Texas Toast French Dips are hearty, delicious sandwiches with roast beef on buttery toast, served with rich au jus for the ultimate dip!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Texas Toast French Dips is their simplicity—every ingredient brings something special, ensuring killer layers of flavor and the perfect mix of textures. Don’t skip over even the humble spices; each one boosts the experience and helps these sandwiches shine.
- Texas toast (8 thick-sliced pieces): Thick, buttery white bread is the base—its soft interior and crisp edges make every bite irresistible.
- Roast beef (1 lb, thinly sliced): Choose a high-quality, tender roast beef from the deli counter, or use leftovers for maximum flavor.
- Beef broth (1 cup): This forms the backbone of the au jus, lending depth and rich, meaty notes.
- Onion (1, thinly sliced): Slow-caramelized onions add sweetness, softness, and a layer of umami you won’t want to miss.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Infuses the onions and bread with richness; use real butter for best flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a unique tang that deepens the au jus and amplifies the savory bite.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Just a pinch gives the broth warmth and complexity.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Doubles down on the aromatic goodness to balance the beef and bread.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust as you build layers of flavor.
- Provolone or Swiss cheese (optional): A melty slice adds extra decadence and helps pull your Texas Toast French Dips over the top.
How to Make Texas Toast French Dips
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start with a comforting sizzle—melt the butter in your saucepan over medium heat, then toss in the thinly sliced onion. Stir often and let the onions transform into soft, caramel-colored sweetness, usually in 8 to 10 minutes. This step is absolutely worth it for the savory depth it brings to every sandwich.
Step 2: Build the Au Jus
Once your onions are ready, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper straight to the pan. Bring it all up to a gentle simmer so the flavors mingle, then reduce the heat and keep it warm. This savory broth is what turns these into true Texas Toast French Dips.
Step 3: Toast the Texas Toast
Meanwhile, toast your slices of Texas toast until golden brown and just crisp at the edges. You can go classic with a toaster, but a skillet with a bit of butter gives the best crunch and flavor—don’t rush this step, it really makes the sandwich sing.
Step 4: Warm the Roast Beef
Heat the sliced roast beef briefly—either in its own skillet or by dunking it gently into the warm au jus. Just a minute is plenty; you want it heated through, not overcooked. This little trick keeps your meat juicy without drying it out.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you love melted provolone or Swiss, now’s the time to shine. Top each slice of toast with cheese, and broil or cover in a skillet for a minute until it melts just enough to pull apart in gooey strings—total sandwich bliss.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Layer the warm roast beef (and caramelized onions, and melted cheese if you went that route) onto your toasted Texas toast. Cut in half if you like, then serve immediately with a bowl of piping hot au jus for dipping—get ready to fall in love with Texas Toast French Dips at first bite!
How to Serve Texas Toast French Dips
Garnishes
For a simple flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions over the top. If you like a little heat, sliced pickled jalapeños or a touch of horseradish cream on the side can make each French dip pop even more.
Side Dishes
Texas Toast French Dips are hearty on their own, but they’re even better with homemade fries, oven-roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. A handful of crunchy pickles or a tangy slaw would also be a fantastic match.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, try making mini Texas Toast French Dips as sliders with small bread slices. For dinner parties, serve with a little ramekin of au jus for each guest. If you want to wow, top with a cheese broil and serve open-faced, as a fork-and-knife meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the beef, onions, and au jus in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Store the toasted Texas toast at room temperature, loosely covered so it doesn’t get soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked roast beef and au jus for up to a month—just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches, as bread can become mushy.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the beef and au jus together over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Toast the bread fresh and reassemble right before serving for best results—this keeps everything at peak texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use another bread besides Texas toast?
You sure can, but thick Texas toast is really what gives Texas Toast French Dips their unique texture and heartiness. If you substitute, aim for the thickest, sturdiest white bread you can find.
What’s the best type of roast beef to use?
Look for thinly sliced, high-quality roast beef from the deli—preferably medium rare, so it’s tender when reheated. Leftover homemade roast beef works beautifully too!
How can I make this recipe gluten free?
Swap the Texas toast for your favorite gluten-free thick-sliced bread and double check your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth labels for hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free!
Is it possible to prepare the au jus in advance?
Absolutely. You can caramelize the onions and simmer the au jus a day ahead—just reheat gently on the stove before assembling your sandwiches for all the same flavor and none of the last-minute rush.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra color and nutrients. Just make sure everything is cooked and not too wet before piling it onto the bread.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the kind of meal that earns rave reviews with minimal fuss, Texas Toast French Dips are the answer. Big, bold, and comforting, these sandwiches are guaranteed to become a fast favorite—so clear off the table and get ready for some seriously happy faces!
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Texas Toast French Dips Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
Description
Texas Toast French Dips are hearty, delicious sandwiches with roast beef on buttery toast, served with rich au jus for the ultimate dip!
Ingredients
Bread and Meat
- 8 slices Texas toast (thick-sliced white bread)
- 1 lb (450 g) roast beef, thinly sliced
Au Jus & Onions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional
- Slices of provolone or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and deeply golden, about 8–10 minutes.
- Prepare the Au Jus: To the saucepan with onions, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and keep warm. This savory liquid will be your au jus for dipping.
- Toast the Bread: While the au jus simmers, toast the slices of Texas toast until golden brown and crisp. Use a toaster, or brown them in a skillet with a touch of butter for extra richness.
- Warm the Roast Beef: Briefly heat the thinly sliced roast beef in a skillet over low heat, or dip it carefully into the warm au jus to heat through. This keeps the beef juicy without overcooking.
- Prepare the Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, place a slice on each piece of toasted bread and melt under a broiler for 1–2 minutes, or cover briefly in a skillet, until just melty.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Layer the warm roast beef (and onions, if desired), and melted cheese (if using), onto half of the Texas toast slices. Top each with a second slice of toast.
- Serve: Pour the hot au jus into individual bowls for dipping. Serve sandwiches immediately, enjoying the rich flavors and crispy, buttery bread with each dip.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or chicken for roast beef if desired.
- For an extra kick, add a little horseradish or spicy mustard to your sandwich.
- The au jus can be strained for a smoother dipping experience.
- If you like, add sautéed mushrooms or peppers with the onions for variety.
- Serve with a crisp salad or fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American