The French Dip Sandwich Melt is a warm, gooey delight that brings together tender slices of roast beef, melted cheese, and a soft, toasted roll. The standout here is the wonderful dip into a rich, savory au jus that makes every bite juicy and full of flavor. The melted cheese adds a creamy touch that pairs perfectly with the hearty beef and the flavorful jus.
I love making this sandwich on a lazy weekend because it’s so satisfying without being complicated. The best part for me is dunking the sandwich into the au jus—it’s like the sandwich and the dip are made for each other. If you like a bit of a crust on your sandwich, be sure to toast the rolls just right to get that perfect balance of crispy and soft.
Serving this melt alongside some crispy fries or a simple green salad turns it into an easy, comforting meal everyone loves. I sometimes add a little horseradish sauce for an extra kick—it’s a small twist, but it makes a big difference. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a game day snack, this sandwich never fails to hit the spot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roast Beef: Using thinly sliced roast beef works best for tenderness and flavor. If rare or medium rare isn’t your style, just make sure not to overcook it when reheating to keep it juicy. Leftover roast beef also works well here.
Au Jus: This dipping sauce really makes the sandwich shine. Store-bought is fine and convenient, but homemade au jus brings a richer taste. You can boost store-bought versions with a splash of beef broth or Worcestershire sauce.
Cheese: Provolone melts beautifully with a mild flavor that complements the beef. Swiss or mozzarella make good alternatives if you want a different taste or don’t have provolone on hand.
Rolls: Soft hoagie rolls or crusty French baguettes hold up well to the beef and melting cheese. If you prefer, Italian rolls or even ciabatta can be tasty substitutes.
Caramelized Onions (Optional): Adding these brings a sweet, rich flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip them or use store-bought caramelized onions.
How Do You Get the Perfect Toasted Roll with Melty Cheese?
The key to a great French Dip Melt is a crispy roll with cheese melted just right. Here’s how I do it:
- Butter the outside of your roll lightly for golden browning. Too much butter can make it greasy, so use just enough to cover.
- Toast the rolls butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat. Keep an eye on them—2-3 minutes is usually enough for a crisp, golden crust without burning.
- After assembling the sandwich with beef and cheese, use a broiler or oven to melt the cheese. Watch closely! Cheese goes from melty to burnt quickly, so 2-3 minutes is perfect.
- Once melted, close the sandwich and press gently if needed to hold everything together.
This balance of crunchy bread and soft, melted cheese makes every bite satisfying and ensures the sandwich won’t get soggy too fast when dipped in the au jus.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet or griddle – perfect for toasting the rolls evenly and getting that crispy outside.
- Small saucepan – to warm the au jus gently without boiling it.
- Broiler or oven-safe pan – for melting the cheese nicely over the assembled sandwich.
- Sharp knife – to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the bread.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – handy for stirring caramelized onions without scratching your pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roast beef for thinly sliced turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms along with the onions for extra earthiness and texture.
- Try swapping provolone with pepper jack cheese if you like a little spicy kick.
- Mix in a spread of horseradish sauce on the roll for a tangy, sharp flavor lift.
French Dip Sandwich Melt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (preferably rare or medium rare)
- 1 cup beef au jus (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 hoagie rolls or French baguette sections
- 8 slices provolone cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional, for caramelized onions)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if using onions)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active prep and cooking time. If you choose to caramelize onions, add an extra 15-20 minutes. Warming the au jus and melting the cheese will take just a few minutes, so overall you can have this delicious sandwich ready in about 25-30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Au Jus:
Warm your beef au jus gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Keep it warm on the stove so it’s ready for dipping later.
2. Caramelize the Onions (Optional):
If you’re adding onions, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and caramelized—about 15 to 20 minutes. Then set them aside.
3. Toast the Rolls:
Slice your hoagie rolls or baguette sections lengthwise, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Spread softened butter on the outsides of each roll. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, and place the rolls buttered side down in the pan. Toast for 2-3 minutes until they’re golden and crisp.
4. Assemble and Melt Cheese:
On the bottom half of each toasted roll, pile on a generous amount of the thinly sliced roast beef. Add caramelized onions if using, then top with two slices of provolone cheese. Place the open-faced sandwiches under a broiler or in a hot oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
5. Finish and Serve:
Close the sandwiches with their top halves and press gently to hold them together. Serve each sandwich hot with a small bowl of warm au jus on the side for dunking. Enjoy the combination of juicy beef, melty cheese, crispy roll, and flavorful dip!
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for This Sandwich?
Yes, you can use frozen roast beef, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the sandwich.
How Should I Store Leftover French Dip Sandwiches?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melty. Warm the au jus separately before serving.
Can I Make the Au Jus Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare homemade au jus a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. This actually helps deepen the flavors.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
Good alternatives include Swiss, mozzarella, or mild cheddar. Each offers a slightly different taste but will melt nicely and complement the roast beef and au jus.
