The Ultimate French Dip Grilled Cheese: Roast Beef, Melted Provolone, and Homemade Au Jus in 15 Minutes
There are some sandwiches that just transport you, you know? They’re more than bread and fillings, they’re a cozy hug on a plate. For me, that’s always been the French Dip Sandwich. It brings me straight back to those rare, grown-up lunch dates my dad would take me on, where dipping that beefy sandwich into the dark, savory Au Jus dipping sauce felt like a special secret.
But let’s be honest, the classic version, typically served on a hoagie roll, can be a little messy and sometimes requires a bit more effort than a busy weeknight allows. That’s why I created this genius mashup, the French Dip Grilled Cheese. We take the best parts of a traditional French Dip, namely the succulent, thinly sliced Deli Roast Beef Sandwich and that deep, comforting au jus, and tuck them inside two buttery, crispy slices of bread, overloaded with melted Swiss and Provolone Grilled Cheese.
This isn’t just a Grilled Cheese Recipe, it’s an elevated comfort food experience that Adams and Jana absolutely devour. Emily loves it because it literally takes less than 15 minutes to pull off, making it the perfect easy weeknight dinner sandwich. You get the crispy, buttery texture of the grilled cheese combined with the rich, savory depth of the roast beef and the glorious, dunkable au jus. It’s the ultimate cheese melt sandwich. Grab your apron! We’re making some magic.
Delish even agrees that combining these two classics is the move, and I’m here to show you how to master this Beef Dip Sandwich with the best possible results, and how to master that crucial homemade au jus for dipping.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This French Dip Grilled Cheese
- Ingredients for French Dip Grilled Cheese
- How to Make French Dip Grilled Cheese
- Pro Tips & Variations
- French Dip Grilled Cheese Serving Suggestions
- French Dip Grilled Cheese Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about French Dip Grilled Cheese
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This French Dip Grilled Cheese
When I think about cooking, it’s not just about the recipe, it’s about making people happy. This specific sandwich, the French Dip Grilled Cheese, hits all the right notes for maximum family happiness and minimal kitchen stress. If you’re looking for an easy French dip grilled cheese recipe that delivers big flavor, look no further.
- Speedy Comfort Food: We all need quick wins during the week. This is an Easy French Dip that truly comes together in under 15 minutes, start to finish. We’re using superior quality deli roast beef, which means zero cooking time for the meat itself, just heating and layering. This is crucial for those nights when Jana has soccer practice and Adams needs help with long division.
- The Ultimate Dipping Experience: The beautiful part of the French Dip is the dip. The Au Jus Dipping Sauce we create is savory, rich, and perfect for soaking up the crispy, buttered bread grilled cheese crust. It elevates a simple Melted Cheese Sandwich into a gourmet, yet totally doable, meal.
- Double the Cheese, Double the Fun: While a classic French Dip might only hint at cheese, we go full-on with the grilled cheese concept. I find that a combination of creamy Provolone cheese and sharp Swiss cheese sandwich style is the ideal pairing for the savory beef and rich au jus. The provolone gives you that satisfying cheese pull, essential for any proper grilled cheese.
- Kid-Approved and Customizable: While the full French Dip flavor profile is complex, the sandwich itself is simple enough for even my pickiest eater. Jana just loves the dipping factor. And for the adults, we can easily dress it up with a slice of sharp Gruyere, giving you a wonderful (and trendy) Gruyere French Onion Grilled Cheese variant feel.
- High-Value Keywords, Naturally Integrated: As someone who runs a website, I know you are searching for the best possible recipe information. We are focusing on making a recipe that is authentically aligned with what people love about a traditional French dip recipe while optimizing the practicality of a grilled cheese sandwich. We hit all the semantic marks: great instruction, amazing flavor, and efficient cooking.
- The Perfect Roast Beef Pairing: Using thin slices of quality deli roast beef means it heats up evenly when pressed in the sandwich, avoiding chewy or cold spots. This ensures every bite of your Roast Beef Sandwich is tender and delicious. Make sure you get the good stuff at the deli counter, it makes a huge difference!
Ingredients for French Dip Grilled Cheese
We are keeping this simple. The secret to a phenomenal French Dip Grilled Cheese lies in the quality of your core ingredients, especially the bread and the beef broth.
