The French Dip Sandwich Melt is a delicious twist on the classic French dip, featuring tender slices of roast beef nestled in a toasted sandwich with melted cheese and a crispy, golden top. The sandwich is perfectly complemented by a rich, flavorful au jus dipping sauce that brings savory goodness to every bite. It’s a warm, satisfying meal that combines juicy meat and gooey cheese with a crusty bread exterior.
I love making this sandwich when I want something quick but filling. What makes it special to me is how the cheese melts into the beef and bread, creating a melty, gooey texture that’s just irresistible. Plus, dipping each bite into the savory au jus gives it a little extra comfort that makes you want to take your time enjoying every mouthful.
My favorite way to serve the French Dip Sandwich Melt is with a side of crispy fries or a simple green salad to keep things balanced. It’s one of those meals that’s easy to put together but feels like a treat whenever I make it. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch, this sandwich always hits the spot and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roast Beef: Thinly sliced roast beef is the star here. I like buying thin deli slices, but leftover roast works great too. For a leaner option, try turkey or chicken breast slices.
Cheese: Provolone or Swiss cheese melts beautifully, adding creaminess and flavor. If you prefer something stronger, Gruyere or mozzarella work well and melt easily.
Rolls: Hoagie or French rolls with a crusty outside and soft inside are best. If unavailable, a sturdy baguette or ciabatta loaf works, as long as it can hold the fillings without getting soggy.
Au Jus: Beef broth combined with Worcestershire and spices creates a rich dipping sauce. If you want to save time, store-bought au jus or broth is fine, just enhance with garlic and onion powders for that extra flavor.
How Can I Get the Perfect Melted Cheese and Crispy Bread?
The trick is balancing heat and timing so the cheese melts fully but the bread stays crispy:
- Butter the outside of the rolls lightly to get a golden, crisp texture when toasted.
- Toast the rolls first to ensure they don’t become soggy when the beef and cheese are added.
- After adding meat and cheese, return sandwiches to the oven just until the cheese melts and bubbles – about 5-7 minutes at 375°F works well.
- Keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t overcook or the bread burn.
This method gives you a perfectly crisp, buttery bread with gooey melted cheese that ties it all together.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for toasting the rolls evenly and melting the cheese without mess.
- Small saucepan – great for warming the au jus so it stays hot and flavorful for dipping.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing the rolls clean and easy without squashing the bread.
- Spatula or tongs – helpful for handling the hot sandwiches safely when moving them in and out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch roast beef for thinly sliced turkey or chicken for a lighter version with a similar texture.
- Add sautéed mushrooms inside the sandwich for extra earthiness and a bit of moisture.
- Use pepper jack or havarti cheese for a mild kick or creamier melt.
- Sprinkle some fresh thyme or rosemary on the beef before topping with cheese to add fresh herbal notes.
How to Make French Dip Sandwich Melt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (preferably from a deli or leftover cooked roast)
- 4 hoagie or French rolls
- 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting rolls)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Au Jus Sauce:
- 2 cups beef broth or au jus (for dipping and sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10–15 minutes of prep and assembly time, plus roughly 10 minutes for toasting and melting the cheese in the oven. So plan for about 25 minutes total to enjoy your delicious French Dip Sandwich Melt hot and ready to dip!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Au Jus Sauce:
In a small saucepan, mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Warm the sauce over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. Keep it warm on low heat for dipping and spooning over the sandwich later.
2. Toast the Rolls:
Slice each hoagie roll lengthwise, but keep a hinge so they stay together. Spread butter lightly on the outside of the rolls. Place the rolls butter-side up on a baking sheet and toast them in your preheated 375°F oven until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes.
3. Assemble and Melt the Cheese:
Open each toasted roll and fill generously with thinly sliced roast beef. Lay two slices of provolone or Swiss cheese over the beef. Return the sandwiches to the oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
4. Finish and Serve:
Remove the sandwiches from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you like for a bit of color and freshness. Serve your French Dip Sandwich Melt hot, with the warm au jus on the side for dipping. To enjoy, dip each bite into the savory sauce and savor that delicious combo!
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for the Sandwich?
Yes! Just make sure the roast beef is fully thawed before assembling the sandwich. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Pat the slices dry to avoid extra moisture in the sandwich.
Can I Make the Au Jus Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the au jus a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving and add a splash of beef broth or water if it’s too concentrated after chilling.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sandwiches and au jus separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the sandwich in the oven to keep the bread crispy and warm the au jus on the stove for dipping.
What Can I Serve with French Dip Sandwich Melt?
This sandwich pairs beautifully with crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. The dipping sauce also doubles as a great soup base for a cozy side dish!
