French Dip Sandwich Melt is a perfect combination of tender, juicy roast beef piled high on a soft, toasted bun, topped with melted cheese that stretches with every bite. The sandwich is served with a side of warm, flavorful au jus for dipping, making each mouthful extra tasty and satisfying.
I love making this sandwich on a lazy weekend when I want something warm and filling but easy to put together. The melted cheese adds a gooey texture that really makes the sandwich feel like a treat, and dunking it into that rich au jus is my favorite part—I always find myself going for just one more dip.
This sandwich works great for game day snacks or a laid-back dinner with friends or family. I like to serve it with some crispy fries or a simple salad to balance out all those rich flavors. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roast Beef: Thinly sliced roast beef is the heart of this sandwich. If you can’t find roast beef, deli-style roast or even thin steak slices work well. I like leftovers here; it adds great flavor without extra cooking.
Caramelized Onions: Slowly cooked onions add sweetness and depth. If you’re short on time, a quick sauté with a pinch of sugar helps, but going slow is best for flavor.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone melts beautifully with a mild flavor. If you prefer, Swiss or mozzarella are good substitutes, but avoid harder cheeses that won’t melt well.
Hoagie or French Rolls: Use these soft, crusty rolls for a sturdy sandwich. If unavailable, a good-quality burger bun or ciabatta works. Toasting them with butter adds a nice crunch and flavor.
Au Jus Sauce: This beefy dipping sauce brings it all together. If you want a richer jus, reduce the broth before adding seasonings. For a vegetarian version, a rich mushroom broth can be used.
How Do You Get Cheese Perfectly Melted Without Sogginess?
Melting cheese on a sandwich can be tricky—you want gooey cheese without soggy bread. Here’s what I do:
- Toast the buttered roll first until golden and crisp—this keeps the bread firm.
- Assemble the roast beef and onions on the roll open-faced, add cheese on top.
- Cover the pan with a lid or foil to trap heat, then warm on low-medium heat just until cheese melts (2-3 minutes).
- Watching closely helps—you want melted cheese but not overly steamy bread.
This method gives you warm, gooey cheese with a crunchy base, making the sandwich extra satisfying to eat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for caramelizing onions and toasting the rolls in one pan.
- Small saucepan – you’ll use this to gently heat and simmer the au jus sauce.
- Sharp knife – helps slice onions thinly and cut the rolls cleanly.
- Lid or foil – covers the skillet to melt the cheese evenly without drying it out.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roast beef for thinly sliced turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Use Swiss or mozzarella cheese instead of provolone for a milder, creamy melt.
- Add sautéed mushrooms with the caramelized onions for extra texture and flavor.
- Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the au jus for a herbaceous note that brightens the beef broth.
French Dip Sandwich Melt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (leftover roast or deli-style)
- 4 hoagie rolls or French rolls
- 1 cup caramelized onions (about 2 medium onions)
- 8 slices provolone cheese (2 per sandwich)
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
For the Au Jus Dipping Sauce:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking the caramelized onions and toasting. Overall, plan for around 35 minutes before you can enjoy your warm, cheesy French Dip Sandwich Melts with delicious au jus for dipping.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
Slice your onions thinly. Heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring every few minutes until they’re golden and soft—this usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes. Set them aside once done.
2. Make the Au Jus:
In a small saucepan, pour in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat and keep it warm until serving.
3. Prepare and Toast the Rolls:
Slice the hoagie rolls horizontally and spread softened butter on the cut sides. In a large skillet or on a griddle, toast the buttered sides over medium heat until they turn golden and crispy. Then, remove them and set aside.
4. Assemble Your Sandwich:
Pile thin slices of roast beef generously on the bottom halves of the toasted rolls. Add a spoonful of caramelized onions on top, then layer two slices of provolone cheese over the beef and onions.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Cover the skillet with a lid or create a foil tent, then place the assembled open-faced sandwiches back on the skillet. Let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s gooey and melty.
6. Finish and Serve:
Place the top halves of the rolls on the sandwiches. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with a warm cup of your prepared au jus for dipping. Enjoy every savory, melty bite!
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef?
Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before using. Thaw overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water inside a sealed bag. Pat it dry to avoid extra moisture that can make the sandwich soggy.
Can I Make the Au Jus in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the au jus up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before serving to keep the flavors fresh and warm.
How Should I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Keep any leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, melt the cheese again and warm the beef in a skillet, then serve with fresh au jus.
What Bread Works Best for French Dip Sandwiches?
Hoagie rolls or French rolls with a sturdy crust work best to hold all the juicy beef and cheese without falling apart. If you can’t find those, a good-quality ciabatta or baguette can be a great alternative.
