Your Grilled Cheese Is Good, But This French-Inspired Twist Makes It Absolutely Perfect

Few things are more comforting, or easier to make, than a nice grilled cheese sandwich. The basic version includes some simple white bread, a couple slices of American cheese, and a few dabs of melted butter. In the chain restaurant world, Panera Bread serves up an excellent grilled cheese, but the real fun is making one at home.

Grilled cheese is the perfect canvas to add more ingredients, whether that's bacon, tomato, or even a crispy burger patty for a recreated patty melt. However, one of the best ways to upgrade a grilled cheese sandwich involves stuffing all the workings of the classic French onion soup inside to make a French onion grilled cheese sandwich. Imagine two thick pieces of French bread, dark, caramelized red onions, ooey gooey Gruyère cheese, and all that sauce from reduced beef broth. What's not to like? Granted, this is more of a grown-up grilled cheese. Some kids might not be fans of the stronger Gruyère and caramelized onions, but it's definitely worth letting them give the sandwich a taste.

The most important part of a French onion grilled cheese is, no surprise, the caramelized onions. The process requires patience, but basically boils down to a quick saute with butter or oil (or a combo), followed by a long simmer with beef broth until the onions are dark and have that caramelized look. You cook the sandwich like any other grilled cheese: butter both sides of the bread, flip once, and add shredded Gruyère and the onions in the process. When the bread's exterior is golden-brown and the cheese has melted, you know you have the perfect French onion grilled cheese sandwich.

If you can't find Gruyère cheese, or if it's too pricey, you can also use Swiss, provolone, parmesan, fontina, or a variety of other cheeses. All of these are quality substitutes. You might also add a touch of Dijon mustard with the butter before you toast both sides of the bread, or include a little bacon for even more decadence. Serve it up with some fries, tater tots, or onion rings for a quick-and-easy meal. 

Grilled cheese sandwiches are delicious, but this upgraded version really takes the comfort classic to a whole new level. The next time you want to put a little spin on a standard grilled cheese, for our money, the French onion grilled cheese is an absolute must-try.