Garlic Bread French Dips

Description

These Garlic Bread French Dips combine everything you love about a classic French dip sandwich with crispy, buttery garlic bread. Tender slices of roast beef are piled onto toasted rolls with sweet caramelized onions and plenty of melted provolone cheese, then brushed with savory garlic-herb butter until golden and irresistible. The sandwiches are served with warm, deeply flavored au jus for dipping, giving every bite a juicy, beefy finish. They’re perfect for an easy family dinner, game-day spread, weekend lunch, or whenever you’re craving serious comfort food without a complicated recipe.

Ingredients For the Sandwiches

• 1½ lbs thinly sliced cooked roast beef
• 4 large French rolls or hoagie rolls
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Garlic Butter

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

For the Au Jus

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp butter

For Serving

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra provolone, optional
• Warm au jus

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Begin with the caramelized onions. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the sliced onions, salt, and black pepper.
4. Cook for approximately 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and golden.
5. Lower the heat if the onions begin browning too quickly. You want them sweet and tender rather than burned.
6. Transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.
7. In a small saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper.
8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
9. Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes so the flavors have time to blend.
10. Stir in 1 teaspoon butter for a richer finish.
11. Taste the au jus and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
12. Keep it warm over low heat while preparing the sandwiches.
13. Place the thinly sliced roast beef into the warm au jus for approximately 1–2 minutes, just long enough to heat it through.
14. Avoid boiling the beef because thin roast beef can become tough when overcooked.
15. Remove the beef with tongs and allow excess broth to drip back into the saucepan.
16. Prepare the garlic butter by combining melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
17. Slice the French rolls lengthwise without cutting completely through if you want the sandwiches to stay together.
18. Place the rolls on a large baking sheet.
19. Brush the inside of each roll generously with garlic butter.
20. Place the rolls in the oven for approximately 3–4 minutes, until lightly toasted.
21. Remove them from the oven.
22. Layer each roll with warm roast beef.
23. Spoon caramelized onions generously over the beef.
24. Add two slices of provolone cheese to each sandwich.
25. Return the sandwiches to the oven.
26. Bake for approximately 4–6 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble.
27. For an extra-golden finish, broil for approximately 30–60 seconds, watching carefully.
28. Remove the sandwiches from the oven.
29. Brush the tops lightly with the remaining garlic butter.
30. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper.
31. Divide the warm au jus between small individual dipping bowls.
32. Serve the Garlic Bread French Dips immediately while the bread is crisp and the cheese is hot and stretchy.

Tips

• Use thinly sliced roast beef for the most tender sandwich.
• Don’t simmer the roast beef for too long. It only needs enough time to warm through.
• Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar can also work.
• Toast the bread before assembling so it stays crisp after adding the juicy beef.
• Cook the onions slowly for better sweetness and deeper flavor.
• Use low-sodium broth because Worcestershire and soy sauce already contribute salt.
• For extra garlic flavor, brush a little garlic butter over the rolls again immediately after baking.
• Serve the sandwiches straight from the oven for the best cheese pull.

Notes

These sandwiches are best served immediately because the contrast between crispy garlic bread, juicy beef, melted cheese, and warm au jus is what makes them special. For a complete meal, pair them with French fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, a green salad, or crispy onion rings. Leftover beef and au jus can be refrigerated promptly in separate airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.

Q&A

What is au jus?
Au jus is a thin, savory beef dipping liquid traditionally served alongside French dip sandwiches.
Can I use leftover roast beef?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced leftover roast beef is excellent for this recipe.
Can I make these ahead?
You can prepare the onions, garlic butter, and au jus ahead, but assemble and bake the sandwiches just before serving for the crispiest bread.
Can I use another cheese?
Yes. Swiss, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar are delicious alternatives to provolone.
How do I prevent soggy bread?
Toast the garlic-buttered rolls before adding the filling, and don’t pour au jus directly onto the sandwiches. Serve it separately for dipping.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, horseradish sauce, or extra caramelized onions are excellent additions.

Servings

Makes 4 large sandwiches

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 690
• Protein: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 1,180mg
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Potassium: 670mg
  Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the bread, roast beef, cheese, broth, and portion size.