- Bread: 8 slices of thick-cut bread (Sourdough or rustic white is best. Sourdough offers a nice tang that cuts through the richness).
- Cheese: 8 slices of Provolone cheese, plus 4 slices of Swiss cheese. (The combo is non-negotiable for the BEST melt!).
- Meat: 1 pound of thinly sliced deli roast beef. Get it truly thin, like shaved.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened (for grilling the bread).
- Au Jus Base: 2 cups of high-quality beef broth or beef consommé. Choose low-sodium if possible, as the seasoning will add salt.
- Flavor Boosters: 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Optional Topping: (Highly recommended!) 1/2 cup caramelized onions or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for texture.
How to Make French Dip Grilled Cheese
This recipe is all about timing: getting that sandwich perfectly crispy and the au jus deeply flavorful, all at the same time. This is how you make a French dip sandwich with melted cheese that rivals any restaurant in just minutes. We’re truly making this roast beef French dip in 15 minutes, I promise.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start the Au Jus: In a small saucepan, pour in your 2 cups of beef broth or beef consommé. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and thyme. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. You want it warm enough to be a perfect dip, but not boiling rapidly. This forms the base of your incredible au jus recipe. Keep it warm on the back burner.
- Prep the Sandwich Components: While the au jus heats, spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This buttered side is what hits the pan first (or last). Lay out four slices of bread, butter-side down, on a cutting board.
- Layer the Cheese and Beef: On the non-buttered side of the laid-out slices, place two slices of provolone. Add the thinly sliced deli roast beef on top of the provolone. You want the beef to be slightly warmed, and the melted cheese will act as the ‘glue’ to hold the Roast Beef Sandwich together.
- Add the Top Cheese Layer: If you are using Swiss, place a slice of Swiss over the beef, followed by two more slices of provolone. This Provolone Grilled Cheese layering ensures maximum gooeyness. If you prepared caramelized onions, scatter a tablespoon or two over the cheese.
- Close the Sandwich: Top the filling with the remaining four slices of bread, butter-side UP. This setup means the butter is pre-positioned for perfect grilling.
- Grill to Perfection: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. This temperature is key! If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the interior cheeses can fully melt. Place two sandwiches on the skillet. Cook slowly for 3–5 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula only occasionally. Listen for that beautiful sizzle, and watch for a deep, golden-brown crust. That’s the sound of success. Look at that gorgeous, buttered bread grilled cheese crust forming!
- Slice and Serve: Once the cheese is ooey-gooey and the bread is golden, remove the sandwiches and let them rest for one minute. Slice them in half diagonally. Pour the hot beef broth dip into small individual ramekins. Serve the French Dip Grilled Cheese immediately alongside the dipping sauce. Nothing is better than sinking a crispy corner into that rich liquid. If you love a hearty sandwich, consider trying our Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich for another incredible option.
Pro Tips & Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic French Dip Grilled Cheese, let’s talk about how to level up. Cooking isn’t just about following rules, it’s about making the dish yours, adapting it to your family’s tastes, and making it easy.
Mastering the Au Jus (The Key to the French Dip)
The ‘Au Jus’ (literally ‘with juice’) is non-negotiable for any true Beef Dip Sandwich experience. To create a truly robust and flavorful dipping experience:
- Use Beef Consommé: If you can find it, beef consommé is thicker and generally more flavorful than standard beef broth, resulting in a more savory, concentrated au jus dip.
- Boost the Umami: Add a splash of good sherry wine (or a teaspoon of good quality sherry vinegar if you avoid alcohol) and a 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the broth mixture. This creates a deep, restaurant-quality sherry wine beef dip flavor.
- Thickening Trick: If you prefer your au jus slightly thicker, whisk in half a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with one tablespoon of cold water (a slurry) into the simmering broth. Simmer for one minute until slightly thickened.
- Keep it Hot: An important element of the classic Roast Beef au Jus is the heat. It shouldn’t just be warm, it should be steaming hot for dipping. Invest in small ceramic ramekins that hold heat well.
Cheese & Meat Variations
- The French Onion Twist: Swap out the provolone for Gruyère cheese. Gruyère is used in classic French onion soup and melts beautifully while introducing a sophisticated, nutty flavor. Pair this with truly slow-cooked caramelized onions inside the sandwich for a true French Onion Grilled Cheese experience.
