The Ultimate Guide to French Dip Sandwiches: Perfecting the Classic Recipe, from Au Jus to Pairing Suggestions

The French dip sandwich is a classic creation of Los Angeles’ Philippe’s restaurant, which claims to have invented the dish in 1908. The original recipe consisted of thinly sliced roast beef served on a crusty baguette with a side of au jus for dipping. Today, the French dip remains a beloved comfort food, with countless variations and interpretations cropping up around the world.

The key to a great French dip sandwich is using high-quality ingredients, including a rich, flavorful au jus and tender, sliced roast beef. To make the perfect au jus, start by roasting a beef brisket or prime rib in the oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Then, deglaze the pan with a bit of red wine or beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Finally, simmer the mixture until it reduces to a thick, syrupy consistency.

Making au jus from scratch is a bit more involved, but the end result is well worth the effort. To get started, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, including beef broth, red wine, and a bit of tomato paste. You can also add some aromatics like onion and garlic to give the au jus a deeper flavor.

Here’s a basic recipe for au jus that you can use as a starting point. Start by combining 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of red wine, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then add in some chopped onion and garlic for added flavor. Reduce the heat to low and let the au jus simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Gluten-free bread is a great option for those with dietary restrictions, but be sure to choose a bread that holds up well to the au jus. Look for a bread that’s made with a combination of gluten-free flours, such as rice flour, almond flour, or coconut flour. You can also try using a bread that’s specifically designed for dipping, such as a baguette or ciabatta.

To make gluten-free bread work for French dip, start by toasting the bread in the oven until it’s lightly browned and crispy. Then, slice the bread into thick rounds and assemble the sandwich as you would with traditional bread. Be sure to use a high-quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Gruyère, to help hold the sandwich together.

A blend of cheddar and Gruyère cheese is the perfect combination for a French dip sandwich, but feel free to experiment with other types of cheese. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and has a rich, creamy flavor. Cheddar and Gruyère are both great options, but you can also try using other types of cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella.

When assembling the sandwich, be sure to use a generous amount of cheese to help hold the bread and meat together. You can also try adding some grated cheese to the au jus for an extra burst of flavor. Just be sure to stir it in well so it doesn’t separate from the rest of the au jus.

Leftover roast beef can be a great option for French dip, but be sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure food safety. You can also try using leftover roast beef to make a French dip sandwich, simply by reheating it in the oven until it’s hot and tender.

To make leftover roast beef work for French dip, start by reheating it in the oven until it’s hot and tender. Then, slice the beef thinly and assemble the sandwich as you would with fresh roast beef. Be sure to use a high-quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Gruyère, to help hold the sandwich together.

French dip sandwiches are often served as a main course, but they can also be paired with a variety of side dishes to add some extra flavor and texture. Some popular options include:

– Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and a bit of vinegar is a great side dish for French dip. Simply toss the slaw with some chopped herbs, such as parsley or dill, and serve it on the side.

– Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, are a tasty and healthy side dish that pairs well with French dip. Simply toss the vegetables with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they’re tender and caramelized.

– Salad: A simple green salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a bit of vinaigrette is a great side dish for French dip. Simply toss the salad with some chopped herbs, such as parsley or dill, and serve it on the side.

– Baked potatoes: Baked potatoes are a great side dish for French dip, especially if you’re serving a crowd. Simply bake the potatoes in the oven until they’re hot and tender, then top them with some cheese, sour cream, and chives.

– Fries: Crispy fries are a great side dish for French dip, especially if you’re serving a crowd. Simply slice the potatoes thinly and fry them in the oven until they’re crispy and golden brown. Serve them on the side with some ketchup or aioli for dipping.

The type of roast beef you use for French dip is up to you, but some popular options include:

– Prime rib: Prime rib is a tender and flavorful cut of beef that’s perfect for French dip. Simply roast the prime rib in the oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness, then slice it thinly and assemble the sandwich.

– Beef brisket: Beef brisket is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that’s perfect for French dip. Simply roast the brisket in the oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness, then slice it thinly and assemble the sandwich.

– Top round: Top round is a lean and tender cut of beef that’s perfect for French dip. Simply roast the top round in the oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness, then slice it thinly and assemble the sandwich.

– Bottom round: Bottom round is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that’s perfect for French dip. Simply roast the bottom round in the oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness, then slice it thinly and assemble the sandwich.

Au jus should be served hot, but not boiling, to prevent the bread from becoming soggy or falling apart. A good rule of thumb is to serve the au jus at a temperature of around 140°F to 150°F. This will allow the bread to absorb the flavors of the au jus without becoming too soggy or falling apart.

To achieve the perfect temperature for the au jus, start by reducing the heat to low and letting it simmer for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the au jus to thicken slightly. Then, simply serve the au jus hot, garnished with some chopped herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor.

French dip sandwiches can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble them just before serving. To make the sandwiches ahead of time, start by preparing the au jus and roast beef. Then, simply assemble the sandwiches as you would with fresh ingredients, but instead of serving them immediately, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve.

When you’re ready to serve the sandwiches, simply remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and the bread to become crispy. Then, simply serve the sandwiches and enjoy!

Note: If you’re making the sandwiches ahead of time, be sure to use a high-quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Gruyère. This will help the sandwich hold together and the cheese to melt evenly.

While roast beef is the traditional choice for French dip, there are many other types of meat that you can use as a substitute. Some popular options include:

– Turkey: Sliced turkey breast is a lean and flavorful alternative to roast beef. Simply roast the turkey breast in the oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness, then slice it thinly and assemble the sandwich.

– Ham: Sliced ham is a salty and savory alternative to roast beef. Simply roast the ham in the oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness, then slice it thinly and assemble the sandwich.

– Roast pork: Roast pork is a flavorful and tender alternative to roast beef. Simply roast the pork in the oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness, then slice it thinly and assemble the sandwich.

– Chicken: Sliced chicken breast is a lean and flavorful alternative to roast beef. Simply roast the chicken breast in the oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness, then slice it thinly and assemble the sandwich.

The length of time you dip the bread in the au jus will depend on your personal preference. Some people like their bread to be lightly coated with au jus, while others prefer it to be fully saturated. To achieve the perfect level of au jus, start by dipping the bread in the au jus for about 5 to 10 seconds. This will allow the bread to absorb the flavors of the au jus without becoming too soggy or falling apart.

If you prefer a more intense au jus flavor, you can dip the bread for a longer period of time, such as 15 to 30 seconds. Just be sure to monitor the bread closely to prevent it from becoming too soggy or falling apart.

French dip sandwiches are often served with a variety of beverages to complement their rich and savory flavors. Some popular options include:

– Iced tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea is the perfect accompaniment to a French dip sandwich. Simply brew a pot of tea and pour it over ice for a cooling and thirst-quenching drink.

– Lemonade: A glass of lemonade is a tangy and refreshing alternative to iced tea. Simply mix together some freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and water for a drink that’s perfect for hot summer days.

– Soda: A glass of soda, such as cola or root beer, is a fizzy and fun alternative to iced tea or lemonade. Simply pour the soda over ice for a drink that’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up.

– Beer: A cold beer is a great accompaniment to a French dip sandwich, especially if you’re serving a crowd. Simply pour the beer over ice for a drink that’s perfect for a casual gathering or party.