French Onion Grilled Cheese

Featured in: Comfort Food

This sandwich marries the sweet depth of caramelized onions with creamy Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses, layered between buttered sourdough slices. Slow cooking the onions enhances their natural sugars, creating a deeply savory flavor that elevates the melted cheese's richness. The bread is toasted to golden perfection, providing a satisfying crunch that balances the gooey interior. Ideal for a comforting meal with minimal prep, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or tomato soup.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:12:00 GMT
Golden brown French Onion Grilled Cheese, oozing with melted Gruyère, is a warm and savory delight. Pin
Golden brown French Onion Grilled Cheese, oozing with melted Gruyère, is a warm and savory delight. | potfuljoy.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
  • For the Caramelized Onions: 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • For the Caramelized Onions: 1 teaspoon sugar
  • For the Caramelized Onions: 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the Caramelized Onions: 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • For the Caramelized Onions: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • For the Caramelized Onions: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • For the Sandwich: 4 slices sourdough or country style bread
  • For the Sandwich: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • For the Sandwich: 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded Gruyère cheese
  • For the Sandwich: 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • For the Sandwich: 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.
A close-up of a perfectly grilled French Onion Grilled Cheese sandwich, served on warm sourdough bread. Pin
A close-up of a perfectly grilled French Onion Grilled Cheese sandwich, served on warm sourdough bread. | potfuljoy.com

Cheesy, gooey layers of French Onion Grilled Cheese, with caramelized onions visible, ready to be devoured. Pin
Cheesy, gooey layers of French Onion Grilled Cheese, with caramelized onions visible, ready to be devoured. | potfuljoy.com

Pairs beautifully with tomato soup or a simple green salad.

French Onion Grilled Cheese

A rich sandwich featuring deeply caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese on crisp sourdough bread.

Preparation time
15 min
Cooking time
40 min
Total time
55 min

Category Comfort Food

Difficulty Medium

Origin American-French Fusion

Yield 2 Servings

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

Step 02

Add thyme and balsamic vinegar: Incorporate thyme and balsamic vinegar into the onions; cook for an additional 2 minutes until aromatic. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Rest and serve: Allow sandwiches to rest for 1 minute before slicing. Serve warm.

Required equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Bread knife
  • Cheese grater

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and if uncertain, please consult a healthcare professional.
  • Contains milk (cheese, butter), wheat (bread), and mustard.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These values are provided as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 540
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Carbs: 44 g
  • Protein: 22 g