Delicious French Dip Squares are a fun twist on the classic French dip sandwich, packed with tender roast beef, melted cheese, and savory seasonings all baked into golden, flaky bread squares. They’re perfect for game days, parties, or any time you want a snack that’s both hearty and easy to share.
I love making these squares because they’re so simple to put together but always impress everyone who tries them. The combination of juicy beef and gooey cheese gets me every time, and dipping each bite into the warm, flavorful au jus sauce makes it even better.
My favorite way to serve these is straight out of the oven while they’re still warm and melty, alongside some extra au jus for dipping. They’re like little pockets of comfort food that everyone reaches for first, and honestly, they never last long on the plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This gives the French Dip Squares a light, flaky crust that’s easy to bake. You can find it in the frozen section at most stores. If you’re in a hurry, pre-made crescent roll dough can also work but the texture will be less flaky.
Roast Beef: Thinly sliced deli-style roast beef is perfect for this recipe. Leftover roast beef or even cooked brisket will add great flavor. For a leaner option, try thin-sliced turkey or chicken, though the dish will have a different taste.
Provolone Cheese: Melted provolone adds a mild, creamy touch that pairs well with beef. If you don’t have provolone, mozzarella or Swiss cheese make good substitutes.
Dijon Mustard: This is optional but adds a little tang to balance the richness. If you don’t have Dijon, plain mustard, horseradish sauce, or a thin layer of mayonnaise can work nicely.
Au Jus Sauce: Beef broth is the base here for that dipping flavor. Worcestershire sauce boosts the savory depth. If you want a vegetarian option, try mushroom broth with soy sauce for umami flavors instead of beef broth.
How Can I Get Perfectly Flaky Puff Pastry for French Dip Squares?
The puff pastry is key to the dish’s texture, so handling it right makes all the difference:
- Keep the pastry cold until you’re ready to roll it out. Warm dough can get sticky and lose its flakiness.
- Roll it gently on a lightly floured surface to slightly enlarge it without tearing the layers.
- Don’t overload the pastry with filling—spread the roast beef and cheese evenly and keep a small border on the edges to seal properly.
- Use a fork to press and crimp the edges for a good seal so the filling stays inside while baking.
- Brush the top with melted butter before baking to get a nice golden color and flaky crust.
- Bake at a hot temperature (around 400°F/200°C) so the pastry rises and crisps up quickly without soaking up too much moisture from the filling.
These steps help make sure the squares come out crisp and flaky while holding all the delicious beef and cheese inside. They’ll look great and taste fantastic with every bite dipped in warm au jus!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use this to hold the pastry squares while baking; it’s flat and easy to handle.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup quicker.
- Rolling pin – helps you smoothly roll out the puff pastry to the right size.
- Small saucepan – for simmering the au jus sauce and thickening it if needed.
- Pastry brush – lets you brush melted butter evenly over the pastry for a golden finish.
- Knife or pizza cutter – to cut the filled pastry into squares easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use sliced turkey or ham instead of roast beef for a different savory flavor.
- Swap provolone cheese for Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a spicy or milder taste.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers inside for extra flavor and texture.
- Mix in a dash of hot sauce or horseradish in the filling or as a drizzle to give it some kick.
Delicious French Dip Squares
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 12 oz thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or leftover roast beef)
- 1 cup provolone cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon butter (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for spreading)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Au Jus Dipping Sauce:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a few extra minutes simmering the au jus sauce while the pastry squares bake. In total, plan for around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and tasty appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry and Filling:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet gently to smooth and slightly enlarge it. If you like, spread Dijon mustard evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Layer the roast beef evenly over half of the puff pastry, then add the provolone cheese on top.
2. Seal and Cut the Squares:
Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the roast beef and cheese. Press and seal the edges firmly together; you can crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they’re well sealed. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the filled pastry into squares or rectangles of your preferred size. Place the squares on your prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake and Make the Au Jus Sauce:
Brush the tops of the squares with melted butter for a golden, flaky crust. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and beautifully golden brown. While the biscuits bake, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until it thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Take the baked squares out of the oven and sprinkle them with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm with small bowls of the warm au jus sauce for dipping. Enjoy these cheesy, beefy pockets of comfort!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using. This helps the pastry roll out smoothly and bake evenly.
How Should I Store Leftover French Dip Squares?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the pastry crispy.
Can I Make the Au Jus Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar cheese work well. Choose one that melts nicely and complements the roast beef.