Description
French Onion Steak Pinwheels are a deliciously savory main course featuring thinly pounded flank steak rolled with caramelized onions, garlic, balsamic vinegar, fresh thyme, and melted Gruyère cheese. These pinwheels are roasted to perfection in the oven, making for an elegant yet easy-to-prepare meal perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Roll Filling
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steak
- 1½ lbs flank steak, butterflied and pounded thin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kitchen twine for tying
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply golden and caramelized.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and thyme leaves. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Steak: Lay the butterflied and pounded flank steak flat on a cutting board. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Pinwheels: Spread the cooled caramelized onion mixture evenly over the surface of the steak. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese on top. Starting from one long edge, roll the steak tightly into a log shape.
- Secure the Roll: Tie the rolled steak with kitchen twine at 2-inch intervals to hold its shape during cooking. Chill the rolled steak in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Slice and Roast: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the chilled steak roll into 1½- to 2-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an oven-safe skillet.
- Cook the Pinwheels: Roast in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes for medium doneness. Adjust the roasting time if you prefer the steak more or less cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and cheese to set.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor and texture, sear each pinwheel in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side before transferring to the oven for roasting.
- These steak pinwheels pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal vegetables.
- To save active cooking time, caramelize the onions ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to use.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
