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French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Butter the Bread: Evenly spread unsalted butter on the outside surfaces of each sandwich to ensure a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/french-dip-grilled-cheese-recipe/