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French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese

French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese
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French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese is a comforting and gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It combines rich, slowly caramelized yellow onions with savory beef or vegetable broth, melted Gruyère cheese, and crisp sourdough bread, capturing the authentic flavors of French onion soup in a perfectly toasted sandwich. This recipe is easy to make, customizable to dietary preferences, and perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Onion Mixture

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sandwich

  • 8 slices sourdough or artisan bread
  • 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese
  • Butter, for spreading on bread (about 4 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat and add the onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden brown, soft, and sweet, about 30-40 minutes. This slow cooking is essential for building the rich flavor base.
  2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and add thyme. Simmer the mixture gently until it reduces slightly and becomes fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Prepare the Bread and Cheese: While the onion mixture simmers, slice the bread thick enough to hold fillings and grate the Gruyère cheese. Butter one side of each bread slice evenly to ensure a crispy golden crust when grilled.
  4. Build the Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of four bread slices, spread a generous amount of the onion mixture. Top with a hearty layer of grated Gruyère cheese. Close the sandwiches with the buttered side facing outwards.
  5. Grill Until Golden and Melty: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches and grill for 3-5 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted completely. Optionally, cover the pan lightly to help the cheese melt evenly.

Notes

  • Patience caramelizing onions enhances sweetness and flavor depth.
  • Use high-quality Gruyère or alternatives like Swiss or fontina for best melt and taste.
  • Butter the bread, not the pan, to achieve even toasting without greasy residue.
  • Press sandwiches lightly while grilling; too much pressure can squash the sandwich.
  • Cover the pan slightly during grilling to encourage even cheese melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Soup, Grilled Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Comfort Food, Gourmet Sandwich, Sourdough Sandwich, Gruyère Cheese

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/french-onion-soup-grilled-cheese/