Randy Chandler
French Dip Sandwiches are a classic, meaty meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The best cheeses for French Dip Sandwiches are melty cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, Swiss cheese, or Gruyère. Provolone is a popular choice as its sharpness adds to the sandwich, and it can also be used to line the roll to prevent it from getting soggy. Mozzarella and provolone can be used together for a great flavor. Swiss cheese is also a good option, as is a combination of Swiss and Gruyère.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Provolone, Mozzarella, Swiss, Gruyere |
| Amount of Cheese | 2 slices, 1/2 cup shredded, 1/3 cup shredded |
| Bread | Sub rolls, hoagie rolls, baguettes, crusty bread |
| Meat | Roast beef, steak |
| Other ingredients | Worcestershire sauce, garlic butter, onion soup, French onion soup, beef consomme, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, parsley, granulated garlic, mayonnaise |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella and Provolone are popular choices
Mozzarella, a soft, creamy cheese, is a perfect match for the French dip sandwich as it melts beautifully and adds a lovely creamy texture to the sandwich. Its mild, milky flavour also complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. When making a French dip sandwich, shredded Mozzarella cheese is often used, as it melts quickly and evenly in the oven.
Provolone, on the other hand, is a slightly sharper and more pungent cheese. It has a more robust flavour that can stand up to the other ingredients in the sandwich. Provolone slices are often used to line the bread, adding a nice, tangy taste to the sandwich and preventing the bun from becoming soggy from the au jus.
Using a combination of these two cheeses is a great way to enhance the flavour and texture of the French dip sandwich. The sharpness of Provolone pairs well with the creaminess of Mozzarella, creating a well-rounded and indulgent taste experience.
In addition to Mozzarella and Provolone, other cheese options for French dip sandwiches include Swiss cheese, Gruyère, and even cheddar, depending on personal preference. However, the key to a great French dip sandwich is often in the melting quality of the cheese, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with the beef and bread for a delicious, indulgent bite.
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Gruyère and Swiss are also used
While Provolone and Mozzarella are the most commonly used cheeses for French dip sandwiches, Gruyère and Swiss are also used.
Gruyère is a popular choice for those who want a French dip sandwich with a more pronounced flavour. Gruyère has a strong, unique taste that can add a lot of character to the sandwich. It has a slightly grainy texture and a salty, nutty flavour that becomes more complex as the cheese matures. When melted, it becomes smooth and creamy, making it a great option for a French dip sandwich.
Swiss cheese, also known as Emmentaler, is another popular choice for French dip sandwiches. It has a mild, sweet, and nutty flavour with a hint of acidity. Its creamy texture and good melting properties make it ideal for sandwiches. Swiss cheese also has large holes, which give it a distinctive appearance.
Both Gruyère and Swiss cheese offer a unique flavour profile and melting quality that can enhance the overall taste of a French dip sandwich. They can be used as a substitute for the more commonly used Provolone and Mozzarella cheeses, or even in combination with them, to create a more complex and flavourful sandwich.
When making a French dip sandwich, the choice of cheese is important as it should complement the other ingredients, such as the beef and au jus. The melting properties of the cheese are also crucial, as a melted cheese adds to the overall taste and texture of the sandwich.
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Melty cheeses are best
French dip sandwiches are a delicious, easy meal that can be made in a variety of ways. The traditional French dip sandwich is made with thinly sliced roast beef and cheese on a roll, served with a side of 'au jus'—a French term meaning 'with juice', referring to a broth made from the meat's juices.
When it comes to the cheese, the best options are those that melt well, such as mozzarella, provolone, Swiss cheese, or gruyere. These cheeses not only add a great flavour to the sandwich but also help to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. Melty cheeses are best because they create that irresistible, gooey texture and ensure each bite is packed with flavour.
Mozzarella and provolone are excellent choices as they melt beautifully and have a mild, creamy flavour that complements the beef perfectly. Provolone, in particular, adds a nice sharpness to the sandwich. Swiss cheese is another popular option, known for its smooth, creamy texture and slightly nutty flavour. Gruyere is a less traditional but equally delicious choice, offering a rich, buttery flavour that takes the sandwich to the next level.
When assembling the sandwich, it's important to add the cheese immediately after the beef to allow the cheese to begin melting. Placing the sandwich under a broiler for a few minutes ensures the cheese melts evenly and creates that desirable, gooey texture. Melty cheeses also help to hold the sandwich together, making it easier to eat and ensuring each bite is packed with flavour.
So, if you're looking to make the perfect French dip sandwich, opt for cheeses that melt well. Mozzarella, provolone, Swiss cheese, or gruyere are all excellent choices that will take your sandwich from good to extraordinary.
