Name: French Dip Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices of roast beef (deli-style or thinly sliced leftover roast); 4 slices provolone cheese (or Swiss/mozzarella); 1 small onion, sliced and caramelized (optional); 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for sautéing onions); 4 slices sourdough or French bread; 1 cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (optional); 1 teaspoon olive oil

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The French Dip Grilled Cheese is everything I love about a classic French dip sandwich—savory roast beef, melty cheese, and rich au jus—transformed into a comforting grilled cheese. It’s toasty, buttery, and filled with bold flavors, making it a next-level twist on two iconic dishes. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or an indulgent weekend treat, this sandwich is easy to make and totally satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines the best parts of a French dip sandwich with the crispy, golden goodness of grilled cheese. The juicy roast beef paired with melted provolone (or Swiss), tucked between buttery slices of bread, is irresistible. And the homemade or store-bought au jus takes it to a whole new level. It’s great for a quick meal, but fancy enough to serve to guests too. It’s rich, hearty, and incredibly crave-worthy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sliced roast beef (deli-style or leftover roast)
Provolone cheese (Swiss or mozzarella work too)
Onion (optional, caramelized for added flavor)
Butter
Bread (I like to use sourdough or French bread)
Beef broth (for au jus)
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic (minced)
Soy sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
Olive oil

Directions

I start by preparing the au jus. In a saucepan, I combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, a bit of soy sauce (if I’m using it), minced garlic, and a splash of olive oil. I simmer it gently to bring out all the flavors.
If I want caramelized onions, I sauté them slowly in butter until golden and soft.
Then I assemble the sandwich by layering slices of roast beef and provolone cheese between two slices of bread. I sometimes add the caramelized onions here too.
I butter the outside of each slice of bread, then cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is fully melted.
I serve it hot, with a side of warm au jus for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches and takes about 20 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time. It’s easy to scale up for more servings.

Variations

I swap out provolone for Swiss or mozzarella depending on what I have.
For a spicy kick, I add a bit of horseradish sauce or a spicy mustard inside the sandwich.
Sometimes I use French baguette slices for a more traditional touch.
If I want it vegetarian, I skip the roast beef and use sautéed mushrooms instead.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them in a skillet over low heat until crispy and heated through. I store the au jus separately in a sealed jar and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

FAQs

What kind of cheese works best for a French Dip Grilled Cheese?

I usually go with provolone because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor. Swiss or mozzarella also work well depending on my taste preference.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

I prefer to make it fresh so the bread stays crispy, but I sometimes prepare the au jus and caramelized onions ahead of time to speed things up.

What’s the best bread to use?

I love using sourdough or thick-cut French bread. They hold up well to the juicy filling and give the perfect crunch.

Can I use leftover roast beef?

Yes, I often use leftover roast beef instead of deli slices. Just make sure it’s thinly sliced or shredded for easy layering.

Do I need to make au jus from scratch?

Not necessarily. I sometimes use store-bought au jus packets or beef broth with a few flavor boosters like Worcestershire sauce and garlic to save time.

Conclusion

This French Dip Grilled Cheese is a total comfort food win. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, especially when dipped into that warm, savory au jus. Whether I’m making it for a quick weeknight meal or something special, it always hits the spot.