Ciabatta Onion Beef Bombs
There’s something so satisfying about a hearty sandwich, and these Ciabatta Onion Beef Bombs are no exception. Inspired by a sandwich my husband and I love at a local restaurant, I just had to recreate it at home and share it with you!
Tender roast beef, creamy Swiss cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy garlic aioli all nestled between a crusty ciabatta roll. Every bite is packed with incredible flavor and texture. Let’s break down what makes these sandwiches so irresistible. Served on a crusty ciabatta roll, with the perfect roast beef, Swiss cheese, caramelized onion, and garlic aioli.
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Try this Garlic Aioli Beef Pizza! All these wonderful ingredients served on a pizza crust!
What You’ll Need
The Ciabatta Roll: A Crusty Foundation
Every great sandwich starts with fantastic bread. Ciabatta rolls are perfect for this recipe with their crisp exterior and soft, airy interior. They hold up beautifully to the hearty filling. If you don’t have ciabatta, any crusty roll will work just as well.
The Roast Beef: Tender and Flavorful
Roast beef is the star of this sandwich. Thinly sliced or shredded roast beef works best. For an elevated twist, grilled beef tenderloin cooked medium-rare is a game-changer. The juicy, savory meat creates the perfect foundation for all the other flavors.
Swiss Cheese: Creamy and Nutty
Swiss cheese is the ideal choice for this sandwich. Its nutty, buttery flavor complements the roast beef wonderfully. When warmed, it becomes delightfully gooey, enveloping the sandwich in creamy goodness.
Caramelized Onions: Sweet and Savory
Caramelized onions add a touch of magic with their sweet, rich flavor. Cooking them slowly until golden brown brings out their natural sweetness, which balances the savory elements of the sandwich beautifully.
Garlic Aioli: Creamy and Tangy
Garlic aioli is the secret ingredient that ties everything together. Made from garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a touch of seasoning, it’s creamy, tangy, and full of flavor. It adds a zesty kick to every bite.
Roasting Garlic for Extra Flavor
If you want to elevate the flavor of your garlic aioli, consider using roasted garlic instead of minced garlic. Roasted garlic has a mellow, caramelized flavor that adds a rich depth to the aioli. To roast garlic, simply slice off the top of a whole garlic bulb, drizzle it with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic out of the cloves and mash it into a smooth paste. Use this in place of minced garlic in the aioli for a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor. Of course, if you’re in a hurry, minced garlic works perfectly too!
This tip will bring an extra layer of deliciousness to your Ciabatta Onion Beef Bombs, and it’s an easy way to impress your family or guests with a gourmet touch.
How to Make Ciabatta Onion Beef Bombs
- Prep the Garlic Aioli: Start by making the garlic aioli. Mix mayonnaise, roasted garlic or minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it chill in the fridge while you prepare the rest.
- Caramelize the Onions: Slice your onions thinly and cook them over low heat in olive oil or butter. Stir occasionally until they’re golden and soft. This takes about 20-30 minutes, but the result is so worth it.
- Toast the Ciabatta Rolls: Slice the ciabatta rolls in half and brush each cut side with butter or olive oil. Toast them on a hot skillet or griddle until golden and crispy.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous tablespoon of garlic aioli on each half of the toasted rolls. Layer on the roast beef, Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions.
- Warm It Up: If you want a warm, melty sandwich, wrap it in foil and heat it in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
Make It Your Own
These Ciabatta Onion Beef Bombs are incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on them. Here are some fun ideas to try:
- Cheese Swap: Substitute the Swiss cheese with provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
- Bread Options: Use a crusty baguette, pretzel bun, or even sourdough slices if you don’t have ciabatta rolls on hand.
- Extra Toppings: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or a handful of fresh arugulas for extra flavor.
- Spice It Up: Mix a little sriracha or chipotle powder into the garlic aioli for a spicy kick.
- Herb Boost: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary into the caramelized onions for an aromatic twist.
- Lighter Version: Use whole-grain rolls and replace the aioli with a lighter yogurt-based spread for a healthier option.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a small bowl of au jus or beef broth for dipping, similar to a French dip sandwich.
- Vegan Option: Replace the roast beef with marinated portobello mushrooms, use a dairy-free cheese, and whip up a vegan garlic aioli.
The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting with your favorite flavors!
Why You’ll Love These Beef Bombs
This sandwich is more than just food—it’s an experience. The combination of flavors and textures is absolutely mouthwatering. The crusty bread pairs perfectly with the juicy beef, melty cheese, and sweet-savory onions, all tied together with a creamy, garlicky aioli. You’ll find yourself making these again and again!
Apparel for the foodies & grillers
Homemade Noodles with Beef & Potatoes
Ciabbata Onion Beef Bombs
Ingredients
- 4 ciabatta rolls or any crusty roll
- 2 cups cooked roast beef shredded or thinly sliced. Or 4 filet mignon steaks grilled.
- 4 slices swiss cheese or 1 cup shredded swiss
- 1 medium onion
Garlic Aioli Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 head garlic finely minced or roasted* see note
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice preferably fresh squeezed
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 ℉.
- In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic minced or roasted, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Slice onion into thin strips. Drizzle a skillet with a little olive oil and fry onions until they are lightly browned and caramelized.
- Split ciabatta rolls in 1/2 and butter or drizzle with with olive oil. Place rolls cut side down onto hot griddle or skillet and toast buns until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Spread a good Tbsp. of garlic aiola on each 1/2 of ciabatta roll. Pile 1/2 cup roast beef onto bottom 1/2 of each roll and top with swiss cheese.
- Place all 4 bottoms piled with meat and cheese onto a baking sheet and bake in oven until beef is hot and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and top with carmelized onions and sprinkle with chopped fresh chives.