The world of sandwiches is a diverse and delicious one, offering something for everyone’s taste. But if there’s one sandwich that stands out for its rich, savory, and satisfying flavors, it’s the French Dip. This classic sandwich is a favorite in diners and delis, known for its tender roast beef, crusty bread, and a dipping sauce that takes it to another level. In this article, we’ll explore seven French Dip recipes that are bound to make your taste buds tingle with delight.
The French Dip sandwich, also known simply as a “French Dip,” is a cherished classic in the world of sandwiches. What sets it apart is the delectable combination of thinly sliced roast beef served on a French roll or baguette, often with cheese and caramelized onions, and, of course, the star of the show – the au jus sauce for dipping.
The history of the French Dip sandwich is a bit hazy, with a couple of restaurants in Los Angeles, Philippe the Original and Cole’s, both claiming to be its birthplace in the early 20th century. Regardless of its origins, the French Dip has become a beloved sandwich far beyond its birthplace.
Classic French Dip
Ingredients
Thinly sliced roast beef
French rolls or baguettes
Provolone cheese (optional)
Caramelized onions (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Au jus sauce
Directions
Start by roasting the beef. Season the beef with salt and pepper and roast it until it’s cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
Slice the French rolls or baguettes and add roast beef slices.
You can also add provolone cheese for an extra layer of flavor, and caramelized onions for sweetness and depth.
Serve the sandwiches with a side of hot au jus sauce for dipping.
Instructions
Prepare the Au Jus:In a saucepan, combine the beef broth, red wine (if using), garlic, and dried thyme.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Once the au jus is ready, set it aside.
Make the Garlic Butter:In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
Remove from heat and set the garlic butter aside.
Prepare the Sandwiches:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the French rolls or baguettes in half horizontally.
Brush the inside of each roll with the garlic butter.
Toast the rolls in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until they become lightly golden.
Assemble the French Dip Sandwiches:Place the thinly sliced roast beef on the bottom half of each roll.
Top the roast beef with Swiss cheese slices.
Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
Serve with Au Jus:Pour the warm au jus into individual serving cups or bowls.
Serve the sandwiches alongside the au jus for dipping.
Enjoy Your Classic French Dip Sandwich:Your classic French Dip sandwiches are now ready to be savored. Dip each bite into the flavorful au jus for the perfect balance of tender roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and the savory dipping sauce.
Optional: Sautéed Onions and Mushrooms:If you want to add extra flavor and texture to your French Dip, consider sautéing some onions and mushrooms in a separate pan with a bit of butter until they become caramelized and tender. Then, add them to your sandwich for an added twist.
Slow Cooker French Dip
Ingredients
Beef roast
1 onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
French rolls or baguettes
Provolone cheese (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Au jus sauce
Directions
Place the beef roast in a slow cooker and add sliced onions and minced garlic.
In a separate bowl, mix beef broth, soy sauce, water, dried rosemary, and dried thyme.
Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 8 hours.
After cooking, shred the beef.
Serve the shredded beef on French rolls or baguettes.
Add provolone cheese if desired.
Serve with a side of hot au jus sauce for dipping.
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Instructions
Sear the Roast Beef:Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the beef roast with salt and black pepper.
Sear the roast in the skillet on all sides until it’s browned. This helps seal in the juices.
Transfer the seared roast to your slow cooker.
Prepare the Au Jus:In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly browned.
Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and red wine (if using).
Add dried thyme and rosemary, stirring to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Pour the au jus mixture over the roast in the slow cooker.
Slow Cook the Roast Beef:Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.
Let the roast beef cook for 6-8 hours, or until it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork. The slow cooking process infuses the meat with rich, savory flavors.
Prepare the Sandwiches:Once the roast beef is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should be incredibly tender and full of flavor.
Slice the French rolls or baguettes in half horizontally.
Optional: Sauté onions and mushrooms in a bit of butter until they’re caramelized and tender. These can be added to the sandwiches for extra flavor and texture.
Assemble the Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches:Place a generous portion of the shredded roast beef on the bottom half of each roll.
Top the roast beef with Swiss or provolone cheese slices.
If desired, add the sautéed onions and mushrooms.
Serve with Au Jus:Pour a portion of the au jus from the slow cooker into individual serving cups or bowls.
Serve the sandwiches alongside the au jus for dipping.
Enjoy Your Slow Cooker French Dip:Your Slow Cooker French Dip sandwiches are now ready to be savored. Dip each bite into the flavorful au jus for a perfect balance of tender, savory roast beef, melted cheese, and the rich dipping sauce.
