French Dip Squares are a delicious, easy-to-make twist on the classic French dip sandwich, combining layers of flaky crescent rolls with savory roast beef and melted Swiss cheese. This recipe offers all the familiar flavors of the traditional French dip in a more convenient, bite-sized form, making it perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home.
The origins of the French dip sandwich date back to early 20th century Los Angeles, where two restaurants famously claim to have invented the sandwich. Traditionally, French dip sandwiches consist of sliced roast beef on a French roll, served with a side of au jus (beef broth) for dipping. French Dip Squares take this concept and transform it into a fun, crowd-friendly dish that’s easy to serve, slice, and enjoy.
This article will walk you through the simple steps to prepare these French Dip Squares, making them a great choice for both novice and seasoned cooks.
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Why This Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser
What makes French Dip Squares a hit at any gathering is their versatility. They can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course depending on how they’re portioned. The combination of tender roast beef, gooey melted cheese, and buttery crescent rolls creates a flavor and texture experience that’s hard to resist.
Key ingredients like deli-sliced roast beef, Swiss cheese, and store-bought crescent rolls make the recipe both convenient and affordable. Plus, the beef broth for dipping adds another layer of richness, enhancing the overall taste. It’s the dipping sauce that really sets this dish apart, bringing out the savory flavors of the beef and cheese.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Crescent Rolls: These provide the flaky, golden crust that holds everything together, offering a buttery and slightly crisp texture.
- Roast Beef: The deli-sliced roast beef adds a savory, hearty flavor to the dish, creating a meaty base that complements the light crescent dough.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese is ideal for its melting properties, adding a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that balances the savory roast beef.
- Onion Soup Mix: This seasoning mix adds a punch of flavor, giving the dish a subtle oniony taste that enhances the beef and cheese.
- Melted Butter and Seasonings: Combined with Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder, the butter mixture adds richness and a touch of umami to the dish.
- Beef Broth: Essential for dipping, the beef broth adds a savory, salty finish to each bite, perfectly complementing the flavors of the squares.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature to ensure your crescent rolls bake evenly, achieving a golden, flaky texture without burning. Preheating is crucial because it allows the rolls to cook properly from the start, preventing undercooking or uneven results.
While the oven heats, prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the crescent dough from sticking to the pan, making it easier to remove the French Dip Squares after baking.
Layering the Crescent Roll Dough (First Layer)
Begin by unrolling the first can of refrigerated crescent rolls. Lay the dough flat in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Crescent rolls are perforated into triangles for easy separation, but for this recipe, you’ll want to press those seams together to form a solid sheet of dough. Use your fingers to gently pinch the seams, ensuring the dough covers the entire bottom of the dish without gaps or holes.
It’s important to press the dough evenly across the dish, ensuring the base layer will cook uniformly. Pay special attention to the corners, where the dough can sometimes be a little thinner.
Adding the Roast Beef and Cheese
Now, evenly layer the deli-sliced roast beef on top of the crescent roll dough. To ensure that every bite has the perfect amount of roast beef, space out the slices in a single layer. Try not to overlap too much so that the filling remains consistent throughout the squares.
Next, sprinkle 1 cup of grated Swiss cheese over the roast beef. Spread the cheese evenly to cover the roast beef without overloading it. Too much cheese in one spot can cause uneven melting or overly greasy areas, so aim for a uniform layer.
Creating the Flavorful Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. The melted butter serves as the base, while the onion soup mix adds a concentrated punch of flavor. The Worcestershire sauce brings a savory, umami depth, and the garlic powder adds a subtle kick of flavor.
Once the mixture is ready, drizzle it evenly over the cheese layer. This adds extra richness and ensures every bite is packed with flavor, as the butter mixture will seep into the cheese and roast beef.
Adding the Top Crescent Roll Sheet
Open the second can of crescent rolls and roll the dough flat over the filling. Just like with the first layer, press the seams together to create a solid sheet of dough. Carefully position this second layer over the cheese and roast beef, making sure to cover the entire dish.
Pinch the edges of the top and bottom dough layers together to seal the filling inside. This helps prevent the filling from leaking out during baking and creates a neater finish.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent roll top is golden brown and fully cooked. Keep an eye on the oven during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the top doesn’t become too dark.
A visual cue to look for is the top becoming a rich, golden color. The crust should feel firm and flaky, while the cheese underneath will have melted perfectly.
Once out of the oven, allow the French Dip Squares to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes cutting cleaner.
Preparing the Dipping Sauce
While the French Dip Squares are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. Heat 1 cup of beef broth in a small pot over medium heat. You can enhance the broth’s flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Stir occasionally, making sure the broth doesn’t boil. You want it to be warm enough to serve as a dipping sauce, not too hot to burn your mouth.
Serving Suggestions
Once the French Dip Squares have cooled slightly, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice them into even squares. Aim for 12-16 pieces, depending on how large or small you’d like the servings to be.
