French Dip Sandwiches: Best Cheeses To Use

The French dip sandwich is a warm, hearty meal that is perfect for those who love a good roast beef sandwich. This sandwich is made with thinly sliced roast beef, melted cheese, and a French baguette or hoagie roll. The key to this sandwich is the cheese, which can vary depending on personal preference. Some popular choices are Swiss cheese, Gruyère, and Provolone. The meat is placed on the bread, topped with cheese, and then baked in the oven until the cheese melts. The sandwich is then served with a small bowl of au jus, a savoury beef broth made from the meat's natural juices, for dipping.

Provolone, Swiss or Gruyère?

When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your French dip sandwich, there are a few popular options to consider: Provolone, Swiss, or Gruyère. Each of these cheeses has its own unique characteristics and can enhance the flavour of the sandwich in different ways.

Provolone is a popular choice for French dip sandwiches because of its mild, nutty flavour and its excellent melting properties. It has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste that pairs well with the savoury beef and au jus. Provolone is also a versatile cheese that can be sliced or shredded, making it easy to incorporate into the sandwich.

Swiss cheese, also known as Emmentaler, is another classic option for French dip sandwiches. It has a more pronounced flavour than Provolone, with a slightly tangy and nutty taste. Swiss cheese also melts well, adding a creamy texture to the sandwich. Its distinctive appearance, with small holes and a pale yellow colour, can also make the sandwich more visually appealing.

Gruyère is a Swiss cheese that is similar to Swiss cheese but has a more complex and intense flavour. It is a hard, yellow cheese with a slightly grainy texture and a rich, nutty taste. Gruyère melts beautifully, adding a creamy mouthfeel to the sandwich. Its strong flavour can stand up to the other bold flavours in the French dip, making it a delicious choice for those who want a more indulgent and savoury experience.

When deciding between Provolone, Swiss, or Gruyère for your French dip sandwich, consider your personal preference for taste and texture. All three cheeses melt well and complement the flavours of the beef and au jus. Provolone is mild and versatile, Swiss has a more pronounced nutty flavour, and Gruyère offers a more intense and complex taste experience. Choose the one that best suits your taste buds and enjoy a delicious, cheesy French dip sandwich!

Horseradish in the mayo?

If you're looking to elevate your French dip sandwich, horseradish mayo could be your hero ingredient. It adds a bold and startling deviation to the classic sandwich with its spicy bite and creamy richness. Horseradish is a root vegetable from the mustard family, and when added to mayo, it brings a little heat to your sandwich.

You can make your own horseradish mayo by combining mayonnaise, horseradish, lemon juice, and spices. You can also add some Dijon mustard and chives for extra flavour. If you want to adjust the spice level, start with a small amount of horseradish and work your way up until you achieve your desired heat balance.

Spread a generous layer of this spicy and creamy goodness onto your ciabatta roll or baguette, and you've got yourself a French dip sandwich with a kick! This unique combination of flavours is sure to impress and take your sandwich game to the next level.

So, why not give it a try? You might just find that horseradish mayo is the secret ingredient you never knew your French dip sandwich needed!

To grill or not to grill the cheese?

When it comes to the cheese on your French dip sandwich, you have options! The most popular choices are Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese. But feel free to choose your favourite.

Now, the question is: to grill or not to grill?

Grilling the cheese will, of course, melt it, creating that delightful, gooey texture and bringing a whole new dimension to your sandwich. It will also add a golden hue to your bread and make it slightly crispier.

If you choose to grill your sandwich, simply assemble your French dip, pop it under the grill, and wait for the cheese to melt. This should only take a few minutes, so keep an eye on it!

However, if you don't want to grill the cheese, you can simply place it on your sandwich and let it melt slowly. The warmth of the roast beef and the bread will gently melt the cheese, creating a slightly different, but still delicious, texture. This method is more hands-off and eliminates the risk of burning your bread.

Ultimately, the decision to grill or not to grill comes down to personal preference. If you like your cheese melted quickly and efficiently, and don't mind using the grill, go for it! If you prefer a more hands-off approach and don't mind a slightly softer cheese, skip the grill. Either way, you'll end up with a delicious, cheesy French dip sandwich.

Caramelised onions: yes or no?

When it comes to French dip sandwiches, there are many different ways to make them. Some recipes call for different types of bread, meat, and cheese, but one question that often comes up is whether or not to include caramelised onions. So, should you add them or leave them out?

On the one hand, caramelised onions can add a sweet and silky richness to the sandwich. When cooked properly, they become delicate and slightly sweet, providing a nice contrast to the other savoury ingredients. They can also help to moisten the sandwich, especially if you're including the traditional side of au jus for dipping. Including caramelised onions is also a great way to make the sandwich more substantial, turning it into a heartier meal. If you're looking to add some extra flavour and texture to your French dip, then caramelised onions could be a great option.

On the other hand, caramelised onions can be time-consuming to prepare. It typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes to cook onions until they reach the desired level of caramelisation, which may not be feasible if you're short on time. Additionally, some people may prefer a simpler sandwich with fewer ingredients, especially if they're looking for a quicker, lighter meal. In this case, leaving out the caramelised onions might be preferable.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include caramelised onions in your French dip sandwich comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the flavour and texture that they add, and you have the time to prepare them, then go for it! However, if you're short on time or prefer a more minimalist sandwich, you can certainly leave them out. Whichever route you choose, there are plenty of ways to make a delicious French dip sandwich that suits your tastes.

Baguette or hoagie?

When it comes to the French dip sandwich, there are a variety of bread options to choose from, including baguettes and hoagie rolls. So, which one should you go for?

The French dip sandwich is a classic, messy, meaty delight, often made with thinly sliced beef, dripping with au jus, and oozing with cheese. The type of bread you choose for this sandwich can have a significant impact on the overall taste and experience.

Baguettes are a traditional French bread known for their long, crunchy crusts and sandwich-friendly shape. They are typically denser and chewier than other types of bread, making them ideal for holding up to the juices of the French dip without falling apart. Baguettes are a popular choice for those who want a more authentic French experience with their sandwich.

On the other hand, hoagie rolls, also known as hero or sub rolls, are long, football-shaped rolls with a crusty exterior and a light, airy interior. Hoagies are strongly associated with Italian-American culture and are typically used for cold sandwiches. The exterior of a hoagie roll should shatter when bitten into, indicating that it is fresh and well-made.

Both baguettes and hoagie rolls can be excellent choices for a French dip sandwich, depending on your personal preference. If you want a more traditional French experience, a baguette might be the way to go. However, if you prefer a colder sandwich with a stronger Italian-American influence, a hoagie roll could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between a baguette and a hoagie comes down to individual taste and the specific characteristics of each bread.

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