Steak Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Steak grilled cheese: just the name alone conjures up images of melty, cheesy goodness combined with the savory delight of perfectly cooked steak. Forget everything you thought you knew about grilled cheese because this isn’t your average childhood snack! We’re elevating this classic comfort food to a whole new level of indulgence.

While the exact origins of the grilled cheese sandwich are debated, its popularity soared in the United States during the 1920s, thanks to the invention of sliced bread and processed cheese. But adding steak? That’s where the magic truly happens! This decadent twist transforms a simple sandwich into a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

People adore steak grilled cheese for its incredible combination of textures and flavors. The crisp, buttery bread gives way to gooey, melted cheese, followed by the tender, juicy steak. It’s a symphony of savory, rich, and comforting sensations that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! In just a few minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality sandwich that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food upgrade!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Steak:
• 1 pound sirloin steak, about 1 inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• For the Caramelized Onions:
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• For the Sandwiches:
• 8 slices sourdough bread
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened

Preparing the Steak:

1. Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the steak is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
2. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop.
3. Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F.
4. Rest the Steak: Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
5. Slice the Steak: After resting, thinly slice the steak against the grain. This will make it easier to chew and more enjoyable in the grilled cheese.

Making the Caramelized Onions:

1. Prepare the Onions: Peel and thinly slice the onions. The thinner you slice them, the faster they will caramelize.
2. Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften and turn translucent, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Caramelize the Onions: Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the onions, stirring frequently, until they are deeply golden brown and caramelized, about 30-45 minutes. Be patient! This process takes time, but it’s worth it. The natural sugars in the onions will break down and create a sweet and savory flavor. If the onions start to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon of water or broth to deglaze the pan.
4. Deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar: Once the onions are caramelized, add the sugar and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the vinegar has reduced and the onions are coated in a glossy glaze.
5. Set Aside: Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set aside.

Preparing the Cheese Sauce:

1. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and golden brown. This is called a roux, and it will help to thicken the cheese sauce.
2. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the roux is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Continue to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese until they are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season the Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assembling the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:

1. Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean work surface. Spread a generous layer of cheese sauce on each slice of bread.
3. Add the Steak and Onions: Top the cheese sauce with a layer of sliced steak and caramelized onions.
4. Top with More Cheese Sauce: Spread another layer of cheese sauce over the steak and onions. This will help to hold everything together and create a gooey, cheesy sandwich.
5. Top with Bread: Place the remaining four slices of bread on top, butter-side up.

Cooking the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:

1. Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. You may need to press down on the sandwiches with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
2. Serve Immediately: Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet and cut them in half. Serve immediately while they are hot and cheesy. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This isn’t just any grilled cheese; it’s a steak grilled cheese experience. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good sandwich, appreciates the finer things in life (like perfectly cooked steak!), and enjoys a little bit of culinary adventure. The combination of the savory, tender steak, the gooey, melted cheese, and the crisp, buttery bread is simply irresistible. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly satisfying, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to impress. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also a fantastic option for a weekend lunch or even a sophisticated appetizer if you cut it into smaller portions. Think about serving these as mini steak grilled cheese bites at your next party – your guests will rave about them!

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are endless! I personally love serving this steak grilled cheese with a side of creamy tomato soup for dipping. The acidity of the tomato cuts through the richness of the cheese and steak perfectly. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great option to balance out the meal.

But don’t be afraid to get creative! You could add caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness, sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated twist. For a spicier kick, try adding some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

And what about the cheese? While I used cheddar and provolone in the recipe, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sharp blue cheese would all be delicious. The key is to choose cheeses that melt well and complement the flavor of the steak.

Another variation you might enjoy is using different types of bread. Sourdough, brioche, or even a crusty Italian bread would all work beautifully. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and make it your own. I truly believe that this steak grilled cheese will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe, what variations you tried, and how you served it. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’m always happy to help.