French Dip Grilled Cheese

No sandwich satisfies winter cravings quite like a French dip grilled cheese piled with tender roast beef gooey Swiss cheese and jammy sweet onions crisped up on buttery bread and served with a side of deeply savory au jus for dipping It is an upgrade from the steakhouse classic handed down from my dad who loved any meal that required extra napkins

The first time I made this as a cozy weekend lunch I ended up doubling the batch because my siblings kept coming back for more It is one of those dishes that always draws everyone to the kitchen the minute onions hit the pan

Ingredients

• Crusty French bread: for incredible crunch and chew Pick a loaf with a dark golden crust and air pockets inside
• Swiss cheese: for classic melt and a nutty taste Choose a fresh pre sliced block from the deli counter if you can
• Thinly sliced roast beef: for hearty filling Look for roast beef at the deli counter that is not too fatty so it stays tender
• Yellow onions: for sweet caramelized layers A few extra minutes of slow cooking brings deep flavor
• Unsalted butter: for golden bread and rich onions Always use unsalted so you control the seasoning
• Olive oil: to prevent the butter from burning during the onion caramelization Use a mild variety
• Low sodium beef broth: for a balanced au jus Opt for the best boxed broth available or homemade for depth
• Worcestershire sauce: for umami A little goes a long way
• Soy sauce: rounds out the broth and adds savoriness
• Fresh garlic: for punch and backbone to the dip
• Fresh thyme: to infuse herbal notes If unavailable use a pinch of dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper: for seasoning Always season at the end and taste before adding more

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:

Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat Add sliced onions stirring often Let them cook low and slow for about fifteen minutes until they are deeply golden brown and almost jammy Transfer to a plate

Prepare the Au Jus:

Wipe out the skillet so nothing burns Heat beef broth Worcestershire sauce soy sauce minced garlic and thyme in a saucepan over gentle heat Let it simmer quietly for five minutes to concentrate flavors Season the broth with salt and pepper Strain out thyme and garlic bits so you get a smooth dipping broth Keep the au jus warm on very low heat

Build the Sandwiches:

Lay half the bread slices on a cutting board Add a slice of Swiss cheese to each then pile on roast beef Top each with plenty of those caramelized onions and finish with another slice of Swiss cheese Place the remaining bread slices on top

Butter the Bread:

Spread a generous layer of unsalted butter over the outside faces of each sandwich The butter should cover edge to edge for even golden browning

Grill the Sandwiches:

Place a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat Once hot add the sandwiches pressing gently with a spatula Grill each side for about three to four minutes until the bread is crisp and deeply golden and the cheese is just starting to ooze

Serve:

Slice sandwiches in half and serve each with a small bowl of steamy au jus for dunking Every bite should be hot gooey and messy in the best way

When I use extra fresh thyme in the broth the aroma fills the kitchen and that first savory dunk is unforgettable for my whole family We make this every snow day and the tradition never gets old

Storage Tips

Cool any leftovers completely before wrapping tightly in foil Store in the refrigerator for two days For best results reheat sandwiches on a skillet so the bread gets toasted again Keep extra au jus in a jar just reheat gently

Ingredient Substitutions

Try provolone or gouda if you are out of Swiss cheese Any hearty sandwich bread works if French bread is not handy For the beef a good deli turkey makes a lighter twist and the overall method still works

Serving Suggestions

Pair this sandwich with a crisp green salad or roasted potato wedges For parties slice the sandwiches into fingers and serve as a hearty appetizer They are also amazing with a mug of tomato soup on a cold night

With each hot gooey bite these French dip grilled cheese sandwiches bring everyone together They are sure to become a new comfort food favorite

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best?

Crusty French bread holds up well to grilling and dipping, delivering both crunch and structure.

→ How do you achieve deeply caramelized onions?

Slowly sauté onions over medium heat with butter and olive oil, stirring often, until golden brown and soft.

→ What cut of beef is recommended?

Thinly sliced roast beef from the deli counter is traditional, offering tenderness and flavor.

→ How is the au jus prepared?

Simmer beef broth with Worcestershire, soy sauce, garlic, and thyme until flavors meld, then strain and serve warm.

→ Can you use other cheeses?

Swiss cheese is classic, but provolone or mozzarella can be substituted for a different flavor or meltiness.