I have to say, making these French Dip Sandwiches at home made me feel like a true restaurant chef. There’s something so satisfying about stacking that tender, thinly sliced steak onto a crusty roll and watching the cheese get perfectly melty.

But the best part for me is definitely that rich, savory au jus for dipping; it takes the whole experience to another level. This isn’t just a sandwich, it’s an event. I’ve made this for casual weeknight dinners and for friends, and it always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients that come together to create the perfect French Dip.

1.5 pounds flank or skirt steak: I prefer flank steak for its lean texture, but both have a wonderful beefy flavor that’s perfect for this sandwich.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning the steak. Be generous here to create a nice crust when searing.
4 (6-inch) hoagie or French rolls: Use good quality, crusty rolls that can hold up to the juicy beef and being dipped in au jus.
6 tablespoons butter, softened: Softened butter is easier to spread on the rolls, helping them toast beautifully.
2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder: This adds a savory, toasty garlic flavor to the bread itself.
2 cups grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese: I recommend grating your own cheese. It melts much better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
Minced parsley for garnish (optional): A little fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

For the Au Jus:

4 cups beef stock: This is the foundation of your dipping sauce, so a quality stock makes a difference.
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy, aromatic note to the broth.
1 teaspoon salt: To enhance all the flavors in the au jus. Adjust to your taste.
1 teaspoon sherry wine: This adds a slight sweetness and depth of flavor; you can leave it out if you prefer.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides a complex, savory, and tangy background flavor.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Complements the garlic on the bread and adds to the savory jus.
2 teaspoons onion powder: Rounds out the flavor of the broth with a hint of sweetness.

Note: This recipe makes 4 delicious sandwiches.

Variations

This classic sandwich is wonderful as is, but it’s also fun to customize.

Add Some Heat: Mix a little creamy horseradish sauce with the butter before spreading it on the rolls for a spicy kick.
Caramelized Onions: Top the steak with sweet, savory caramelized onions before adding the cheese. They complement the beef flavor perfectly.
Different Cheeses: While Gruyère and Swiss are classic, Provolone is another fantastic option that melts beautifully and offers a milder flavor.
Mushroom Boost: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the sandwich with the steak for an extra layer of earthy flavor.

Cooking Time

This restaurant-quality sandwich comes together surprisingly fast.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this recipe.

Large Cast Iron Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for getting a perfect sear on the steak.
Medium Saucepan: For simmering the au jus to meld all the delicious flavors.
Rimmed Baking Sheet: To toast the rolls and melt the cheese under the broiler.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Crucial for slicing the steak as thinly as possible against the grain.
Small Bowls or Ramekins: For serving the individual portions of au jus for dipping.

How to Make French Dip Sandwiches?

Making these sandwiches is a straightforward process that involves searing the steak, simmering the au jus, and assembling everything for a final broil.

Sear the Steak

First, heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat. While it’s heating up, generously season your steak on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the steak in the hot skillet and sear it for about 3 minutes on each side for a perfect medium-rare (or until it reaches 135°F).

Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial for keeping the meat juicy.

Prepare the Au Jus

While the steak is resting, you can make the au jus. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the beef stock, dried thyme, salt, sherry wine, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and deepen. Keep the au jus warm over low heat.

Slice the Steak and Prep the Rolls

Once the steak has rested, use a very sharp knife to slice it as thinly as possible against the grain. Slicing against the grain ensures every bite is tender, not chewy. Next, prepare your rolls.

Slice them in half lengthwise and spread the softened butter on the inside of each half. Sprinkle them evenly with granulated garlic powder and place them open-faced on a rimmed baking sheet.

Assemble and Broil the Sandwiches

Turn your oven’s broiler on to a medium setting. Take the thin slices of steak and quickly dip them into the warm au jus before layering them onto the bottom halves of the rolls. This little dip adds extra flavor and moisture.

Pile the steak high, then top each sandwich with a generous amount of grated cheese. Place the baking sheet under the broiler and watch carefully for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, add the top roll, and get ready to serve.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made these sandwiches many times, I’ve found a few little things that make a big difference.

I always let my steak sit out at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly for a perfect medium-rare from edge to edge.
Don’t be shy when seasoning the steak. A generous coating of salt and pepper is what creates that delicious, savory crust when you sear it in the hot pan.
For the most tender meat, you absolutely must slice it against the grain. Look for the direction the muscle fibers are running and cut across them, not parallel to them.
Toasting the buns is a step you shouldn’t skip. Buttering them and broiling them for a minute before adding the meat and cheese makes them golden and prevents them from getting soggy too quickly when dipped.

How to Serve French Dip Sandwiches?

The presentation of a French Dip is all about the dip itself. Serve each warm sandwich on a plate with a personal ramekin or small bowl filled with the hot au jus. A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top of the sandwich adds a nice touch of color.

These sandwiches are quite filling on their own, but they pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy French fries, onion rings, or a simple potato salad. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is a perfect complement.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per sandwich.

Calories: 860 kcal
Protein: 56g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fat: 54g

Make Ahead and Storage

While these sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead of time.

Storing

If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the meat and au jus separately from the bread in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Assembling and broiling a fresh sandwich with the leftovers is the best way to enjoy them again.

Freezing

The cooked and sliced steak and the au jus both freeze very well. Let them cool completely, then store them in separate freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. This is a great way to have a super quick meal on hand for a busy night.

Reheating

Thaw any frozen components in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the au jus in a saucepan on the stove. You can quickly reheat the steak by dipping it into the simmering au jus until warmed through. Then, toast fresh rolls and assemble the sandwiches as directed in the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this French Dip sandwich recipe will become a new favorite.

Restaurant-Quality at Home: This recipe delivers a sandwich that tastes like it came from a high-end pub, but it’s surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen.
Packed with Flavor: From the perfectly seared steak and the garlicky toasted bun to the rich, savory au jus, every single component is bursting with incredible flavor.
Quick and Impressive: With a total time of about 35 minutes, this is a meal that’s fast enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests on the weekend.
The Fun of Dipping: Let’s be honest—dipping your sandwich is half the fun! The rich au jus not only adds flavor but makes for an interactive and enjoyable eating experience.

Easy French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Ingredients

Variations

Cooking Time

Equipment You Need