Introduction to French Dip Squares
Why French Dip Squares are the perfect homemade meal
If you’re searching for a fun and delicious dinner to whip up on a busy weeknight, look no further than French Dip Squares! This innovative twist on the classic French Dip sandwich combines the rich flavors of savory roast beef and gooey provolone cheese, all nestled within a flaky crescent crust.
Imagine this: tender, juicy slices of roast beef layered with caramelized onions, encased in crispy, golden dough. It's a dish that’s not just about taste but also about making memories in the kitchen while you gather friends or family around the dinner table. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Just a few simple ingredients and about an hour and a half of your time, and you’ll have a hearty meal that serves up to 15.
Are you craving something comforting yet impressive? With French Dip Squares, every bite is bursting with flavor, and they’re perfect for dipping in a rich au jus made effortlessly from a mix. For a touch of nostalgia, check out some history on the original French Dip sandwich here. These squares are bound to become a family favorite!
Ingredients for French Dip Squares
Crafting these delicious French Dip Squares is all about gathering the right ingredients. Let’s break them down so you can easily prepare for this delightful recipe!
Essential ingredients for the filling
To achieve a mouthwatering filling, you’ll need the following:
- Salted butter: 4 tablespoons, for that rich flavor.
- Onions: 3 cups, small-diced, to caramelize into savory goodness.
- Granulated sugar: 2 teaspoons, to enhance the sweetness of the onions.
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon, to add a hint of warmth.
- Provolone cheese: 8 ounces, sliced, for that melty texture.
- Deli sliced roast beef: 14 ounces, the star protein of the dish.
Necessary ingredients for the dough
The base of your French Dip Squares relies on:
- Crescent dough sheets: 2 tubes, making assembly simple and fun.
- Egg: 1 large, for that beautiful golden finish.
- Dried onion soup mix: 1½ tablespoons, to pack a punch of flavor.
- Dried parsley flakes: 1 teaspoon and dried thyme: ½ teaspoon, for aromatic depth.
Optional ingredients for variations
Feel free to get creative with these optional ingredients:
- Various cheeses: Consider white cheddar, mozzarella, or even gouda for a unique twist.
- Add-ins: Try incorporating roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Seasonings: A touch of garlic powder or Italian herbs could elevate your French Dip Squares even further.
By having these ingredients ready, you'll be well-prepared to whip up a delicious batch of French Dip Squares and impress your family or guests! Happy cooking!
Preparing French Dip Squares
Making French Dip Squares is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings the classic flavors of a French dip sandwich right into your kitchen! Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can easily follow along and create this delightful dish.
Gather and prep all ingredients
Start by assembling your ingredients for the French Dip Squares. You’ll need:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cups small-diced onion
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tubes of crescent dough sheets
- 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 14 ounces deli-sliced roast beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tablespoons dried onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Having everything ready makes the process smoother! Prepping your ingredients not only enhances your cooking efficiency but also sets a fun, organized atmosphere in your kitchen.
Cook the onions to perfection
In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, granulated sugar, and black pepper. Stir it well and let the onions cook. The goal here is to achieve a golden brown color; this will bring out their natural sweetness and depth. It usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Once done, set them aside on a plate while you prepare the squares.
Assemble the first layer of dough
Now, it's time to create the base of your French Dip Squares! Unroll one of the crescent dough sheets and gently press it into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring it reaches about an inch up the sides. This forms the perfect foundation for all those delicious layers to come.
Build your filling layers
Start layering! First, add half of the provolone cheese onto the dough, followed by the slices of roast beef. Remember those beautifully caramelized onions? Spread them evenly on top of the beef, and finish with the remaining provolone cheese. Each layer melds together for a flavor explosion in every bite.
Top with second layer of dough and egg wash
Next, it’s time for the second tube of crescent dough. Unroll it and lay it over the filling, pinching the seams together to seal everything inside. To give your French Dip Squares that golden color when baked, whisk together the egg, onion soup mix, parsley flakes, and thyme. Brush this mixture generously atop the dough.
Bake until golden brown
With everything ready, cover your dish with nonstick foil and pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and allow it to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and inviting. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing, then serve with au jus for a perfect dipping experience.
And there you have it—your French Dip Squares, an easy and delectable dish to impress your friends and family! Happy cooking!
Variations on French Dip Squares
Explore cheese options
Don’t feel limited to just provolone for your French Dip Squares! Experiment with delicious alternatives such as white cheddar, mozzarella, or even gruyere for a gourmet twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor profile, making your dish uniquely yours. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a smoky gouda blend; the possibilities are endless!
Alternate proteins for the filling
Switch things up by using different proteins! Instead of the classic roast beef, consider Turkey Bacon or chicken ham for a lighter take. You could also try shredded beef brisket or even pulled pork for a hearty option that pairs wonderfully with the au jus sauce.
Vegetarian alternative ideas
For a meat-free version, how about sautéed mushrooms or a mix of grilled vegetables? You could also utilize plant-based proteins like tempeh or lentils, seasoned with similar spices. These alternatives are not only colorful but also add a rich depth of flavor to your French Dip Squares, ensuring everyone at your table has something to enjoy!
