Description

French Dip Grilled Cheese is a comforting sandwich featuring layers of tender roast beef and caramelized onions between slices of crusty French bread, melted Swiss cheese, and served with a savory homemade au jus for dipping. This recipe combines the rich flavors of a classic French dip with the gooey, crispy comfort of a grilled cheese, perfect for a quick and indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Sandwich Assembly

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

Au Jus Preparation

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 sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. 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 thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then strain through a small strainer to remove solids and keep warm for dipping.
Build Sandwiches: Lay 4 bread slices on a work surface. Top each slice with a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a generous portion of roast beef, then caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Cover each with the remaining bread slices, pressing gently to hold the fillings together.
Butter the Bread: Spread unsalted butter evenly on the outsides of each sandwich, covering the entire surface to ensure a crispy, golden crust.
Grill Sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches butter-side down and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until the bread is crisp and golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice each in half, and serve immediately with warm au jus bowls for dipping.

Notes

Use crusty French bread for the best texture and flavor.
Allow cheese to come to room temperature before cooking for optimal melting.
Keep heat medium to avoid burning the bread before cheese melts.
Caramelizing onions slowly is key to achieving deep, sweet flavor.
Leftover sandwiches can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat in toaster oven or skillet.
Au jus can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stove.
Substitute provolone or Gruyère cheese for Swiss if desired.
For a vegetarian version, swap roast beef for roasted portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth in the au jus.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: High-Noon Handhelds
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: French Dip Grilled Cheese, roast beef sandwich, caramelized onions, au jus, grilled cheese sandwich, comfort food, savory sandwich, easy lunch, dinner recipe