French Onion Grilled Cheese
This French Onion Grilled Cheese recipe combines slow caramelized yellow onions with a blend of gooey Gruyère and Swiss cheeses on thick-cut bread, creating a deeply savory and creamy sandwich. Ideal as a comforting snack or meal, it features rich flavors from buttery sautéed onions complemented by melted cheese and a golden crust, with optional additions like beef broth and fresh thyme for enhanced taste.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan Grilling
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free bread option)
Onions and Flavorings
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter (for caramelizing onions)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
Bread and Cooking
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough or country white recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice yellow onions and cook slowly in 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to soften and caramelize the onions, cooking for 30-40 minutes until deep golden brown. Add a splash of beef broth halfway through if using, to deepen the savory flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
- Prepare the Cheese: While the onions caramelize, grate Gruyère and Swiss cheeses to have them ready for assembly.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Lay one slice of bread flat, spread the caramelized onions evenly over it, then sprinkle both cheeses generously on top. Add a few fresh thyme leaves for a subtle herbal note. Place the second slice of bread on top and press gently to seal the filling.
- Grill to Perfection: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Press lightly with a spatula to ensure even grilling and a gooey inside.
Notes
- Take time to caramelize onions slowly for the richest flavor.
- Use real butter both for caramelizing onions and grilling to get the best crust and taste.
- Combination of Gruyère and Swiss cheeses ensures creamy, complex melt.
- Choose thick-cut bread like sourdough or country white to hold up to moist filling without sogginess.
- Cook on medium heat to melt cheese thoroughly without burning the bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: French Onion, Grilled Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Gruyère, Swiss Cheese, Comfort Food, Sandwich