French Dip Squares
There’s something about the irresistible combination of savory roast beef and gooey cheese that captivates food lovers everywhere. Pair that with the flaky, golden pastry of puff pastry and you’ve got a dish that elevates the classic French dip sandwich into a bite-sized treat. French Dip Squares are perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or a hearty snack—bringing together comforting flavors in a delightful, shareable format.
This recipe captures the essence of a classic French dip with a twist that’s both fun and accessible. With minimal prep time and a few easy steps, anyone can create these delicious finger foods that are sure to be a hit. Ready to impress your crowd or indulge in a comforting meal? Let’s dive into making these scrumptious squares!
Ingredients
-
1 lb roast beef, thinly sliced
The star of the show! Tender roast beef adds rich flavor and substance. Thinly slicing allows for easy layering within the pastry while ensuring each bite is packed with meaty goodness. -
1 package puff pastry (2 sheets)
Puff pastry serves as the flaky, buttery outer layer, giving each square a delightful crunch. It also helps to contain the delicious fillings, ensuring the flavors meld together perfectly. -
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Provolone melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture that complements the roast beef. Its subtle flavor balances nicely with the savory notes of the sandwich while enriching every bite. -
1 cup beef broth
Essential for that classic dipping experience! Beef broth brings depth and moisture, ensuring that your squares are served with a flavorful au jus that enhances the meal’s richness. -
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
This key ingredient adds umami and a bit of tang to the broth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. It beautifully complements the roast beef and elevates the dipping sauce. -
1 tbsp garlic powder
Garlic powder adds a hint of aromatic warmth and savory depth. It uplifts the flavors of the beef and cheese, creating a deliciously well-rounded taste. -
Salt and pepper to taste
Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors in the roast beef and cheese. Adjusting these helps you tailor the seasoning to your personal preference. -
1 egg (for egg wash)
The egg wash is responsible for the golden-brown, glossy finish of the pastry. It adds an appealing color and sheen, making your French Dip Squares visually irresistible.
Directions & Preparation
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Preheating your oven sets the stage for perfectly baked pastry. This ensures that the puff pastry rises beautifully and becomes flaky without becoming doughy or soggy. -
Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into squares.
Rolling out the pastry creates thin layers that will puff beautifully in the oven. Cutting into squares provides a uniform shape, making it easier to assemble and ensuring even baking. -
On half of each square, layer slices of roast beef, shredded provolone cheese, and a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Layering ensures each square is packed with flavor. Distributing the ingredients evenly throughout allows the flavors to meld and ensures that every square has a delicious filling. -
Fold the pastry over to form a pocket and seal the edges.
Folding the pastry creates a pocket that holds all the scrumptious fillings within. Sealing the edges tightly prevents any leakage during baking, allowing for a clean presentation. -
Place on a baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
Brushing with egg wash promotes an enticing golden color and a crisp texture. It adds to the overall visual appeal and enhances the mouthfeel of the finished squares. -
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Baking time is crucial for achieving that perfect flaky texture. Keep an eye on them as they bake; removing them at just the right moment ensures they are golden and not overdone. -
In a saucepan, combine beef broth and Worcestershire sauce; heat for dipping.
Heating the broth and Worcestershire sauce together creates a tasty dipping sauce that enhances the flavor of the French Dip Squares. It’s the finishing touch that ties the entire dish together. -
Serve warm with au jus.
Serving the squares warm ensures that all the flavors are at their peak, and the au jus adds a delightful experience to each bite. Dipping each square into the savory sauce elevates the flavors even further.
Perfect Pairings with French Dip Squares
French Dip Squares can be served with a variety of sides to round out your meal. Consider pairing them with a light salad—the crispness of fresh greens contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the pastries. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds brightness, balancing the dish perfectly.
For something heartier, accompany your French Dip Squares with crispy sweet potato fries. The sweetness of the fries complements the savory fillings beautifully, and the crunch adds an inviting texture to the overall meal. Serve them with a side of garlic aioli for an extra flavor boost.
Don’t forget to include a variety of sauces for dipping. While the beef broth au jus is essential, offering options like spicy mustard or horseradish sauce can add an exciting zing to the flavor profile. Experimenting with different dips makes the meal interactive and fun for your guests.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of provolone?
Yes, you can substitute provolone with mozzarella, cheddar, or even Swiss cheese, depending on your flavor preference.
What can I do if the filling leaks during baking?
If you notice leaking, it could be due to weak seals. Ensure each pastry is tightly sealed and consider using a fork to crimp the edges for extra reinforcement.
Can I freeze the assembled squares before baking?
Absolutely! Assemble the squares, freeze them on a baking sheet, and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You could easily switch out the roast beef for sliced mushrooms, eggplant, or even a flavorful bean mix to ensure a hearty filling while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make the au jus thicker?
To thicken the au jus, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) while heating or reduce the broth longer over low heat to concentrate the flavors.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) until warm to keep the puff pastry crisp.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
You can easily adjust the quantities based on how many you need. Just remember to keep the ratios of beef, cheese, and pastry consistent for the best results.
Should I let the filling cool before assembling?
It’s best to let the filling cool slightly, as hot filling can make sealing the pastry difficult and might cause it to become soggy.
Conclusion
French Dip Squares are a delightful twist on a beloved classic, offering all the deliciousness of a traditional French dip sandwich in a fun, portable form. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a hearty snack, they’re sure to impress friends and family alike.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply indulging in comfort food at home, these flaky, cheesy squares won’t disappoint. Dive into the satisfying flavors and cozy textures of these bite-sized treats—they might just become a new favorite in your home!
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French Dip Squares
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful twist on the classic French dip sandwich, these portable squares feature savory roast beef and gooey cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry, perfect for gatherings or a hearty snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb roast beef, thinly sliced
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets)
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into squares.
- On half of each square, layer slices of roast beef, shredded provolone cheese, and a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold the pastry over to form a pocket and seal the edges.
- Place on a baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a saucepan, combine beef broth and Worcestershire sauce; heat for dipping.
- Serve warm with au jus.
Notes
These squares can be paired with a light salad or crispy sweet potato fries for a complete meal. Experiment with different dipping sauces to enhance the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg


