Delicious French Dip Squares are a fun and tasty twist on the classic French dip sandwich. These squares are packed with tender roast beef, melted cheese, and onions, all layered on a soft, buttery bread. The best part is serving them with hot, flavorful au jus for dipping, which makes every bite juicy and satisfying.
I love making these for gatherings because they’re easy to share and everyone loves dunking each square into that tasty au jus. The combo of chewy bread, gooey cheese, and savory beef is a total crowd-pleaser. I usually prepare them ahead of time, then pop them in the oven right before guests arrive—it’s such a simple way to impress without a lot of fuss.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these French Dip Squares is with a side of crispy pickles or a fresh salad. If you like a little extra kick, a dash of horseradish sauce on the side adds a nice punch. These squares remind me of casual family dinners and game day snacks, making any occasion feel cozy and special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough or Puff Pastry: Using ready-made dough makes this recipe quick and easy. Puff pastry adds a flakier texture, while crescent rolls create a softer bite. If you prefer gluten-free, look for gluten-free pastry dough at specialty stores.
Roast Beef: Thinly sliced roast beef is essential here for tender, juicy layers. You can substitute with thinly sliced deli roast beef to save time. Leftover roast beef from a Sunday dinner also works well.
Cheese: Swiss adds a mild, nutty flavor, and mozzarella gives great meltiness. Feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar if that’s your preference—they’ll still melt wonderfully.
Onions: Cooking onions slowly to caramelize them adds sweetness and depth. Yellow onions work best here, but sweet onions are a great alternative. Avoid raw onions as they can overpower the dish.
Beef Broth: This makes the dipping au jus. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. For richer flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or beef bouillon cubes dissolved in water.
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions for This Recipe?
Caramelizing onions takes time but adds amazing flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Add thinly sliced onions and stir to coat in butter.
- Cook low and slow, stirring every few minutes, until onions turn deep golden and soft (about 15 minutes).
- Stir in garlic powder and thyme near the end for extra flavor.
- Patience is key—don’t rush with high heat or they’ll burn instead of soften.
These onions bring natural sweetness and a tender bite that perfectly complements the savory beef and melty cheese in the squares.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size to fit the layers and bake evenly.
- Large skillet – for caramelizing onions smoothly without burning.
- Sharp knife – to slice onions thinly and cut the baked squares cleanly.
- Pastry brush (optional) – to brush melted butter or egg wash for a golden crust.
- Small saucepan – to heat the beef broth for dipping au jus.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roast beef with thinly sliced turkey for a lighter, milder taste.
- Add sautéed mushrooms with the onions to deepen the earthiness.
- Use provolone cheese instead of Swiss for a creamier melt and different flavor.
- Mix in a teaspoon of horseradish sauce with the beef for a spicy kick.
Delicious French Dip Squares
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth (for dipping au jus)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 25-30 minutes to bake, and a few minutes more to rest and serve. So, plan for roughly 45 minutes from start to finish, including caramelizing the onions and warming the au jus.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Onions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until they become beautifully caramelized and golden brown. This will take about 15 minutes. Then, stir in garlic powder and dried thyme, if you like, and set the onions aside.
2. Assemble the French Dip Squares
Unroll your crescent roll dough or puff pastry and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will be your base layer. Spread half of your caramelized onions over the dough evenly. Next, lay down all of your roast beef slices over the onions. Follow with the remaining caramelized onions on top of the beef. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss and mozzarella cheese evenly over the onions. Finally, cover everything with the remaining dough and press the edges together to seal your sandwich like one big square. For a golden, shiny finish, you can brush melted butter or an egg wash over the top.
3. Bake and Serve
Pop your assembled French Dip Squares into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and melted cheese bubbling through. While it bakes, gently heat the beef broth on the stove in a small saucepan to create your dipping au jus. When done, remove the squares from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Cut into squares, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm with the hot au jus on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure the roast beef is fully thawed before assembling the squares. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps maintain the right texture and prevents extra moisture.
Can I Prepare French Dip Squares Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the squares a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. When ready, just bake according to the recipe instructions. This makes it perfect for parties or meal prep.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving, and warm the au jus separately to keep everything delicious and fresh.
What’s the Best Bread Substitute if I Don’t Have Crescent Roll Dough?
If you don’t have crescent roll dough or puff pastry, you can use a pre-made pizza dough or even sliced sandwich bread pressed together, though the texture and flakiness will differ slightly. Just adjust baking time as needed to get a golden crust.
