French Dip's Perfect Cheese Pairing: Finding The Ultimate Flavor

French dip sandwiches are a delicious and easy meal to make for the family. The classic French dip sandwich is made with thinly sliced roast beef on a hoagie roll, French roll, or baguette, and served with a side of au jus for dipping. The best cheeses to use for a French dip sandwich are provolone, Swiss, or Muenster. Provolone is the classic choice, as it has a strong flavour and melts well. Swiss cheese is also a good option, as it melts easily and adds a creamy texture. If you're looking for something different, Muenster is a great alternative, as it has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.

Provolone cheese

Provolone is a type of Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is semi-hard and has a smooth texture with a mild, slightly nutty flavour. It is often used in sandwiches, as it melts easily and has a creamy texture.

When making a French dip sandwich with provolone cheese, it is important to toast the bread first before adding the cheese and beef. This helps the bread from getting soggy and also makes it hold up better to being dipped in the au jus.

To assemble the sandwich, spread the garlic butter on the cut sides of the hoagie rolls. Then, pile on the shredded, tender beef and top with slices of provolone cheese. Wrap each sandwich in aluminium foil and bake in the oven until hot. Serve the sandwiches with a side of warm au jus for dipping.

Some variations of the French dip sandwich with provolone cheese include adding hot pickled peppers, jalapeños, or caramelized onions. These ingredients add a bit of extra flavour and texture to the sandwich.

Hoagie rolls

To make hoagie rolls, you will need the following ingredients:

• Warm water
• Instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
• Granulated sugar
• Honey
• All-purpose flour
• Egg
• Milk
• Butter
• Salt

The process of making hoagie rolls involves mixing and kneading the dough, letting it rise, shaping it into rolls, and baking until golden. Here is a more detailed guide:

Making the Dough:

• In a stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, and honey. Let it sit until foamy.
• Add flour and mix on low speed using a dough hook.
• Increase the speed to medium and add salt, mixing for a few minutes.
• Add cold butter gradually, mixing until the dough becomes smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise until doubled in size.

Shaping the Hoagie Rolls:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Divide the dough into 4-8 pieces and shape them into hoagie rolls.
• Cover the rolls lightly with a towel and let them rise again for 1-2 hours.

Second Rise:

• Using a sharp knife or blade, slash the top of each roll.
• Brush the rolls with an egg and milk mixture (or another coating of your choice).

Baking the Hoagie Rolls:

• Preheat the oven to 350-375°F.
• Bake the hoagie rolls for 16-22 minutes, or until they are golden and sound hollow when tapped.
• Brush the baked rolls with butter, if desired.
• Allow the rolls to cool before slicing.

Au jus

To make your own au jus, you can deglaze your pan with some red wine and then add water, gently scraping with a wooden spoon. Drain this mixture into a frying pan and add some stock. Season to taste with salt and pepper (and maybe a tiny squirt of soy sauce).

For a quicker version, you can use the Au Jus packets from the gravy aisle.

Roast beef

When it comes to French Dip sandwiches, roast beef is a popular choice. Here are some tips and instructions for creating delicious French Dip sandwiches with roast beef:

Selecting the Right Cut of Roast Beef:

It is important to choose a suitable cut of roast beef for your French Dip sandwich. Some recommended options include chuck roast, rump roast, or top round roast. These cuts tend to have a good balance of flavour and tenderness, making them ideal for slow cooking.

Preparing the Roast Beef:

Before cooking, season your roast beef with salt, pepper, and other desired spices such as oregano and thyme. You can then sear the meat in a hot skillet to create a delicious crust. After searing, transfer the roast beef to a slow cooker or oven and cook it low and slow until it reaches the desired level of doneness. For a juicy and tender roast, it is crucial not to overcook it.

Assembling the Sandwich:

For the best French Dip sandwich, start with a crusty roll or baguette. Look for bread with a dense, chewy texture that can withstand dipping without falling apart. Layer your thinly sliced roast beef onto the bread, and top it with cheese. Swiss cheese, provolone, and Gruyère are popular choices that pair well with the beef.

Dipping the Sandwich:

The signature feature of a French Dip sandwich is, of course, the dip! Warm your jus or au jus, a rich beef broth made from the cooking juices of the roast beef. Dip the assembled sandwich into the jus, or serve the jus on the side for dipping. You can also double dip, where both halves of the roll are briefly dipped in the jus.

Serving Suggestions:

French Dip sandwiches are typically served warm, with the cheese melted and the bread toasted. They can be served as a hearty main course, often accompanied by sides such as coleslaw, French fries, or a salad.

Oven-baked

French Dip sandwiches are a delicious, hearty meal that can be made in the oven. This recipe will guide you through the steps to make mouthwatering French Dip sandwiches, baked to perfection.

Ingredients:

• Hoagie rolls or French baguette
• Butter, softened
• Garlic powder
• Roast beef, thinly sliced
• Cheese: Provolone, Swiss, or Muenster
• Beef broth or beef consommé
• Optional: Pickled hot peppers, jalapeños, or caramelized onions

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F to 400°F.

First, prepare the garlic butter by combining softened butter and garlic powder in a small bowl. Spread this mixture on the cut sides of your hoagie rolls or baguette. Place the bread, buttered side up, on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!

Next, pile on the beef. Divide your thinly sliced roast beef evenly among the rolls. If you're feeling adventurous, add some pickled hot peppers, jalapeños, or caramelized onions for an extra kick of flavor.

Now, it's time for the cheese. Top each sandwich with a slice of your chosen cheese. Provolone is a classic choice, but Swiss or Muenster can also melt beautifully and add a unique twist.

Finally, wrap each sandwich in aluminum foil and place them in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the sandwiches are hot and the cheese is melted.

While the sandwiches are baking, prepare the au jus for dipping. In a saucepan, heat up some beef broth or beef consommé. You can also enhance the flavor by deglazing your pan with some red wine and then adding water and stock. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!

Serve the sandwiches warm, with the au jus on the side for dipping.

Tips:

• For the best flavor, opt for slow-cooked, tender shredded beef or thinly sliced prime rib.
• If you're short on time, you can use pre-packaged roast beef lunch meat from your local deli.
• Toasting the bread before adding the toppings is crucial to prevent sogginess and ensure the bread holds up during dipping.
• Get creative with your cheese choices! While provolone is classic, Swiss or Muenster can add a delightful twist.
• For an extra crispy bread option, try ciabatta rolls.
• Don't forget to serve these sandwiches with a side of crispy oven-fried pickles, fries, or chips!

Frequently asked questions