If you’re a fan of juicy roast beef sandwiches but crave something a bit more playful for parties or family dinners, French Dip Squares will instantly win you over. These delightful squares are layered with savory deli roast beef, sweet golden onions, and luscious provolone, all hugged by flaky crescent roll dough and served with a rich au jus for dipping. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests, this recipe packs the familiar comfort of a classic French dip into a shareable, pull-apart bake that’s destined to be a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes French Dip Squares so remarkable is how each basic ingredient delivers major flavor and texture. The soft onions, melty cheese, and buttery crust all play their own vital part, creating layers of taste you can’t resist.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the onions a rich, golden finish without overpowering the dish.
- Small onion (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and a touch of savory depth after sautéing.
- Garlic powder: Brings gentle warmth and enhances the roast beef’s flavor.
- Dried thyme: Invites a subtle earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with the beef.
- Deli roast beef (thinly sliced): The heart of the dish, providing tender and savory bites in every mouthful.
- Provolone cheese (sliced): Melts into creamy layers, binding all the ingredients together with mild richness.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The secret to that golden, flaky, handheld crust; super easy and delicious.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Finishes the top crust with a beautiful shine and helps it brown perfectly.
- Au jus gravy mix: Turn this simple packet into irresistible dipping sauce to complete that French dip experience.
- Water: Used to prepare the au jus; don’t skimp for the perfect dip consistency.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Perfects the seasoning of the onions, so every bite pops with flavor.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a touch of color and a fresh, herbal note just before serving.
How to Make French Dip Squares
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your thinly sliced onion, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Stir often as the onion softens and turns a gorgeous golden color, which should take about 8–10 minutes. Make sure to season with salt and pepper for just the right bite, then set the skillet aside. These onions will soon become the sweet, savory magic tucked inside each square.
Step 2: Prep Your Pan and Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing so nothing sticks. Pop open your first can of crescent roll dough and gently press it across the bottom of the pan, sealing up all the seams as you go. This bottom layer is your buttery base, just waiting for all those hearty fillings.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Next, start building flavor! Evenly layer those tender slices of roast beef over the crescent dough, followed by the sweet sautéed onions you just cooked. Finish with a generous layer of provolone cheese. It’ll melt beautifully once baked and create those irresistible cheesy pulls that make French Dip Squares so special.
Step 4: Top and Seal
Unroll the second can of crescent dough over the fillings, sealing the seams and pinching the edges together to create a neat, sealed package. Brush the whole top with your beaten egg for that bakery-worthy shine and golden color.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is crisp and golden brown. While the squares are baking, whip up the au jus by combining the gravy mix with 2 cups of water. You’ll want it hot and ready for dipping the moment your French Dip Squares come out of the oven.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Once baked, let your creation rest for about 5 minutes—this makes slicing neater and lets the cheese set just enough. Cut into nine squares to serve, making sure everyone gets a good layer of beef, onion, and cheese. Serve warm alongside your bowl of au jus and watch these quickly become everyone’s favorite!
How to Serve French Dip Squares
Garnishes
Sprinkle a shower of fresh, chopped parsley over the top right before serving! Not only does it add a little pop of color, but it also brings a fresh note that balances out all the cheesy, savory goodness. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a dusting of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky salt can add flair.
Side Dishes
French Dip Squares are hearty, so they pair perfectly with crisp green salads tossed in vinaigrette or a simple tomato cucumber mix. For a cozier meal, serve alongside baked potato wedges or homemade coleslaw. Looking for a game day spread? A platter of raw veggies and ranch dip makes things festive and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, arrange the squares on a wooden board with tiny ramekins of au jus for a casual, hands-on vibe. You can also cut the bake into smaller bite-sized pieces for appetizer spreads—a great way to let guests sample and dip. For an impressive twist, serve alongside mini pickle skewers or pickled onions for a fun pop of acidity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover French Dip Squares in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, and the layers stay delicious without getting soggy. Be sure to save some of that au jus in a separate container for dipping later!
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooled squares come to room temperature, then wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep for up to two months. The au jus can be frozen in a separate container as well—just defrost both overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through and the crust is re-crisped—about 10–12 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the bread a little chewy. Warm the au jus separately on the stove or in the microwave until steaming for that perfect dipping experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat besides roast beef?
Absolutely! While roast beef is classic, thinly sliced turkey or ham can also be delicious. Just make sure to use a deli-style meat for the best results in French Dip Squares.
What cheese will work if I don’t have provolone?
Swiss cheese is a fantastic substitute and melts just as beautifully, adding a rich, slightly nutty flavor. You can also try mozzarella for a milder taste or experiment with your favorite melty cheese combinations.
Are these good for parties and potlucks?
They’re perfect for sharing and always a hit because they’re so easy to serve and even easier to eat. French Dip Squares reheat well, so you can make them ahead, slice, and bring them along to gatherings with confidence!
Can I make French Dip Squares in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them a few hours ahead, cover tightly, and store in the fridge until ready to bake. Bake fresh right before serving for the crispiest crust and meltiest cheese.
Do I have to use crescent roll dough?
Crescent roll dough gives these squares their signature flaky crust, but puff pastry works in a pinch. Just keep a close eye while baking, as puff pastry may brown quicker and rise higher than the original recipe.
Final Thoughts
These French Dip Squares are one of those rare recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether for a casual family dinner or as the star of your next get-together. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear—every bite is warm, cheesy, beefy perfection with a dip you’ll want to savor until the last crumb!
Print
French Dip Squares Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
French Dip Squares are a delicious twist on the classic French Dip sandwich. Layers of deli roast beef, sautéed onions, and provolone cheese are nestled between crescent roll dough sheets and baked to golden perfection. Serve these savory squares warm with au jus for dipping!
Ingredients
For the French Dip Squares:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pound deli roast beef, thinly sliced
- 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions, garlic powder, and thyme. Cook until onions are soft and golden, about 8–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
- Layer Ingredients: Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the baking dish, sealing seams. Layer the roast beef, sautéed onions, and provolone cheese over the dough. Top with the second sheet of crescent dough, sealing the seams and edges.
- Bake: Brush the top with the beaten egg. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Au Jus: While baking, prepare the au jus according to package directions with 2 cups water.
- Serve: Let the squares cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with au jus for dipping.
Notes
- For a flakier crust, chill the assembled dish for 10 minutes before baking.
- You can use Swiss cheese instead of provolone if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
