Introduction
Imagine biting into a warm, buttery biscuit stuffed with tender, juicy roast beef and melted cheese, then dipping it into a flavorful, rich au jus. That’s exactly what French dip biscuits bring to the table—a comforting, indulgent twist on the classic French dip sandwich.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or when you’re craving something hearty yet easy to make. Whether you’re a fan of classic French dip sandwiches or just love buttery biscuits, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.
So, let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about making the most irresistible French dip biscuits!
Table of contents
What Are French Dip Biscuits?
French dip biscuits take inspiration from the traditional French dip sandwich, but instead of a hoagie roll, we use soft, buttery biscuits. These biscuits are stuffed with thinly sliced roast beef and melty cheese, then served with a warm, savory au jus (a flavorful dipping broth made from beef drippings).
Think of them as a bite-sized, indulgent version of a French dip sandwich—perfect for dipping, savoring, and enjoying every last crumb.
The History of the Classic French Dip
The French dip sandwich is a well-loved American dish, but despite its name, it’s not actually French! It was invented in Los Angeles in the early 1900s. Two rival restaurants—Philippe’s and Cole’s—both claim to have created the first French dip.
Legend has it that the sandwich was accidentally dipped in meat drippings, and the customer loved it so much that it became a menu staple.
Fast forward to today, and the French dip has evolved in countless ways—including our French dip biscuits, which bring a new, delicious spin to the classic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a stress-free recipe.
✔️ Perfect for Sharing – Ideal for parties, game nights, or family dinners.
✔️ Incredible Flavor – The combination of buttery biscuits, savory beef, melted cheese, and rich au jus is unbeatable.
✔️ Customizable – Switch up the cheese, meat, or even add a hint of spice for your own twist.
Essential Ingredients
To make these French dip biscuits, you’ll need the following:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- ¾ cup buttermilk
For the Filling:
- ½ pound thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Au Jus (Dipping Sauce):
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Prepare the Biscuits
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Stir in buttermilk until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut into small rounds (about 3 inches in diameter).
2. Assemble
- Place half of the biscuit rounds on the baking sheet.
- Add a layer of roast beef and sprinkle with cheese.
- Top with the remaining biscuit rounds and seal the edges by pressing them together.
- Brush with melted butter for a golden finish.
3. Bake the Biscuits
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and fluffy.
4. Prepare the Au Jus (Dipping Sauce)
- In a saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
French Dip Biscuits: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Sandwich
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Pastry Cutter
- Rolling Pin
- Saucepan
- Basting Brush
- Oven
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter cubed
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Filling
- ½ lb thinly sliced roast beef
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or provolone cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Au Jus (Dipping Sauce)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in buttermilk until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut into small rounds.
- Place half of the biscuit rounds on the baking sheet. Top each with roast beef and shredded cheese.
- Cover with remaining biscuit rounds and press edges together to seal. Brush tops with melted butter.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm biscuits with au jus for dipping.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best French Dip Biscuits
🔥 Use High-Quality Roast Beef – The better the meat, the more flavorful the biscuits.
🔥 Don’t Overwork the Dough – This keeps the biscuits light and flaky.
🔥 Serve Warm – These taste best fresh out of the oven with hot au jus.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with French Dip Biscuits
- Garlic Parmesan Fries
- Crispy Onion Rings
- Coleslaw
- Simple Green Salad
- Roasted Vegetables
French Dip Biscuits: Variations and Customizations
🌶️ Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or spicy mustard.
🧀 Cheese Lovers: Try adding gouda or cheddar.
🥩 Different Meats: Swap roast beef for shredded brisket or turkey.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
FAQs About French Dip Biscuits
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the biscuits and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours.
2. Can I use store-bought biscuits?
Absolutely! If short on time, pre-made biscuit dough works well.
3. What’s the best cheese for French dip biscuits?
Swiss, provolone, and mozzarella all melt beautifully.
4. Can I freeze French dip biscuits?
Yes, freeze baked biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
5. What can I use instead of au jus?
Try beef gravy or a simple broth-based dip for an alternative.
Conclusion
French dip biscuits are a fun, comforting, and flavor-packed twist on the traditional French dip sandwich. With buttery biscuits, savory beef, melted cheese, and rich au jus, this dish is sure to impress. Whether you serve them for a casual dinner or a party appetizer, these will disappear in no time!
French Dip Biscuits – A Deliciously Buttery Twist on the Classic