Name: French Onion Steak Skewers with Caramelized Onions and Cheese Crust Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lbs Top Sirloin, sliced thinly; 20 Swiss Cheese Slices; 1 cup Salt, Pepper, Garlic (SPG) Rub; 2 tbsp Minced Garlic; 2 tbsp Chopped Parsley; 2 medium White Onions, thinly sliced; 2 oz Pendleton Bourbon; Salt & Pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp Canola Oil; 2 tbsp Finely Chopped Fried Onions; 2 tbsp Parmesan, grated; 1.5 tbsp Melted Butter

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 59 reviews

If you’ve been craving a spectacular dish that combines the rich, soulful flavors of French onion soup with the smoky goodness of grilled steak, then you are in for a treat with this French Onion Steak Skewers with Caramelized Onions and Cheese Crust Recipe. Picture tender sirloin, thinly sliced and layered with silky Swiss cheese and irresistibly sweet caramelized onions, all kissed by the warmth of Pendleton Bourbon. Topped with a golden cheese crust, these skewers bring together the ultimate flavor party that’s perfect for anything from a cozy dinner to an impressive weekend cookout.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The images show a tray lined with shiny silver foil on a wooden table. On the tray, there are square-shaped layers of raw red meat with thin white layers in between, arranged in rows. One image shows a man’s arm with black gloves holding a knife, slicing the layered meat into smaller pieces. The other image shows the man’s hands, one with a black glove and the other without, holding several pieces of the sliced layered meat threaded onto a metal skewer, showing the layers clearly from top to bottom. The background has an outdoor setting with blurred green grass and a wooden surface visible behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from the juicy sirloin that ensures tender bites to the caramelized onions that build an incredible depth of flavor. The combination of cheese layers and the final cheese crust adds creaminess and a delightful crispy finish that perfectly balances each skewer.

4 lbs Top Sirloin sliced thinly: The star protein, chosen for its tenderness and rich beef flavor, perfect for grilling.
20 Swiss Cheese Slices: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, creamy layer that binds flavors.
1 cup Salt, Pepper, Garlic Rub: A simple seasoning blend that enhances the meat’s natural taste.
2 tbsp Minced Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic freshness to the onions and meat layers.
2 tbsp Chopped Parsley: Freshness and a pop of green color to brighten the dish.
2 medium White Onions thinly sliced: The key to caramelized sweetness, these onions transform the entire recipe.
2 oz Pendleton Bourbon: Adds complexity and a slight smoky sweetness when deglazing the onions.
Salt & Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the onions and finishing touches.
2 tbsp Canola Oil: Helps caramelize the onions evenly without burning.
2 tbsp Finely Chopped Fried Onions: Adds a crispy crunch for the cheese crust topping.
2 tbsp Parmesan grated: Provides a sharp, salty bite to form a delightful cheese crust.
1.5 tbsp Melted Butter: Binds the cheese crust ingredients and adds richness.

How to Make French Onion Steak Skewers with Caramelized Onions and Cheese Crust Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by setting your grill to medium-high heat, about 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and place a cast iron skillet on the grill to warm up. Add canola oil, then your thinly sliced white onions. Season with salt and pepper, and cook gently over medium heat, stirring often. This slow process takes about 45 to 60 minutes, but it’s the magic that brings out their luscious caramelized sweetness. When the onions develop a rich dark brown color and are soft, stir in minced garlic, letting it cook for a couple more minutes. Finally, deglaze the skillet with Pendleton Bourbon—this step infuses a deep, smoky warmth and helps capture all those browned bits into the onions. Let the liquid simmer to almost evaporate, then set the onions aside and keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak Layers

Slice your top sirloin thinly and pound it down to about ⅛ of an inch thick for easy layering. Lay out a long base layer of steak approximately 2.5 feet by 1 foot. Next, cover this with Swiss cheese slices that will melt beautifully between layers. Add a generous layer of your caramelized onions along with minced garlic and freshly chopped parsley for that vibrant flavor lift. Top that with more Swiss cheese slices and then a final steak layer. Use a mallet again to gently pound through the layers to ensure everything melds into one delicious slab.