For more ideas on ingredient substitutions, check out this resource.
Cooking tips and notes for French Dip Squares
Tips for achieving perfect puff pastry
To ensure your French Dip Squares have that delicious, flaky texture, keep your puff pastry cold until you're ready to use it. If it warms up, you might end up with a less-than-picturesque outcome. Additionally, when sealing the seams, pinch them well to prevent leakage during baking. A light egg wash helps give a beautiful golden color; don’t skip that step!
Recommendations for ingredient swaps
Feel free to customize your French Dip Squares! If you're looking for a lighter option, swap out roast beef for turkey or even chicken. Instead of provolone, try using gooey mozzarella or a sharp cheddar for a flavor twist. You can also use caramelized shallots in place of onions if you prefer a sweeter taste. For a different herb profile, thyme could be swapped for rosemary for added fragrance. Happy cooking!
Serving suggestions for French Dip Squares
Pairing with sides
To make your French Dip Squares a complete meal, consider pairing them with some delightful sides. A fresh arugula salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the squares. Additionally, crispy sweet potato fries or a light vegetable platter with ranch dip would complement the dish beautifully. For a warm option, garlic bread is always a hit, perfect for soaking up extra au jus!
Presentation tips for impressing guests
To impress your guests, slice your French Dip Squares into neat squares and arrange them on a large wooden board. Add small bowls of au jus for dipping and garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley, for a pop of color. Consider using decorative toothpicks to serve individual squares, making them easy to enjoy. A beautiful presentation not only elevates the experience but also shows your care in preparing the meal. For more tips on impressing guests, check out Home Cooking Dive.
With these simple suggestions, your French Dip Squares will be a hit at any gathering!
Time Breakdown for French Dip Squares
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Making these French Dip Squares is a fun and rewarding experience! With just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll soon have a delicious meal ready in under two hours. This balanced time breakdown ensures you can focus on creating that perfect layer of flavors without feeling rushed. The end result is a dish that’s sure to impress your friends or family!
For more tips on perfecting your cooking skills, check out these essential cooking techniques.
Nutritional Facts for French Dip Squares
Calories
Each serving of French Dip Squares contains approximately 146 calories. This moderate calorie count makes it a satisfying option, ideal for a comforting weeknight meal without the guilt.
Protein
Packed with flavor, these squares offer about 11 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the delicious layers of roast beef and cheese. It's a great way to refuel and keep you feeling full longer!
Sodium
One serving contains around 637mg of sodium. While this adds to the savory goodness, it's wise to keep track if you're watching your sodium intake. Pair them with a fresh salad to balance it out!
For more detailed insights on nutritional values, consider resources like the USDA FoodData Central or NutritionData to find the best options to suit your dietary needs. Enjoy your culinary adventure with these French Dip Squares!
FAQs about French Dip Squares
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the French Dip Squares the night before, then just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake. It’s a fantastic way to save time on busy weekdays!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To maintain their deliciousness, store any leftover French Dip Squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for about three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn! For reheating, the oven or air fryer works best to keep the texture intact.
How can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?
You can easily customize this French Dip Squares recipe! For a vegetarian option, substitute roasted vegetables or mushrooms for the roast beef. If you're avoiding gluten, consider using gluten-free crescent dough or pastry. And for those watching their dairy intake, try dairy-free cheese alternatives or simply skip the cheese. The flexibility of this recipe allows everyone to enjoy it!
For more tips on dietary adjustments, check out resources from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Conclusion on French Dip Squares
In summary, French Dip Squares deliver all the comforting flavors of a classic French dip sandwich in a fun and shareable format. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, these squares are sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy every bite dipped in rich au jus!
French Dip Squares
Equipment
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish
- large skillet
- Medium bowl
Ingredients
For the onions
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cups small-diced onion
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
For the squares
- 2 tubes crescent dough sheets
- 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 14 ounces deli sliced roast beef
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 tablespoons dried onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
To serve
- 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix
- 3 cups cold water
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons salted butter. Add 3 cups small-diced onion, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Continue cooking, frequently stirring, until the onions turn a golden brown color. Take off the heat and place it on a separate plate until ready to assemble the squares.
- Unroll one of the 2 tubes crescent dough sheets and press it into the prepared baking dish. Make sure it goes up the sides of the dish about 1 inch.
- Lay half of the 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese on top of the dough.
- Layer 14 ounces deli sliced roast beef on top of the cheese.
- Spread out the cooked onions on top of the roast beef.
- Place the remaining provolone cheese on top.
- Unroll the second crescent dough sheet and place it on top. Pinch the two doughs together along the seams to form a pocket, and tuck the excess dough under the bottom.
- Whisk together 1 large egg, 1 ½ tablespoons dried onion soup mix, 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme in a medium-sized bowl.
- Brush the egg mixture all over the top of the dough, using it all.
- Cover with nonstick foil and bake for 30 minutes. Take the foil off and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown on top.
- Let cool for 10 minutes.
- While the squares are cooling, make the 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix per the directions on the back of the package (using the 3 cups cold water).
- Cut into squares and serve with au jus for dipping.
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