Save This Sourdough French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a decadent twist on classic grilled cheese, combining caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and crispy sourdough for a rich, savory sandwich inspired by French onion soup. This vegetarian recipe yields 2 sandwiches and brings a touch of French-American flair to your table.
Save With a preparation time of 20 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, this medium-difficulty dish is perfect for a special lunch or a comforting dinner. The blend of sweet caramelized onions and sharp cheeses creates a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates the humble grilled cheese.
Ingredients
- For the Caramelized Onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine or sherry (optional)
- For the Sandwiches
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup (100 g) Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup (50 g) Swiss cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Caramelized Onions
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are golden and deeply caramelized, about 20–25 minutes. Stir in thyme and deglaze with white wine or sherry, scraping up any browned bits. Cook until liquid evaporates. Set aside.
- 2. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each bread slice. Top two slices with half the Gruyère and Swiss cheeses, then evenly distribute the caramelized onions. Sprinkle with black pepper and top with remaining cheese. Cover each with a remaining bread slice, mustard side facing in.
- 3. Grill the Sandwiches
- Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to help cheese melt. Remove from heat, let rest 1 minute, then slice and serve.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder to the onions while they are caramelizing.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you cannot find Gruyère, you can substitute it with Emmental or a sharp white cheddar cheese.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these sandwiches with a fresh side salad or a hot bowl of tomato soup. For a wine pairing, try a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc.
Save Each serving of this sandwich contains 540 calories, 30g of total fat, 46g of carbohydrates, and 21g of protein. Enjoy this rich and savory meal that perfectly captures the essence of classic French onion soup in a crispy, handheld format.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I caramelize onions perfectly?
Cook thinly sliced onions slowly over medium heat with butter, salt, and sugar, stirring frequently until they turn deep golden and soft, about 20-25 minutes.
- → Can I substitute Gruyère cheese?
Yes, Emmental or sharp white cheddar work well to maintain melty texture and complementary flavors.
- → What bread is ideal for this sandwich?
Use sturdy sourdough bread for a crisp outside and hearty texture that holds the fillings well.
- → How should I grill the sandwich for best results?
Butter the outside slices and grill on medium-low heat, pressing gently until the bread is golden and cheese melts, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- → Are there any suggested pairings?
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or tomato soup; a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors nicely.