The French dip sandwich, a classic American dish that has been a staple in many restaurants and households for decades. This mouth-watering sandwich consists of tender beef, crispy bread, and a rich, flavorful broth that will leave you wanting more. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect French dip sandwich, from selecting the right ingredients to serving it hot and fresh.
Understanding the History of the French Dip Sandwich
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the history of the French dip sandwich. The origins of this dish are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. One story behind the creation of the French dip sandwich is that it was invented by a Los Angeles restaurant owner named Philippe Mathieu in the 1920s. Mathieu, a French immigrant, began serving a sandwich made with roast beef, cheese, and a side of au jus (a French term for “with juice”) to his customers. The sandwich quickly became popular, and soon, restaurants all over the country were serving their own versions of the French dip.
Selecting the Right Ingredients
Now that we have a brief understanding of the history of the French dip sandwich, let’s move on to the ingredients. The key to making a great French dip sandwich is to use high-quality ingredients. Here are some of the essential ingredients you will need:
- Roast beef: You can use either prime rib or top round roast beef for this recipe. Look for a cut that is at least 3 pounds and has a good balance of fat and lean meat.
- Hoagie rolls: You will need 4-6 hoagie rolls, depending on the size of your sandwiches. Look for rolls that are soft and lightly sweetened.
- Cheese: You can use either Swiss or provolone cheese for this recipe. Look for a cheese that is sliced thinly and has a mild flavor.
- Au jus: The au jus is the broth that you will serve with your French dip sandwiches. You can make your own au jus using beef broth, wine, and spices, or you can use store-bought au jus.
- Spices and seasonings: You will need a variety of spices and seasonings to add flavor to your French dip sandwiches. Some essential spices and seasonings include salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
Preparing the Roast Beef
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s move on to preparing the roast beef. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing the roast beef:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Season the roast beef with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Place the roast beef in a large roasting pan and put it in the oven.
- Roast the beef for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the beef from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
Preparing the Au Jus
While the roast beef is cooking, you can start preparing the au jus. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing the au jus:
- In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of red wine, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the au jus through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan.
- Discard the solids and bring the au jus to a simmer.
Assembling the French Dip Sandwiches
Now that we have our roast beef and au jus ready, it’s time to assemble the French dip sandwiches. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assembling the sandwiches:
- Slice the hoagie rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet.
- Place a slice of cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
- Add a few slices of roast beef on top of the cheese.
- Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich.
- Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Serving the French Dip Sandwiches
Finally, it’s time to serve the French dip sandwiches. Here’s a step-by-step guide to serving the sandwiches:
- Place the sandwiches on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Serve the au jus on the side in small bowls or ramekins.
- Encourage your guests to dip their sandwiches in the au jus.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the perfect French dip sandwich:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The key to making a great French dip sandwich is to use high-quality ingredients. Look for fresh, flavorful ingredients that will add depth and complexity to your sandwiches.
- Experiment with different cheeses: While Swiss and provolone are classic cheeses for French dip sandwiches, you can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your sandwiches, you can add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the au jus.
- Try a different type of bread: While hoagie rolls are classic, you can also try using other types of bread like baguettes, ciabatta, or even crostini.
In conclusion, making the perfect French dip sandwich is a matter of using high-quality ingredients, following a few simple steps, and experimenting with different variations. With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious French dip sandwiches that will impress your friends and family.
What is a French Dip Sandwich?
A French Dip Sandwich is a type of sandwich that consists of a crusty bread roll filled with thinly sliced roast beef, which is typically served with a side of au jus, a savory beef broth, for dipping. The sandwich is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century and has since become a popular dish in many restaurants and households.
The key to a great French Dip Sandwich is the quality of the ingredients, particularly the roast beef and the au jus. The beef should be tender and flavorful, while the au jus should be rich and savory. When combined with a crusty bread roll, the result is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
What type of bread is best for a French Dip Sandwich?
The best type of bread for a French Dip Sandwich is a crusty bread roll, such as a baguette or a hoagie roll. This type of bread is ideal because it is sturdy enough to hold up to the juices of the au jus without becoming soggy or falling apart. Additionally, the crusty texture of the bread provides a nice contrast to the tender beef and savory au jus.
When selecting a bread roll, look for one that is freshly baked and has a crispy crust. You can also toast the bread roll lightly before assembling the sandwich to give it an extra crispy texture. Avoid using a soft or fluffy bread, as it may become too soggy when dipped in the au jus.
How do I make the perfect au jus?
Making the perfect au jus is a crucial step in creating a great French Dip Sandwich. To make au jus, you will need to combine beef broth, red wine, and a few aromatics, such as onions and carrots, in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
The key to a great au jus is to use high-quality ingredients and to simmer the mixture for a long enough period of time to allow the flavors to develop. You can also add a few tablespoons of beef drippings or butter to the au jus to give it a richer flavor. Strain the au jus before serving to remove the aromatics and any excess fat.
What type of roast beef is best for a French Dip Sandwich?
The best type of roast beef for a French Dip Sandwich is a thinly sliced roast beef, such as prime rib or top round. This type of beef is ideal because it is tender and flavorful, and can be sliced thinly to fit inside the bread roll. Look for a roast beef that is cooked to medium-rare or medium, as this will provide the best flavor and texture.
When selecting a roast beef, look for one that is freshly sliced and has a good balance of flavor and tenderness. You can also use leftover roast beef or cook a roast beef specifically for the sandwich. Avoid using a roast beef that is too thick or too well done, as it may be tough and dry.
How do I assemble the perfect French Dip Sandwich?
Assembling the perfect French Dip Sandwich is a simple process that requires a few key ingredients and some basic assembly. To assemble the sandwich, start by slicing the roast beef thinly and placing it inside the bread roll. Next, add a few slices of cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar, to the sandwich. Finally, place the sandwich under the broiler for a few seconds to melt the cheese and toast the bread.
The key to assembling a great French Dip Sandwich is to use high-quality ingredients and to assemble the sandwich just before serving. This will ensure that the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. You can also add a few condiments, such as mustard or horseradish, to the sandwich for extra flavor.
Can I make a French Dip Sandwich in advance?
While it is possible to make a French Dip Sandwich in advance, it is best to assemble the sandwich just before serving. This will ensure that the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. However, you can prepare the ingredients for the sandwich in advance, such as slicing the roast beef and preparing the au jus.
If you need to make the sandwich in advance, you can assemble the sandwich without the au jus and refrigerate it for up to a few hours. Then, just before serving, place the sandwich under the broiler to melt the cheese and toast the bread. Serve the sandwich with the au jus on the side for dipping.
What are some variations of the French Dip Sandwich?
There are several variations of the French Dip Sandwich that you can try to give the dish a unique twist. One popular variation is to add some sautéed onions or bell peppers to the sandwich for extra flavor. You can also use different types of cheese, such as provolone or gouda, to give the sandwich a unique flavor.
Another variation is to use a different type of bread, such as a ciabatta or a sourdough, to give the sandwich a different texture. You can also add some condiments, such as hot sauce or mustard, to the sandwich for extra flavor. Additionally, you can use different types of roast beef, such as roast beef with horseradish or roast beef with garlic, to give the sandwich a unique flavor.