Description

This French Dip Grilled Cheese sandwich combines the rich, savory flavors of thinly sliced roast beef, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese layered between crusty French bread. It is perfectly grilled to golden perfection and served with a warm, flavorful au jus for dipping, making it an indulgent and comforting meal.

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 onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, which should take 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 the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Season the au jus with salt and black pepper to taste, then strain it through a small strainer to remove the solids. Keep it warm for serving.
Build Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of French bread on a clean work surface. On each slice, place one slice of Swiss cheese, add a generous portion of thinly sliced roast beef, followed by caramelized onions, and top with a second slice of Swiss cheese. Cover each sandwich with a remaining slice of bread.
Butter the Bread: Spread unsalted butter evenly on the outsides of each assembled sandwich to prepare them for grilling.
Grill Sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently to ensure even grilling. Grill until the bread is crisp and golden brown, and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve: Slice the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve immediately. Accompany with the warm au jus on the side for dipping, enhancing the flavor of each bite.

Notes

Use crusty French bread for the best texture and to hold up to the dipping au jus.
You can prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time and store them refrigerated for up to 3 days.
For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth if available.
Pressing the sandwich gently while grilling helps melt the cheese evenly and creates a crispier crust.
Adjust salt and pepper in the au jus according to taste, especially if using store-bought broth which can be saltier.
Try adding horseradish or Dijon mustard inside the sandwich for an extra kick.

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, Sandwich Recipe