French Dip with Au Jus Sauce
Ingredients
Thinly sliced roast beef
French rolls or baguettes
Swiss cheese
Au jus sauce
Directions
Begin by roasting the beef until it’s cooked to your liking.
Slice the French rolls or baguettes and add roast beef slices.
Top with Swiss cheese for a gooey delight.
Serve with a side of hot au jus sauce for dipping.
Instructions
Prepare the Roast Beef:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the beef roast with salt and black pepper.
In a large oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Sear the Roast Beef:Place the seasoned beef roast in the skillet.
Sear the roast on all sides until it’s browned and develops a rich crust.
Sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary over the roast.
Roast in the Oven:Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Roast the beef for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (145°F or 63°C for medium-rare).
Let the Roast Rest:Once the roast is done, remove it from the oven and place it on a cutting board.
Let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Prepare the Au Jus Sauce:In a saucepan, combine the beef broth, red wine (if using), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, bringing it to a simmer.
Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Slice the Roast Beef:Slice the rested roast beef as thinly as you prefer. This is where you can customize the thickness to your liking.
Assemble the French Dip Sandwiches:Slice the French rolls or baguettes in half horizontally.
Place a generous portion of the sliced roast beef on the bottom half of each roll.
Top the roast beef with Swiss or provolone cheese slices.
Optional: Toast the assembled sandwiches in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve with Au Jus:Pour the warm au jus sauce into individual serving cups or bowls.
Enjoy Your French Dip with Au Jus:Your French Dip sandwiches with au jus sauce are now ready to be enjoyed. Dip each bite into the rich and flavorful au jus for a perfect balance of tender roast beef, melted cheese, and the savory dipping sauce.
French Dip with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
Thinly sliced roast beef
French rolls or baguettes
Provolone cheese
Caramelized onions
Au jus sauce
Directions
Roast the beef to your preferred doneness.
Slice the French rolls or baguettes and add roast beef slices.
Add provolone cheese and a generous portion of caramelized onions for a sweet and savory twist.
Serve with a side of hot au jus sauce for dipping.
Instructions
Prepare the Roast Beef:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the beef roast with salt and black pepper.
In a large oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Sear the Roast Beef:Place the seasoned beef roast in the skillet.
Sear the roast on all sides until it’s browned and develops a rich crust.
Sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary over the roast.
Roast in the Oven:Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Roast the beef for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (145°F or 63°C for medium-rare).
Let the Roast Rest:Once the roast is done, remove it from the oven and place it on a cutting board.
Let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Prepare the Caramelized Onions:In a separate skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they become soft, browned, and caramelized. This process takes about 20-30 minutes.
Prepare the Au Jus Sauce:In a saucepan, combine the beef broth, red wine (if using), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, bringing it to a simmer.
Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Slice the Roast Beef:Slice the rested roast beef as thinly as you prefer. Customize the thickness to your liking.
Assemble the French Dip with Caramelized Onions:Slice the French rolls or baguettes in half horizontally.
Place a generous portion of the sliced roast beef on the bottom half of each roll.
Top the roast beef with Swiss or provolone cheese slices.
Add a generous amount of caramelized onions.
Serve with Au Jus:Pour the warm au jus sauce into individual serving cups or bowls.
Enjoy Your French Dip with Caramelized Onions:Your French Dip sandwiches with caramelized onions are now ready to be savored. Dip each bite into the rich and flavorful au jus for a perfect balance of tender roast beef, caramelized sweetness, melted cheese, and the savory dipping sauce.
French Dip with Swiss Cheese
Ingredients
Thinly sliced roast beef
French rolls or baguettes
Swiss cheese
Au jus sauce
Directions
Roast the beef to perfection.
Slice the French rolls or baguettes and add roast beef slices.
Top with Swiss cheese for that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Serve with a side of hot au jus sauce for dipping.
Instructions
Prepare the Roast Beef:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the beef roast with salt and black pepper.
In a large oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Sear the Roast Beef:Place the seasoned beef roast in the skillet.
Sear the roast on all sides until it’s browned and develops a rich crust.
Sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary over the roast.
Roast in the Oven:Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Roast the beef for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (145°F or 63°C for medium-rare).
Let the Roast Rest:Once the roast is done, remove it from the oven and place it on a cutting board.
Let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
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Prepare the Au Jus Sauce:In a saucepan, combine the beef broth, red wine (if using), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, bringing it to a simmer.
Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Slice the Roast Beef:Slice the rested roast beef as thinly as you prefer. Customize the thickness to your liking.
Assemble the French Dip with Swiss Cheese:Slice the French rolls or baguettes in half horizontally.
Place a generous portion of the sliced roast beef on the bottom half of each roll.
Top the roast beef with Swiss cheese slices.
Serve with Au Jus:Pour the warm au jus sauce into individual serving cups or bowls.
Enjoy Your French Dip with Swiss Cheese:Your French Dip sandwiches with Swiss cheese are now ready to be savored. Dip each bite into the rich and flavorful au jus for a perfect balance of tender roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and the savory dipping sauce.
Vegan French Dip
Ingredients
Portobello mushrooms
French rolls or baguettes
Vegan cheese (optional)
Caramelized onions (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Vegan au jus sauce
Directions
Marinate Portobello mushrooms in your preferred sauce or seasonings.
Roast the mushrooms until tender.
Slice the French rolls or baguettes and add the roasted Portobello mushrooms.
You can add vegan cheese or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Serve with a side of vegan au jus sauce for dipping.
Instructions
Prepare the Vegan “Beef”:If using seitan, you can find pre-made seitan at the store. If using portobello mushrooms, clean and slice them thinly.
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, liquid smoke (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the seitan slices or mushroom slices in this mixture for about 15 minutes.
Cook the Vegan “Beef”:In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated seitan or mushroom slices and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and tender.
If using portobello mushrooms, you can cook them until they release their moisture and become tender.
Prepare the Au Jus Sauce:In a saucepan, combine the vegetable broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, bringing it to a simmer.
Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Slice the Bread:Slice the French rolls or baguettes in half horizontally.
Assemble the Vegan French Dip:Place a generous portion of the cooked vegan “beef” on the bottom half of each roll.
If desired, add vegan cheese slices or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Spread vegan mayonnaise on the top half of the rolls for added creaminess.
Serve with Au Jus:Pour the warm vegan au jus sauce into individual serving cups or bowls.
Enjoy Your Vegan French Dip:Your Vegan French Dip sandwiches are now ready to be savored. Dip each bite into the rich and flavorful vegan au jus for a perfect balance of savory “beef,” melted cheese, and the savory dipping sauce.
French Dip with a Twist
In this unique twist on the classic French Dip, we’ll use lamb instead of beef for a flavorful change.
Ingredients
Thinly sliced roasted lamb
French rolls or baguettes
Feta cheese
Tzatziki sauce
Salt and black pepper
Au jus sauce
Directions
Roast the lamb until it’s cooked to perfection.
Slice the French rolls or baguettes and add lamb slices.
Top with crumbled feta cheese and drizzle with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
Serve with a side of hot au jus sauce for dipping.
Instructions
Prepare the Roast Beef:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the beef roast with salt and black pepper.
In a large oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Sear the Roast Beef:Place the seasoned beef roast in the skillet.
Sear the roast on all sides until it’s browned and develops a rich crust.
Sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary over the roast.
Roast in the Oven:Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Roast the beef for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (145°F or 63°C for medium-rare).
Let the Roast Rest:Once the roast is done, remove it from the oven and place it on a cutting board.
Let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Prepare the Au Jus Sauce:In a saucepan, combine the beef broth, red wine (if using), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, bringing it to a simmer.
Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assemble the French Dip with a Twist:Slice the French rolls or baguettes in half horizontally.
Place a generous portion of the sliced roast beef on the bottom half of each roll.
Add the Twist:Now comes the twist. On top of the roast beef, add a layer of caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon slices, and Swiss cheese.
Serve with Au Jus:Pour the warm au jus sauce into individual serving cups or bowls.
Enjoy Your French Dip with a Twist:Your French Dip sandwiches with a twist are now ready to be savored. Dip each bite into the rich and flavorful au jus for a perfect balance of tender roast beef, savory toppings, melted cheese, and the dipping sauce with a twist.
Conclusion
French Dip sandwiches are a culinary delight that can be enjoyed in various forms. Whether you prefer the classic version, a slow cooker variation, or a unique twist, there’s a French Dip for every palate. The combination of tender, flavorful meat, crusty bread, and a delectable dipping sauce is what makes the French Dip a timeless favorite. So, gather your ingredients, create your favorite version of this beloved sandwich, and savor the symphony of flavors that is the French Dip. Bon appétit!
