The French Dip Sandwich Melt is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. It’s made with tender sliced roast beef layered on a soft bun, topped with melted cheese, and served alongside a rich, flavorful beef broth for dipping. The combination of juicy meat, gooey cheese, and that savory dipping sauce makes every bite so satisfying and comforting.
I love making this sandwich when I want something warm and filling but also a little special without too much fuss. The melted cheese on top adds a wonderful richness that brings all the flavors together perfectly. One tip I’ve learned is to make sure the beef broth is nice and hot—that way, it softens the bread a bit when you dip, which is just the best part.
Whenever I serve this, it’s usually with some crispy fries or a simple side salad, and it never fails to make the meal feel cozy and inviting. This sandwich brings back memories of casual dinners with friends or family where everyone is smiling and dipping their sandwiches eagerly. It’s one of those all-time recipes that feels like a warm hug in sandwich form.
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 is the star here. I like using deli-style or leftover brisket for tenderness. If you can’t find roast beef, thinly sliced cooked steak or even shredded beef can work well.
Bread: A crusty baguette or ciabatta makes a perfect sandwich base. It holds up well when dipped. If you want a softer option, try a hoagie roll or sturdy sandwich bun.
Beef Broth: This is key for dipping. Homemade broth gives the best rich flavor, but good-quality store broth works well too. For a vegetarian twist, try mushroom broth as a substitute.
Cheese: Provolone or Swiss melts beautifully over the beef. Mozzarella or fontina can also work if you prefer a milder taste or easier melting.
Onions: Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth. If you’re short on time, sauté them until soft and just starting to brown for quicker prep.
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions for That Sweet Flavor?
Caramelizing onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness, which really lifts the whole sandwich. Here’s what I do:
- Use a mix of butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
- Cook sliced onions slowly, stirring often to prevent burning, for 20-25 minutes.
- Optional: add a pinch of sugar halfway through to help with browning.
- Once they turn golden brown and smell sweet, they’re ready!
- If you’re in a hurry, cook on medium heat, stirring more frequently, until softened and lightly browned.
Patience here really pays off with deeper flavor and richness that makes the sandwich special.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet – perfect for slowly caramelizing the onions without burning them.
- Small saucepan – keeps the beef broth warm for dipping your sandwich.
- Baking sheet – use this to broil the sandwich open-faced and melt the cheese.
- Sharp knife – essential for slicing the bread cleanly for easy dipping and eating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try swapping roast beef for thinly sliced turkey for a lighter twist that still tastes great dipped in broth.
- Add sautéed mushrooms with the onions for extra earthiness and texture.
- Use cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for a sharper or spicier melt.
- Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the beef broth for a fragrant herbal note that lifts the dip.
How to Make French Dip Sandwich Melt?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sandwich:
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (preferably from a cooked brisket or deli-style)
- 1 large baguette or ciabatta loaf, split lengthwise
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4-6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for caramelizing onions)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For The Dip:
- 1 cup beef broth (preferably rich and flavorful, homemade or store-bought)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total — 20-25 minutes to caramelize the onions, a few minutes to assemble and broil the sandwich, and warming the beef broth. It’s quick enough for a satisfying meal any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Heat the butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes, until the onions turn golden brown and sweet, about 20-25 minutes. If you want, sprinkle in sugar halfway through to help with browning. Once done, set aside.
2. Warm the Beef Broth:
While the onions are cooking, warm the beef broth in a small saucepan over low heat. Season with salt and pepper if desired, and keep it warm for dipping.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
Preheat your oven’s broiler or toaster oven. Lay the bottom half of the baguette or ciabatta on a baking sheet. Layer the sliced roast beef evenly, then top with the caramelized onions.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Place 2-3 slices of cheese on top of the beef and onions. Broil the open-faced sandwich just until the cheese melts and gets bubbly, about 2-4 minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
5. Finish and Serve:
Remove the sandwich from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like. Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich. Cut into portions if you want, and serve immediately with the warm beef broth on the side for dipping. Dip each bite into the broth for extra juicy flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for This Sandwich?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the roast beef in the refrigerator overnight before using. Pat it dry to remove any excess moisture so the sandwich doesn’t get soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to keep the bread crispy and melt the cheese again.
Can I Make the Beef Broth Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef broth a day or two before and keep it refrigerated. Reheat slowly on the stove before serving to keep it warm for dipping.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
Swiss, mozzarella, or fontina cheese all melt well and make delicious substitutes if you don’t have provolone on hand.
