If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable sandwich that combines juicy, tender steak with sweet caramelized onions and melty provolone cheese, the Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures—rich and savory steak, buttery sweetness from onions, and creamy cheese all hugged by crusty French baguette. It’s a recipe that promises to delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is what makes the Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Cheese Recipe a standout. Each element is straightforward but essential, adding layers of flavor, texture, and color to your final creation.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps the onions cook evenly and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds a smooth, creamy base to caramelize the onions beautifully.
- 2 large Vidalia onions (sliced thinly): Their natural sweetness intensifies as they caramelize, balancing the savory steak perfectly.
- 3 lbs strip loin steak: The heart of the sandwich—juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
- 1 dash salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 dash pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the meat.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Brings a smoky and tangy flair that complements both steak and onions.
- 16 oz provolone cheese: Melts to a creamy dream, uniting all flavors between the bread.
- 1 French baguette: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s the perfect vehicle for all those luscious layers.
How to Make Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced Vidalia onions and cook them gently, stirring occasionally, until they turn a perfect golden brown. Patience is key here, as this slow caramelization process brings out their natural sweetness that’s essential for this sandwich’s unbeatable flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Whether you opt for an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan, cook your strip loin steaks over medium-high heat. Sear one side first until it’s about two-thirds done to your preferred doneness, then flip and finish cooking. Cooking steaks in a few spoons of butter on the stovetop adds an extra layer of deliciousness and helps achieve that gorgeous crust.
Step 3: Rest and Slice the Steak
Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board, season with salt and pepper, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting step is crucial—it lets the juices redistribute so that every slice stays juicy and tender. When ready, slice the steak as thinly as possible to layer inside your sandwiches.
Step 4: Prepare the Baguette
Slice your French baguette lengthwise, creating a base and top for your sandwich. You can keep it whole if melting cheese in the oven or cut it into smaller pieces if using a panini press. Either way, this crusty bread will hold everything together while adding a satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Layer a row of provolone cheese on the bottom half of the baguette first. Then add a generous layer of thinly sliced steak, drizzle with barbecue sauce, and spoon on the sweet caramelized onions. Top everything with another layer of provolone to ensure that gooey, melty cheese goodness in every bite.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
If you’re using the oven, secure the sandwich with toothpicks to keep ingredients in place. Place it on a baking sheet and put it in a 425 degree F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts deliciously. Remember to place the top half of the baguette nearby, cut side up, so the cheese has exposure to the heat. Remove toothpicks after baking and reassemble the sandwich.
Step 7: Using a Panini Press
For smaller sandwiches, stack as directed and place the top half of the bread on. Melt the cheese on a panini press or skillet until perfectly gooey and golden. This method makes serving bite-sized portions simple and fun.
Step 8: Serve with a Smile
Nothing beats biting into a warm, melty steak sandwich loaded with caramelized sweetness and rich flavors. Serve it fresh with a big smile—because this Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Cheese Recipe deserves absolute joy.
How to Serve Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a handful of arugula adds a lovely peppery freshness that complements the rich steak and cheese. For a little zing, consider serving with pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy aioli to elevate the flavors further.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries or a bright garden salad pair beautifully, balancing the richness of the sandwich. Roasted veggies or even a creamy coleslaw would add texture and refresh your palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving open-faced slices on a wooden board with small bowls of extra barbecue sauce for dipping. Alternatively, making sliders using smaller baguette pieces can make this recipe a party-hit appetizer version. Either way, presentation can make this hearty sandwich look as tempting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Cheese Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sandwich layered helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
While this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked steak and caramelized onions separately for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reassemble with fresh bread and cheese.
Reheating
Reheat your sandwich in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees F until the cheese melts again and everything is warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the bread from getting soggy and the cheese perfectly melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While strip loin steak is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, ribeye or sirloin can also work well. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and desired doneness.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
Caramelizing onions usually takes between 25 to 40 minutes over medium heat. The process is slow but rewarding, transforming raw onions into a soft, golden, and sweet layer that makes these sandwiches irresistible.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this sandwich?
Yes, you can substitute steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or seitan strips, maintaining the caramelized onions and provolone cheese for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Can I prepare parts of this sandwich ahead of time?
Definitely! You can caramelize the onions and cook the steak a day ahead, then assemble and melt cheese right before serving to save time without sacrificing flavor.
What kind of bread works best?
A crusty French baguette is ideal because it holds up well to juicy fillings while adding a satisfying crunch. However, a sturdy ciabatta or hoagie roll can also be great substitutes.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Cheese Recipe a try because it’s one of those comforting, crave-worthy dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this sandwich brings so much joy and deliciousness, and I promise it will become a favorite you make again and again.
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Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Steak Sandwich recipe features tender strip loin steak cooked to perfection and layered with sweet caramelized Vidalia onions, smoky barbecue sauce, and melted provolone cheese on a crusty French baguette. Perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal, these sandwiches are made by grilling the steak, caramelizing onions on the stovetop, and melting cheese in the oven or panini press for a melty and delicious finish.
Ingredients
Steak and Onions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 large Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
- 3 lbs strip loin steak
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 16 oz provolone cheese
- 1 French baguette
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a rich golden brown, about 25 to 40 minutes. Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Steaks: Preheat an outdoor or indoor grill to medium-high heat. Sear one side of the strip loin steaks, then let cook until about two-thirds done to your preferred doneness. Flip and sear the other side, allowing the steak to finish cooking. Alternatively, cook in a skillet on the stovetop with a few pats of butter for extra flavor.
- Rest and Slice the Steak: Remove the steaks from heat, season with salt and pepper, and let rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes to redistribute juices. Once rested, slice the steak very thinly.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French baguette in half lengthwise. Place it on a cookie sheet if making the whole sandwich at once, or cut into smaller pieces if using a panini press.
- Assemble the Sandwich: On the bottom half of the baguette, layer a row of provolone cheese, then add the thinly sliced steak. Spoon barbecue sauce evenly over the steak, top with the caramelized onions, and finish with another layer of provolone cheese.
- Melt the Cheese (Oven Method): If using the oven, secure the cheese layer with toothpicks to keep it in place. Do not put the top half of the bread on yet; place it nearby cut side up. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts. Remove toothpicks and then add the top half of the baguette. Slice and serve immediately.
- Melt the Cheese (Panini Press Method): If using a panini press with smaller sandwich pieces, stack ingredients as above but place the top bread piece on before grilling. Press each sandwich piece in the panini or on a skillet until the cheese melts perfectly. Serve immediately.
- Serve: Enjoy your steak sandwiches hot with a big smile and relish every bite!
Notes
- Caramelizing onions takes patience for perfect sweetness; avoid rushing with high heat.
- Resting the steak ensures juiciness and easier slicing.
- Using butter when cooking steak adds richness and prevents sticking.
- Toothpicks help keep cheese from sliding off during oven melting.
- Adjust barbecue sauce quantity to taste based on preferred flavor intensity.
- You can substitute the strip loin steak with ribeye or sirloin for variation.
- For a crispy baguette crust, toast the bread lightly before assembling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
