Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these French Dip Squares! They’re a delightful twist on the classic French dip sandwich, layered with tender roast beef and gooey provolone cheese, all nestled between crispy squares of French bread. I remember the first time I made these for a game night with friends—everyone went wild! It was such a hit that I’ve been making them ever since. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to whip up and perfect for dipping in rich, savory au jus. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to comfort food too!
Ingredients for French Dip Squares
To make these scrumptious French Dip Squares, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a whole lot of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 lb roast beef, sliced thin for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness
- 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced—because who doesn’t love gooey cheese?
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced into squares; it’s the perfect vehicle for all that deliciousness
- 1 cup beef broth to soak into those squares and enhance the flavor
- 1/4 cup au jus seasoning mix—this is where the magic happens!
- 2 tbsp butter, melted, to brush on top for a golden finish
Make sure to gather everything before you start, and you’ll be on your way to a fantastic meal in no time!
How to Prepare French Dip Squares
Okay, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these mouthwatering French Dip Squares! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your loaf of French bread and slice it into squares—about 1-2 inches each works great. You want them thick enough to hold all that delicious filling but not so thick that they’re hard to bite into. Once your bread is ready, you’re already halfway there!
Layering the Ingredients
Now for the fun part! Take one square of bread and layer on some of that tender roast beef—don’t be shy, really pile it on! Then, place a slice of provolone cheese right on top. Grab another square of bread and top it off, creating a little sandwich. Repeat this step until you’ve assembled all your squares. Place them on a baking sheet, and they should look adorable and ready for their moment in the oven!
Baking the Squares
Pour the beef broth mixed with the au jus seasoning over the assembled squares, making sure to soak them well. Brush the tops with melted butter to help them achieve that gorgeous golden finish. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are beautifully crispy. Keep an eye on them—you want that perfect balance of crunch and gooeyness! Once they’re done, let them cool for a minute, and then they’re ready to be served with the remaining au jus for dipping. Enjoy every savory bite!
Nutritional Information for French Dip Squares
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these French Dip Squares. Each serving, which is two squares, packs a hearty punch with approximately 450 calories. You’ll find about 20 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat, along with 25 grams of protein to keep you feeling full. Plus, there are 45 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber. Remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy these delicious bites guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Easy enough for a weeknight dinner or a game day snack.
- Flavorful layers of beef and cheese that’ll satisfy any craving.
- Perfect for dipping in that rich, savory au jus.
- Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying on your own.
Tips for Success with French Dip Squares
To make sure your French Dip Squares turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skimp on the roast beef; use high-quality slices for the best flavor and tenderness. If you have leftover roast beef, that works beautifully and saves time! Next, be generous with the provolone cheese—it really makes a difference in the gooey texture. When pouring the beef broth and seasoning mix, make sure to soak the bread squares well, but not so much that they fall apart. And finally, keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to achieve that perfect golden color. You’ve got this!
Variations of French Dip Squares
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these French Dip Squares! Try swapping out the provolone cheese for sharp cheddar or creamy Swiss for a different flavor profile. You could even add some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a gourmet touch. Want a little kick? A sprinkle of jalapeños or some spicy mustard can elevate the taste. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients!
Serving Suggestions for French Dip Squares
These French Dip Squares are stars on their own, but they pair beautifully with a few sides! Consider serving them with a fresh garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. You could also whip up some crispy sweet potato fries for a fun twist. And don’t forget extra au jus for dipping—it’s a must!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover French Dip Squares (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the squares on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This way, you’ll savor that gooey cheese and tender beef just like the first time!
FAQ about French Dip Squares
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While French bread is traditional, you can use hoagie rolls or even ciabatta for a different texture.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Just swap out the French bread for a gluten-free alternative, and you’re good to go!
What if I don’t have au jus seasoning?
No worries! You can make a simple mix of beef broth with a dash of Worcestershire sauce and some garlic powder for a tasty substitute.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them earlier in the day and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Enjoy!
French Dip Squares: 5 Comforting Bites You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory dish featuring beef and cheese layered between bread squares, served with au jus.
Ingredients
- 1 lb roast beef, sliced
- 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup au jus seasoning mix
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the French bread into squares.
- Layer roast beef and provolone cheese between two bread squares.
- Place the assembled squares on a baking sheet.
- Mix beef broth and au jus seasoning, then pour over the squares.
- Brush the tops with melted butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve with remaining au jus for dipping.
Notes
- Use leftover roast beef for a quicker option.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 squares
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: French Dip Squares, beef, cheese, sandwich, au jus