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These Texas toast French dips became my answer when I was craving those amazing French dip sandwiches from restaurants but didn't want to deal with making traditional bread or the mess of assembly. Using garlic butter Texas toast as the base creates this incredible open-faced sandwich that's way easier to eat and somehow even more satisfying than the original. I discovered this recipe when I had leftover deli roast beef and was looking for something more exciting than regular sandwiches, and now it's become our family's go-to comfort food dinner.
My husband, who's pretty particular about his French dip sandwiches, tried these and said they were actually better than most restaurant versions because you get more meat and cheese in every bite. The Texas toast holds up perfectly to all the au jus without getting soggy like regular bread.
Ingredients
- Frozen garlic Texas toast: Saves time and adds incredible buttery, garlicky flavor
- Packet au jus mix: Way easier than making from scratch and tastes great
- Quality deli roast beef: The star of the show, so get the good stuff
- Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and has the perfect mild flavor
- Open-faced style: Makes them easier to eat and more impressive looking
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Starting the base
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet tray with parchment paper. Cook the frozen garlic Texas toast according to package directions, mine took about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to get both sides golden.
- Making the au jus
- While the toast bakes, make the au jus by mixing the packet with cold water according to the package directions. This is so much easier than making gravy from scratch and tastes just as good for this recipe.
- Warming the beef
- Once your toast and au jus are ready, warm the sliced deli roast beef right in the au jus. This heats it through while adding incredible flavor, way better than just heating the meat separately.
- Building the French dips
- Place half a slice of provolone cheese on each piece of cooked toast, then top evenly with the warmed roast beef slices. Add the remaining half slices of cheese on top of the meat.
- Final melting
- Bake for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Garnish with dried parsley if you want them to look fancy, then serve immediately with the warm au jus for dipping.
I learned that warming the roast beef in the au jus instead of separately makes a huge difference in flavor. My first attempt with cold meat was disappointing, but now I always heat it in the gravy and get perfect results every time.
Perfect Serving Ideas
These are substantial enough to be dinner on their own, but they're great with a simple side salad or some crispy fries. The rich, savory flavors pair perfectly with pickles or coleslaw to cut through the richness. Cold beer or iced tea complement the comfort food vibes perfectly.
Making Them Different
Try different cheeses like Swiss or sharp cheddar for variety. Sometimes I add sautéed onions or mushrooms to the beef for extra flavor, or use different types of deli meat like turkey or pastrami. Horseradish sauce on the side adds a nice kick for people who like heat.
Storage and Reheating
These are definitely best served fresh and hot, but you can prep the components ahead and assemble quickly when you're ready to eat. The au jus keeps well and can be reheated, and the Texas toast can be made ahead and warmed up when needed.
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These Texas toast French dips have become one of those brilliant dinner solutions that takes a classic restaurant dish and makes it easier and more satisfying at home. The combination of garlic butter toast, tender roast beef, and melted cheese creates comfort food that feels both familiar and special. Sometimes the best meals are the ones that take something you love and present it in a completely new way that somehow makes it even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade garlic bread instead of frozen Texas Toast?
- Absolutely! Just make sure it's thick and sturdy enough to hold the toppings. Brush thick bread slices with garlic butter and toast until golden.
- → What can I substitute for the au jus packet?
- You can use beef broth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, or make homemade au jus from beef drippings if you have them.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
- Yes! Swiss cheese is traditional for French dips, but mozzarella, cheddar, or even Gruyere would work well. Choose a good melting cheese.
- → How do I prevent the Texas Toast from getting soggy?
- Make sure the toast is crispy before adding toppings, and don't let the roast beef sit in the au jus too long before assembling.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- It's best to serve these immediately for the crispiest results, but you can prep all components ahead and assemble just before the final baking step.