French Onion Grilled Cheese
Equipment
- Normal cookware
- Grater or Blender
Ingredients
- 4-5 Yellow Onions (About 2 Lbs)
- 1 Tbsp Oil
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1 Pinch Salt
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Flour
- 4 C Beef Stock or Broth
- 1/2 C Dry White Wine
- 9 Slices Swiss Cheese (Roughly 5-6 Ounces)
- 2 Ounces Parmesan Cheese Grated
- 2-3 Tbsp Cognac (Optional)
- 4 Slices Bread Sandwich Size, About 1/2 In. Thick
- Salt and Pepper To Taste
Instructions
- Put a heavy stock pot over medium heat. Add the oil and butter. Reserving a quarter of an onion, slice the rest of the onions and add them to the pot. Cook, covered, roughly 15 minutes until they are translucent.4-5 Yellow Onions, 1 Tbsp Oil, 2 Tbsp Butter
- Add the sugar and pinch of salt and cook, uncovered, stirring often until the onions have turns a dark caramel color. This takes 45 minutes to an hour. Note: pay close attention to the onions once they start to darken, or the edges will start to char. It won't be the end of the world, but it isn't perfect.1/2 tsp Sugar, 1 Pinch Salt
- Once caramelized, remove half the onions and add the flour to the remaining onions in the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the flour turns golden.1 1/2 Tbsp Flour
- Add a cup of stock (or broth) to the pot and scrape the cooked-on bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the rest of the stock (or broth), the 1/2 cup wine, cover the pot, and simmer the soup for 30 minutes.4 C Beef Stock or Broth, 1/2 C Dry White Wine
- While the soup simmers, prep the grilled cheese. Stack the two sandwiches in this order:bread, two slices swiss cheese,half of the reserved caramelized onions, half the parmesan,bread9 Slices Swiss Cheese, 4 Slices Bread, 2 Ounces Parmesan Cheese
- Add a thin application of mayo to the outside, on both sides, of each sandwich and place them in a cold skillet. Set the burner to medium heat. I like to start the pan cold to give the cheese inside the sandwich more time to melt before the bread toasts.1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- Once the sandwiches are grilled to a golden brown on each side, set them aside for at least five minutes to allow the cheese to set a little. By doing this, they will still be gooey without being runny.
- When the soup has simmered for 30 minutes, grate (or blend) the reserved 1/4 raw onion and add it to the soup. Stir in the last slice of swiss cheese and the optional cognac, and add salt and pepper to taste.2-3 Tbsp Cognac
- Serve the sandwiches on a plate with a side of soup in bowls. Garnish the soup with grated parmesan and fresh cracked black pepper.
A Match Made in Comfort Food Heaven
Imagine the savory, rich taste of French onion soup blending seamlessly with the gooey, melty perfection of a grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe combines two classic comfort foods into one delicious dish: the French Onion Grilled Cheese. Filled with caramelized onions and layers of Swiss and Parmesan cheese, each bite bursts with flavor. Pair it with a bowl of French onion soup for dipping, and you have a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
The Origins of French Onion Soup and Grilled Cheese
The concept of onion-based soups dates back to ancient Rome, where onions were a staple due to their ease of cultivation and storage. French onion soup, in its modern form, became popular in 18th-century France, particularly in Parisian markets. The modern French version with caramelized onions, beef broth, and cheese is distinctly French. Julia Child, the renowned American chef, helped popularize French onion soup in the United States with her famous cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” bringing this classic French dish into many American homes.
Grilled cheese sandwiches have a simpler but equally beloved history. They became popular in the United States during the 1920s, thanks to the affordability of bread and cheese. The classic grilled cheese is made by toasting bread with butter and melting American cheese between the slices. It’s a quick, easy, and universally loved meal.
A Perfect Pairing
The French Onion Grilled Cheese brings the best of both worlds together. Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory depth to the sandwich, complementing the creamy Swiss cheese. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty note that enhances every bite. Serving it with French onion soup for dipping ties the whole meal together, creating a harmony of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent.
Fun Facts
- Caramelized onions, which are key to this recipe, take at least 45 minutes to cook slowly. Their sweetness comes from the natural sugars in the onions.
- Swiss cheese, used in this grilled cheese, is known for its distinctive holes. These are formed by bacteria that release carbon dioxide during the cheese-making process.
- The first recorded recipe for a grilled cheese sandwich dates back to 1929, in a cookbook called “The Boston Cooking School Cook Book.”
Explore More
If you loved this French Onion Grilled Cheese, why not try some other exciting grilled cheese varieties? The copycat Woody’s Lunchbox Grilled Cheese offers a Disney-inspired twist, while the Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese adds a spicy kick. For another classic soup to pair with your next grilled cheese adventure, try a Mexican classic: tortilla soup. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your soul and excite your taste buds.
Some content generated with the help of ChatGPT | OpenAI: https://www.openai.com/