The French Dip Sandwich Melt is a hearty, comforting classic that’s all about juicy, thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a soft, buttery roll. The sandwich finishes with melted cheese that adds a gooey richness, and it’s served with a side of warm, flavorful au jus for dipping. The mix of tender meat, melty cheese, and savory juices makes every bite a satisfying experience.
I love making this sandwich when I want something warm and filling but still simple to put together. What makes it special for me is dunking each bite into that rich, beefy au jus—it feels like a little treat every time. Plus, the melted cheese really brings everything together and gives it that cozy, comforting touch that keeps everyone coming back for more.
My favorite way to enjoy this melt is with a side of crispy fries or even a fresh salad to balance the richness. It’s great for a casual lunch or dinner, especially on a chilly day when you’re craving something that just hits the spot. If you try it, I bet you’ll have as much fun dunking as I do!
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
Editor-picked tees our Oven To Fork readers love.
We may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roast Beef: Thinly sliced roast beef gives this sandwich its rich flavor and tender texture. You can use deli-style roast beef or leftover roast for convenience. For a leaner option, try turkey or chicken slices.
French Roll or Baguette: A crusty but soft roll holds all the fillings well. If you can’t find French rolls, hoagie buns or sturdy ciabatta make great substitutes.
Beef Broth (Au Jus): This is essential for dipping the sandwich and adds beefy depth. Use low-sodium broth to control salt or try mushroom broth for a vegetarian twist (skip the roast beef).
Caramelized Onions: Slowly cooked yellow onions add sweetness and richness. If short on time, store-bought caramelized onions work well too.
Cheese: Provolone melts beautifully and adds mild creaminess. Mozzarella or Swiss cheese are good alternatives if you want a slightly different taste.
How Do I Get Perfect Caramelized Onions for My Sandwich?
Caramelized onions bring sweetness and depth, but they need patience. Here’s how to make them:
- Heat oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes for about 20-25 mins.
- Optionally, add a small pinch of sugar halfway through to enhance sweetness.
- When onions are soft and golden, remove from heat.
Low and slow is the key—resist turning up the heat, or the onions will burn instead of caramelize. This adds a great flavor punch to your sandwich.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet or frying pan – perfect for caramelizing onions slowly and evenly without burning.
- Small saucepan – warms the beef broth and roast beef together for a hot, tasty au jus.
- Oven-safe baking sheet or broiler pan – lets you melt cheese on the sandwich quickly and evenly.
- Basting brush (optional) – helps spread butter on the bread for a nice golden toast.
- Sharp knife – for slicing the French roll cleanly without squishing it.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roast beef for thinly sliced turkey or chicken for a lighter sandwich option.
- Try swapping provolone with Swiss or mozzarella for a change in cheese flavor and texture.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness that pairs well with the beef and onions.
- Mix in horseradish sauce or spicy mustard inside the sandwich for a zesty kick.
How to Make a French Dip Sandwich Melt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (cooked or deli-style)
- 1 large French roll or baguette, split lengthwise
- 1 cup beef broth (for au jus)
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions
- 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to enhance caramelization)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 35 minutes total, including 20-25 minutes to caramelize onions, 5 minutes to warm beef and bread, and a few minutes to assemble and melt cheese. It’s a quick and tasty meal you can enjoy any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Caramelized Onions:
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally for about 20–25 minutes until the onions become soft, golden, and caramelized. If you like, add the sugar halfway to deepen the sweetness. When done, set aside.
2. Warm the Roast Beef and Au Jus:
Gently heat the beef broth in a small saucepan until simmering. Add the roast beef slices and warm through for a few minutes, making sure they’re heated but not overcooked.
3. Prepare and Toast the Bread:
Lightly butter the cut sides of your French roll. Toast these in a skillet or oven until golden and slightly crispy. This gives a wonderful texture and protects the bread from becoming soggy when dipped.
4. Assemble Your Sandwich:
Layer the warm roast beef evenly on the bottom half of the toasted roll. Spoon on the caramelized onions, then top with 4 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Put your assembled sandwich under a broiler or into a hot oven for 2–4 minutes — just enough for the cheese to melt and bubble nicely.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the top half of the roll on your sandwich and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve immediately with the warm beef au jus on the side, perfect for dipping every delicious bite.
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for This Sandwich?
Yes, you can use frozen roast beef, but be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before warming it in the beef broth. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftover French Dip Sandwiches?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sandwich gently in the oven or microwave, and warm the au jus separately before serving.
Can I Make the Caramelized Onions Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can caramelize onions up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, then simply reheat before assembling your sandwich.
What Bread Works Best for French Dip Sandwiches?
A crusty French roll or baguette is ideal because it holds up well to the juicy beef and au jus without getting soggy. If unavailable, hoagie rolls or ciabatta are great alternatives.
