Name: French Dip Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds skirt or flank steak; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 4 (6-inch) French or hoagie rolls, sliced in half diagonally; 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) salted butter, softened; 4 teaspoons garlic powder, divided; 2 cups grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese; Minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, for serving (optional); 4 cups beef stock; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons onion powder

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

The French Dip Sandwich Recipe is an absolutely mouthwatering classic that combines tender, juicy slices of seared steak with melty cheese nestled inside a toasted roll. Paired with a rich, flavorful au jus for dipping, this sandwich is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings any day of the week. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a comforting dinner, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen with surprisingly simple techniques and ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single piece of raw red meat lies flat on a crumpled white parchment paper, sprinkled with coarse salt and cracked black pepper evenly across the surface. The meat shows natural grain and slight marbling, with lighter white fat lines running through it. The parchment paper is placed on a white marbled surface, adding subtle texture under the meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this French Dip Sandwich Recipe is chosen to build deep flavor and wonderful texture. From the perfectly seared steak to the buttery garlic rolls and savory au jus, every element plays an essential role in creating that iconic taste.

1½ pounds skirt or flank steak: These cuts offer great flavor and tenderness when sliced thin against the grain.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the steak and bringing out its juices perfectly.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the meat.
4 (6-inch) French or hoagie rolls, sliced diagonally: Their sturdy crust and soft interior hold the sandwich together beautifully.
6 tablespoons salted butter, softened: Used to butter the rolls, it adds richness and crispness after broiling.
4 teaspoons garlic powder, divided: Infuses the buttery rolls with irresistible garlicky aroma.
2 cups grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese: Melts wonderfully, providing a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
Minced fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness at the end.
Au Jus ingredients: 4 cups beef stock, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 2 teaspoons onion powder—these combine to create a rich, savory dipping sauce that makes the sandwich unforgettable.

How to Make French Dip Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak

Start by generously seasoning the skirt or flank steak with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple seasoning is crucial because it enhances the natural beef flavor without overpowering it. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot – this is critical for that perfect sear. Cook the steak for about 3 minutes per side, aiming for medium-rare at 135°F. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute, then slice very thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Step 2: Make the Au Jus

While the steak rests, whisk together all the au jus ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. The blend of beef stock, thyme, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder develops a deeply savory dip with layers of rustic flavor. Add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder here for an extra hint of warmth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld all aromas beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Rolls

Butter the inside of each French or hoagie roll generously, then sprinkle with the remaining 2 teaspoons of garlic powder. This is where the buttery, garlicky flavor meets the bread, giving a glorious aroma and crisp texture once broiled. Arrange the rolls open-faced on a rimmed baking sheet to prepare them for the next step.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Turn your oven broiler to HIGH, getting it ready to melt and lightly brown the cheese. Quickly dip each steak slice into the warm au jus – this moistens the meat perfectly and infuses more flavor. Pile the juicy steak onto one side of each roll, then sprinkle about half a cup of grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top. This layer of cheese will become gooey and deliciously bubbly under the broiler.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection

Place the baking sheet under the broiler and watch carefully as the cheese melts and bubbles to a golden perfection – this should take about 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it because you want that gorgeous melted cheese but not burnt edges. Once done, remove the sandwiches and sprinkle with minced fresh parsley for a vibrant finish if desired.

Step 6: Serve with Au Jus

Transfer the sandwiches to plates and ladle about ¾ cup of the hot au jus into small ramekins alongside each sandwich for dipping. The combination of juicy meat, melted cheese, crispy roll, and flavorful dipping sauce is pure comfort in every bite.

How to Serve French Dip Sandwich Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds three sandwich rolls filled with sliced cooked meat layered with melted white cheese and sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The sandwich rolls have a shiny golden brown crust and inside soft white bread. A small round white bowl sits in the middle of the plate filled with dark brown dipping sauce. One sandwich is split open at the top showing the meat and cheese inside clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh minced parsley is a simple but effective garnish, adding a burst of green color and a mild herbaceous note that brightens the richness of the sandwich. Some like to add a few thinly sliced pickles or a dash of Dijon mustard on the side for creativity, but even without extras, this sandwich shines.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider pairing this sandwich with crispy oven fries, a tangy coleslaw, or a light green salad. The crispy fries contrast beautifully against the soft bread and tender steak, while the salad or slaw provides a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the cheese and au jus dip.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your French Dip Sandwich Recipe party-style, slice the sandwiches into smaller sliders for easy sharing. You could also serve the au jus in mini dipping bowls for each guest to dip as much or as little as they like. For a fun twist, try adding caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms before the cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover components can be stored separately for best results. Keep the sliced steak and rolls wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the au jus in an airtight container to preserve its flavor and prevent it from absorbing other odors.

Freezing

You can freeze the steak slices and au jus individually in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The rolls are best fresh but can be frozen if needed; just toast them directly from frozen. Be sure to cool everything completely before freezing to maintain quality.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the steak slices gently in a covered skillet or microwave to avoid drying out. Heat the au jus on the stovetop until hot and ready for dipping. Toast the rolls in the oven with a little butter and garlic powder to restore their fresh-made texture before assembling the sandwich again.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for French Dip Sandwich Recipe?

Skirt and flank steak are ideal because they cook quickly, have excellent flavor, and when sliced thinly against the grain, become wonderfully tender. They also absorb the au jus beautifully.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Gruyère and Swiss are traditional for their meltability and flavor, but you can experiment with provolone or mozzarella if you prefer a milder cheese.

How do I make the au jus more flavorful?

Simmering the beef stock with Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, thyme, and garlic powder enhances the richness. For a deeper flavor, you could add a splash of soy sauce or a roasted garlic clove while simmering.

Is it necessary to broil the sandwich?

Broiling helps melt the cheese and crisp the roll’s buttered interior to add texture and flavor. If you don’t have a broiler, a hot oven or toaster oven will also work well.

Can this recipe be made ahead for a party?

Yes! Prepare the steak and au jus in advance, then assemble and broil the sandwiches just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious for your guests.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried this French Dip Sandwich Recipe yet, you’re truly in for a treat. It’s comfort food at its finest—a perfect balance of juicy beef, melty cheese, and flavorful dipping sauce nestled in a buttery garlic roll. Once you make it, it’s sure to become one of your cherished go-to recipes whenever you want a little indulgence at home. So grab your skillet and rolls, and dive into the deliciousness that awaits!