Description
French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese is a cozy and flavorful twist on classic comfort food, combining rich caramelized onions and savory broth essence with layers of melted Gruyère and Swiss cheese on buttery toasted artisan bread. Perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a warm, gooey, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 thick slices of artisan sourdough or French bread
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Slowly cook thinly sliced yellow onions in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning, allowing the onions to develop a deep golden color and sweet flavor.
- Infuse the Broth: Add a splash (about 1/2 cup) of beef broth and fresh thyme to the caramelized onions. Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Prepare the Bread: Spread a generous layer of the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on one side of each bread slice. Preheat a griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium heat for even cooking.
- Assemble the Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer the caramelized onion mixture, then add a heaping layer of shredded Gruyère and Swiss cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out. Press lightly to secure.
- Grill to Perfection: Place the sandwich on the hot griddle and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping carefully to ensure the cheese melts thoroughly and the bread turns golden and crispy. Cover the pan briefly if needed to speed up melting.
Notes
- Use low and slow caramelization for sweet, deeply flavored onions.
- Butter the bread generously to create a crisp, golden crust.
- Don’t skimp on cheese; use plenty for a gooey melt.
- Cast-iron skillet or griddle ensures even heat and better crust development.
- Cover while grilling to help cheese melt evenly without burning the bread.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Vegan adaptations can be made by using plant-based butter, vegan cheese, and vegetable broth.
- Adding bacon or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can enhance flavors.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in a skillet for best texture.
- Freeze ungrilled sandwiches wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 1 month; grill from frozen with extra cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: French onion soup grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, caramelized onion sandwich, comfort food, French fusion, cozy meal
