Delicious French Dip Squares are a fun twist on the classic French dip sandwich. They’re made with tender, juicy roast beef and melty cheese layered on soft bread, all baked together until golden and perfect for dunking. The squares come with a flavorful au jus sauce that’s great for dipping and adds a cozy, comforting touch.
I love making these for gatherings or casual dinners because they’re easy to share and always a crowd-pleaser. I usually bake them until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crispy—this part is key for that perfect mix of gooey and crunchy. Plus, dipping each square into the rich au jus just feels like a little bit of comfort in every bite.
Whenever I serve these, I like to have a big bowl of au jus on the side so everyone can dunk as much as they want. They’re great served with a simple side salad or some crunchy pickles to balance the richness. I always find myself reaching for just one more, and they disappear fast when friends are around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roast Beef: This is the heart of the dish. Using cooked, thinly sliced beef gives tender, juicy bites. Leftover roast beef or deli-style roast beef work well here. If you need a vegetarian option, try thinly sliced mushrooms or seitan.
Crescent Roll or Biscuit Dough: This dough serves as the crispy, soft base and top. Refrigerated crescent roll dough is my favorite for its flakiness. You can also use puff pastry for a flakier texture or gluten-free dough if needed.
Provolone or Swiss Cheese: These cheeses melt beautifully and add subtle nutty flavor. Mozzarella could be a milder swap, or for a sharper taste, try cheddar. For lactose intolerance, lactose-free cheese slices work.
Beef Au Jus: This dipping sauce brings the classic French dip flavor. Store-bought au jus packets are convenient, but homemade au jus with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs gives a richer taste.
How Do You Get Crispy, Gooey French Dip Squares Every Time?
The key is balancing crispy dough and melted cheese. Here’s what helps me get it right:
- Press the dough evenly into the baking pan to avoid thin or uncooked spots.
- Layer the beef and cheese evenly for even melting and flavor in every bite.
- If using one dough package, fold the edges over toppings to seal and keep everything inside.
- Brush the top with a seasoned butter mix to get a golden, flavorful crust.
- Keep an eye on baking time—about 20-25 minutes at 375°F is perfect for bubbly cheese and golden crust.
- Let the squares rest 5 minutes after baking so the cheese sets just enough for easy cutting without losing gooeyness.
These steps help you get tender meat, melted cheese, and crisp crust all in one satisfying bite. Then just dunk in au jus and enjoy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9 inch baking dish – the perfect size to hold all the layers and bake evenly.
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Small bowl – for mixing the butter and seasoning to brush on top.
- Basting brush – lets you spread the butter mixture evenly over the dough.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – for cutting the baked squares cleanly without tearing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roast beef for shredded cooked chicken or turkey for a leaner option with great flavor.
- Try a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a different melt and taste combo.
- Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra sweetness and depth.
- Sprinkle some fresh thyme or rosemary on top before baking for a fragrant herb twist.
Delicious French Dip Squares Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked roast beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough or biscuit dough (about 8 oz)
- 8 oz provolone or Swiss cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley, plus more for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef au jus (canned or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 20-25 minutes to bake, and 5 minutes to cool before serving. Plan for around 35-40 minutes total from start to finish, making it a quick and delicious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Crust:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Roll out the crescent roll or biscuit dough evenly onto the bottom of the dish, pressing it into all corners to form a solid crust.
2. Add Meat and Cheese Layers:
Spread the cooked roast beef evenly over the dough layer. Then arrange the sliced provolone or Swiss cheese over the roast beef, covering the meat well for a gooey, cheesy bite in every square.
3. Top and Season:
If you have a second package of dough, roll it out and place it over the cheese, pressing the edges together to seal. If you only have one package, fold the dough’s edges over the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Brush this seasoning mixture generously over the top of your dough and cheese layer to create a golden, flavorful crust.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the squares in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling nicely. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes to set. Cut into squares and serve warm with beef au jus on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like for a bright touch.
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for the best texture in the squares.
Can I Make French Dip Squares Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Assemble the squares and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed—add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty.
What Can I Substitute for Crescent Roll Dough?
Puff pastry works great for a flakier crust, or biscuit dough can add a biscuit-like texture. Gluten-free dough options are also available if you need to avoid gluten.
