doing so reheat gently before making the grilled cheese.)
- To make Au Jus: Meanwhile, in the same skillet used for onions, add butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute to soften. Add beef stock, Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let cook for 35 minutes and reduce. Keep warm.
- To assemble: Spread 1 side of each bread slice with ½ tablespoon softened butter.
- Lay 4 bread slices on griddle buttered-side down. Top with 1 slice of cheese, ¼ cup onions and another slice of cheese. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered-side up.
- To Cook: Fry grilled cheese on a griddle set to 350°F or over medium-high heat in a large non stick skillet on the stovetop. Cook, turning once, for 8 minutes total or until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve immediately with au jus for dipping.
Nutrition
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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