If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or weeknight dinner, these Delicious French Dip Squares are exactly what you need. Think of all the hearty, cheesy, meaty goodness of a traditional French dip sandwich—but in an easy, shareable, pull-apart form. Layers of tender roast beef, melted provolone, and golden buttery pastry come together in a dish that’s just as elegant as it is comforting. I tried this recipe for a game night, and it was an instant hit—the flaky crust paired perfectly with the rich, savory au jus dipping sauce. These squares are the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent yet effortless. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy evenings, they’ll disappear from the table faster than you can make them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These French Dip Squares are the perfect mix of flaky pastry, gooey cheese, and juicy beef, all tied together with a warm, flavorful dipping sauce. They’re quick to assemble, bake beautifully, and slice cleanly for serving. Plus, they look impressive enough for entertaining but require minimal prep. If you love French dip sandwiches but want a fun twist, this recipe gives you all the same flavors in a compact, crowd-friendly form.
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Delicious French Dip Squares Recipe: The Perfect Party Comfort Food
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 squares
- Diet: Halal
Description
Delicious French Dip Squares are a flaky, cheesy, and savory appetizer or meal made with layers of crescent roll dough, roast beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions — baked to golden perfection and served with rich au jus for dipping. A crowd-pleasing twist on the classic French dip sandwich!
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
- 1 pound deli roast beef, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone or Swiss cheese
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
- 1 packet au jus mix
- 3 cups water (for au jus)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, salt, and pepper, and cook for 10–12 minutes until soft and caramelized. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder, then set aside.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto the baking sheet, pressing seams together to form a large rectangle.
- Layer half of the cheese, then all of the roast beef, caramelized onions, and the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Place the second sheet of crescent roll dough over the top and pinch edges to seal. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Meanwhile, prepare au jus according to package directions using 3 cups of water.
- Allow the baked squares to cool for 5 minutes, then cut into 12 squares.
- Serve warm with au jus for dipping.
Notes
- Substitute roast beef with shredded leftover steak or prime rib for extra flavor.
- Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a flakier texture.
- Add a layer of horseradish mayo or Dijon mustard for a zesty kick.
- These squares reheat well in the oven — great for parties and game days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer / Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry – Forms the buttery, flaky layers that make these squares irresistibly crisp.
Deli roast beef – The star of the dish. Thinly sliced and full of flavor, it provides that signature French dip richness.
Provolone cheese – Creamy, slightly sharp, and perfectly melty—it ties the beef and pastry together beautifully.
Butter – Melted and brushed on top for that golden finish and rich flavor.
Onion – Lightly sautéed to add a subtle sweetness that enhances the beef.
Garlic powder – Adds savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Worcestershire sauce – Brings a tangy umami punch that complements the roast beef.
Beef broth – The base for the delicious au jus dipping sauce.
Soy sauce – Adds a salty, savory note to balance the richness of the beef broth.
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) – Adds a fragrant, herby touch to both the squares and the dipping sauce.
Salt and black pepper – For simple but essential seasoning.
Directions
- Prepare the oven and dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and unroll one sheet of crescent dough or puff pastry. Press the seams together to form one solid rectangle.
- Layer the ingredients: Place a layer of provolone cheese over the dough, followed by slices of roast beef and sautéed onions. Add another layer of cheese, then top with the second sheet of dough. Seal the edges by pressing lightly with a fork.
- Brush and bake: Brush the top layer with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with garlic powder and herbs if desired. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Prepare the au jus: While the squares bake, combine beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of thyme in a saucepan. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, then strain and keep warm for dipping.
- Slice and serve: Let the baked squares cool for 5 minutes, then cut into even portions. Serve warm with the au jus sauce on the side for dipping.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 squares and takes roughly 35 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Onion French Dip Squares – Add caramelized onions between the beef and cheese for a sweet-savory upgrade.
Garlic Herb Butter Version – Mix melted butter with minced garlic and herbs to brush over the top before baking for extra flavor.
Spicy Horseradish Dip – Serve with creamy horseradish sauce instead of au jus for a bold, tangy twist.
Mushroom Melt Squares – Add sautéed mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor.
Swiss Cheese Swap – Use Swiss instead of provolone for a slightly nutty, stronger flavor.
Mini French Dip Bites – Cut the dough into smaller sections before baking for bite-sized party appetizers.
Philly-Style Version – Add bell peppers and onions for a Philly cheesesteak-inspired twist.
BBQ Beef Squares – Replace au jus with barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet variation.
Roast Turkey Version – Substitute roast beef with turkey and use chicken broth for the dip.
Vegan Version – Use vegan puff pastry, plant-based cheese, and mushrooms or seitan for a meat-free alternative.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry gives a flakier, more buttery texture, while crescent dough makes it slightly softer.
What’s the best cheese for French dip squares?
Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, Swiss, or Havarti also work beautifully.
Can I use leftover roast beef?
Absolutely! Leftover roast or steak slices make this recipe even more flavorful.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layers in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.
How do I prevent soggy pastry?
Keep the filling layers dry and avoid overfilling—too much moisture softens the dough.
What can I serve with these squares?
They pair perfectly with a green salad, potato wedges, or roasted vegetables.
Can I freeze French dip squares?
Yes, bake, cool completely, then freeze. Reheat at 375°F until hot and crisp.
How long does the au jus last?
It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat before serving.
Can I use chicken or turkey instead?
Yes, just adjust the dipping sauce with chicken broth instead of beef.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
The oven or air fryer keeps the pastry crisp—avoid the microwave.
Conclusion
These Delicious French Dip Squares are the perfect combination of convenience and flavor—crispy, cheesy, and dripping with savory goodness. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen. The buttery pastry, melty cheese, and rich au jus make each bite completely irresistible. Once you try them, you’ll be making these golden, gooey squares for every occasion.
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