These Delicious French Dip Squares are a fun twist on a classic sandwich, packed with tender beef, melty cheese, and a soft, buttery roll base. The combination of juicy roast beef and a flavorful dip sauce makes every bite satisfying and full of comfort. They’re perfect for a casual get-together or a cozy night in when you want something warm and easy to share.
I love making these because they come together quickly, and I always add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top before baking for that golden, bubbly finish. The best part is how the beef and sauce soak into the bread, creating little pockets of flavor that just melt in your mouth. I find myself going back for seconds without even realizing it!
My favorite way to serve these squares is right alongside a small bowl of au jus for dipping, which helps keep the flavors rich and juicy. They work great as finger food for parties or a simple meal paired with a fresh salad. Every time I bring these to a gathering, they disappear fast, and people always ask for the recipe. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread or Ciabatta: These breads have a sturdy crust and a soft inside, perfect for soaking up the au jus without getting soggy. If unavailable, a sturdy baguette or hoagie roll works well too.
Roast Beef: Using thinly sliced or shredded roast beef keeps the squares tender and juicy. For convenience, deli-style roast beef is fine, but leftover roast beef from a roast is my favorite.
Swiss Cheese: It melts beautifully and adds a mild, nutty flavor. If you prefer, provolone or mozzarella are good substitutes for a different but still melty cheese.
Garlic Butter: This adds richness and an appetizing aroma. You can swap dried thyme for rosemary or Italian seasoning if you want to mix up the flavors a bit.
Au Jus Dip: Beef broth combined with Worcestershire sauce gives a rich, savory dip. For extra depth, I sometimes add a splash of red wine or a pinch of onion powder.
How Can You Make These Squares Crispy but Not Soggy?
The key is to balance moisture and crispiness so the bread stays sturdy while soaking up flavors. Here’s how I do it:
- Spread garlic butter on both bread halves to create a moisture barrier and add flavor.
- Toast the assembled sandwich in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese melts and the crust turns golden.
- Don’t over-soak the bread in the au jus before serving—dip each square just before eating.
- If possible, use thicker slices of bread to hold everything better.
This method keeps the exterior crispy while locking in juicy roast beef and melted cheese inside. It’s all about timing and layering so the bread absorbs flavor without getting soggy before baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for toasting the sandwich evenly and getting that golden, crispy crust.
- Small bowl – handy for mixing garlic butter and seasonings smoothly.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice the loaf and the baked sandwich squares cleanly.
- Small saucepan – essential for warming the au jus dip gently on the stove.
- Basting brush (optional) – makes spreading butter on the bread easy and even.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella for a different melt and milder taste.
- Add sautéed onions or caramelized mushrooms between the beef and cheese for extra flavor.
- Use thinly sliced turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option.
- Mix horseradish sauce with the Dijon mustard for a spicy kick that pairs well with the beef.
Delicious French Dip Squares Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Squares:
- 1 (12 oz) loaf of French bread or ciabatta bread
- 1 lb cooked roast beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, sliced or shredded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Au Jus Dip:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 15-20 minutes to bake, and a few minutes to prepare the au jus dip. In total, plan for around 30 minutes from start to finish to enjoy these savory, cheesy squares.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep The Bread and Garlic Butter:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the loaf horizontally into two halves. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spread this garlic butter evenly on the cut sides of the bread.
2. Layer The Filling:
Spread the Dijon mustard evenly on the bottom half of the bread. Arrange the roast beef over the mustard, distributing it evenly. Top the beef with the Swiss cheese, covering the layer well.
3. Bake To Perfection:
Place the top half of the bread over the cheese layer and press down gently. Lightly brush the top with more butter for a crispy finish, if desired. Transfer the sandwich onto a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden and crispy.
4. Make The Au Jus Dip:
While the sandwich bakes, warm the beef broth in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Heat until warm, but do not boil.
5. Cut And Serve:
Remove the sandwich from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut the sandwich into 2-3 inch squares for easy serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm with the au jus on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the roast beef in the refrigerator before assembling the sandwich. Pat it dry to remove any excess moisture so it doesn’t make the bread soggy.
Can I Make These French Dip Squares Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sandwich and au jus sauce a few hours in advance. Keep the sandwich wrapped tightly and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
What’s the Best Bread to Use?
French bread or ciabatta work best because they have a nice crust and a sturdy crumb that holds up well when dipped in au jus. Avoid very soft breads that might become soggy quickly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and warm the au jus separately before serving to keep everything tasty.
