If you love the mouthwatering flavors of a classic French dip sandwich but want something easier to serve for a crowd or family gathering, this French Dip Squares Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine layers of tender roast beef, melted mozzarella and Swiss cheeses, and a tangy Dijon mayo sauce all enclosed in golden, flaky crescent dough. It bakes into a savory, gooey, handheld delight perfect for dipping into rich au jus. This recipe transforms traditional French dip into fun, shareable squares that are just as satisfying but oh so much easier to make and serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with a handful of key ingredients that each play an essential role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the buttery crescent dough to the creamy cheeses, every element works together beautifully.
- Crescent dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): Provides that golden, flaky crust that holds everything together with just the right buttery flavor.
- Thinly sliced roast beef (1 lb): Deli-style roast beef adds the hearty, tender protein centerpiece essential for true French dip goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts smoothly to create a creamy, mild cheese layer that complements the beef perfectly.
- Shredded Swiss cheese (1 cup): Adds a slightly nutty depth and wonderful meltiness alongside mozzarella.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Creates a moist, tangy base layer that keeps the top dough from drying out and enhances flavor.
- Dijon mustard (2 tbsp): Brings a sharp, spicy kick that wakes up the sandwich layers.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Adds savory umami notes that deepen the meaty flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Infuses subtle garlic warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Au jus (1/2 cup): The warm dipping sauce that finishes off every bite with juicy richness.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, optional): A fresh herb garnish to brighten the presentation and add a pop of color.
How to Make French Dip Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for those crescent squares to turn golden and perfectly crisp. Meanwhile, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Lay Down the Bottom Crescent Dough
Open one can of your refrigerated crescent dough and carefully unroll it to cover the entire bottom of your greased baking dish. Press down gently so you have an even crust base that will carry all the layers to come, ensuring no gaps or holes.
Step 3: Mix the Tangy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy, flavorful sauce is the secret to getting that perfect French dip tang in every bite. Spread this mixture evenly over the crescent dough to create a deliciously moist layer.
Step 4: Layer the Roast Beef and Cheeses
Next, pile on your thinly sliced roast beef, covering the sauce generously to ensure hearty, beefy bites in every square. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Swiss cheese evenly on top of the roast beef to add that irresistibly gooey, melty texture.
Step 5: Seal with the Top Dough
Now, carefully unroll your second can of crescent dough and lay it over the cheese and beef layers. Press down the edges firmly to seal everything inside so the cheese melts perfectly without oozing out and that top crust bakes up beautifully golden.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, flaky, and the cheese inside has melted into a heavenly layer of gooey goodness.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Once out of the oven, give your French Dip Squares a few minutes to cool slightly. This helps the layers set so they slice cleanly into perfect squares ready for serving.
Step 8: Serve with Au Jus and Optional Parsley
Pour your warm au jus into small dipping bowls to serve alongside each square. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green color and an optional fresh herb note that’s just delightful.
How to Serve French Dip Squares Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens up the visual appeal and adds a hint of herbaceous freshness that complements the rich, savory flavors nicely. You can also add a few slivers of pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick or some caramelized onions on the side to amplify the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Since these squares are rich and flavorful, pairing them with lighter sides like a crisp green salad, crunchy coleslaw, or roasted vegetables balances the meal perfectly. Crisp dill pickles or a tangy cucumber salad also pair wonderfully and cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, arrange the squares on a large platter with individual small bowls of au jus for dipping. You can even turn this into a mini sandwich bar with extra mustard, horseradish sauce, or hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Dip Squares keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover them tightly to prevent the dough from drying out and the beef from losing its moisture. They remain delicious whether eaten cold or reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze baked French Dip Squares for up to a month. For best results, slice them before freezing and place parchment between layers to keep them from sticking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick snack or meal later on.
Reheating
Reheat your squares in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to bring back that crisp crust and melty cheese. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the dough a bit soggy, so oven reheating is ideal for maintaining the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread instead of crescent dough?
While crescent dough gives the best flaky, buttery crust, you can experiment with puff pastry or even a sturdy biscuit dough. Keep in mind the texture and baking time will vary, and the classic crescent dough is what makes these squares extra special.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the roast beef for sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a plant-based deli meat alternative. Just keep the cheese and sauce the same for that signature French dip flavor.
What kind of au jus should I use?
Store-bought beef au jus works perfectly and saves time, but you can make your own by simmering beef broth with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of garlic. The key is to have a rich, savory dipping sauce that complements the squares.
Can I prepare the French Dip Squares Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the squares a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate before baking. Just let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping them in the oven to ensure even baking.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Feel free to add caramelized onions, horseradish in the sauce, or sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the layers. Small tweaks like these take the French Dip Squares Recipe from great to unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
This French Dip Squares Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes because it hits all the comfort food notes while being so easy to make and share. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy meal, these squares bring all the juicy, cheesy, and savory goodness of a French dip in one fun and portable bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how irresistible these little squares really are!
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French Dip Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
French Dip Squares are a delicious, easy-to-make savory treat featuring layers of tender roast beef, creamy cheese, and a flavorful mayo-Dijon spread all baked between two layers of flaky crescent dough. Served with warm au jus for dipping, these squares make the perfect appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent dough
Filling
- 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
- 1/2 cup au jus (for dipping)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking the crescent dough squares evenly.
- Prepare Bottom Crust: Unroll one can of crescent dough and lay it in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it to cover the entire bottom. This will form the base layer of the dish.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are blended into a smooth spread.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread the mayo-mustard mixture over the crescent dough in the baking dish to add flavor and moisture to the roast beef layer.
- Add Layers: Layer the thinly sliced roast beef on top of the sauce, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Swiss cheeses evenly over the beef for a rich, cheesy filling.
- Prepare Top Crust: Unroll the second can of crescent dough and lay it over the top of the beef and cheese layers. Press down along the edges carefully to seal the top crust to the bottom, preventing the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes, allowing the layers to set for easier slicing. Then cut the baked casserole into squares.
- Serve: Serve the French Dip Squares warm with a side of hot au jus for dipping and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Adjust garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your taste preference.
- Au jus can be homemade or store-bought; warm it before serving.
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before slicing to maintain the shape of the squares.
- These squares are best served immediately but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