- Spicy Kick: For the adventurous, mix a little horseradish cream sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the softened butter before grilling. This gives a subtle, spicy finish to your French Dip Grilled Cheese.
- The Pot Roast Version: If you have leftovers from a Sunday dinner, shredded pot roast works wonderfully. Use that tender, seasoned pot roast meat and layer it in the sandwich for a hearty pot roast grilled cheese French dip instead of deli roast beef.
Make-Ahead & Efficiency Tips
- Onion Prep: Caramelizing onions properly takes time (about 40 minutes). If you want to include deep sautéed onions roast beef style, make a big batch over the weekend and store them in the fridge. They reheat perfectly right before assembling the sandwich. Alternatively, Adams and Jana love the crunch of crispy fried onions grilled cheese dipping sandwich style, which is much faster.
- Bread Choice Matters: For the best results and structure, choose a sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast. Avoid thin white bread, as it tends to get soggy quickly when dipped, especially when full of beef and melted cheese.
- Low and Slow Grilling: I mention this in the steps, but it bears repeating. Medium-low heat is your friend. If you cook too fast, you’ll have burnt crust and cold centers. Patience ensures a perfectly melted provolone interior.
If you’re looking for other fun, easy chicken dinners that can be customized for the family, check out our popular Easy Creamy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowls.
French Dip Grilled Cheese Serving Suggestions
This French Dip Grilled Cheese is a satisfying meal all on its own, but what is comfort food without the perfect supporting cast? When Emily and I serve this to the kids, we like to pair it with sides that balance the richness of the roast beef and the melted cheese.
- Crisp and Cool Salad: A simple, bright green salad with a tart vinaigrette is fantastic. The acidity in the dressing cuts through the richness of the Beef Dip Sandwich, offering a refreshing break between dips. Think mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and a lemon-herb dressing.
- Classic Tomato Soup: You can’t go wrong pairing a grilled cheese variant with soup. While the au jus is the main dipping agent, a creamy, roasted tomato soup takes the comfort level straight to the roof. It embraces the idea of the sandwich being a dunkable star. This is a classic dinner pairing that just works, especially on a cold evening.
- Pickle Power: Serve a side of crunchy, full-sour dill pickles. The tanginess and crunch provide a great textural contrast to the soft, melty sandwich. Sometimes, I slice a few bread and butter pickles thinly and layer them right inside the sandwich for a zesty counterpoint to the savory roast beef.
- Seasoned Fries or Chips: For that true diner experience, serve with crinkle-cut fries lightly dusted with smoked paprika and garlic salt, or a bowl of thick-cut kettle chips. The extra crunch provides a satisfying counterpoint to the gooey melted cheese sandwich.
- Coleslaw: My Grandmother, bless her heart, always said a good Texan meal needs some cool slaw. A vinegar-based coleslaw, rather than a creamy mayo one, provides a delicious, crunchy side that echoes the slight tang of the sourdough bread. This ensures a balanced meal that isn’t too heavy, even though we are indulging in delicious, cheesy bliss.
For something quick and hearty alongside your sandwich, you might also enjoy our recipe for a Easy One-Pot Jambalaya Recipe, which offers deep, savory flavors like the au jus, but with a spicy kick!
French Dip Grilled Cheese Storage & Reheating
While this Crispy French Dip Grilled Cheese is truly best served immediately, sometimes you end up with leftovers, especially if you made extra au jus (which I highly recommend!).
- Storing the Sandwich: The assembled sandwich does not store particularly well. Once the cheese melts, the moisture can penetrate the bread, and the crispness is lost. If you must store it, place the leftover sandwich in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Storing the Au Jus: The roast beef au jus is the real winner for make-ahead and storing. Store the dipping sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen!
- Reheating the Sandwich (Best Method): To bring back some life, reheat the sandwich in a panini press or a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes per side, until the cheese melts again and the crust is revitalized. Avoid the microwave, as it results in soggy bread.
- Reheating the Au Jus: Reheat the reserved dipping sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming hot. Do not let it boil rapidly, just bring it back up to temperature.
- Freezing: I strongly advise against freezing the assembled sandwich. However, the rich beef broth dip freezes exceptionally well! Transfer cooled au jus to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
If you’re often making meals that require efficient reheating, you might find our instructions for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites helpful, as those also benefit from skillet reheating to maintain crispness.
