There is something undeniably comforting and indulgent about a perfectly made Steak Sandwich that makes it an absolute favorite for any meal of the day. Imagine tender, juicy strips of sizzling steak layered generously with sweet caramelized onions and creamy Havarti cheese, all nestled inside a crisp baguette slathered with a fragrant herb butter. This Steak Sandwich is not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor and texture, making it the kind of dish you’ll want to share with friends or keep all to yourself as a delicious treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Steak Sandwich are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a vital role that elevates the dish. Fresh herbs, juicy steak, melting cheese, and crusty baguette work harmoniously to create layers of flavor and texture that delight every bite.

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is the perfect base for mixing in herbs and garlic, giving the sandwich a rich and creamy finish.
Fresh Dill: This fresh herb adds a bright, slightly tangy note that cuts through the richness of the steak and cheese.
Garlic Cloves: Crushed garlic adds a punch of savory depth to the herb butter spread, infusing the bread with mouthwatering aroma.
Oil: A little oil is essential for searing the steak and sautéing the onions, ensuring that beautiful golden crust and caramelization.
Steak: The star of the sandwich — tender and full of meaty flavor, sliced thin for quick cooking and easy layering.
Salt: Enhances all flavors and seasons the steak perfectly; adjust to your taste.
Yellow Onion: When sliced and sautéed until golden brown, it adds sweet, caramelized goodness that complements the beef.
Havarti Cheese: With its mild, buttery flavor, it melts beautifully over the steak and onions for a creamy finish.
Baguette: A crusty baguette with a soft interior holds all the fillings snugly while adding a delightful crunch.

How to Make Steak Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter Spread

Start by combining the softened unsalted butter with freshly crushed garlic and finely diced dill. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture has a smooth, spreadable consistency. Setting this aside will let the flavors meld beautifully while you prepare the rest of the sandwich.

Step 2: Slice the Steak Thinly

For that perfect steak layering, it’s best to slice your steak into thin strips. A handy tip here is to freeze the steak for a few minutes beforehand; this firms up the meat slightly and makes slicing much easier and more precise.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Heat a skillet over high heat and add a splash of oil. Toss in the steak strips, seasoning generously with salt. Let them cook without moving too much until you see a golden crust forming, then flip to sear the other side. Once cooked to your liking, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside—these juices will flavor the whole sandwich!

Step 4: Sauté the Onions

Using the same skillet, add your sliced yellow onions. Sauté them until they become golden brown and sweetly caramelized. This step adds a lovely sweetness and softness that perfectly complements the tender steak.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

Slice the baguette lengthwise and spread a generous amount of the prepared herb butter on both sides. Then layer on the steak strips, followed by the caramelized onions. Top it with slices of creamy Havarti cheese. Keep the sandwich open-faced for the next step to let that cheese melt beautifully.

Step 6: Broil the Sandwich

Place the open steak sandwich under a broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the Havarti cheese is bubbly and melted perfectly. Watch it carefully here—the goal is a molten, gooey topping without burning the bread.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once out of the broiler, serve the Steak Sandwich right away while it’s still warm and oozing cheesy goodness. This is when all the layers come together in perfect harmony.

How to Serve Steak Sandwich

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh dill or a few leaves of crisp arugula on top add a fresh, peppery brightness to counterbalance the richness of the sandwich. You could also add a drizzle of horseradish sauce or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to bring a tangy kick that wakes up every bite.

Side Dishes

This Steak Sandwich pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some crunchy kettle-cooked chips for satisfying texture contrast. A side of pickles or a tangy coleslaw also works wonderfully to balance out the richness of the steak and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Steak Sandwich open-faced with a small garnish of microgreens and a delicate drizzle of balsamic reduction around the plate for added flavor flair. Or, wrap it tightly and slice into smaller portions for a fantastic appetizer at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, although the sandwich tastes best fresh.

Freezing

Freezing a Steak Sandwich isn’t recommended because the bread will lose its desirable crunch and become soggy upon thawing. For best results, prepare the steak and onions ahead of time separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the sandwich and place it in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the bread crisp while warming the ingredients evenly. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread chewy and the cheese unevenly melted.

FAQs

What cut of steak is best for a Steak Sandwich?

Thinly sliced ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak work beautifully due to their tenderness and flavor. Choose a cut that cooks quickly and stays juicy when sliced thinly.

Can I make this sandwich with other cheeses?

Absolutely! While Havarti melts beautifully, other semi-soft cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or fontina can also be excellent substitutes depending on your flavor preferences.

Is it possible to prepare the steak and onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the steak and caramelize the onions in advance and refrigerate them. Reheat gently before assembling for a quicker final prep.

What bread works best besides a baguette?

A sturdy ciabatta roll, sourdough loaf, or even a hearty kaiser roll would hold up well to the juicy fillings and be delicious alternatives.

How can I add extra flavor to my Steak Sandwich?

Try adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or a smear of horseradish sauce or garlic aioli for an added punch that elevates the overall taste.

Final Thoughts

This Steak Sandwich is a true celebration of bold flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for any time you crave something hearty and delicious. Whether you whip it up for a cozy dinner or a weekend lunch with friends, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites. Go ahead and make one today—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Steak Sandwich Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Isabella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty Steak Sandwich features tender, thinly sliced steak cooked to perfection, layered with caramelized onions and melted Havarti cheese on a buttered baguette. The herb butter, infused with garlic and fresh dill, adds a fragrant and rich flavor to every bite. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner, this sandwich is quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Herb Butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 tbsp fresh dill (diced)
3 garlic cloves (crushed)

Steak and Other Ingredients

1 tbsp oil
1 lb steak
1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 large yellow onion
4 slices Havarti cheese
1 baguette

Instructions

Prepare Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with crushed garlic and diced dill. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly blended into a smooth herb butter. Set this aside for later use.
Slice the Steak: Place the steak in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm it up, then slice it into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Cook the Steak: Heat a skillet over high heat with 1 tbsp of oil. Add the sliced steak, season generously with salt, and cook until the beef turns a golden brown but remains juicy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Onions: Slice the onion into half rings. Using the same skillet, sauté the onions over medium heat until they are golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the baguette lengthwise and spread the prepared herb butter evenly on both cut sides. Layer the cooked steak strips evenly over the bottom baguette, followed by the caramelized onions and then place the Havarti cheese slices on top.
Broil the Sandwich: Keep the sandwich open-faced and place it under a broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the Havarti cheese becomes bubbly and fully melted.
Serve: Remove from the broiler and serve the sandwich immediately while warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

Freezing the steak slightly before slicing helps achieve thin, uniform slices.
Adjust salt according to your taste preference.
You can substitute Havarti cheese with other meltable cheeses like provolone or mozzarella if desired.
For added heat, add a smear of spicy mustard or a few slices of jalapeño before broiling.
Use a sturdy baguette to hold the sandwich fillings without getting soggy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Broiling, Sautéing
Cuisine: American