Classic French Dip Squares
These Classic French Dip Squares are perfect for a party appetizer or a quick weeknight meal. Sweet Hawaiian rolls are filled with roast beef and melty cheese, then brushed with a savory garlic-butter sauce and baked until golden. Serve with warm au jus for dipping.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Small bowl
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12-pack Hawaiian sweet rolls or other slider buns
- 1 lb thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 6-8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
Garlic Butter Mixture
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp dried onion flakes or ¼ tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Au Jus
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed beef consommé or beef broth or 2 cups beef broth
- red wine or browning sauce (Optional for au jus)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them connected, and place the bottom halves in the baking dish.
Assembly and Baking
- Layer half of the cheese over the bottom rolls, then add the roast beef, and cover with the remaining cheese. Place the top halves of the rolls back on.
- Whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pour this butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 11-18 minutes until cheese is melted; remove foil for the last 5 minutes to brown the tops.
Au Jus and Serving
- While baking, heat beef consommé or broth in a small saucepan to a gentle simmer, adding red wine or browning sauce if desired.
- Once baked, remove the squares from the oven, let them rest a few minutes, then slice and serve immediately with warm au jus for dipping.
Notes
For extra flavor in the au jus, consider adding a bay leaf or a sprig of fresh thyme while simmering. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, use garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic in the butter mixture. These squares are best served warm, shortly after baking.