French Dip Squares Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, utterly satisfying appetizer or main that’s equal parts savory, melty, and fun to eat, you can’t go wrong with French Dip Squares. Imagine layers of buttery crescent dough hugging tender roast beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey cheese, all baked to golden perfection and just begging to be dunked in a warm, flavorful au jus. Whether you’re hosting game day, a casual family dinner, or just craving something deliciously different, French Dip Squares are a guaranteed hit that everyone will talk about long after the last bite is gone.

French Dip Squares Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about making French Dip Squares is how the simple, familiar ingredients come together to create something utterly crave-worthy. Each component adds its own special touch, so don’t skip a thing!

  • Crescent roll dough: Buttery and flaky, this forms the irresistible base and golden top for your squares.
  • Deli roast beef (thinly sliced): The star of the show, bringing all that meaty, savory goodness—choose a high-quality roast beef for best results.
  • Shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, stretchy layer—use provolone for classic flavor, or mozzarella for extra meltiness.
  • Medium onion (thinly sliced): Slowly caramelized, it brings sweetness and depth that makes these squares pop.
  • Olive oil: Helps the onions soften and develop color and flavor during caramelization.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds rich, umami notes to both the filling and the au jus.
  • Garlic powder: Sprinkled on top for a subtle kick of garlicky flavor.
  • Dried thyme: Lends an herbaceous note that ties everything together.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the onions and the overall bake.
  • Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed on top for a shiny, golden finish that looks as good as it tastes.
  • Beef broth (for au jus): The base of your dipping sauce—choose a flavorful, good-quality broth.
  • Onion powder (for au jus): Enhances the dipping sauce with a little extra savory punch.
  • Soy sauce (for au jus): Adds saltiness and depth to the au jus, making it truly slurp-worthy.

How to Make French Dip Squares

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper—this makes removal and cleanup a total breeze! A properly prepped pan ensures your French Dip Squares come out perfectly golden and intact.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and the thinly sliced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, golden, and sweet. Right before you take them off the heat, stir in Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme—this little step infuses your onions with even more savory, herby flavor.

Step 3: Build the Bottom Layer

Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure to seal any seams so the filling doesn’t sneak through. This will serve as the buttery, flaky foundation for your French Dip Squares.

Step 4: Layer the Fillings

Now the fun part: Sprinkle half your shredded cheese evenly over the dough, then layer on all the roast beef. Scatter the caramelized onions over the meat, and finish with the rest of the cheese. This stacking ensures every bite is absolutely loaded with flavor and melty goodness.

Step 5: Add the Top Crust

Unroll the second can of crescent dough and place it over the fillings. Press the seams and edges together to seal everything inside. Brush the top with the beaten egg for a beautiful shine, and sprinkle with garlic powder for a burst of flavor as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and the dough is cooked through. Let your French Dip Squares cool for a few minutes before slicing into them—this helps everything set up, so you get those perfect, clean squares.

Step 7: Make the Au Jus Dipping Sauce

While your bake is in the oven, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the flavors meld, then keep warm until serving. This rich, savory au jus is what takes your French Dip Squares from good to unforgettable.

How to Serve French Dip Squares

French Dip Squares Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a light dusting of more dried thyme right before serving can add color and a fresh pop of flavor. You could even grate a little Parmesan over the top for an extra-savory finish. Don’t forget a generous bowl of that warm au jus for dipping—no French Dip Square is complete without it!

Side Dishes

French Dip Squares are incredibly versatile, so you can pair them with all sorts of sides. For a hearty meal, serve them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re in snack mode, potato chips, pickles, or even a creamy coleslaw are perfect companions. A platter of fresh veggies with dip is also a great way to round out the spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, slice the French Dip Squares into smaller, bite-sized portions and pile them high on a big platter with little cups of au jus for dipping. If you’re serving family-style, stack the squares on a rustic cutting board alongside the sauce. For extra fun, offer a toppings bar with things like horseradish cream, spicy mustard, or caramelized onions so everyone can customize their dip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any French Dip Squares left after your gathering, simply let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for easy lunches or snacks the next day.

Freezing

French Dip Squares freeze surprisingly well! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your French Dip Squares in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and the crust is crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven keeps that doughy crust nice and flaky. Don’t forget to warm the au jus before serving!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer or Main Course

Absolutely! While provolone and mozzarella are classic, Swiss cheese or even a mild cheddar work beautifully. Just pick something that melts well for the best gooey texture.

What’s the best way to seal the edges of the dough?

After laying down the top crescent roll sheet, gently pinch the edges together all around the pan and press any seams closed. This step keeps all that delicious filling tucked inside as it bakes.

Can I make French Dip Squares ahead for a party?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just add the egg wash and bake as directed. The au jus can be made ahead and reheated as well.

Is there a vegetarian version of French Dip Squares?

You can swap the roast beef for sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or even plant-based deli slices. Use veggie broth for the au jus, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian treat!

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?

Definitely! Puff pastry will give you an even flakier, more buttery crust. Just be sure to thaw it before using, and follow the same assembly and baking instructions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting, shareable, and downright delicious, give these French Dip Squares a try. They’re the kind of recipe that turns a simple gathering into a celebration, and they’re so easy you’ll want to make them again and again. Grab your ingredients and get ready to wow everyone at the table!

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French Dip Squares Recipe

French Dip Squares Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

French Dip Squares are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish featuring thinly sliced roast beef and melted provolone cheese layered between buttery crescent roll dough, baked until golden brown and served with a flavorful au jus dipping sauce. Perfect for parties, game days, or a comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Squares

  • 2 cans crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
  • 1 pound deli roast beef (thinly sliced)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

For the Au Jus Dipping Sauce

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce


Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
  2. Caramelize the onions: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the thinly sliced onions in olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper until they turn golden and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme, then remove the skillet from heat.
  3. Assemble the layers: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure to seal any seam lines to prevent leakage. Layer half of the shredded cheese evenly over the dough, followed by an even layer of thinly sliced roast beef. Spread the caramelized onions over the beef, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  4. Add the top layer and egg wash: Unroll the second can of crescent dough and place it over the layered ingredients. Press the seams and edges together to form a sealed top crust. Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle garlic powder evenly for flavor and a beautiful golden finish.
  5. Bake the squares: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing into squares for serving.
  6. Make the au jus sauce: While the squares are baking, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let cook gently for 5–7 minutes to enhance the flavors. Keep warm until ready to serve alongside the squares for dipping.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked or caramelized onions to save preparation time.
  • Substitute provolone cheese with Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile or mozzarella for milder taste.
  • Swap crescent roll dough for puff pastry to achieve a flakier crust if desired.
  • These squares reheat well and make excellent party appetizers or game-day snacks.
  • Ensure edges are sealed well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer or Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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