French Dip Sandwich with Provolone & Au Jus – Recipe & Tips

French Dip Sandwich with Provolone & Au Jus – Recipe & Tips
French Dip Sandwich with Provolone and Au Jus

French Dip Sandwiches with provolone cheese and rich au jus are an undeniable classic. Known for their tender beef, melted cheese, and flavorful dipping sauce, these sandwiches bring comfort and indulgence together. This article dives deep into each element, from ingredients and techniques to presentation and delicious variations, so you’ll have everything you need to create an unforgettable French dip sandwich experience. Let’s break down every step to make sure your homemade version is spot-on.

Introduction and Overview

What is a French Dip Sandwich?

The French Dip Sandwich is a deliciously warm, beef-filled delight served with au jus, a savory beef dipping sauce. It’s thought to have originated in Los Angeles in the early 1900s, making it an American classic despite its “French” name. Traditional French dips consist of thinly sliced roast beef packed into a hearty bread roll and then served with au jus on the side, allowing each bite to be soaked in rich, beefy flavors.

Origin of the French Dip Sandwich

Legend has it that the French dip sandwich was born from a happy accident. In one story, a sandwich roll fell into a pan of beef juices, and a customer loved it so much that dipping the sandwich became the norm. It’s believed that Philippe the Original in Los Angeles served the very first French dip sandwich around 1918, and the tradition has stuck ever since.

Why Add Provolone and Au Jus?

Adding provolone cheese and au jus elevates this sandwich to the next level.The mild, creamy flavor of provolone melts perfectly over tender beef, balancing the savory notes of the beef and enhancing each mouthful. Meanwhile, au jus — a French term meaning “with juice” — serves as both a flavorful dip and a flavor amplifier, saturating the bread with every bite.

Classic French Dip Sandwich
Classic French Dip Sandwich

These French dip sandwiches are loaded with tender roast beef, melty provolone, and a flavorful homemade au jus—perfect for a hearty, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

Roast beef slices

– Fresh steak rolls, toasted

– Sliced provolone cheese

– 1 packet au jus mix

– 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, per sandwich)

– 1 small pad of butter

– Seasonings (to taste):

– Onion powder

– Garlic powder

– Salt

– Crushed red pepper (optional)

– Water (use more than the packet recommends for extra au jus)

– Optional: Grilled onions for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare Au Jus:

– Follow the au jus packet instructions, but add more water than directed for extra sauce.

– Add a small pad of butter and season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and crushed red pepper. Let it simmer until flavors combine.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches:

– Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

– Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of each toasted steak roll.

– Drizzle a few spoonfuls of the prepared au jus on the bottom half of each roll for extra flavor.

– Layer with roast beef slices and top with a slice of provolone cheese.

3. Bake Sandwiches:

– Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese begins to melt.

– Spoon a bit more au jus over the top of each sandwich and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

4. Serve with Extra Au Jus:

– Serve the sandwiches with small bowls of au jus for dipping, and add grilled onions if desired for a meal that’s easy to balance. Consider how these dietary choices can support health during pregnancy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Bake Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: ~500 kcal per sandwich

Servings: 4

Enjoy these savory, warm French dip sandwiches for a restaurant-quality meal at home, and check out tips for foods to avoid that may not be suitable in specific diets.🥖🧅🧄

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