Description

This French Dip Grilled Cheese is a decadent twist on the classic sandwich, combining melted Swiss cheese, tender roast beef, and sweet caramelized onions on crusty French bread. Served with a rich, flavorful au jus made from beef broth and aromatic herbs, it’s perfect for dipping and satisfying any comfort food craving.

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 the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, which takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Once done, transfer the onions to a plate and set aside.
Prepare Au Jus: Wipe the skillet clean. In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 sprig of fresh thyme. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Then strain the au jus through a small strainer to remove solids and keep it warm for serving.
Build Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of crusty French bread on your work surface. On each, layer one slice of Swiss cheese, a generous portion of thinly sliced roast beef, a helping of caramelized onions, and then a second slice of Swiss cheese. Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices to close them.
Butter the Bread: Spread unsalted butter evenly on the outsides of each sandwich, ensuring full coverage to promote browning and crispiness during grilling.
Grill Sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches onto the hot surface and grill for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to achieve an even crisp and ensure the cheese melts thoroughly. The bread should be golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Once grilled, slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately. Provide the warm au jus on the side for dipping each bite, enhancing the rich flavors of the sandwich.

Notes

For extra flavor, use a mix of Swiss and provolone cheese.
You can prepare the caramelized onions in advance and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
Adjust the seasoning in the au jus as per your preference for saltiness and depth of flavor.
Use a cast-iron skillet for best grilling results because it distributes heat evenly.
If you prefer a crispier crust, toast the bread lightly before assembling the sandwiches.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: French dip, grilled cheese, roast beef sandwich, caramelized onions, au jus, comfort food, cheese sandwich, melted Swiss cheese