Step 3: Freeze and Slice

Wrap your layered meat mixture tightly in foil and place it on a tray in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or ideally up to 4 hours. This firmer layering will make slicing into neat, uniform cubes much easier. Once partially frozen, cut the layered steak into 2 by 2 inch cubes, getting ready for skewering.

Step 4: Skewer and Season

Thread the cubed layers onto small skewers. Sprinkle the outside with your salt, pepper, and garlic rub for an extra seasoning boost. Preheat your fire to medium heat (around 325 degrees Fahrenheit) and place the skewers on the grill grates. Grill slowly—about 8 to 10 minutes per side—making sure the cheese inside melts perfectly and the steak cooks to about 165 degrees internally. Remove from heat and let them rest briefly to lock in all the juices.

Step 5: Add Cheese Crust and Finish

To create the irresistible topping, mix finely chopped fried onions, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Spread this cheese crust mixture generously over the grilled skewers, then use a torch or broiler to brulee it until golden and crispy. This final touch adds a mouthwatering texture and flavor that truly completes your French Onion Steak Skewers with Caramelized Onions and Cheese Crust Recipe experience.

How to Serve French Onion Steak Skewers with Caramelized Onions and Cheese Crust Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side views of three metal skewers on a black grill over glowing charcoal with a green grass background. On the left, the skewers hold raw, cubed meat with seasoning and white onion slices in between, giving a mix of deep red and white colors with black pepper flakes on top. On the right, the same skewers display the meat cooked to a brown color with a light char, with the white onion pieces now translucent and caramelized, all still threaded closely on the skewers. The grill bars and glowing charcoal underneath show hints of orange and grey, creating a clear before-and-after cooking contrast. The scene takes place outdoors over a metal grill with grass in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the top immediately brightens these rich skewers, adding a peppery freshness and lovely color contrast. For a bit of indulgence, a light drizzle of garlic-infused butter over the skewers right before serving takes the flavor to another level. Consider adding thinly sliced green onions for an extra crisp bite.

Side Dishes

These skewers are hearty on their own but pair beautifully with simple, fresh sides. A crisp mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness. Roasted baby potatoes or a soft garlic mashed potato serve as comforting companions that soak up those luscious juices. Grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers also add a smoky contrast that complements the meat’s char.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, arrange the skewers on a long wooden board layered with fresh herbs and slices of toasted baguette. Serve alongside small ramekins of whole grain mustard or horseradish cream for dipping. If you want to get festive, try stacking your skewers in a pyramid shape and garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens, making it perfect for special occasions or a fun family dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftover French Onion Steak Skewers with Caramelized Onions and Cheese Crust Recipe can be wrapped tightly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed well is important to preserve the freshness and avoid the cheese drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save portions for later, wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to one month. Just remember that freezing might slightly affect the texture of the caramelized onions but the flavor remains fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat the skewers gently in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can finish with a quick broil to crisp up the cheese crust again. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the cheese rubbery and the steak tough.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While top sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or flank steak. Just be mindful to slice them thinly and pound evenly to ensure tenderness and proper layering.

What if I don’t have Pendleton Bourbon? Can I substitute?

Yes, you can substitute with a good-quality bourbon or even a robust whiskey you have on hand. The key is to use a spirit with some sweetness and depth to deglaze and flavor the onions.

How long does it take to caramelize onions properly?

Caramelizing onions is a slow process that generally takes between 45 to 60 minutes over medium heat. Rushing it can result in burnt or underdeveloped flavors, so patience here yields amazing sweetness and richness.

Is it necessary to freeze the meat before slicing and skewering?

Freezing the layered steak mixture firms it up, making slicing into perfect cubes much easier and keeping the layers intact. If you skip freezing, the layers may fall apart when cutting or threading onto skewers.

Can I make these skewers indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Yes! You can cook the skewers in a cast iron skillet or under the broiler in your oven. Just watch carefully to avoid overcooking and ensure the cheese melts nicely inside the skewers.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the combination of juicy steak, sweet caramelized onions, and rich melted cheese all wrapped up in this French Onion Steak Skewers with Caramelized Onions and Cheese Crust Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to a decadent meal, these skewers bring an inviting, cozy warmth that’s hard to beat. I can’t wait for you to try them—you’re going to fall in love with every flavorful bite!

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