Sizzling Caramelized Onion and Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe

My culinary adventures recently led me to discover a mouthwatering caramelized onion and cheese steak sandwich that changed everything about comfort food.

Sweet golden onions slowly melt into rich, tender beef slices nestled between crispy bread.

Layers of complex flavors dance across your palate with each incredible bite.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket that hugs the perfectly seasoned meat.

Professional chefs might struggle to craft something this delectable at home, but I promise you can master this recipe.

Simple ingredients combine to create an extraordinary meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

This sandwich will become your new weekend obsession – trust me.

Caramelized Onion And Cheese Steak Sandwich You’ll Rave About

• Elevate Your Comfort Food Game: Savor the Ultimate Steak Sandwich experience with these irresistible reasons:
• Effortless Gourmet Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without requiring professional chef skills, making sophisticated cooking accessible to everyone.
• Time-Saving Culinary Delight: From start to finish, this recipe takes under an hour, with most time spent caramelizing onions, allowing you to multitask and enjoy a hands-off cooking process.
• Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: The combination of perfectly seared steak, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheese creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will satisfy even the most discerning food lovers.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, weekend lunches, game day gatherings, or casual entertaining, this sandwich adapts to any mealtime or social occasion with ease.

What Stacks the Onion Steak Sandwich

• Steak (Ribeye or Sirloin): Perfect cut with good marbling for tender, juicy results. Choose a high-quality beef cut with nice fat content for maximum flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps season and create a beautiful sear on the steak. Extra virgin olive oil provides rich taste.

• Bread Slices, Cheese Slices: Foundation of the sandwich with creamy, melty cheese. Sourdough or thick white bread works best. Choose a melting cheese like provolone or cheddar.

• Onions, Sugar, Salt: Create deep, sweet caramelized onions with rich golden color. Yellow or white onions recommended for best results.

• Black Pepper: Adds robust spice and warmth to the steak.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances meaty flavor with subtle garlic notes.
• Butter: Provides rich, golden toasting for bread and adds depth to caramelized onions. Unsalted butter preferred for better control of saltiness.
• Salt: Brings out natural flavors in steak and caramelized onions. Use kosher or sea salt for best taste.

Caramelized Onion Cheesesteak Sandwich Assembly

Step 1: Caramelize Onions

Warm up a skillet with olive oil and butter using medium-low heat.

Add sliced onions, sprinkle sugar and salt.

Stir occasionally while cooking for 25-30 minutes until onions turn a rich golden brown.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook Steak

• Steak
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Pat the steak dry with paper towels.

Massage the steak with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare (adjust cooking time for desired doneness).

Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Toast Bread

Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.

In the same skillet, toast the buttered side of the bread over medium heat until it turns golden and crisp.

Step 4: Assemble and Grill Sandwich

• Bread
• Cheese slices
• Sliced steak
• Caramelized onions

Place a slice of cheese on the toasted side of one bread slice.

Layer sliced steak and a generous scoop of caramelized onions.

Add another slice of cheese and top with the second bread slice, with the toasted side facing inward.

Return the sandwich to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese melts and the bread becomes crispy.

Steak Sandwich Caramelizing Tricks

• Cut the steak against the grain to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites that are easy to chew and packed with flavor.
• Take your time cooking onions on low heat, stirring occasionally to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning – patience is key for golden-brown perfection.
• Select a well-marbled cut like ribeye or sirloin for maximum tenderness and rich taste that elevates the entire sandwich experience.
• Use medium heat when grilling the sandwich to help cheese melt evenly without burning the bread, creating a gooey, delicious texture.
• Experiment with different cheese types like provolone, Swiss, or blue cheese to add unique flavor profiles and make the recipe your own.

Steak Sandwich With Onion That Reheats Like New

• Store leftover sandwich components separately in airtight containers for maximum freshness. Caramelized onions and sliced steak will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Keep toasted bread slices in a sealed container or zip-lock bag at room temperature to maintain crispness for 1-2 days.
• Warm sliced steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of beef broth to retain moisture and tenderness.
• Reassemble the sandwich just before serving by layering warmed steak, cheese, and onions between toasted bread. Heat in a skillet for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and bread becomes crispy again.

