French Dip Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Rich Au Jus Recipe

Introduction

The French Dip Grilled Cheese is a comforting twist on two classic favorites—grilled cheese and French dip sandwiches. Featuring caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and tender roast beef, it’s served with a flavorful au jus for dipping. Perfect for a cozy meal that’s easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients

• 8 slices crusty French bread
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 12 ounces thinly sliced roast beef
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for spreading
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate and set aside.
2. Step 2: Wipe the skillet clean. In a small saucepan, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then strain through a small strainer. Keep warm.
3. Step 3: Arrange 4 slices of bread on a work surface. Layer each with 1 slice of Swiss cheese, a generous portion of roast beef, caramelized onions, and a second slice of Swiss cheese. Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices.
4. Step 4: Spread unsalted butter evenly on the outsides of each sandwich.
5. Step 5: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grill the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently, until the bread is crisp and golden and the cheese has melted.
6. Step 6: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately with warm au jus for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, add a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese along with the Swiss.
• Use caramelized shallots instead of onions for a sweeter flavor.
• Try using a crusty baguette if French bread isn’t available.
• To make the au jus more robust, simmer with a splash of red wine or a small amount of tomato paste.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness and melt the cheese again. Keep any leftover au jus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, Swiss cheese works best for its meltability and mild flavor, but you can substitute provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar depending on your taste preference.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme?

If fresh thyme isn’t available, you can use ½ teaspoon of dried thyme instead. Add it to the au jus during simmering for similar aromatic notes.

French Dip Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Rich Au Jus Recipe

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4.9 from 645 reviews

This French Dip Grilled Cheese recipe combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese, and thinly sliced roast beef inside crusty French bread. Served with a warm, savory au jus for dipping, it’s a comforting and indulgent twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sandwich Assembly

• 8 slices crusty French bread
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 12 ounces thinly sliced roast beef
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for spreading
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Au Jus Preparation

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Once done, transfer the onions to a plate and set aside.
2. Prepare Au Jus: Wipe the skillet clean. In a small saucepan, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Strain the au jus through a small strainer and keep it warm for serving.
3. Build Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of French bread on your work surface. On each slice, place one slice of Swiss cheese, then a generous portion of the thinly sliced roast beef, followed by the caramelized onions, and a second slice of Swiss cheese. Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices.
4. Butter the Bread: Evenly spread unsalted butter on the outside surfaces of each assembled sandwich. This will help achieve a crispy, golden crust when grilling.
5. Grill Sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently to compact the sandwich. Grill until the bread is crisp and golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
6. Serve: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately alongside the warm au jus for dipping, enhancing the flavor and moisture of each bite.

Notes

• Use crusty French bread for the best texture and flavor contrast.
• Caramelizing onions adds deep sweetness and enhances the sandwich’s flavor.
• If you prefer, substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or Gruyere for a different cheesy profile.
• Keep the au jus warm to ensure a comforting dip experience.
• For a richer sandwich, add a splash of red wine to the au jus while simmering.
• You can prepare caramelized onions and au jus in advance to save time when assembling.

Keywords: French dip grilled cheese, caramelized onion sandwich, roast beef sandwich, au jus sandwich, melted Swiss cheese sandwich