20 Minute Texas Toast French Dips Are Irresistibly Delicious

Oh, let me tell you about the first time I fell head over heels for Texas Toast French Dips! It was at this tiny diner off Route 66 during a road trip – one bite of that crusty golden toast piled high with juicy roast beef and oozy provolone, and I was hooked. The magic happens when you dunk that savory sandwich into rich, garlicky au jus. Now I make them at home whenever we need serious comfort food. There’s something about that combo of crispy bread, tender beef, and melty cheese that just hits all the right spots. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat!

Why You’ll Love These Texas Toast French Dips

Listen, I don’t just make these sandwiches—I *crave* them. Here’s why you will too:

• Weeknight superhero: 25 minutes start to finish. Seriously, it’s faster than waiting for pizza delivery!
• Flavor bomb: That garlicky au jus transforms basic roast beef into something ridiculously delicious. Dunking is mandatory.
• Crowd-pleaser magic: Game day? Late-night snack attack? These disappear faster than you can say “more napkins.”
• No-fuss fancy: Feels indulgent, but it’s just toast, cheese, and beef—plus that glorious broth for dipping. My kinda gourmet.

Pro tip: Double the batch. Leftovers (if you have any) make killer next-day lunches.

Ingredients for Texas Toast French Dips

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and no, you don’t need anything fancy! Here’s what you’ll grab from the store (or probably already have in your kitchen):

• 8 slices Texas toast – that thick, buttery bread is non-negotiable
• 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef – ask your deli counter to slice it #2 (not too thick, not too thin)
• 8 slices provolone cheese – the melt factor is everything
• 1 cup beef broth – low-sodium is my go-to so we can control the salt
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – our flavor secret weapon
• 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp onion powder – dynamic duo for the au jus
• 2 tbsp butter – for toasting that glorious bread

See? Simple stuff. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Texas Toast French Dips

Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these sandwiches is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been eating them every day. Here’s the step-by-step that never fails me:

Preparing the Au Jus

First, grab a small saucepan and pour in that beef broth. Crank the heat to medium and whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes – you want those flavors to get all cozy together. Toss in the roast beef just to warm it through (don’t overcook it or it’ll get tough!). That broth is gonna be your liquid gold for dipping.

Assembling the Sandwiches

Now, butter both sides of your Texas toast – yes, both sides! This is the key to that perfect golden crunch. Toast ’em in a skillet over medium heat until they’re just starting to brown (about 2 minutes per side). Layer the beef (drained slightly from the au jus) and two slices of provolone on four pieces of toast. Top with the remaining toast slices like a delicious edible hat. Press down gently – we want everything to stick together.

Baking and Serving

Pop those bad boys on a baking sheet and into a 375°F oven for 5 minutes, just until the cheese gets all melty and glorious. Serve IMMEDIATELY with small bowls of that warm au jus for dipping. Warning: Napkins required – things might get messy (in the best way).

Tips for Perfect Texas Toast French Dips

After making these sandwiches way too many times (no regrets!), I’ve picked up some tricks that take them from good to “Oh my gosh, what is this sorcery?” good:

• Toast first, assemble second: Lightly toasting the bread before building your sandwich keeps it from getting soggy – that crunch is everything!
• Broth matters: Splurge on good quality beef broth or use homemade if you’ve got it. The au jus makes or breaks this dish.
• Cheese placement: Put one slice under the beef and one on top – this creates the perfect cheese-to-meat ratio in every bite.
• Keep the jus warm: I leave mine on the stove at the lowest setting while assembling so it stays piping hot for dipping.

Bonus tip: Let everyone assemble their own sandwiches if you’re serving a crowd – it’s more fun and prevents soggy bread disasters!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Listen, rules were made to be broken – especially in my kitchen! Here’s how I play around with this recipe when I’m feeling adventurous or need to use what’s in my fridge:

• Cheese swap: Swiss or gruyère instead of provolone gives it a fancier vibe (my husband’s favorite version).
• Bread options: No Texas toast? Thick-cut sourdough works beautifully, or use gluten-free bread if needed.
• Beef alternatives: Leftover pot roast or even thinly sliced steak takes this from deli to decadent.
• Flavor boosters: I sometimes sauté mushrooms or caramelized onions to pile on top – game changer!

The beauty of this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for your sandwich dreams. Just keep that au jus for dipping – that’s sacred!

Serving Suggestions

These Texas Toast French Dips are basically a meal on their own, but here’s how I like to round things out when I’m feeling fancy (or just extra hungry):

• Classic diner style: A big dill pickle spear and handful of crispy potato chips – the vinegar cuts through all that richness perfectly.
• Light option: Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps things fresh between those indulgent bites.
• Game day spread: Serve with crispy onion rings and an ice-cold beer for the ultimate comfort food trio.

Pro tip: Extra au jus makes an amazing dip for those onion rings too – don’t let any go to waste!

Storing and Reheating Texas Toast French Dips

Okay, let’s talk leftovers (though honestly, that’s rare in my house!). Wrap any uneaten sandwiches tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, pop ’em in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispy magic. The microwave? I mean, it’ll work in a pinch, but your toast will lose its crunch faster than you can say “soggy bread.” Pro tip: Store the au jus separately in the fridge and reheat it in a saucepan – those flavors actually get better overnight!

Texas Toast French Dips Nutritional Information

Now, let’s be real – we’re not eating these sandwiches for their diet-friendly qualities! But for those who like to know, here’s the scoop (all per sandwich):

• 550 calories – worth every single one
• 35g protein thanks to all that beef
• 25g fat (hey, cheese and butter are delicious)
• 40g carbs – mostly from that glorious Texas toast

Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers will vary based on your specific ingredients. I say enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite and maybe go for a walk afterward!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about these Texas Toast French Dips all the time – here are the burning questions that keep coming up:

Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?
Technically yes, but you’ll lose that signature thick, buttery crunch that makes these sandwiches special. If you must substitute, go for the thickest-cut bread you can find (I’ve used brioche in a pinch!).

How do I keep the toast from getting soggy?
Two secrets: 1) Toast the bread lightly before assembling, and 2) Drain the beef well before piling it on. That crispy-to-soft contrast is what makes these magical!

Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prep the au jus and beef mixture ahead, then assemble and bake right before serving. Keep the jus warm in a slow cooker – guests can dunk to their heart’s content.

What’s the best cut of beef to use?
Deli-sliced roast beef works perfectly, but if you’re feeling fancy, thinly sliced ribeye or leftover prime rib takes these over the top. Just don’t skip that au jus bath!

Can I freeze leftovers?
Honestly? These sandwiches are best fresh. The toast loses its texture when frozen, but the beef and au jus freeze beautifully for quick future sandwiches!

Print