French Dip Perfection: The Best Cheeses To Try

There are many different types of cheese that can be used in a French dip sandwich, but the best options are those that melt well and add flavour to the sandwich. These include Swiss cheese, provolone, mozzarella, and Muenster.

Swiss cheese is a popular choice

French dip sandwiches are made with tender, slow-cooked roast beef, topped with melted cheese, and served on a toasted hoagie roll with a side of au jus for dipping. The best cheeses for this sandwich are those that melt well, creating a rich, tangy flavour and adding moisture to the sandwich. Swiss cheese is an excellent choice for this, as it has a unique, sharp taste and a creamy texture when melted.

Swiss cheese is also a versatile option for French dip sandwiches. It can be used alone or combined with other cheeses, such as provolone, to create a more complex flavour profile. For those who prefer a lighter sandwich, Swiss cheese can be used in smaller quantities without sacrificing taste. Its distinct flavour means a little goes a long way.

When preparing a French dip sandwich with Swiss cheese, it is essential to ensure the cheese is melted evenly and smoothly. This can be achieved by placing the assembled sandwich under a grill or in an oven for a short time. The cheese should be watched carefully to avoid over-melting, which can cause the sandwich to become soggy.

Swiss cheese is an excellent choice for a French dip sandwich, offering a unique flavour, a creamy texture, and the versatility to be used in a variety of ways. It is a popular and well-loved option for this classic, juicy sandwich.

Provolone is also a good option

French dip sandwiches are usually made with chuck or rump roast, cooked until tender, and served on a crusty roll. The juices from the slow cooker are used for dipping, and this is called 'au jus'. Provolone is a great choice of cheese for this sandwich because it is not too strong and will complement the other ingredients without being overpowering. It also has a high melting point, which means it will stay nice and gooey even when the sandwich is dipped into the hot au jus.

When making a French dip sandwich, it is important to use good-quality bread that will hold up to the juices. Hoagies, sub rolls, baguettes, or any type of crusty bread are all good options. The beef should be a cut that cooks well in the slow cooker, like chuck or rump roast. The beef is usually seasoned with salt and pepper, oregano, and thyme, and then seared in a skillet before being added to the slow cooker.

Provolone is a type of Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour and a slightly nutty aroma. It is often used in sandwiches and grilled cheese dishes because of its excellent melting properties. When shredded or sliced, it melts quickly and smoothly, making it ideal for French dip sandwiches.

So, if you're looking for a cheese to use in your French dip sandwich, Provolone is a great option. Its mild flavour, melting properties, and affinity for beef make it an excellent choice for this classic sandwich.

Hoagie rolls are a standard choice of bread

Hoagie rolls are also a convenient choice as they are widely available and easy to source. They are a common type of bread roll, often used for sandwiches, and can be found in most bakeries and supermarkets. Their versatility means they can be used for a variety of sandwich fillings and are a popular choice for delis and sandwich shops.

The hoagie roll's dense, soft interior is ideal for soaking up the juices without becoming too soggy. This is an important factor, as a French dip sandwich is characterised by the bread being dipped into the juices of the roast meat. The exterior of the hoagie roll is typically slightly crusty, providing a satisfying texture contrast to the soft interior.

While hoagie rolls are a popular choice, there are other options that work well. Some people prefer a crusty French roll, which has a tighter crumb and a light, crisp crust. Baguettes, however, are not ideal as their hard exterior can be too tough to bite through. Other options include ciabatta rolls, kaiser rolls, onion rolls, and even burger buns in a pinch. Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on personal preference, but hoagie rolls remain a classic and versatile option for French dip sandwiches.

Rare roast beef is best

When it comes to French Dip sandwiches, rare roast beef is the way to go. The ideal French Dip sandwich consists of tender, juicy slices of rare roast beef, layered on a soft French roll, topped with melted cheese, and served with a side of savoury jus for dipping.

To achieve the perfect rare roast beef, it is crucial to start with the right cut of meat. Bottom round roast or top round roast are excellent choices, as they have a deep, brawny mineral-rich flavour and are relatively lean. The key is to avoid overcooking the beef to ensure it remains tender and juicy. Searing the roast briefly before cooking it at a low temperature will create a desirable mahogany crust and a rosy, medium-rare interior.

When constructing the sandwich, it is essential to use a good-quality, crusty bread that can withstand the juiciness of the sandwich without falling apart. Hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or French rolls are all excellent choices.

Now, let's talk about the cheese. While Swiss cheese is a popular choice for French Dip sandwiches, you can also experiment with other varieties such as provolone, mozzarella, or Muenster. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the flavour of the beef.

Finally, the jus plays a crucial role in elevating the French Dip sandwich. It should be rich, savoury, and full of flavour. To make the jus, roast the beef with aromatics like onions, dried mushrooms, and thyme to build a robust flavour base. This will result in a jus that is not too thin or too thick but just right, perfectly coating the meat and bread without making them soggy.

In conclusion, by using rare roast beef, high-quality bread, delicious melted cheese, and a well-crafted jus, you can create the ultimate French Dip sandwich—a messy, juicy, and utterly delicious culinary experience.

Ciabatta rolls are a good alternative

When making a French dip sandwich, it's important to choose a bread that can withstand the juices and dipping without becoming soggy. Ciabatta rolls fit the bill perfectly. They have a dense, chewy texture that soaks up the juices without disintegrating.

In terms of cheese, the best options for a French dip sandwich are those that melt well, such as Swiss cheese, provolone, or mozzarella. These cheeses add a tangy, rich flavour to the sandwich and help to keep the bread from getting soggy.

To assemble the sandwich, start by slicing the ciabatta roll in half. Layer on thin slices of roast beef, followed by the cheese. If you like, you can warm the beef in the au jus before placing it on the roll. Then, pop the open sandwich under the grill or in the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with a small bowl of warm au jus for dipping.

For an extra crispy texture, you can also toast the ciabatta roll before assembling the sandwich. This will give it an even heartier texture that can stand up to the juices.

Frequently asked questions