The Best Combination, French Onion Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I love onion soup. I'm sitting here trying to remember when I first fell in love with this soup but I can't. Maybe it started as a kid making hamburgers. I know this sounds odd but its true. I learned how to make hamburgers using onion soup mix for seasoning. It was so delicious, I can still remember that day now. Me, eating my first onion burger with a mixture of grease and ketchup running down my chin, loving every bite. Buts that's another story. Today we're here for onion soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

One of the best parts about french onion soup is the crouton and cheesy top. I have seen this as a simple sprinkle of cheese before service to a hearty chunk of crusty bread with a near impenetrable layer of browned and melted cheese. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. At home I like to make a grilled cheese sandwich, and then ladle my onion soup on top. The rich soup seeps into every morsel of sandwich and the cheese is more manageable. I always hate when the melted cheese comes off in one giant gob.

It is very simple to make a good onion soup from scratch. You only need a few ingredients. Onions, of course, olive oil, tomato paste, thyme and beef broth. I would not be surprised to find these items in most homes. The steps for making the soup are as simple. First you must clean and slice your onions. I use two for myself, and three if someone's joining me. Then, in a hot skillet, brown the onions well but don't burn them. Burn't onion will give the soup a bitter flavor. Once the onions are browned transfer to a pot of suitable size. I use a 2 qt sauce pot. Continue to heat and fully caramelize the onions. The darker they get the richer the flavor in your soup. At this point I add a tablespoon of tomato paste and allow it to caramelize with the onion. Next I add 3 cups of broth if it's just me or 4 for two. All that's left is a pinch of thyme and 30-40 minutes of simmering.

I'm not too particular about grilled cheese. What I mean is, I don't care what kind of cheese or bread, I love them all. I think grilled cheese is the king of sandwiches. I usually keep Muenster cheese at home because I like it best on sandwiches,and it melts really nice without oozing out the sides of the sandwich. I also usually add a little something extra to each one. Today, to go with onion soup, I'm making it my grilled cheese with bacon and tomato-my favorite! I first had that combo when I was in Jamaica and it will always remind me of that trip. I always fry my bacon crisp, and then use the same pan to grill the sandwich for added flavor.

Now serving soup and sandwich

OK, grilled cheese is done and looking good all by itself. Soup is ready, check! It's time to put it all in a bowl. I always cut the sandwich for presentation, even when it's just me. Then I ladle the soup over the sandwich, making sure the onions are right in the middle. Then I dig in! Bon Apetit!