French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe
This French Dip Grilled Cheese recipe combines the melty richness of Swiss cheese with thinly sliced roast beef and sweet caramelized onions, all sandwiched between crusty French bread. Served with a warm, flavorful au jus for dipping, this sandwich offers a comforting twist on the classic French dip, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Bread and Cheese
- 8 slices crusty French bread
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
Meat
- 12 ounces thinly sliced roast beef
Caramelized Onions
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Au Jus
- 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
- Caramelize Onions: 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 caramelized onions to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare Au Jus: 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 for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Strain the mixture through a small strainer and keep warm.
- Build Sandwiches: Arrange 4 bread slices on a work surface. On each slice, layer one slice of Swiss cheese, a generous portion of roast beef, caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
- Butter the Bread: Spread unsalted butter evenly on the outsides of each sandwich to ensure a crisp, golden crust when grilling.
- Grill Sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grill the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is crisp and golden and the cheese has melted completely.
- Serve: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately alongside the warm au jus for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves inside the sandwich before grilling.
- If you prefer a crispier bread, use a heavier butter spread and cook a bit longer on the skillet.
- Substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella if desired.
- Make sure to carve the roast beef thinly for optimal tenderness and melting.
Keywords: French Dip, Grilled Cheese, Roast Beef Sandwich, Caramelized Onions, Au Jus, Comfort Food, Beef Sandwich