French Onion Grilled Cheese

Featured in: Comfort Food Favorites

This indulgent sandwich features slowly caramelized onions cooked with thyme and balsamic vinegar, layered between slices of buttery sourdough bread with a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses. The sandwich is cooked until the bread is golden and crisp, and the cheese melts to gooey perfection. Enhanced with Dijon mustard and an optional Parmesan sprinkle, it pairs wonderfully with tomato soup or a fresh green salad. Preparation is simple yet yields a rich, comforting meal perfect for a medium-difficulty main dish.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:49:00 GMT
Golden-brown French Onion Grilled Cheese sandwich, oozing with melted cheese and savory caramelized onions. Save It
Golden-brown French Onion Grilled Cheese sandwich, oozing with melted cheese and savory caramelized onions. | zetluna.com

A decadent twist on classic grilled cheese, this sandwich combines caramelized onions with gooey melted cheese for a deeply savory, next-level comfort food experience.

Ingredients

  • For the Caramelized Onions: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried) 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • For the Sandwich: 4 slices sourdough or country style bread 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded Gruyère cheese 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1:
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown and deeply caramelized, about 25–30 minutes.
Step 2:
Stir in thyme and balsamic vinegar cook another 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3:
Butter one side of each bread slice. Spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of two slices.
Step 4:
Layer half the Gruyère and mozzarella onto the mustard side. Top with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, then the remaining cheese. Place the other bread slices on top, buttered side facing out.
Step 5:
Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium low heat. Cook sandwiches 3–5 minutes per side, pressing gently and flipping once, until bread is golden and cheese is fully melted.
Step 6:
Let rest 1 minute before slicing. Serve hot.
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| zetluna.com

A freshly grilled French Onion Grilled Cheese, showcasing layers of cheese and rich onion filling. Save It
A freshly grilled French Onion Grilled Cheese, showcasing layers of cheese and rich onion filling. | zetluna.com

Common Questions About Recipes

How do I properly caramelize onions?

Cook thinly sliced onions slowly over medium heat with butter, sugar, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally until they turn golden and soft, typically 25-30 minutes, then add thyme and balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

What cheeses work best for this sandwich?

Gruyère and mozzarella are ideal for melting and flavor balance, but you can substitute with Comté or Swiss cheese for a similar effect.

Can I prepare the onions ahead of time?

Yes, caramelized onions can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently before assembling the sandwich.

What bread types are recommended?

Sourdough or country-style bread provides a sturdy base and crisp crust, enhancing both texture and taste.

How should the sandwich be cooked for best results?

Cook on medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes per side, pressing gently to ensure the cheese melts evenly and bread turns golden brown.

French Onion Grilled Cheese

A savory blend of caramelized onions and melted cheese in golden toasted bread.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
40 mins
Overall Time
55 mins
Authored by Clara


Skill Level Required Medium

Cuisine Type American-French Fusion

Recipe Output 2 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Veggie-Friendly

The Ingredients You'll Need

Caramelized Onions

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 1 teaspoon sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
07 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Sandwich

01 4 slices sourdough or country-style bread
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (approximately 3.5 ounces)
04 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (approximately 3.5 ounces)
05 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Caramelize Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and deeply caramelized, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 02

Add Herbs and Vinegar: Incorporate thyme leaves and balsamic vinegar into the caramelized onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat and set aside.

Step 03

Prepare Bread: Butter one side of each bread slice evenly. Spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered sides of two slices.

Step 04

Assemble Sandwiches: Layer half of the Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses onto the mustard-spread side of two bread slices. Top with a generous portion of the caramelized onions, then add the remaining cheeses. Place the other bread slices on top with the buttered sides facing outward.

Step 05

Grill Sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cook the assembled sandwiches for 3 to 5 minutes per side, pressing gently and flipping once, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has fully melted.

Step 06

Rest and Serve: Allow the sandwiches to rest for 1 minute before slicing. Serve immediately while warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Bread knife
  • Cheese grater

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains milk (cheese, butter), wheat (bread), and mustard.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 540
  • Fats: 32 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 44 grams
  • Proteins: 22 grams