What is French Dip Sandwich? What’s a hug on the plate? Is this its sophisticated cousin? I remember the first time my grandma made these for us after a long day of playing outside. What a rich, savory aroma filled the whole house and it instantly felt like coming home. Is it incredibly simple, but the flavors are out of this world, and I swear, it’s the most requested flavor. What are some of the best meals in my house these days? Is it a winner on saturdays?
What is French Dip Sandwich?
What is the best French Dip Sandwich? What is the magic of roast beef on baguette? What is the dipping sauce for au jus? What is a savory broth made from beef’s own juices? The name comes from the fact that you *dip* the sandwich into this delicious sauce before each bite. Is this a flavor explosion in your mouth?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this French Dip Sandwich Recipe is a keeper. For starters, the flavor is incredible! The savory roast beef combined with the rich, salty au jus is just divine. What I love most about this is how surprisingly simple it is to make. Don’t let the fancy name fool you; this is totally achievable for a weeknight dinner. And let’s be honest, it’s way cheaper than ordering takeout! You can control the quality of ingredients and avoid all those hidden additives. It’s also incredibly versatile! You can customize the toppings to your liking, use different types of bread, and even make it in a Slow Cooker for an even more hands-off approach. I’ve compared it to other roast beef recipes, but the au jus just makes this stand out. It just *elevates* everything. This is seriously a crowd-pleaser, and it always disappears in minutes whenever I make it. The kids love it, my husband loves it, even my picky eater cousin devours it! It’s a guaranteed hit.
How do you make a French Dip Sandwich?
Quick Overview
How do I make a French Dip Sandwich? How do you start roasting beef chuck? While it’s roasting, you’ll prepare the flavorful au jus using the drippings and some added beef. Once the roast is cooked and sliced thinly, simply pile it onto toasted baguette slices and get a nice crispy crust. This recipe is fairly hands-off, allowing you to focus on other things while the roast is doing its job. What is in the oven? What is it like to work hard without a ton of work?
Ingredients
What is the recipe for roast beef?
* 3-4 lb Beef Chuck Roast: Look for good marbling for maximum flavor. I like to buy mine from a local butcher for the best quality.
* 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the roast.
* 1 large onion, quartered: Adds depth of flavor to the roasting pan.
* 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for that savory taste.
* 2 cups Beef Broth: Use low sodium to control the saltiness.
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a umami punch.
* 1 tsp dried thyme: A classic herb that complements beef beautifully.
* Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy! Season generously.
For the Au Jus:
* Roasting Pan Drippings: The star of the show!
* 4 cups Beef Broth: Again, low sodium is best.
* 2 tbsp Cornstarch: For thickening the au jus (optional).
* 2 tbsp cold water: To make a cornstarch slurry.
For the Sandwiches:
* 1 French baguette, cut into sandwich-sized portions: 7 oz. * 2 ounce Get a nice crusty baguette for the best texture.
* Butter or Olive Oil: For toasting the bread.
* Optional: Provolone or Swiss cheese: For melty goodness (I personally love provolon! ).
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your roasting pan by placing the quartered onion and minced garlic. What is garlic at the bottom of a potato? This creates a flavorful base for roast and prevents it from sticking. I always line my roasting pan with foil first for easier cleanup. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
Step 2: Sear the Roast
What is the best way to pat a chuck roast dry with paper towels? Season generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat Olive Oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. How do you cook a roast on all sides? This step is important for developing flavor and creating a beautiful crust. Don’t skip it!
Step 3: Roast the Beef
Place the seared roast on top of the onions and garlic in the prepared roasting pan. Do not overcook the roast with the Worcestershire sauce and the 2 cups of beef broth. Sprinkle with dried thyme. Cover the pan tightly with foil. This helps to trap the moisture and keep the roast tender.
Step 4: Bake & Rest
How long does it take to bake a roast in the preheated oven? The internal temperature should reach 203°F (95°C). Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest, covered, for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step 5: Prepare the Au Jus
While the roast is resting, prepare the au jus. Pour the pan drippings into a saucepan. Add the beef broth to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Skim off any excess fat. Add some salt and pepper to taste. If you want a thicker au jus, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make an slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering broth, stirring constantly, until the au jus thickens to a consistency of about 2%. What is your desired consistency? Is this au jus liquid gold? Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Slice the Roast Beef
With a sharp knife, thinly slice the roast beef against the grain. This is key for tender, easy-to-eat slices. I find that using an electric carving knife makes this process much easier, but a good old-fashioned knife. What are the best knives to use?
