Name: French Dip Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 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; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 sprig fresh thyme; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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The Night French Dip Grilled Cheese Saved Dinner

Have you ever had one of those crazy weeknights where dinner plans just go out the window? Between the kids needing help with homework and trying to sort out everyone’s schedule, I find myself reaching for something that ticks all the boxes: quick, easy, and delicious. Enter the French Dip Grilled Cheese! This dish combines the comforting flavors of a traditional French dip sandwich with the gooeyness of grilled cheese – a win for everyone at the table. In fact, it’s quickly become one of my go-to meals whenever I need to whip something up in a hurry, and it’s usually a hit when I serve it alongside whipped feta tzatziki dip for a bit of variety.

Gathering the Ingredients

This mouthwatering sandwich comes together with just a handful of ingredients that you probably have on hand. You’ll need: You may also find French Dip Grilled Cheese useful.

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
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

Now, I know some of these ingredients might feel a bit gourmet for a busy weeknight, but trust me, they’re worth it. Plus, if you’re looking for an easy appetizer to go with your sandwiches, check out my 3-ingredient cream cheese fruit dip that pairs perfectly.

Sautéing the Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Melt about 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil. When it’s nice and hot, toss in the sliced onions. This part is key – keep stirring those onions frequently until they are caramelized and golden brown, which should take about 12 to 15 minutes. The smell will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bistro! You may also find Bbq Chicken Grilled Cheese 2 useful.

Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, transfer them to a plate and set them aside, being careful to wipe the skillet clean afterward.

The Au Jus Magic

In a small saucepan, combine your beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and thyme. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste. When it’s simmered to perfection, strain it through a small strainer to keep things smooth, and keep it warm on the stove. This rich au jus will be your dipping sauce for the sandwiches!

Building the Sandwich

Now comes the fun part – assembling everything! On a clean work surface, lay out 4 slices of French bread. Layer each one with a slice of Swiss cheese, then generous portions of roast beef and a good helping of those delicious caramelized onions. Top it off with another slice of Swiss cheese and cover each stack with the remaining slices of bread.

Before cooking, spread a thin layer of unsalted butter on the outside of each sandwich. This is what will give your grilled cheese that gorgeous, crispy exterior.

Get Grilling

Heat a fresh skillet or a griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place your sandwiches on the skillet, pressing down gently. Grill each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is beautifully melted. The smell wafting from the pan will entice anyone nearby!

Serve It Up

Once you remove the sandwiches from the skillet, I recommend slicing them in half for easy dipping. Serve them up right away with that warm au jus for everyone to dunk their sandwiches – the kids love it! It’s one of those hearty dinners that feels like a treat but comes together in no time at all.

If you want to change things up, consider other flavor combinations. For example, try adding BBQ chicken into the mix for a sweet and savory twist.

Leftovers and Variations

Should you be lucky enough to have leftovers, I suggest storing your sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be reheated in a skillet to retain that crispy texture – no one likes a soggy grilled cheese!

Speaking of leftovers, if your kids are a bit picky like mine, consider making mini versions with some simple variations. You might use turkey instead of roast beef or switch out the Swiss cheese for cheddar. You can even try adding some veggies for an extra nutritious kick!

Conclusion

The French Dip Grilled Cheese is a fantastic meal for those busy nights that still manages to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Plus, you can explore other recipes like a French Dip Grilled Cheese Sandwich or even a delightful Grilled French Dip variation. Don’t forget to check out the unique twist on a classic with the French Onion Dip Grilled Cheese! Happy cooking!