This classic French Dip Sandwich recipe delivers the perfect combination of savory roast beef and melty provolone cheese, all nestled inside a crispy, toasted hoagie roll. The warm au jus, served on the side, enhances the flavors and offers a delightful dipping experience that makes each bite even more satisfying.
Ideal for a quick and hearty meal, these sandwiches are sure to please the entire family. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a delicious lunch option, the Easy French Dip Sandwiches bring a touch of gourmet flair to a simple and satisfying dish. Enjoy the balance of textures and flavors, and feel free to customize with your favorite cheese or add a side of your preferred veggies to make it even more delightful.
Full Recipe:
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef consomme
- 1 cup water
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine the beef consomme and water; bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the roast beef slices to the saucepan and heat through, about 3-5 minutes.
- While the beef is warming, place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and lightly toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to crisp.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and place a slice of provolone cheese on each roll. Return to the oven for another 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Using tongs, distribute the warm beef slices evenly among the rolls.
- Serve the sandwiches with small bowls of the leftover au jus from the saucepan for dipping.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
History and Origin of the French Dip Sandwich
The French Dip Sandwich, also known as a Beef Dip, is an American invention with a touch of French influence. The sandwich originated in Los Angeles, California, in the early 20th century. While two restaurants—Philippe the Original and Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet—claim to have created the French Dip, both agree on the basic elements: thinly sliced roast beef, placed on a French roll, and served with a side of hot au jus (which means “with juice” in French). The au jus is made from the beef’s natural drippings, creating a flavorful dipping sauce that elevates the sandwich to a mouthwatering experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy French Dip Sandwich recipe is perfect for those who want a quick yet hearty meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The combination of tender roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and a crusty hoagie roll creates a satisfying bite every time. What sets this sandwich apart is the au jus dipping sauce, which adds a rich, savory depth to each mouthful. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or feeding a crowd, these sandwiches are a surefire hit.
Customization Options
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can customize your French Dip Sandwich:
- Cheese Options: While provolone is a classic choice, you can switch it up with Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Bread Choices: If hoagie rolls aren’t available, you can use French baguettes, ciabatta, or any sturdy roll that can hold up to the juicy beef and dipping sauce.
- Add-Ons: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or a spread of horseradish sauce. These additions can enhance the overall taste and make the sandwich even more indulgent.
- Leftover Friendly: This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover roast beef or pot roast. Simply slice the meat thin and reheat it in the au jus.
Pairing Suggestions
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Crispy French Fries: The classic accompaniment to a French Dip Sandwich, offering a satisfying crunch to complement the tender beef.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a slightly healthier twist, serve your sandwiches with sweet potato fries. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the savory flavors of the sandwich.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich, adding a bit of crunch and acidity to the meal.
- Green Salad: For a lighter option, pair the sandwich with a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette.
Tips for the Perfect French Dip Sandwich
- Use Quality Beef: The quality of the roast beef will significantly impact the flavor of your sandwich. Opt for high-quality, thinly sliced deli roast beef for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Toasting: Toasting the hoagie rolls before adding the beef and cheese ensures that they hold up better when dipped in the au jus, preventing them from becoming too soggy.
- Serve Immediately: These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still melty and the beef is warm.
Nutritional Information
While indulgent, it’s good to know what’s in your meal. This recipe provides approximately 540 calories per serving, making it a hearty option that can easily serve as a main meal. It’s also rich in protein, thanks to the beef and cheese, making it satisfying and filling.
French Dip Sandwich: A Crowd-Pleaser
The Easy French Dip Sandwich is a fantastic choice for gatherings and casual get-togethers. Its simplicity in preparation allows you to serve a gourmet-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You can even set up a sandwich station where guests can assemble their own sandwiches, customizing the cheese and adding extras like caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms. This interactive dining experience is always a hit, especially when served with a hot bowl of au jus for dipping.
Making the French Dip Sandwich Ahead of Time
If you’re short on time, you can prepare parts of this sandwich ahead. For instance, you can make the au jus a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the au jus and proceed with warming the beef slices. You can also pre-toast the hoagie rolls and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches. This way, you can have a delicious, warm meal on the table in under 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions Beyond the Classic Sandwich
While the traditional French Dip Sandwich is served with just the au jus, there are many ways you can elevate this dish:
- French Dip Sliders: Use small rolls to create bite-sized sliders, perfect for parties or as an appetizer. Serve with mini bowls of au jus for dipping.
- French Dip Panini: For a different texture, press the sandwich in a panini maker after assembling. The result is a crispy, melty sandwich with a warm, tender center.
- French Dip with Cheese Fondue: Instead of provolone slices, dip the sandwich in a hot cheese fondue for a rich and decadent twist.
- French Dip with Horseradish Cream: Add a dollop of horseradish cream sauce on top of the beef before adding the cheese for a spicy kick that complements the savory beef.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the components separately to maintain the sandwich’s integrity. Keep the beef and au jus in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the au jus and beef in a saucepan over low heat until warm. Re-toast the bread in the oven and assemble the sandwich as usual. This method ensures that your sandwich tastes just as delicious the next day.
Conclusion
The Easy French Dip Sandwich is a timeless recipe that combines simplicity with rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe offers a straightforward approach to creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love. The tender roast beef, melted cheese, and savory au jus come together in a way that’s both indulgent and approachable, making it perfect for any occasion—from a quick weeknight dinner to a gathering with friends and family.
What truly sets this dish apart is its versatility. With a few simple tweaks, you can customize it to suit your preferences, whether you’re swapping out the cheese, experimenting with different bread, or adding your favorite toppings. The ability to prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time also makes it a convenient option for those busy days when you still want to serve something homemade and delicious.
In the end, the Easy French Dip Sandwich is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Each bite, dipped in the rich au jus, delivers a burst of flavor that’s sure to satisfy. So whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress with a classic, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!