Step 7: Toast the Baguette
Slice baguette into sandwich-sized portions. Brush the cut sides with butter or Olive Oil. What are some ways to toast bread in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown. When toasting bread, it prevents it from getting soggy.
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches
How do you serve sliced roast beef on baguette? If desired, top with provolone or Swiss cheese. Place the sandwiches under the broiler for a minute or two, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is served. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn! I’ve had a few cheese-burning incidents in my day.
Step 9: Serve & Dip!
Serve French Dip Sandwiches immediately with a bowl of au jus for dipping. What are some of the best flavor explosions ever? I always like to serve mine with a side of crispy fries or salad. Don’t forget the napkins – it can get messy!
What should I serve it with?
This French Dip Sandwich is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right side. What are some of my favorite combinations?
For a casual lunch:Serve with crispy French fries and a side of coleslaw. What are some good pickle spears?
What is a hearty dinner? Pair with a Baked Potato loaded with your favorite toppings and a simple green salad. Steamed green beans are also a great option.
For a Game Day Feast: Serve alongside other game day favorites like Chicken Wings, nachos, and potato skins. Don’t forget the cold drinks!
For a Cozy Night In: Enjoy with a bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup and a side of roasted vegetables. This is the perfect comfort food combination!
My family loves it when I make a big batch of Homemade Potato Chips to go with these. The saltiness of the chips complements the richness of the sandwich perfectly. It’s a simple, but always appreciated, addition.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your French Dip Sandwich
Want to take your French Dip Sandwich game to the next level? Here are some of my top tips for achieving sandwich perfection:
Choose the Right Roast: A chuck roast is the best choice for this recipe because it’s flavorful and becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow. Look for a roast with good marbling for the best results.
Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the roast before cooking is crucial for developing flavor and creating a beautiful crust. Make sure to sear all sides until nicely browned.
Resting is Key: Letting the roast rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. Don’t skip this step!
Thinly Slice the Beef: Thinly slicing the roast beef against the grain is key for tender, easy-to-eat slices. Using a sharp knife or an electric carving knife will make this process much easier. I’ve tried slicing it thick before, and it just doesn’t work the same. It needs to be thin!
Control the Salt: Because you’re using beef broth in both the roasting process and the au jus, it’s important to use low-sodium broth and season carefully with salt. You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away!
Customize the Au Jus: Feel free to add other flavorings to the au jus, such as a splash of Red Wine, a bay leaf, or a sprig of fresh rosemary. Experiment and find what you like best!
Toast the Bread: Toasting the baguette prevents it from getting soggy when dipped in the au jus. Brush the cut sides with butter or olive oil before toasting for added flavor.
Cheese it Up: While optional, adding provolone or Swiss cheese to the sandwiches takes them to the next level. Place the sandwiches under the broiler for a minute or two, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I also like to add a little bit of Dijon mustard to my sandwiches for a tangy kick. It’s a small addition, but it makes a big difference in flavor. Try it and let me know what you think!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your French Dip Sandwiches:
Roast Beef: Store leftover roast beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the roast beef tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag.
Au Jus: Store leftover au jus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Sandwiches: Assembled sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store the toasted baguette slices separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
Reheating: To reheat the roast beef, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave. To reheat the au jus, simmer it in a saucepan until heated through. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
I personally prefer to reheat the roast beef in a skillet with a little bit of the au jus. This helps to keep it moist and flavorful. And if you’re freezing the roast beef, make sure to thaw it completely before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite French Dip Sandwich Recipe! I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the magic for yourself. It’s a simple, yet incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, savory flavors will have you coming back for more, and the best part is, it’s so easy to make! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other sandwich recipes for more delicious ideas. And don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how yours turns out! I can’t wait to hear from you. Happy cooking!
French Dip Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Roast Beef Thinly sliced
- 8 ounces French bread A good quality bread
- 4 slices Provolone cheese
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the French bread lengthwise and spread with Dijon mustard.
- Layer the roast beef and provolone cheese on the bottom half of the bread.
- Top with the other half of the bread.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
- Meanwhile, heat the beef broth in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Serve the sandwich immediately, with the warm beef broth for dipping.
