Melty French Dips with Texas Toast and Rich Au Jus Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting sandwich that combines tender beef, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly toasted bread, you’re in for a treat with this melty french dips recipe. Featuring thick slices of roast beef nestled in crispy Texas toast and served alongside a rich, savory au jus for dipping, this dish is the ultimate indulgence for any meal.

this Recipe

Whether you’re making dinner for family or whipping up a crowd-pleaser for game day, these french dips deliver on both flavor and comfort. You’ll love how simple it is to bring this classic restaurant favorite right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, juicy roast beef with melty provolone cheese creates irresistible flavor.
• Texas toast adds the perfect crispy, buttery texture to every bite.
• Rich homemade au jus enhances the sandwich with deep, savory notes.
• Quick stovetop assembly means you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
• Great for leftovers and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious melty french dips with Texas toast and au jus. Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it a convenient meal anytime.

• 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (deli style or leftover roast)
• 8 slices Texas toast
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional for au jus)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 sandwiches
• Calories: Approximately 550 per serving

How to Make Melty French Dips with Texas Toast and Au Jus

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil until melted and shimmering.
2. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let the au jus simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the liquid to slightly reduce.
4. While the au jus simmers, place Texas toast slices in a separate skillet or toaster and toast until golden brown on both sides.
5. Layer roast beef evenly over four Texas toast slices, then top each with two slices of provolone cheese. Cover the skillet briefly or use a lid to melt the cheese, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Top each cheesy sandwich with the remaining toasted Texas toast slices to close them.
7. Remove sandwiches from heat and transfer to plates. Pour warm au jus into small serving bowls for dipping.
8. Garnish the sandwiches with fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately with the au jus on the side.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use thinly sliced roast beef to ensure tenderness and easy melting of cheese.
• If you prefer, substitute provolone with Swiss or mozzarella for different flavors.
• Toast your Texas toast in butter for an extra rich, crispy crust.
• Simmer the au jus long enough to concentrate flavors but don’t let it reduce too much or it will become salty.
• Serve immediately after assembly to enjoy the melty cheese and warm bread at their best.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover french dips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the au jus refrigerated separately in a sealed jar or container.

To reheat, warm the sandwiches in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to crisp the bread and melt the cheese again. Heat the au jus gently on the stove or microwave before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of bread instead of Texas toast?

Absolutely! While Texas toast provides a nice thick, buttery base, any sturdy sandwich bread like a baguette or hoagie roll works well for french dips.

Is it necessary to add red wine to the au jus?

Red wine adds depth and complexity to the au jus, but you can omit it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Just increase the beef broth slightly and season well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the au jus ahead and refrigerate it, then quickly toast the bread and assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve for best freshness.

What cheese works best for melty french dips?

Provolone is classic for its melting quality and mild flavor, but Swiss or mozzarella can be great alternatives depending on your taste preferences.