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French Onion Grilled Cheese

French Onion Grilled Cheese

French Onion Grilled Cheese combines the rich, sweet flavors of caramelized yellow onions with a blend of gooey Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses, all melted between buttery toasted slices of sturdy French baguette or sourdough bread. This comforting and savory sandwich is perfect for chilly days and delivers indulgent layers of flavor while being simple to prepare using pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions and Butter

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter (for caramelizing onions and toasting bread)

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Bread and Condiments

  • 6 thick slices of French baguette or sourdough bread
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Broth and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons beef broth or French onion soup base (optional, for brushing bread or mixing with onions)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until they are deep golden brown and fragrant, developing a sweet richness.
  2. Prepare the Bread: While the onions cook, slice the bread into thick pieces. Lightly brush one side of each slice with melted butter. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side for a subtle tang.
  3. Assemble the Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of one bread slice, layer generous amounts of the caramelized onions, then sprinkle an even blend of Gruyère and mozzarella cheese. Top with a second slice of bread, buttered side facing out to create a golden crust when cooked.
  4. Cook the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwich in the pan. Cook slowly for 3-5 minutes on each side until the bread is toasted to a golden brown and the cheese is melted thoroughly. Press gently with a spatula for even cooking and melding flavors.
  5. Serve Warm: Cut the sandwich diagonally to reveal the gooey cheese and caramelized onions. Serve immediately to enjoy the sandwich at its melty best.

Notes

  • Caramelize onions low and slow to bring out their natural sweetness and avoid bitterness.
  • Use cheeses with varying melting points to achieve perfect gooeyness and flavor depth.
  • Generously butter the bread to attain a crisp, golden crust contrasting with the soft interior.
  • A heavy skillet such as cast iron provides even heat and prevents burning.
  • Maintain medium to low heat to prevent burning bread before cheese melts fully.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Grilled Cheese, caramelized onions, Gruyère, mozzarella, grilled cheese sandwich, comfort food, caramelized onions sandwich