A French dip sandwich is a hot sandwich made with thinly sliced roasted beef served on a French roll or baguette. The key ingredients that go into making this classic sandwich are:
Thinly Sliced Roast Beef
The star of the French dip sandwich is paper-thin slices of roasted, tender beef. Top round, bottom round, or rump roast are commonly used cuts of beef for French dips. The roast is cooked until medium rare to medium doneness, then cooled completely before being thinly sliced across the grain. This ensures the beef will be tender and easy to bite through when assembled into the sandwich.
French Roll or Baguette
An authentic French dip sandwich is served on a French roll or baguette. A French roll is a soft, white bread roll with a crispy crust on the outside and tender, airy crumb on the inside. Baguettes also work well, lending their crusty exterior and fluffy interior to the sandwich. The bread is sliced partially through, allowing it to be filled with beef and soaked in beef juices without falling apart.
Beef Au Jus
The cooking juices from the roasted beef are collected and used to create a hot au jus dipping sauce. The au jus is made by deglazing the roasting pan of the cooked beef to lift up the browned bits, then adding beef broth, onions, garlic, and herbs to develop flavor. The thin, concentrated beef juice complements the flavor of the roast beef.
Melted Cheese (Optional)
While traditional French dip sandwiches contain just roast beef and bread, many modern versions also incorporate melted cheese. Provolone, Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese can be added to the interior of the sandwich to ooze and melt over the hot beef when served.
Traditional Condiments
Just like any sandwich, French dips can be customized with condiments to suit individual tastes. Mustard, mayonnaise, horseradish, and hot sauce are all common condiments used to dress up a French dip.
Onions and Pepperoncini (Optional)
For extra flavor and crunch, thinly sliced raw onions and pepperoncini peppers can be layered into a French dip sandwich. The onions add a sharp, pungent kick while the pickled pepperoncini lend a tangy flavor and crisp texture.
Steps to Assemble a French Dip
To assemble a French dip sandwich:
- Slice a French roll or baguette partially through, leaving a hinge on one side.
- Layer thin slices of rare to medium-rare roast beef inside the bread.
- Optional: Add cheese, onions, pepperoncini, and any desired condiments.
- Warm the sandwich in the oven just until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately with a ramekin or small bowl of hot au jus for dipping.
The au jus can be used to moisten the bread before eating for added flavor.
History of the French Dip Sandwich
The French dip sandwich originated in Los Angeles, California in the early 1900s. Two different restaurants claim to have invented the dish:
- Philippe’s – According to Philippe’s The Original, the sandwich was created by accident in 1918 when owner Philippe Mathieu dipped a sliced French roll into meat juices to soften it for a customer who had lost some teeth.
- Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet – Cole’s credits chef Jack Garlinghouse with inventing the French dip in 1908. The story goes that he dipped a sandwich into au jus to appease a customer who was impatiently waiting for a sandwich.
Regardless of its exact origin, the French dip sandwich rose to popularity in Los Angeles thanks to its savory sliced beef and juicy jus for dipping. It became a staple menu item at diners and sandwich shops.
Regional Variations
While the classic French dip sandwich contains thinly sliced roast beef, the dish has spawned many regional variations over the years featuring different meats. Some examples include:
- French dip with pork, ham, turkey, or pastrami
- Philly cheesesteak dip
- Italian beef dip – made with seasoned, thinly sliced Italian roast beef
- French dip with prime rib
The dipping jus or au jus also varies depending on the region and restaurant. Some use just the natural cooking juices of the meat, while others make an enhanced jus flavored with onions, garlic, beef stock and herbs.
Popularity and Accompaniments
The French dip sandwich remains a staple menu item at diners, sandwich shops, and restaurants nationwide. Its popularity endures thanks to its simple combination of flavors – hot, salty, beefy juices soaked into a crusty bread. Fries, coleslaw, potato salad, and pickles are popular side dishes served alongside a French dip sandwich.
Conclusion
With its thin slices of salty roast beef and rich beef jus for dipping, the French dip sandwich has become an American classic. While its exact origins are disputed, this simple hot sandwich has endured for over a century thanks to its crave-worthy flavors. Traditional ingredients like rare roast beef, crusty French rolls, and concentrated beef au jus make this sandwich a staple that is beloved across the country.