If you’re craving a sandwich that perfectly combines the melty, comforting goodness of grilled cheese with the rich, savory flavors of a classic French dip, then this French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine biting into crispy, buttery sourdough loaded with tender shredded beef and gooey provolone, paired with a warm, flavorful beef broth that’s just begging for a dunk. It’s the ultimate cozy, indulgent meal that feels like a hug on a plate and will quickly become one of your favorite quick dinners or lunch treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a sandwich that’s anything but ordinary. Each one is key to building the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this recipe shine.
- 4 slices Sourdough bread: Choose a sturdy bread to hold all the juicy goodness without getting soggy.
- 1 cup Shredded beef or thinly sliced roast beef: Tender, flavorful meat forms the delicious centerpiece of the sandwich.
- 4 slices Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully to add creamy texture and subtle flavor. Mozzarella or Gruyère work great too.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: For grilling the sandwich to a golden, crispy perfection.
- 1 cup Beef broth: Warm and savory, perfect for dipping and soaking up all those tasty sandwich juices.
- 1 pinch Salt: Enhances the natural flavors.
- 1 pinch Pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (optional): Adds extra depth and warmth to the meat.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) (optional): A fresh finish if you want to elevate the presentation and flavor.
How to Make French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Bread
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. While it warms up, spread a tablespoon of butter on the outer sides of two slices of your sourdough bread. This butter is what will create that irresistible golden crust as you grill.
Step 2: Layer the Beef and Seasonings
Place the unbuttered side of one slice down on the skillet and pile on the shredded or sliced roast beef generously. Season the meat with a pinch of salt, pepper, and if you want to add an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some garlic powder over it. This seasoning step ensures every bite has a punch of savory goodness.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Next, layer four slices of provolone cheese directly on top of the beef. The cheese will melt beautifully and bind the sandwich together while adding creamy richness.
Step 4: Close and Grill the Sandwich
Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up, pressing gently to help everything stack nicely. Grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until the bread is perfectly golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side matches in crispness and the cheese is deliciously melted.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it sit for a minute to avoid burning yourself on the hot cheese filling. Then slice the sandwich in half to get ready for dipping in your warm beef broth.
How to Serve French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary adds an inviting aroma and a touch of color. It’s a simple finishing touch that makes the sandwich feel special whether served for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.
Side Dishes
This French Dip Grilled Cheese pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides like a green salad or crunchy pickles. They offer a nice contrast to the rich, indulgent sandwich and help balance your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwich into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a playful twist, especially if feeding kids or entertaining guests. Or serve the beef broth in mini dipping bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs for a bistro-style experience right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge. Keeping the sandwich well-sealed helps preserve that melty cheese texture and the savory beef flavors for up to 2 days.
Freezing
While this sandwich tastes best fresh, you can freeze it by wrapping tightly in foil and placing it in an airtight bag. Freeze for up to a month. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat to crisp up the bread again and melt the cheese without drying out the beef. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy or the meat tough.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a mild cheddar can work wonderfully. Choose cheeses that melt well to keep that ooey-gooey texture.
What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
Thinly sliced roast beef or shredded leftover pot roast are both fantastic options. The key is tenderness so it layers nicely without being too chewy.
Is beef broth necessary for the dipping sauce?
Yes, beef broth is essential as it gives you that flavorful, savory dip that defines the French dip experience. Use a good quality broth or homemade if you can for the best taste.
Can this be made vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, consider using sautéed mushrooms or thinly sliced seitan with veggie broth for dipping. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.
How long does it take to make this sandwich?
This French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe is quick and satisfying, typically coming together in about 18 minutes from start to finish — perfect for busy days.
Final Thoughts
This French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace. It’s simple enough for any day but impressive enough to make you feel like a kitchen rockstar. If you love that perfect marriage of crispy bread, melty cheese, and savory beef dipped in warm broth, giving this recipe a try will be one of the best decisions you make for your comfort food repertoire. Go ahead, treat yourself!
Print
French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This French Dip Grilled Cheese combines the melty, crispy goodness of a classic grilled cheese sandwich with the savory, tender shredded roast beef and a warm beef broth for dipping. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional French dip, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Bread & Cheese
- 4 slices Sourdough bread or your choice of sturdy bread (Sturdy bread recommended for best results.)
- 4 slices Provolone cheese or your choice of melty cheese (Other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère can be used.)
Meat & Broth
- 1 cup Shredded beef or thinly sliced roast beef
- 1 cup Beef broth (Warm for dipping.)
Butter & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Butter (For grilling the sandwich.)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 pinch Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (Optional for added flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) (Optional for garnish.)
Instructions
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter to prepare for grilling the sandwiches.
- Prepare Bread in Skillet: Place two slices of bread in the skillet, coating the outer sides with melted butter to ensure a crispy, golden exterior.
- Assemble Sandwich: On one slice of bread in the skillet, layer a generous amount of shredded or thinly sliced roast beef. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optionally, garlic powder for enhanced flavor.
- Add Cheese: Place the provolone cheese slices evenly on top of the beef layer, allowing the cheese to melt nicely during cooking.
- Close Sandwich: Top with the other slice of bread, pressing down gently to compact the sandwich slightly for even grilling.
- Grill First Side: Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom slice of bread is golden and crispy.
- Flip and Grill Other Side: Carefully flip the sandwich and cook another 3-4 minutes until the other side is equally golden and the cheese is melted thoroughly.
- Rest Sandwich: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it sit for about a minute to allow the cheese to set slightly and avoid burning your mouth.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately with warm beef broth on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like sourdough for best structural results and to prevent sogginess.
- Substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
- Warm the beef broth before serving to enhance the dipping experience.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add an aromatic touch to the broth or sandwich garnish.
- Adjust seasoning of the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder according to taste preferences.
