Introduction

The French Dip Grilled Cheese combines the best of both worlds: the savory, tender roast beef of a classic French dip sandwich with the melty, gooey delight of a grilled cheese. Served with a flavorful au jus for dipping, this sandwich is perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

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

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.
Step 2: Wipe the skillet clean. In a small saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Strain through a small strainer and keep warm.
Step 3: Arrange 4 bread slices 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. Cover each sandwich with the remaining bread slices.
Step 4: Spread unsalted butter evenly on the outsides of each sandwich.
Step 5: 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 is melted.
Step 6: Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately with the warm au jus for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a few slices of caramelized mushrooms along with the onions.
Try using provolone or Gruyère cheese as an alternative to Swiss for a different taste profile.
If you prefer, you can use a panini press for grilling the sandwiches evenly.
Make the au jus a day ahead to let the flavors develop even more.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispness, or wrap in foil and warm in the oven. Keep the au jus separately in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different bread for this sandwich?

Yes, while crusty French bread is traditional and ideal for its texture, you can substitute with sourdough or a sturdy artisan bread that holds up well during grilling and dipping.

Is it necessary to caramelize the onions?

Caramelized onions add a deep, sweet flavor that complements the savory roast beef perfectly. However, if short on time, sautéed onions can work as a quicker alternative, though the flavor will be less rich.

French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 103 reviews

This French Dip Grilled Cheese combines the savory richness of thinly sliced roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions between crusty French bread slices. Served with a warm, flavorful au jus made from beef broth and aromatic herbs, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of textures and indulgent flavors, ideal for a comforting lunch or dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale

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, plus extra for spreading
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

Instructions

Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, which usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Once done, transfer the onions to a plate and set aside.
Prepare Au Jus: Wipe the skillet clean and in a small saucepan, combine the low-sodium beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh thyme sprig. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to enhance the flavors. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste, then strain the mixture through a fine strainer to remove solids, keeping the liquid warm for serving.
Build Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of crusty French bread on a work surface. On each slice, place one slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a generous portion of thinly sliced roast beef, then spoon over some caramelized onions. Top each with another slice of Swiss cheese and cover with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
Butter the Bread: Evenly spread unsalted butter on the outside surfaces of each sandwich to ensure a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
Grill Sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and grill for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is crispy and golden brown and the Swiss cheese has melted thoroughly.
Serve: Slice each sandwich in half for easier handling and serve immediately. Accompany the sandwiches with warm au jus for dipping to enhance the savory experience.

Notes

Caramelizing onions requires patience but adds essential sweetness and depth to the sandwich.
If fresh thyme is unavailable, dried thyme can be used but reduce the quantity to half to avoid overpowering the au jus.
Use crusty French bread for the best texture contrast; softer bread will not hold up as well.
For easier slicing, let the sandwiches rest for 1-2 minutes after grilling before cutting.
The au jus can be reheated gently if prepared in advance, but avoid boiling to preserve flavor.

Keywords: French Dip, Grilled Cheese, Roast Beef Sandwich, Caramelized Onions, Au Jus, Comfort Food