French Onion Grilled Cheese

Featured in: Global Comfort Food

This sandwich layers deeply caramelized onions with melted Gruyère and mozzarella between crisp sourdough slices. Buttered bread is prepared and cooked over medium-low heat until golden brown and the cheese melts smoothly. The balance of sweet onions, tangy Dijon mustard, and rich cheeses offers a comforting, flavorful bite perfect for a satisfying meal. Adding fresh thyme and balsamic vinegar enhances depth and aroma.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:21:00 GMT
Golden-brown French Onion Grilled Cheese, oozing with melted Gruyère, a savory, gourmet treat. Save
Golden-brown French Onion Grilled Cheese, oozing with melted Gruyère, a savory, gourmet treat. | forkina.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.

I remember the first time I served this sandwich, my family couldn't stop asking for seconds.

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.
Perfectly grilled French Onion Grilled Cheese sandwich, served hot, showcasing its cheesy, caramelized goodness. Pin it
Perfectly grilled French Onion Grilled Cheese sandwich, served hot, showcasing its cheesy, caramelized goodness. | forkina.com

This sandwich quickly became a weekend favorite, creating many cozy family moments around the dinner table.

Required Tools

Large skillet spatula bread knife cheese grater

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (cheese butter) Wheat (bread) Mustard. If using store bought bread check for additional allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 540 Total Fat 32 g Carbohydrates 44 g Protein 22 g per serving

A close-up of a delicious French Onion Grilled Cheese, with toasted bread and bubbly, melted cheese. Pin it
A close-up of a delicious French Onion Grilled Cheese, with toasted bread and bubbly, melted cheese. | forkina.com

Enjoy your French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich fresh off the skillet for the best gooey, savory experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I caramelize onions perfectly?

Cook sliced onions slowly in butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and sweet.

What cheeses work best for melting in this sandwich?

Gruyère and mozzarella yield a gooey, flavorful melt that balances sharpness and creaminess.

Can I use another bread type?

Sourdough or country-style bread offer great texture and sturdiness, but other rustic breads can work well too.

How do the Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar contribute?

Dijon adds a tangy kick inside the sandwich while balsamic vinegar enriches the onions with a subtle acidity.

What is the best way to cook the sandwich evenly?

Use medium-low heat, press gently while cooking for 3-5 minutes per side to get golden crust and melted cheese.

How can I enhance the flavor further?

Try adding grated Parmesan on top before serving or a splash of dry white wine while caramelizing onions.

French Onion Grilled Cheese

A rich sandwich features sweet caramelized onions with melted cheese on crisp bread.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes


Difficulty: Medium

Cuisine: American-French Fusion

Yield: 2 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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 (about 100 grams)
04 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100 grams)
05 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 01

Caramelize the Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions turn golden brown and caramelize deeply, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 02

Finish Onion Mixture: Stir in thyme and balsamic vinegar; continue cooking for 2 more minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Assemble Sandwich Layers: Layer half of the Gruyère and mozzarella cheese onto the mustarded side. Top with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, then add the remaining cheese. Place the other bread slices atop, buttered side facing out.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Rest and Serve: Allow sandwiches to rest for 1 minute before slicing and serving hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Bread knife
  • Cheese grater

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (cheese, butter), wheat (bread), and mustard.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 540
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 44 g
  • Protein: 22 g