Delicious French Dip Squares are a fun and tasty twist on the classic French dip sandwich. They bring together tender roast beef, melted cheese, and a soft, buttery dough that’s baked into easy-to-eat square bites. What really makes them special is that perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite—think savory beef, gooey cheese, and a crispy top crust.
I love making these French Dip Squares for get-togethers because everyone seems to enjoy picking apart the squares and dipping them into a warm, flavorful au jus sauce. It’s such a simple way to serve a dish that feels a little fancy but doesn’t take all day to prepare. A little tip I like is to brush extra butter and garlic on top before baking to get them even more golden and delicious.
To serve, I usually lay them out on a big platter with a bowl of homemade or store-bought au jus on the side. They also pair wonderfully with a crisp salad or some roasted veggies for a full meal. These squares always bring back good memories of sharing hearty food with friends and family, chatting and laughing around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roast Beef: Using thinly sliced deli roast beef works perfectly here. If you want, leftover roast or shredded cooked beef are great options. Just make sure the beef is tender for easy eating.
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is an easy shortcut, giving you soft, fluffy bread without extra effort. If you prefer, homemade biscuit dough or even refrigerated pizza dough can work well too.
Swiss Cheese: I love Swiss for its mild, nutty flavor and great melt. Mozzarella is a good swap if you want a stretchier, gooey texture. Provolone or Gruyère also pair nicely with beef.
Butter & Seasonings: The melted butter mixed with garlic, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce adds a rich, savory depth. You can adjust garlic and onion powder amounts if you like a stronger or milder taste.
Au Jus (Beef Broth): Using beef broth for dipping is key! If you want it richer, try mixing broth with a splash of soy sauce or add a bit of dry red wine as well.
How Can You Make the Best Soft and Cheesy Layers in These Squares?
Getting that perfect soft biscuit base and gooey cheese top is all about layering and baking time:
- Press biscuits evenly: Press the biscuit dough into one flat layer so it cooks evenly and holds the filling well.
- Layer cheese and beef carefully: Spread a generous amount of cheese under and over the beef to keep everything moist and melty.
- Melted butter mix: Drizzle the butter mixture slowly to infuse flavor without soaking the dough too much, keeping it soft, not soggy.
- Bake time: Bake until golden brown but not overcooked—about 25-30 minutes usually does it. Keep an eye on the cheese bubbling and browning.
- Rest before cutting: Let the squares cool 5-10 minutes to help them set, so your pieces stay intact when cutting.
Following these tips, you’ll get tender, flavor-packed squares that hold together well and melt in your mouth!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size to fit all the layers and helps the squares bake evenly.
- Mixing bowl – to combine melted butter with seasonings easily before drizzling.
- Measuring spoons – for accurate garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce measurements.
- Pastry brush or spoon – to spread the butter mixture evenly over the layers without making a mess.
- Sharp knife – to cut the baked French Dip Squares cleanly into neat bite-sized pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roast beef for thinly sliced deli turkey to create a lighter version that still tastes great with au jus.
- Add caramelized onions under the cheese for extra sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss for a spicy kick that adds some fun heat.
- Mix fresh chopped rosemary or thyme into the butter mixture for a herby twist that pairs well with beef.
Delicious French Dip Squares Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or leftover roast)
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 biscuits)
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella for meltiness)
- 1 cup beef broth (for dipping sauce)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. Allow another 5-10 minutes for cooling before cutting and serving. In total, you’ll spend under an hour from start to finish, making it quick and easy for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make removal easier later.
2. Assemble the Dough and Cheese:
Press the refrigerated biscuit dough together into one large rectangular sheet that fits neatly into your baking dish. Make sure to press firmly to cover the entire bottom evenly. Then spread half of the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the dough.
3. Add the Roast Beef and Butter Mixture:
Evenly layer your thinly sliced roast beef over the cheese. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if you like), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle half of this savory butter mix over the beef.
4. Final Cheese and Butter Layers:
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the beef and butter layer. If you have extra biscuit dough, gently press it over the cheese layer to cover (optional). Then pour the rest of the butter mixture evenly over the top to help create a golden, flavorful crust.
5. Bake, Cool, and Serve:
Bake your French Dip Squares for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly with a nice browned top. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with dried parsley, and let it cool for 5-10 minutes so it sets well. Cut into squares and serve warm with heated beef broth or au jus for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen roast beef, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the squares. This helps maintain the texture and flavor when baking.
Can I Make French Dip Squares Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the squares up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the crust crisp and cheese melty.
What Can I Use Instead of Biscuit Dough?
If you don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough, you can substitute with pizza dough or homemade biscuit dough. Just press it evenly into the baking dish and adjust baking time slightly if needed.