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Cheese is sprinkled on the sandwich
A French dip sandwich is a delightful combination of meat and cheese. The choice of cheese is crucial to enhancing the flavour of the sandwich. While some prefer their French dip sandwiches without cheese, others opt for a variety of cheeses, including Swiss, Gruyere, or Provolone. The sharpness of Provolone adds a unique twist to the sandwich, making it a popular choice.
When preparing a French dip sandwich, the type of cheese used is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer Swiss cheese, while others opt for Gruyere or Provolone. Provolone is a popular choice due to its sharp flavour and melting properties. It is often used in combination with other cheeses, such as mozzarella, to create a unique blend of flavours and textures.
Mozzarella cheese is another excellent option for French dip sandwiches. Its melting properties make it a favourite among sandwich enthusiasts. The key to a great French dip sandwich is to use cheese that melts well, creating a gooey and indulgent texture. This can be achieved with mozzarella, Provolone, or a combination of both.
To elevate your French dip sandwich, consider adding shredded mozzarella cheese. This variety of mozzarella adds a unique texture and flavour to the sandwich. By sprinkling shredded mozzarella over the other ingredients, you create a layer of melted cheese that enhances the overall taste experience. The combination of shredded mozzarella and slices of Provolone is a match made in sandwich heaven!
When assembling your French dip sandwich, start by buttering the inside of your chosen bread, preferably a hoagie roll or a crusty baguette. Sprinkle garlic powder or granulated garlic on the buttered surface for added flavour. Next, dip strips of steak or thinly sliced roast beef into the au jus, a savoury broth made from the meat's cooking juices. Place the meat on the bread and sprinkle with cheese.
Finally, broil your French dip sandwich until the cheese melts, creating a gooey and mouthwatering texture. Serve the sandwich with a side of au jus for dipping, and enjoy the perfect combination of flavours and textures in every bite. Whether you choose Swiss, Gruyere, Provolone, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses, the key to a great French dip sandwich is melted cheese that complements the meat and enhances the overall dining experience.
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The amount of cheese varies
The amount of cheese used on a French dip sandwich varies depending on the type of cheese and the size of the sandwich. Some recipes call for two slices of cheese per sandwich, while others suggest using shredded cheese, which can be sprinkled on top or used to cover the entire surface of the bread. The amount of shredded cheese used can range from 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup per sandwich.
The type of cheese used on a French dip sandwich can also vary. While some recipes suggest using a single type of cheese, such as Provolone, Mozzarella, Swiss, or Gruyere, others recommend combining two or more types of cheese for added flavour and texture. For example, one recipe calls for lining the roll with slices of Provolone to prevent the bread from getting soggy, then adding shredded Mozzarella over the top for extra meltiness.
When making a French dip sandwich, it is important to consider the balance of ingredients. Too much cheese can overpower the other flavours in the sandwich, while too little cheese may result in a dry sandwich. The amount of cheese used will also depend on personal preference and dietary restrictions. Some people may prefer a cheesier sandwich, while others may want to reduce the amount of cheese or leave it out entirely to make the sandwich healthier or accommodate dietary needs.
The size of the sandwich is another factor that determines the amount of cheese used. A larger sandwich will require more cheese to ensure adequate coverage and flavour, while a smaller sandwich may only need a few slices or a light sprinkling of shredded cheese. The thickness of the cheese slices can also vary, with thicker slices covering more surface area and potentially requiring fewer slices per sandwich.
In addition to the type and amount of cheese, the quality and freshness of the cheese can also impact the flavour and texture of the sandwich. Using high-quality, freshly grated or sliced cheese can enhance the taste and melting properties of the cheese. Freshness is especially important for sandwiches that are served cold or at room temperature, as stale or aged cheese may become harder and less palatable when not melted.
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Frequently asked questions
French dip sandwiches are sandwiches made with roast beef and cheese, served with a side of au jus, a broth or gravy made from the meat's juices.
A traditional French dip sandwich uses Swiss or Gruyère cheese. However, Provolone, mozzarella, or a combination of the two are also popular choices due to their meltability.
French dip sandwiches are typically made with crusty bread such as sub rolls, hoagie rolls, baguettes, or any other type of crusty roll.
Side dish options that go well with French dip sandwiches include French fries, plantain chips, sweet potato chips, and salads such as cucumber avocado salad or a classic wedge salad.
To make French dip sandwiches, first, combine beef consommé, onion powder, and garlic powder in a saucepan and bring to a slow boil. Add the roast beef to the saucepan, a few pieces at a time, and simmer for a minute. Transfer the beef to a bun and top with cheese. Place the sandwiches under the broiler until the cheese is melted. Serve with a side of au jus for dipping.
