French dip sandwiches are a delicious and simple sandwich that can be easily customized and paired with various side dishes and ingredients. At its core, the French dip sandwich consists of thin sliced roast beef on a baguette or hoagie roll that is dipped in the hot juices from the beef cooking. This hot au jus adds tremendous flavor and makes the bread nicely crispy. While this sandwich is great on its own, there are many great options for what to serve alongside or on top of your French dip to take it to the next level.
What are the key components of a French dip sandwich?
Here are the main ingredients that make up a classic French dip sandwich:
- Bagette or hoagie roll – The long, skinny shape helps soak up the au jus.
- Thin sliced roast beef – Usually top round or bottom round roast. Tender and thinly sliced.
- Melted provolone or Swiss cheese – Ooey, gooey melted cheese over the roast beef.
- Au jus – The hot juice from the roast beef adds tremendous flavor.
- Horseradish or mustard (optional) – Some tangy zip.
The au jus is really the key that brings everything together and gives the French dip its distinctive flavor. Roast beef and melted cheese alone are great, but that hot, meaty jus sends it over the top.
Classic French Dip Accompaniments
Part of the appeal of the French dip sandwich is its simplicity, but there are some classic pairings that truly complement the savory meat and bread:
Fries or Chips
Crunchy, salty fries or chips provide texture contrast and help balance the richness of the au jus and roast beef. Shoestring fries, waffle fries, potato chips or homemade kettle chips are ideal pairings.
Soup or Salad
A cup of hot soup like potato, tomato or French onion pairs nicely with a French dip. The soup helps cut through the richness. A side salad with vinaigrette offers a bright, acidic contrast.
Pickles
A few tangy dill pickle spears or chips on the side are a perfect palate cleanser with each bite of the French dip. The briny vinegar cuts the rich flavors.
Advanced Pairings for French Dips
Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are some more creative ways to take your French dip experience to the next level:
Piled High Toppings
Bacon, ham, grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, jalapeños and banana peppers are all great stacked on top of your French dip. The key is going easy on the cold toppings so you still get plenty of that hot au jus in each bite.
Dip Options Beyond Au Jus
Although au jus is traditional, you can also dip your French dip in barbecue sauce, brown gravy or even tomato sauce for a change of pace. Just warm up the sauce before dunking.
Creamy Sides
A dollop of creamy coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad or baked beans balances the rich French dip. The creaminess pairs perfectly.
Spicy Options
If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños, banana peppers, sriracha or horseradish to your sandwich. You can also dip in spicy barbecue sauce or buffalo sauce instead of the jus.
Pizza Style French Dip
Top your French dip with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni or your other favorite pizza toppings. It’s like a meaty, saucy pizza meets French dip.
Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread is a natural fit for sopping up any leftover au jus on your plate. The garlic butter pairs amazingly with each bite of sandwich.
Lighter Sides for French Dips
While French dips are inherently rich and heavy, you can balance out the meal with some fresher, lighter sides:
- Side salad with vinaigrette instead of creamy dressings
- Coleslaw made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo
- Fresh fruit like grapes, berries or melon
- Vegetable crudites with hummus or avocado dip
- Small baked potato or sweet potato instead of fries
- Cottage cheese or sliced fresh mozzarella
The key is sticking to cold, crunchy fresh produce and limiting heavy starches, cheeses and creamy dips. The lighter sides help ensure you don’t end up in a total food coma after enjoying a hearty French dip sandwich.
Drink Pairings for French Dips
Here are some excellent drink choices to accompany a French dip sandwich:
Craft Beer
A hoppy IPA, amber ale or pale ale can stand up to the strong flavors of a French dip sandwich. Opt for a craft beer with citrusy, piney or caramel malt notes.
Red Wine
A medium or full-bodied red wine like a California Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec has enough heft to pair with a French dip sandwich. Bold red wines complement the savoriness.
Iced Tea
Brisk iced tea, either unsweetened or sweet, helps wash down a French dip sandwich. The slight astringency cuts through the richness.
Soda
Paired with a French dip, go for full flavored sodas like root beer, Dr Pepper or Orange Crush. Ginger ale also cleans the palate nicely.
Milkshake
A creamy milkshake might sound counterintuitive, but it pairs amazingly with a saucy French dip sandwich. The cold sweetness offsets the hot meatiness.
Best Bread Options for French Dip Sandwiches
While the classic French dip features a crusty baguette, here are some other excellent bread choices:
| Bread | Features |
|---|---|
| Hoagie Roll | Classic Italian-American; great for holding au jus. |
| Dutch Crunch Roll | Crisp, crunchy exterior; perfect for dunking. |
| Ciabatta | Dense, chewy interior; sturdy enough for dipping. |
| Cuban Bread | Light and airy inside; soaks up lots of jus. |
| Baguette | The classic choice; thinly sliced roast beef. |
You really can’t go wrong with any of these artisan bread choices for the perfect French dip experience. The key is looking for a bread with a sturdy, chewy interior and crusty exterior that can soak up plenty of hot au jus.
Meat Options Beyond Roast Beef
Although roast beef is traditional, don’t be afraid to get creative with different meats on your French dip sandwich:
- Sliced turkey or chicken breast
- Pastrami or corned beef
- Ham or pork tenderloin
- Lamb
- Brisket
- Steak (ribeye, NY strip, filet mignon)
The au jus or gravy can match whatever meat you choose. Turkey or chicken lend themselves to poultry gravies. Pastrami and corned beef pair well with a brown or Dijon mustard blended jus. Get creative with different meat juices and slicings.
Conclusion
The beauty of the French dip sandwich is that it’s a blank canvas you can customize however you like. While the classic roast beef and au jus is never a bad choice, don’t be afraid to get creative with different dips, toppings, sides and breads. The French dip pairs well with so many flavors and textures. Whether you go light or heavy, messy or neat, this sandwich can be tailored to suit any occasion or craving.