The Ultimate French Dip Sandwich Recipe

The Ultimate French Dip Sandwich Recipe

The Ultimate French Dip Sandwich Recipe

You've been craving a hearty, messy sandwich. Not just any sandwich will do - you want a French dip sandwich, filled with thin slices of juicy roast beef and melted cheese.The aroma of beef broth wafts up as you take a big bite, the juices dripping down your chin. Making a French dip sandwich at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients, you'll be transported to the streets of Paris with this delicious sandwich. The secret is in the broth, which gives the sandwich its distinctive flavor. Grab some crusty bread, roast beef, provolone cheese and broth and you're well on your way to sandwich bliss. In just 30 minutes, you can make the ultimate French dip sandwich for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll wonder why you haven't been making these at home all along. The irresistible combination of flavors and textures will make this sandwich your new go-to favorite.

History of the French Dip Sandwich

The French dip sandwich has a deliciously messy history. Legend has it the sandwich was created in Los Angeles back in 1908. Philippe Mathieu, a French immigrant, may have accidentally dropped a sandwich in jus while cooking, and a customer asked for their roll to be dipped in the dripping juices. Voila, the French dip was born!

Another story credits the creation of the French dip to a restaurant called either Philippe the Original or Cole's P.E. Buffet. Supposedly, in 1918, a cook accidentally dropped a roll into a roasting pan filled with drippings. A policeman saw this, tasted it, and loved it. After word spread, it became popular and was added to the menu.

No matter which tale is true, the French dip sandwich gained mainstream popularity in LA. It features thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll, with the bread toasted or dunked in the flavorful beef juices.

Customizing Your Dip

There are a few ways to make this sandwich your own:

1. Cheese it up. Add Swiss, provolone, or cheddar cheese to boost the flavor.
2. Pile on the veggies. Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions are all classic accompaniments.
3. Spread it on. Top your roll with spicy brown mustard, horseradish, or au jus for extra zip.
4. Double the beef. For a hearty option, ask for a “double-dipped” sandwich with double the amount of sliced roast beef.
5. With a little know-how, you'll be dipping and dripping in no time. Bon appetit!

Ingredients You'll Need for French Dip Sandwiches

To make the perfect French dip sandwiches, you'll need a few essential ingredients.

High-quality beef

Select a nice cut of beef that's suitable for roasting, like chuck roast, brisket, or sirloin. For extra flavor, choose a cut with good marbling. You'll want about 1 to 2 pounds to serve 4 people.

Broth

Beef or veal stock provides the flavorful au jus for dipping the sandwiches. Or, you can use water or a flavorful broth and add aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs to boost the flavor. Simmer the broth while the beef roasts for maximum taste.

Bread

A crusty French or Italian bread is traditional. Look for a loaf that's sturdy enough to stand up to juicy meat and broth without getting soggy. Cut the bread into 6-inch lengths.

Cheese (optional)

Provolone, Swiss, or fontina cheese pair great with French dip sandwiches. Just place a few slices on the bread before adding the roast beef.

Condiments

Offer horseradish, mustard, mayonnaise, or your favorite sandwich spread on the side so people can top their sandwiches as they like.

Sides

Serve the sandwiches with a crisp green salad, french fries, or potato chips. A creamy coleslaw also makes a tasty accompaniment.

With high-quality ingredients and a flavorful broth for dipping, you'll have everything needed for French dip sandwiches that are oozing with taste. Your guests are sure to ask for seconds!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making French Dip Sandwiches

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to make your French dip sandwiches. Roll up your sleeves and follow these easy steps:

Cook the Roast Beef

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Season the roast all over with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the roast and sear, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes total.
3. Transfer to a plate and add the onions, garlic, and thyme to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the beef broth and bring to a boil. Return the roast to the pot. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook until the meat is tender when pierced with a fork, 3 to 31⁄2 hours.
5. Transfer the roast to a carving board and tent with foil to keep warm. Strain the onions and herbs from the broth; discard the solids. Skim off excess fat from the surface of the broth.
6. Carve the roast into 1⁄4-inch-thick slices. Serve on bread with your choice of toppings, with broth for dipping on the side.

Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Slice the baguette lengthwise, then slice each half crosswise into 6-inch pieces. Hollow out some of the bread from each piece to make room for the beef and toppings.
2. Place bread slices on a platter or individual plates. Top each bread slice with roast beef slices.
3. sprinkle with Gruyere cheese and your choice of toppings like caramelized onions, horseradish sauce, Dijon mustard.
4. Serve the sandwiches immediately with the broth, au jus sauce, for dipping.
5. Bon appetit! Your perfect French dip sandwiches are ready to be enjoyed. Savor every bite of this delectable dish.

Tips for the Best French Dip Sandwiches

To make the ultimate French dip sandwich, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

Use high-quality, thinly sliced roast beef.

For maximum flavor, use roast beef that’s thinly sliced. Top round, sirloin, or chuck roast that’s slow cooked until tender are all great options. Have the butcher slice the beef as thin as possible.

Choose a hearty bread.

A sturdy bread that can stand up to juicy meat and broth is key. Baguettes, hoagie rolls, and ciabatta all work well. For extra decadence, you can also use a garlic bread.

Add cheese (if desired).

While not traditional, adding cheese to a French dip sandwich takes it to the next level. Provolone, Swiss, and Gruyere are all excellent melty cheese choices.

Make a flavorful broth.

The broth is essential for dipping your sandwich. Use beef broth as a base and season it with aromatics like garlic, shallots, thyme and bay leaves. You can also deglaze the roasting pan with wine or broth to pick up the flavorful browned bits, then strain and add it to the broth.

Don’t skimp on the dipping.

The whole point of a French dip sandwich is the dipping. Make sure you have plenty of broth for dunking big bites of your sandwich. Serve the broth in shallow bowls or ramekins on the side for easy dipping.

Add caramelized onions (optional).

For extra flavor, top your sandwich with sweet caramelized onions. Thinly slice 2-3 onions and cook them low and slow in butter until soft and browned. They add a punch of savory sweetness.

Serve with a side of au jus for drizzling.

Have extra broth on hand for drizzling over the top of your sandwich before serving. The more broth the better! A side of french fries or a simple salad completes the meal.

Bon appetit! With these tips, you’ll be enjoying the ultimate French dip sandwich in no time. Dip in and savor all that roast beefy, broth goodness.

French Dip Sandwich Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic French dip sandwich, it’s time to get creative with some delicious variations. Here are a few of our favorites to try

Cheese, Please!

Adding cheese to a French dip sandwich is always a good idea. Provolone, Swiss, and Gruyere all pair well with beef. For extra decadence, try blue cheese or Brie. Just place a few slices of your favorite cheese on the bread before topping it with the roast beef. The cheese will get nice and melty from the hot beef and au jus.

Piled High with Caramelized Onions

Sweet, rich caramelized onions are a perfect complement to roast beef. To make them, slice 2-3 onions and sauté them in butter over medium-low heat until very soft and browned, about 20-30 minutes. Let the onions cool slightly, then pile them onto your sandwich along with the roast beef. The onions add moisture, flavor, and texture with every bite.

Horseradish Kick

If you like a little heat, add a spread of horseradish sauce or mustard to your French dip. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and spread it on the bread before adding the roast beef. The spicy horseradish helps cut through the richness of the beef and gives the sandwich a kick of flavor. Add more horseradish to taste if you like it hot!

Au Jus for Dipping

The classic au jus is delicious for dipping, but you can also make other dipping sauces to serve with your French dip. Whipped up a quick beer cheese, tomatoey chili sauce, or mushroom gravy. Or for something lighter, serve your sandwich with a side of broth soup or creamy soup like French onion or potato leek. Use pieces of bread to soak up every last drop of your dipping sauce.

With so many possible variations, you'll never get bored of making and eating French dip sandwiches. Experiment with different cheeses, sauces, and toppings to find your perfect combination. Bon appetit!

Conclusion

You now have all the ingredients and instructions to make the ultimate French dip sandwich. Grab the ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready for a delicious meal. As the beef simmers, the aroma will fill your home and tempt your taste buds. Once assembled, take a bite of the juicy beef, melted cheese, and crusty bread. The combination of flavors and textures is simply sublime. The au jus for dipping takes it over the top. Your belly will be happy and satisfied. When you make this sandwich, you’ll never want to go back to a boring plain sandwich again. Bon appetit! Now get cooking - your French dip sandwich awaits!