When I first made these French dip sandwiches, I couldn’t believe how simple and satisfying they were. The rich, warm broth soaked into crusty bread, while the melted cheese and tender roast beef created the perfect bite. It felt like a gourmet meal, yet it required so little effort.
I love how versatile this recipe is, allowing for different flavors and tweaks that cater to any mood. Every time I make it, my family clears their plates (and the dipping bowls) in no time! Let’s get cooking because you won’t believe how easy and rewarding this recipe is to make.
Credit: themodernproper
Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise (choose fresh ones for the best texture; they should be sturdy enough to hold up to the broth)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can beef consommé (this forms the base for your dipping sauce; opt for high-quality consommé for richer flavor)
- 1 cup water (to dilute the consommé to the perfect consistency)
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef (freshly sliced is preferred over packaged, as it’s more tender)
- 8 slices provolone cheese (melts beautifully and adds depth; you can use alternative cheeses if you prefer)
Note: This recipe serves 4, but you can scale it up or down as needed by adjusting the ingredients proportionally.
Variations
Want to mix things up or customize this recipe to fit dietary needs? Here are some great alternatives to try:
- Cheese Swap: Use Swiss or mozzarella for a slightly different flavor. For a sharp kick, cheddar is a great option.
- Broth Add-Ins: Enhance the dipping sauce with a splash of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or dried rosemary for an herbal twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute roasted portobello mushrooms for the roast beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef consommé.
- Dairy-Free Version: Skip the cheese and brush the hoagie rolls with melted vegan butter for added richness.
If you’re in the mood for something different, you might also enjoy this garlic parmesan roasted shrimp for a flavorful twist.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Baking sheet: For toasting the hoagie rolls and melting the cheese.
- Saucepan: To warm the beef consommé and beef slices.
- Tongs: Handy for placing the warm roast beef onto the rolls.
- Knife: To split and prepare the rolls if they aren’t pre-cut.
How to Make French Dip Sandwiches?
Step 1: Prep the Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, slice your hoagie rolls (if needed) and lay them open-faced on a baking sheet. This setup ensures the rolls are ready to go into the oven later.
Step 2: Make the Broth
Pour the beef consommé into a saucepan and combine it with 1 cup of water. Place the pan over medium-high heat and gently warm the liquid to create a rich, aromatic broth. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking.
Step 3: Heat the Roast Beef
Once your broth is warmed, add the thinly sliced roast beef into the saucepan. Move the slices around gently with tongs to ensure each piece is warmed evenly. This step only takes about 3 minutes, so keep an eye on it. The goal is to heat the beef without overcooking it.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Using your tongs, carefully layer the warm beef onto the bottom half of each hoagie roll. Top each with two slices of provolone cheese, then place the assembled sandwiches back on your baking sheet. Keep the top halves of the rolls next to their bottoms for even toasting.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the sandwiches in your preheated oven for about 5 minutes. This will melt the cheese to gooey perfection and lightly crisp the bread. Keep a close watch to avoid over-toasting the rolls.
Step 6: Serve with Broth
Spoon some of the warm broth into small bowls for dipping. Serve the sandwiches hot with a side of broth, and watch as everyone digs into their irresistible French dip masterpiece!
Credit: cookingclassy
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
When I first made this, I discovered small tweaks that took it to the next level. Here are my personal recommendations:
- Toast the Rolls First: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls with a smear of butter or garlic butter before assembling the sandwiches. It gives extra texture and flavor.
- Extra Melty Cheese: Broil the sandwiches for the final minute to achieve bubbly, golden-brown cheese.
- Add Sauteed Veggies: Cook some onions or mushrooms on the side and layer them on top of the roast beef for added flavor and texture.
- Play with Spices: Sprinkle a little black pepper or smoked paprika onto the beef for enhanced taste.
- Customizable Broth: Add a dash of red wine or soy sauce to the broth to create a richer dipping sauce.
For a lighter option, you might enjoy this spinach artichoke chicken bake as a side dish.
How to Serve French Dip Sandwiches?
Presentation matters, even with comfort food. Serve these sandwiches on a large wooden board or platter, with individual bowls of steaming broth. Garnish the plates with a few sprigs of fresh parsley for a pop of green. You could also add a side of potato chips, fries, or a crisp salad to round out the meal. If you’re hosting, consider offering different cheeses and add-ins so everyone can build their sandwich their way!
Nutritional Information
French dip sandwiches aren’t just delicious; they’re packed with protein and hearty goodness. Here’s a quick rundown of the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 548
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 23g
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead
You can prepare the broth and even pre-slice the rolls and cheese ahead of time. Store them separately, and assembly will be a breeze when you’re ready to eat.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the beef and broth separate from the bread to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you’ve made extra sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the wrapped sandwiches in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 10 minutes. Heat the broth separately on the stove or in the microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These French dip sandwiches have something for everyone. Here’s why they’ll become a household favorite:
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: From the cheese to the broth, it’s easy to tweak this recipe to fit your preference.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something special about dipping a warm, cheesy sandwich into rich, flavorful broth.
- Family-Friendly: These sandwiches are always a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Great for Gatherings: They’re easy to make in bulk, making them ideal for parties and game days.
Once you realize how easy and delicious these sandwiches are, they’re sure to be a repeat favorite in your recipe rotation. Bon appétit! If you’re looking for more hearty meals, you can also enjoy similar dinner ideas.