Serve the squares alongside small bowls of warm beef broth for dipping. The contrast between the buttery, flaky crust and the savory beef broth makes each bite incredibly flavorful.
For a fuller meal, you could pair the French Dip Squares with crispy French fries, a fresh green salad, or additional dipping sauces like ranch or mustard. These squares are perfect for game day spreads, casual dinners, or holiday appetizers.
Tips, Variations, and Customizations
Tips for Perfect French Dip Squares
- Preventing soggy dough: If you’re worried about the bottom layer of crescent rolls becoming soggy, you can lightly pre-bake the first layer of dough for 5 minutes before adding the filling. This helps create a firmer base.
- Storing leftovers: To store leftovers, wrap the squares tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for 2-3 days.
- Reheating tips: To reheat, place the squares in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy again.
Variations on the Recipe
- Add sautéed onions or mushrooms: For extra flavor, you can sauté onions or mushrooms and layer them over the roast beef before adding the cheese.
- Try different cheeses: Provolone or cheddar can be excellent substitutes for Swiss cheese, each bringing its own unique flavor profile.
- Switch up the deli meats: You can use turkey, ham, or even chicken if you prefer a different protein, adjusting the seasonings slightly to match the meat.
Making It Your Own: Dietary Customizations
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough, available in many stores, to create a gluten-free version of the dish.
- Low-carb and keto options: For a low-carb alternative, replace the crescent dough with a low-carb dough or wrap the filling in thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.
- Vegetarian option: Swap the roast beef for roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini to create a flavorful vegetarian alternative while keeping the cheese and broth dipping sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Can I prepare French Dip Squares ahead of time?
Yes, French Dip Squares can be prepared in advance, making them a great option for parties or meal prepping. You can assemble the squares completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply remove the covering and bake as directed. If you’ve already baked the squares, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
What can I substitute for roast beef?
If you’d like to switch up the protein, you can substitute deli-sliced turkey or ham for the roast beef. These alternatives still offer a savory flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. For a vegetarian option, you can use roasted vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to provide a hearty, flavorful filling without the meat.
How can I make the dipping broth more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of the beef broth, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or even a bit of balsamic vinegar. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf can also add depth. For a little heat, try stirring in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can I freeze French Dip Squares?
Yes, French Dip Squares freeze well. To freeze, first bake the squares and allow them to cool completely. Wrap the individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
While Swiss cheese is a classic choice, you can also use provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar. Provolone adds a mild creaminess, mozzarella provides great meltability, and cheddar brings a sharper flavor profile. Each option offers its own unique twist to the recipe!
Conclusion
French Dip Squares are a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to party appetizers. With easy-to-find ingredients like crescent rolls, deli roast beef, and Swiss cheese, this dish offers all the savory goodness of a French dip sandwich in a convenient, crowd-friendly format. The straightforward steps make it accessible even for beginner cooks, while the option to customize ingredients allows for endless variations to suit any palate.
One of the key features of French Dip Squares is their versatility. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering or as a fun, easy dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. The warm, buttery crescent rolls combined with the melted cheese and tender roast beef make for an irresistible bite, especially when paired with a flavorful beef broth for dipping. Plus, with make-ahead and freezing options, they’re a convenient choice for busy schedules.
We encourage you to try this recipe the next time you’re hosting a party, game day event, or family meal. French Dip Squares are guaranteed to become a favorite, with their delicious flavors and easy preparation making them a go-to appetizer. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with your own variations, this dish will leave your guests asking for seconds.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a new twist on a beloved classic. French Dip Squares are sure to elevate your next meal or event!
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French Dip Squares
- Author: Christine
Description
These savory French Dip Squares are a quick and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic French dip sandwich in an easy-to-make casserole. Layers of tender roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and buttery crescent rolls make this dish an instant favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/2 pound deli sliced roast beef
- 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup beef broth (for dipping)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2️⃣ Layer the first crescent roll sheet: Roll out one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching together any seams to create a solid layer.
3️⃣ Add the roast beef and cheese: Evenly layer the deli-sliced roast beef over the crescent roll dough. Sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese evenly on top of the beef.
4️⃣ Make the butter mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the dry onion soup mix, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Drizzle this mixture over the cheese layer.
5️⃣ Top with second crescent roll sheet: Roll out the second can of crescent rolls and carefully lay it over the cheese layer, pinching together the seams to seal.
6️⃣ Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent roll top is golden brown and the squares are cooked through.
7️⃣ Prepare the dipping sauce: While the squares are baking, warm the beef broth in a small pot over medium heat.
8️⃣ Serve: Once baked, allow the French Dip Squares to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with the warm beef broth for dipping.
Notes
- Cheese options: You can substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella if preferred.
- Beef broth flavor boost: For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of the dry onion soup mix to the beef broth before warming.