Classic French Dip Sandwich Recipe

Picture this: tender, juicy roast beef piled high on a toasted baguette, ready to be dipped into a rich, savory au jus. That’s the magic of a Classic French Dip Sandwich, a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a casual lunch or a satisfying dinner. This is a sandwich that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

The Classic French Dip Sandwich is a symphony of textures and tastes: the crusty bread, the meltingly tender beef, and the irresistible warmth of the au jus.

Recipe Details

• Flavor Profile: Savory, rich, and umami-packed, with beefy, aromatic notes.
• Textures: Tender, juicy roast beef with a crusty exterior and a soft interior.
• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours, including prep and cook time.
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly.

What You’ll Need

This Classic French Dip Sandwich recipe requires just a handful of ingredients to create a truly memorable meal. You’ll need flavorful roast beef, crusty French baguette, and beef broth or consommé to create that rich, savory dipping sauce. The addition of a few simple aromatics like onion and garlic will elevate the flavors even further.

Ingredient Notes

• Roast Beef – Look for a quality cut of roast beef, which will be the star of this Classic French Dip Sandwich.
• French Baguette – The foundation of a perfect French Dip is a sturdy, crusty baguette. Choose one that’s fresh and has a good chew.
• Onion – Yellow or white onion adds depth of flavor to the au jus.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic gives the au jus a wonderful aromatic base.
• Beef Broth / Consommé – This is the heart of the au jus, providing the rich, savory liquid for dipping.

Add-ins and Substitutions

• Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor and indulgence, add a slice of Swiss or Provolone cheese to your sandwiches during the last few minutes of baking.
• Caramelized Onions: Sauté some sliced onions in a little butter or olive oil until they are deeply caramelized for a sweeter, more complex flavor in your sandwich.
• Horseradish: A touch of horseradish can add a kick. A dollop of horseradish sauce on the sandwich can elevate the experience.

How to Make Classic French Dip Sandwiches

First things first, gather your ingredients. This classic sandwich is made by first preparing your roast beef and au jus then assembling your masterpiece.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine the beef broth / consommé, onion, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15 minutes to infuse the broth with flavors.
3. While the broth is simmering, slice the baguette lengthwise.
4. Place the baguette halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up.
5. Remove the onion pieces from the simmering broth with a slotted spoon.
6. Place the roast beef slices on the baguette halves.
7. Pour 1/2 of the broth over the beef.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the beef is heated through and the bread is toasted to your liking.
9. Remove from the oven, and serve immediately with the remaining au jus for dipping.

   Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the toasting time for the baguette. Some love a light toast, while others want a crunch.

Recipe Tips

• For the best flavor, use good quality beef broth or consommé.
• Don’t overcrowd the baguette when adding the beef.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of au jus depending on your preference.
• Keep a close eye on the sandwich while it’s baking to ensure the bread toasts to your liking without burning.

FAQs

• Can I use pre-sliced roast beef?
  Yes, pre-sliced roast beef works great in this recipe. Just make sure it’s a good quality roast beef.
• Can I make the au jus ahead of time?
  Yes! The au jus can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
• What if I don’t have a French baguette?
  You can substitute it with a crusty Italian loaf or other long, sturdy bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Classic French Dip Sandwiches with a variety of sides for a complete meal:

• Salads: A fresh green salad or a crisp coleslaw makes a perfect side dish.
• Potatoes: Roasted potatoes or classic potato chips are delicious with these sandwiches.
• Pickles: Add some crunch and tang with a side of pickles.
• Mustard: Offer a dish of spicy mustard.

Make This Recipe in Advance

• Au Jus: The au jus can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, ready to be reheated when needed.
• Assembly: You can assemble the sandwiches and keep them in the fridge.

Classic French Dip Sandwich Recipe

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• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and flavorful sandwich with tender roast beef and rich au jus.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast or rump roast
½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
10.5 ounces condensed beef broth 1 can, low sodium
10.5 ounces condensed French onion soup or condensed onion soup, 1 can
1 medium yellow onion sliced
12 ounces light beer
2 cloves garlic minced
1 sprig fresh rosemary optional
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
8 French rolls or 2 baguettes cut into 6-inch rolls
½ cup butter

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Instructions

Season the roast with salt and pepper. Brown each side of the roast in a pan over medium-high heat.

In a slow cooker, combine beef broth, French onion soup, onions, beer, garlic, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.

Let the cooked roast rest for 15 minutes, then shred or slice the beef.

Butter the rolls and toast them lightly under a broiler.

Fill the rolls with beef and serve with the slow cooker juices for dipping.

Notes

For the best flavor, use good quality beef broth or consommé.

Don’t overcrowd the baguette when adding the beef.

Feel free to adjust the amount of au jus depending on your preference.

Keep a close eye on the sandwich while it’s baking to ensure the bread toasts to your liking without burning.

• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Sandwiches
• Cuisine: French