I’ve always been a fan of classic French Dips – that savory beef, the melty cheese, and that irresistible au jus for dipping. But let’s be real, a traditional French Dip can be a bit of a project, especially on a busy weeknight. That’s why when I first stumbled upon the idea of French Dip Squares, my culinary curiosity was immediately piqued. The promise of all that flavor in a much simpler, more manageable format? Sign me up! And let me tell you, these squares deliver. They’re a game-changer for getting that hearty, comforting taste without all the fuss, making them a regular feature in my dinner rotation.
Why you’ll love this dish
These French Dip Squares aren’t just a convenience; they’re a revelation for anyone who craves comforting, savory food without spending hours in the kitchen. They take the essence of a classic French Dip sandwich – tender roast beef, gooey cheese, and that essential au jus for dipping – and transform it into an incredibly easy-to-assemble, crowd-pleasing dish. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you need something satisfying without a lot of fuss, or for feeding a hungry crowd on game day. Plus, the individual square format makes them super easy to serve and eat, no messy assembly at the table!
> “I made these for a potluck and they were an absolute hit! Everyone loved the convenience and familiar flavors. The au jus really seals the deal.” – A Happy Home Cook
How this recipe comes together
The beauty of French Dip Squares lies in their straightforward assembly. You’ll start by preparing a baking sheet, then layering crescent roll dough to form the base. Next comes a generous spread of roast beef, followed by your favorite melty cheese. A second layer of crescent roll dough goes on top, and then a quick brush of a savory butter mixture before baking. While the squares are baking to golden perfection, you’ll whip up an incredibly simple yet flavorful au jus from beef broth and seasonings. Once baked, you slice them into squares, and everyone can dip to their heart’s content. It’s a truly uncomplicated process with seriously delicious results.
What you’ll need
Gather these items for your French Dip Squares:
- 2 (8-ounce) cans crescent roll dough: This forms the flaky, buttery crust.
- 1 pound deli roast beef: Thinly sliced is best for tender bites.
- 10 slices provolone cheese: Or Swiss, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite mild, meltable cheese.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: For brushing over the top dough.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a depth of umami to the butter.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A classic flavor pairing with beef.
- 2 cups beef broth: The base for your dippin’ dream.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Optional, for a slightly thicker au jus, mixed with a little cold water.
Directions to follow
Follow these steps to create your delicious French Dip Squares:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet (approximately 9×13 inches or larger) with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- First Dough Layer: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough (do not separate into individual triangles). Carefully place the dough on the prepared baking sheet, pressing the seams together to form a solid rectangle.
- Beef Layer: Evenly distribute the deli roast beef over the crescent roll dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Cheese Layer: Arrange the slices of provolone cheese over the roast beef. Don’t be shy – more cheese means more melty goodness!
- Second Dough Layer: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cheese layer. Gently press the seams together and crimp the edges of the top dough layer with the bottom dough layer to seal everything in.
- Butter Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the crescent roll dough.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Make the Au Jus: While the squares are baking, pour the beef broth into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. If you prefer a slightly thicker au jus, whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering broth. Let it simmer for another minute until slightly thickened.
- Slice & Serve: Once baked, remove the squares from the oven. Let them cool for 5 minutes before slicing into individual squares. Serve immediately with the warm au jus for dipping.
How to serve French Dip Squares
These French Dip Squares are fantastic on their own, but a few additions can make the meal even more special. Serve them alongside a simple green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you’re looking for something heartier, a bowl of tomato soup or a side of crispy oven-baked fries would be perfect companions. For a casual gathering, arrange them attractively on a platter with a small bowl of au jus for each guest, or a larger central bowl for communal dipping. They’re also surprisingly good with a dollop of horseradish sauce on the side for those who like a little kick!
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store any leftover French Dip Squares, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, you can use a microwave, though the crescent roll dough might get a little soft. For best results, reheat them in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. The au jus can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the same amount of time and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freezing is not recommended as the crescent dough texture changes significantly upon thawing.
Pro chef tips
- Don’t skimp on the cheese: While 10 slices is a good starting point, if you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add a bit more! The melty cheese is key to that classic French Dip experience.
- Crimping is crucial: Make sure to really press the edges of the top and bottom crescent dough layers together. This prevents the filling from oozing out during baking.
- Warm up the beef: If your deli roast beef is very cold, letting it come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before layering can help it warm more evenly in the oven.
- Customize your au jus: For an extra layer of flavor in your au jus, consider adding a splash of dry red wine, a bay leaf, or a sprig of fresh thyme to the beef broth while it simmers. Just remember to remove the bay leaf and thyme before serving.
Creative twists
- Cheesy Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Gruyere, or even a smoked cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
- Onion Lover’s Dream: Sauté some thinly sliced onions until caramelized and spread them over the beef layer before adding the cheese for an authentic French Dip flavor boost.
- Spicy Kick: A thin layer of horseradish sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the beef can add a nice bit of heat.
- Mushroom Magic: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth, especially if you like a more substantial filling.
- Garlic Bread Base: Instead of crescent rolls, you could try using pre-made garlic bread dough or even sliced sourdough bread as the base, though cooking times may vary.
- Mini Slider Style: For appetizer portions, cut the uncooked dough into smaller squares before layering and baking.
Common questions
Q: Can I use different types of meat?
A: Absolutely! While roast beef is traditional, you could try thinly sliced turkey or even a cooked, shredded pot roast for a different, but equally delicious, sandwich. Just ensure the meat is already cooked since the baking time is short.
Q: My au jus isn’t very flavorful. How can I fix it?
A: To boost the flavor of your au jus, try using a good quality, low-sodium beef broth and taste as you go. You can add a pinch of dried thyme, a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for more umami, or even a tiny amount of beef bouillon paste (watch the salt content!). Sautéing some minced shallots or garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding the broth can also build a great base.
Q: Can I assemble these ahead of time?
A: You can partially assemble them. You can layer the beef and cheese on the bottom dough and then cover and refrigerate for a few hours. However, I wouldn’t recommend putting the top layer of crescent dough on until just before baking, as it can get soggy. The butter topping should also be brushed on right before baking for the best Golden-brown finish.
Quick French Dip Squares
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Fork (optional)
- Small Saucepan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls or puff pastry dough
- 1 lb thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
Au Jus (Optional)
- 1 can (10 oz) beef consommé or French onion soup
- 1/2 cup water if using consommé
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional, for au jus
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder optional, for au jus
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and unroll the pastry dough onto a baking sheet, pressing seams together if using crescent rolls.
- Arrange provolone cheese slices evenly over one half of the dough, leaving a small border, then layer roast beef over the cheese.
- Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing and crimping the edges to seal.
- Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg for a golden crust and bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Au Jus & Serving
- While baking, combine consommé (or French onion soup), water, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to keep warm, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- After baking, cool the squares for a few minutes before slicing and serving immediately with the warm au jus for dipping.