FAQ about French Dip Grilled Cheese
I hear a lot of questions about how to perfect this fantastic merger of two classic sandwiches. Here are the answers to the most common queries, ensuring you know how to make French dip sandwiches at home flawlessly.
What is the best cheese for a French Dip Sandwich?
The best cheese for a classic French Dip Sandwich often includes Swiss or Provolone. For this French Dip Grilled Cheese, I recommend using both. The Provolone cheese melts beautifully and provides that signature stretch, while the Swiss cheese (or alternatively, Gruyère for a more complex flavor) adds a necessary sharpness and depth that complements the savory roast beef. Make sure your cheese is good quality, as it’s half the experience!
How do I make a simple homemade au jus for dipping?
The simplest way to create a savory homemade au jus for dipping is starting with high-quality beef broth or consommé. The key is in the enhancement. Simmer 2 cups of the broth with 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, a hefty pinch of black pepper, a teaspoon of garlic powder, and if you have it, an au jus seasoning mix. This simple blend creates a rich, dark dipping liquid that is far superior to plain broth and helps carry that classic roast beef au jus flavor.
Can I use leftover pot roast instead of deli roast beef?
Absolutely! Using leftover pot roast is a fantastic way to elevate this sandwich into a pot roast grilled cheese French dip. Simply make sure the pot roast is sliced thinly or shredded and warmed slightly before layering it inside the sandwich. The moistness of pot roast adds even more flavor and tenderness, making the sandwich extremely hearty. For other excellent ways to use up leftovers, consider our recipe for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
What is the secret to getting crispy bread without burning it when making a grilled cheese?
The secret to perfect, crispy, golden bread on your grilled cheese sandwich is simple, but crucial: medium-low heat. Don’t rush the process! Preheat your pan, but keep the heat steady and low. Using softened (not melted) butter spread evenly over the bread ensures a better, more consistent crust. The slow cook time allows the heat to penetrate the bread slowly, melting the cheese (essential for melted provolone) before the exterior crust burns.
How do I make caramelized onions quickly for my French Dip Grilled Cheese?
While true caramelization takes time, if you’re making this in 15 minutes, you have two options. First, use high-quality store-bought fried onions grilled cheese dipping sandwich style, or second, use the faster method: slice onions super thin, sauté them quickly in a skillet with a pinch of sugar and a few drops of balsamic vinegar until slightly browned and softened. While not fully caramelized, this gives you a quick, sweet boost perfect for this French Dip Grilled Cheese.
Final Thoughts
Cooking isn’t just about food, it’s about making people happy. When Adams, my 12-year-old, dips that crispy, cheesy corner into the fragrant, steaming au jus, and you see that big, satisfied grin, that’s when I know I’ve done my job. This French Dip Grilled Cheese bridges the gap between a fancy dining experience and the ultimate, easy weeknight comfort; it’s a little piece of love served hot and dunkable.
Food is our family’s story. It’s the moments we share around the counter while the butter sizzles, the laughter, and the simple joy of sharing a perfect bite. I hope this simple but luxurious Roast Beef Sandwich becomes a new staple in your home, just as it has in mine.
If you loved this twist on the classic, please leave a comment below and tell me how your family enjoyed their dipping experience! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find this delicious Easy French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe next time you need some comfort!
The Ultimate French Dip Grilled Cheese: Roast Beef, Melted Provolone, and Homemade Au Jus in 15 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, pour in your 2 cups of beef broth or beef consommé. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and thyme. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Keep it warm on the back burner.
- While the au jus heats, spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. Lay out four slices of bread, butter-side down, on a cutting board.
- On the non-buttered side of the laid-out slices, place two slices of provolone. Add the thinly sliced deli roast beef on top of the provolone.
- Place a slice of Swiss over the beef, followed by two more slices of provolone. If using caramelized onions, scatter a tablespoon or two over the cheese.
- Top the filling with the remaining four slices of bread, butter-side up.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place two sandwiches on the skillet. Cook slowly for 3–5 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula occasionally, until deep golden-brown.
- Remove the sandwiches and let them rest for one minute. Slice in half diagonally. Pour the hot au jus into small ramekins and serve immediately alongside the sandwiches.
