French Dip Squares

Introduction

French Dip Squares are a mouthwatering twist on the classic French dip sandwich, offering all the rich, savory flavors in a shareable, party-friendly form. Layers of tender roast beef, gooey melted cheese, and golden, buttery crescent dough come together to create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Served with a side of warm, flavorful au jus for dipping, these squares are the ultimate comfort food.

I remember making these for a casual get-together with friends, and they were an absolute hit! The aroma of the roast beef and melted cheese filling the air was simply irresistible. Each bite is a perfect combination of savory, juicy beef and melted cheese wrapped in soft, flaky dough—a true crowd-pleaser.

The best part? These squares are incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a party, or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, these French Dip Squares will have everyone reaching for more. And don’t forget the au jus—dipping each square into the warm, flavorful broth makes every bite even more indulgent and satisfying.

Perfect for:

• Game-day snacks
• Potlucks
• Family dinners
• Casual parties
• Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This French Dip Squares

Here’s why French Dip Squares will quickly become a household favorite:

• Rich and Flavorful: Juicy roast beef, melted cheese, and buttery crescent dough combine for a perfect balance of flavors.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare and uses store-bought ingredients, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A great dish for sharing, these squares are perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish.
• Dip-Worthy: The warm au jus takes these squares to the next level, adding a savory and indulgent element.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 12 squares
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your French Dip Squares:

• 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• ¾ pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 packet au jus mix
• 2 cups water (for au jus)

Ingredient Highlights

• Crescent Roll Dough: Creates a buttery, flaky crust that encases the filling.
• Roast Beef: Thinly sliced deli roast beef keeps the filling tender and flavorful.
• Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild flavor.
• Au Jus: A savory dipping sauce that elevates the flavor of the squares.
• Butter Mixture: Enhances the flavor of the dough and adds a golden finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make French Dip Squares:

Assemble the Squares:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Layer the Crescent Dough: Open one can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto the bottom of the baking dish. Press the seams together to form an even layer.
3. Add Roast Beef and Cheese: Layer the roast beef evenly over the dough, followed by the provolone cheese slices.
4. Top with Dough: Open the second can of crescent roll dough and unroll it on top of the cheese layer. Again, press the seams together to create a smooth surface.

Add the Butter Mixture:

5. Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and dried parsley (if using).
6. Brush the Butter Mixture: Brush the butter mixture evenly over the top layer of crescent dough. This will add flavor and help the dough turn golden brown.

Bake and Prepare Au Jus:

7. Bake the Squares: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed. Let the dish cool slightly before cutting into squares.
8. Prepare the Au Jus: While the squares are baking, prepare the au jus according to the packet instructions, typically by whisking the mix with 2 cups of water and heating it in a saucepan until warmed through.

Serve:

9. Cut and Serve: Slice the baked dish into squares and serve warm with a side of au jus for dipping.

How to Serve French Dip Squares

French Dip Squares are versatile and can be served in several ways:

• As a Main Dish: Pair the squares with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve these bite-sized squares at your next party alongside other appetizers.
• With Dipping Sauce: Don’t skip the au jus—it’s essential for the full French dip experience!
• For Lunch or Dinner: Pack leftovers for an easy and delicious meal the next day.

Additional Tips for French Dip Squares

Here are some tips to make your French Dip Squares perfect every time:

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the oven to ensure the top doesn’t overbrown.
• Use Thinly Sliced Roast Beef: Thin slices make it easier to layer and prevent the dish from becoming too heavy.
• Customize the Cheese: Substitute provolone with Swiss or mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Enhance the Au Jus: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or beef broth to the au jus for extra depth of flavor.
• Let it Cool Slightly: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before slicing to make cleaner cuts.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the dish in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Recipe Variations for French Dip Squares

Here are 10 variations you can try for French Dip Squares:

1. Philly Cheesesteak Squares: Add sautéed bell peppers and onions to the roast beef layer.
2. Turkey and Swiss Squares: Replace the roast beef with turkey and the provolone with Swiss cheese.
3. Ham and Cheddar Squares: Swap the roast beef for ham and use sharp cheddar cheese.
4. French Onion Squares: Add caramelized onions to the filling for a sweet and savory twist.
5. Spicy French Dip Squares: Spread a layer of horseradish or spicy mustard under the roast beef.
6. Italian-Style Squares: Use salami, pepperoni, and mozzarella for an Italian-inspired variation.
7. Vegetarian Squares: Replace the roast beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese.
8. Cheesy Garlic Squares: Double the cheese layer and add extra garlic to the butter mixture.
9. BBQ Beef Squares: Mix the roast beef with barbecue sauce before layering.
10. Breakfast Squares: Use scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese for a breakfast-inspired dish.

Freezing and Storage for French Dip Squares

• Freezing: These squares can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Flash freeze – Before wrapping, arrange the French Dip Squares in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a couple of hours. This prevents them from sticking together and allows for easier portioning.
• Separate with parchment paper – If stacking the squares in containers or bags, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Defrost in the refrigerator – To preserve the quality of the squares, thaw them in the fridge overnight rather than at room temperature.
• Reheat in the oven – Reheat frozen or thawed squares in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispness.
• Store au jus separately – If you plan to store the dipping sauce (au jus) for later use, store it in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Special Equipment for French Dip Squares

Here are some helpful tools to make preparing your French Dip Squares easier:

• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: Ensures even baking and the perfect size for this recipe.
• Pastry Brush: Makes it easy to evenly spread the butter mixture.
• Whisk: For preparing the au jus without lumps.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: Helps cut clean, even squares.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the butter mixture and au jus.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions for French Dip Squares

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Absolutely! Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack are great alternatives.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm to preserve the flaky texture of the crescent dough.
4. Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
   Yes, homemade pastry or pizza dough can be used for a more artisanal touch.
5. Is there a gluten-free option?
   Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure the au jus mix is gluten-free.

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Conclusion

French Dip Squares are the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, turning the classic French dip sandwich into a fun, shareable casserole. These buttery, cheesy squares are packed with tender beef, melted cheese, and all the savory flavors you love from a French dip, making them irresistible at any gathering. Paired with a side of warm au jus for dipping, these squares are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re serving them for a casual family meal or as an appetizer at a party, these French Dip Squares are sure to disappear in no time. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite!

I’d love to see how your French Dip Squares turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Enjoy cooking!