What Tastes Great With Onion Sandwich

• Perfect Flavor Companions: Red Wine Pairing
• Select a bold, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty steak and caramelized onions. These wines have robust tannins that cut through the sandwich's richness and enhance the savory flavors.
• Refreshing Side Salad Boost
• Create a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the sandwich's heaviness. Dress crisp arugula with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and cracked pepper to provide a bright, zesty contrast to the rich, buttery sandwich.
• Crispy Pickle Accompaniment
• Add homemade quick-pickled cucumbers or classic dill pickles on the side for a crunchy, acidic element. The vinegary, sharp pickles will cut through the sandwich's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Classic Beer Complement
• Choose a hoppy IPA or a crisp amber ale to match the sandwich's robust flavors. The beer's carbonation and bitterness will help cleanse the palate and stand up to the rich, caramelized ingredients.

Steak Sandwich Onion Ideas

• Vegetarian Steak Swap: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushroom or marinated tofu slices for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Bread Option: Use gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cheese Steak: Skip bread entirely and serve ingredients over cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a keto-friendly version.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include a dash of chipotle powder for extra heat and flavor complexity.

FAQs

• How do I choose the right cut of steak for this sandwich?

Look for tender cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak. These cuts have good marbling and flavor, making them perfect for a quick sear and slicing thinly.

• Can I make caramelized onions faster?

No, slow cooking is key. Low and slow heat breaks down onions’ natural sugars, creating a rich, sweet flavor. Rushing will result in burned, bitter onions instead of golden caramelized ones.

• What's the best way to slice steak for sandwiches?

Always slice against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibers, which makes the meat more tender and easier to chew.

• How can I tell if my steak is cooked to the right doneness?

Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C). Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking, which helps retain juices and ensures even temperature.

Caramelized Onion and Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Caramelized onion and cheese steak sandwich delivers mouthwatering comfort wrapped in golden-brown bread, promising a flavor explosion. Melted cheese, tender steak, and sweet caramelized onions create a harmonious blend you’ll crave with every delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 300 grams (10 ounces) ribeye or sirloin steak

Seasonings for Meat:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Caramelized Onions:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Bread and Cheese:

• 4 slices crusty bread (sourdough or ciabatta)
• 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened (for toasting)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gently melt butter and olive oil in a wide skillet over gentle heat, creating a flavor foundation.
2. Introduce sliced onions, sprinkle sugar and salt, allowing them to transform slowly through caramelization. Stir periodically, patiently coaxing deep golden hues over 25-30 minutes. Transfer the luxurious onions to a waiting bowl.
3. Meticulously dry the steak with paper towels, preparing its surface for seasoning. Massage olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder into the meat’s exterior.
4. Ignite a grill pan or skillet to medium-high temperature. Sear the steak with precision, developing a rich crust for 3-4 minutes per side, achieving a succulent medium-rare finish.
5. Allow the steak to rest and reabsorb its juices for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain, ensuring maximum tenderness.
6. Generously spread butter on one side of each bread slice, preparing for a crisp, golden toast.
7. Utilize the same skillet to transform bread slices, toasting buttered surfaces until they reach a perfect golden-brown crispness.
8. Layer a slice of cheese onto the toasted bread, creating a molten foundation.
9. Arrange thinly sliced steak atop the cheese, followed by a generous cascade of caramelized onions.
10. Crown the sandwich with another cheese slice and complete the structure with the second bread slice, ensuring toasted sides face inward.
11. Return the assembled sandwich to the skillet, grilling for 2-3 minutes per side until cheese melts completely and bread achieves a delectable crispness.

Notes

• Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, rich sweetness without burning, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
• Choose high-quality, well-marbled steak like ribeye or sirloin for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles.
• Customize sandwich for dietary needs by using gluten-free bread, plant-based cheese, or substituting steak with portobello mushrooms for vegetarian option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 840
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 1450mg
• Fat: 54g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 44g
• Cholesterol: 115mg