This French Dip Grilled Cheese turns a classic dip sandwich into a melty, buttery grilled cheese. Crisp, golden bread and gooey Swiss or provolone hug thinly sliced roast beef, while warm beef broth on the side adds savory depth with every dip. The sandwich smells of butter and beef, tastes rich and comforting, and has a satisfying mix of crunchy exterior and soft, cheesy interior. If you enjoy brunch-style comfort food, you might also like a similar sweet brunch bake to round out a weekend spread.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 1 sandwich
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 760 kcal (approximate)
- Protein: 49 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1450 mg
Why Make This French Dip Grilled Cheese
Make this recipe when you want fast comfort food with big flavor. It combines the best parts of a grilled cheese — crispy buttered bread and melted cheese — with the rich, savory dipping broth of a French dip. It’s quick to prepare, fills you up, and makes a cozy meal on a chilly evening or a simple weekend lunch.
How to Make French Dip Grilled Cheese
This sandwich cooks fast and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. Heat a skillet, melt butter, assemble the bread with cheese and roast beef, and cook until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Warm the beef broth on the side so each bite can be dipped for extra juiciness and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 slices of cheese (Swiss or provolone)
- 1 cup thinly sliced roast beef
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter so it melts and coats the surface. Season the roast beef lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
Step 2: Mixing
Place one slice of bread in the skillet, then add one slice of cheese, the thinly sliced roast beef in an even layer, and the second slice of cheese if you like extra melt. Top with the second slice of bread.
Step 3: Cooking
Cook the sandwich until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, another 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing
While the sandwich cooks, heat the beef broth in a small saucepan over low heat until warm but not boiling. Serve the grilled cheese on a plate with a small bowl of the warm broth for dipping.
How to Serve French Dip Grilled Cheese
Slice the sandwich in half on the diagonal to show the gooey cheese and layers of beef. Serve it hot with the warm beef broth for dipping. Add pickles or a small salad for brightness. For a hearty meal, pair with oven fries or a cup of tomato soup.
How to Store French Dip Grilled Cheese
- Short term: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep the bread crisp.
- Freezing: You can freeze an uncut cooled sandwich wrapped tightly in foil and freezer-safe wrap for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, pressing lightly to re-toast the bread.
- Broth storage: Store leftover warm beef broth separately in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Expert Tips for Perfect French Dip Grilled Cheese
- Use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for even browning.
- Butter the bread evenly and use medium heat to avoid burning while waiting for the cheese to melt.
- Press lightly with a spatula during cooking to help the sandwich hold together and encourage even melting.
- If the cheese isn’t melting fast enough, cover the skillet for a minute to trap heat.
- For extra flavor, brush the outside of the bread with a mix of butter and a tiny pinch of garlic powder.
- Choose thinly sliced roast beef for tender bites; thicker slices can make the sandwich hard to close and heat through.
Delicious Variations
- Caramelized Onion: Add a spoonful of sweet caramelized onions for a savory-sweet contrast.
- Horseradish Kick: Spread a thin layer of prepared horseradish on the bread before assembling for a bright, sharp bite.
- Mushroom Melt: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and add them with the roast beef for an earthy note.
- Double Cheese: Use one slice Swiss and one provolone for a more complex cheesy flavor.
- Mini Sliders: Make smaller sliders using dinner rolls to serve as party snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use another type of bread?
A: Yes. Sourdough, French bread, or a hearty country loaf all work. Choose a bread that crisps well and can hold the filling without becoming soggy.
Q: What cheese melts best for this sandwich?
A: Swiss and provolone are classic because they melt smoothly and have mild flavor. Cheddar will work but has a sharper taste. Avoid very hard, dry cheeses.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: For a vegetarian version, swap roast beef for thinly sliced mushrooms, marinated tempeh, or plant-based deli slices, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for dipping.
Q: How do I avoid a soggy bottom?
A: Use medium heat and butter the bread well. Cook long enough to crisp the bread before flipping. If your skillet is too hot, the bread may burn before the cheese melts — lower the heat slightly and cover briefly to help melting.
Q: Is the broth necessary?
A: The broth is the defining element of a French dip — it adds rich, savory moisture and flavor for dipping. You can skip it, but you’ll lose the traditional contrast of dry crisp bread and juicy dip.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time for a crowd?
A: Assemble sandwiches and keep them refrigerated on a tray covered with plastic wrap for a few hours. Reheat in a hot skillet or oven before serving and warm the broth on the stove.
Conclusion
This French Dip Grilled Cheese is a simple, satisfying twist on two classics: grilled cheese and the French dip. It delivers buttery crunch, melty cheese, and savory beef you can dunk in warm broth for craveable, comforting bites. Try it for a quick dinner or a cozy weekend meal — it’s easy to adapt and always delicious. For a similar take from another kitchen, see the helpful version at 30 Minutes Meals’ French Dip Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
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French Dip Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This French Dip Grilled Cheese turns a classic dip sandwich into a melty, buttery grilled cheese with savory broth for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 slices of cheese (Swiss or provolone)
- 1 cup thinly sliced roast beef
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter so it melts and coats the surface. Season the roast beef lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- Place one slice of bread in the skillet, add one slice of cheese, the roast beef in an even layer, and the second slice of cheese if desired. Top with the second slice of bread.
- Cook the sandwich until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is melted, another 3-4 minutes.
- While the sandwich cooks, heat the beef broth in a small saucepan over low heat until warm but not boiling. Serve the sandwich with the warm broth on the side for dipping.
Notes
For extra flavor, brush the outside of the bread with a mix of butter and a tiny pinch of garlic powder.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 760
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1450mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
