If you are craving a sandwich that feels gourmet yet is incredibly simple to make, then this Herb Butter Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Havarti Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Combining tender, juicy ribeye steak with sweet, golden caramelized onions and creamy, mild Havarti cheese, all nestled inside a crispy baguette slathered with fragrant herb butter, this sandwich hits all the right notes. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that feels so indulgent, you’ll want to make it for everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. The ingredients are straightforward but each adds its own special touch that elevates this sandwich beyond your typical lunch.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter acts as the base for the herb butter, adding richness and moisture to the sandwich.
- Fresh dill: Adds a bright, aromatic herbaceous note that lightens the richness of the steak and butter.
- Garlic cloves: Crushed garlic infuses the herb butter with savory depth and slight pungency.
- Oil: A splash of oil is essential for searing the steak to a perfect caramelized crust.
- Ribeye steak: Thinly sliced ribeye delivers juicy, tender, flavorful beef that’s the heart of the sandwich.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the natural flavors throughout the sandwich.
- Yellow onion: Slowly sautéed until caramelized, it brings natural sweetness and a sticky, luscious texture.
- Havarti cheese: Melts beautifully, offering creamy, buttery notes that complement the savory steak perfectly.
- Baguette: A sturdy, crusty baguette holds everything together, offering crunch and chew in every bite.
How to Make Herb Butter Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Havarti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter
Start by combining softened unsalted butter with crushed garlic and freshly diced dill in a small bowl. Mixing these ingredients creates a fragrant herb butter that will be spread generously on the baguette, infusing each bite with rich, garlicky herb goodness.
Step 2: Thinly Slice the Ribeye Steak
For perfectly thin slices of ribeye, place the steak in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to slightly firm it up. This technique makes cutting easier and results in tender slices that cook quickly without drying out.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the ribeye slices, season with salt, and cook quickly until a deep golden brown crust forms. This quick sear locks in the steak’s juices and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Caramelize the Onions
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced yellow onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until the onions turn golden brown and sweet. These caramelized onions add that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that perfectly offsets the savory steak.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Slice the baguette lengthwise and spread the herb butter evenly on both halves while it’s still warm, allowing the butter to soak in. Layer the steak slices over the butter, then add a generous amount of caramelized onions on top. Finally, place slices of Havarti cheese over everything to prepare it for melting.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese and Serve
Place the sandwich halves on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for about 2 minutes or until the Havarti cheese is bubbling and perfectly melted. Slice the sandwich into portions and serve immediately for a warm, flavorful experience.
How to Serve Herb Butter Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Havarti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh dill or some cracked black pepper on top of your sandwich can add an extra touch of freshness and a bit of spice that complements the buttery steak and rich onions beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this sandwich with crispy oven fries, a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, or even a side of tangy pickles to balance the richness and add some crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut individual slider-sized portions and secure each with a decorative toothpick or small skewer. This makes for great party finger food or a delightful plated lunch presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sandwich components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep the caramelized onions refrigerated for up to 3 days, and the steak slices for 1 to 2 days. Assemble and heat the sandwich fresh for the best experience.
Freezing
While the assembled sandwich does not freeze well because of the bread texture, you can freeze cooked steak slices and caramelized onions separately. Wrap them tightly in freezer-safe bags and use within 1 month for optimum quality.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steak and onions gently in a pan over low heat, then reassemble the sandwich, and broil briefly to melt the cheese again. This helps retain the texture and flavor without making the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Havarti melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can substitute it with provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella if you prefer a different taste or texture.
What cut of steak works best?
Ribeye is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness, but you could also use sirloin or flank steak—just remember to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
How can I speed up caramelizing onions?
If you’re short on time, add a pinch of sugar and a splash of water or balsamic vinegar to the onions to help them brown faster, but slow cooking really develops the best flavor.
Is it necessary to freeze the steak before slicing?
It’s a helpful tip to firm up the meat for thinner, cleaner slices, but if you’re comfortable slicing thinly without freezing, you can skip this step.
Can I prepare this sandwich vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or seared halloumi, paired with the caramelized onions and Havarti for a delicious alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Herb Butter Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Havarti Recipe is hands-down one of those dishes that feels special but is incredibly satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a casual get-together. Trust me, once you try making this at home, it will quickly become your go-to sandwich that you’ll want to share over and over again!
Print
Herb Butter Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Havarti Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This hearty and flavorful steak sandwich features thinly sliced ribeye steak cooked to perfection, caramelized onions, melted Havarti cheese, and a fragrant herb garlic butter spread on a crusty baguette. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines savory richness with tender textures for a satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Herb Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, diced
Steak and Toppings
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half rings
- 4 slices Havarti cheese
Bread
- 1 baguette, sliced lengthwise
Instructions
- Prepare Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, crushed garlic, and diced fresh dill. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Slice the Steak: Thinly slice the ribeye steak for quick cooking. To make slicing easier, place the steak in the freezer for 10-15 minutes beforehand.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over high heat until hot. Add the steak slices, season with salt, and cook until they turn golden brown and develop a nice sear. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions. Sauté them slowly for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown. Remove from heat once done.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the prepared herb garlic butter evenly on both halves of the sliced baguette. Layer the cooked steak slices on one half, followed by the caramelized onions, and top with slices of Havarti cheese.
- Broil to Melt Cheese: Place the assembled sandwich on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese melts and slightly bubbles.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into portions, and serve the sandwich immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- Freezing the ribeye slightly before slicing helps achieve thinner, even slices for quicker and more even cooking.
- Adjust salt quantity based on your taste preference and dietary needs.
- Use a good quality baguette with a crusty exterior for the best texture contrast with the tender steak and melty cheese.
- Broiling time may vary depending on your oven, keep a close eye to prevent burning the cheese.
- This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh to keep the bread crisp and cheese melty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop and Broiling
- Cuisine: American
