French Dip Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—crispy, golden bread filled with melty cheese and juicy slices of beef, served with a warm, savory au jus for dipping. I love how it takes everything I crave in a French dip sandwich and transforms it into a rich, toasty grilled cheese that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever I need something seriously satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, indulgent, and delivers bold, beefy flavor in every bite. The grilled cheese gets crispy on the outside while staying gooey and packed with tender meat inside. Dipping it into the flavorful homemade au jus takes it over the top. It’s like diner comfort meets gourmet grilled cheese—and I can never get enough of it. French Dip Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sandwich:

Slices of crusty bread (like sourdough or French bread)
Thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or leftover roast beef)
Provolone or Swiss cheese, sliced
Butter or mayo (for toasting the bread)

For the au jus (dipping sauce):

Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic, minced
Onion powder
Soy sauce (optional, for extra depth)
Black pepper
Butter

Directions

I start by making the au jus. In a small saucepan, I melt a bit of butter and sauté the garlic for 1–2 minutes. I add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, soy sauce (if using), and black pepper. I let it simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, then keep it warm.
I butter one side of each bread slice (or spread with mayo for a golden crust).
I assemble the sandwich by layering cheese, sliced roast beef, and more cheese between two slices of bread (buttered side out).
In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the sandwich until golden brown on each side and the cheese is melted—about 3–4 minutes per side.
I slice the sandwich in half and serve with a small bowl of warm au jus for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 hearty sandwiches and takes about 20–25 minutes total. It’s great for a quick lunch or dinner that feels cozy and a little indulgent.

Variations

I caramelize onions and add them inside for extra sweetness and richness.
I use Gruyère or mozzarella for a twist on the classic cheese.
I toast the sandwich in a panini press for an ultra-crispy finish.
I add a thin layer of horseradish or Dijon mustard for a little heat.

storage/reheating

This sandwich is best served fresh, but I can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet or toaster oven to keep it crispy. I store the au jus separately and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. French Dip Grilled Cheese

FAQs

Can I use deli roast beef?

Yes, deli-style roast beef works great and makes this recipe super quick and easy.

What kind of bread is best?

I like using sturdy, crusty bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or French bread—it holds up well to the fillings and dipping.

How do I make the sandwich extra melty?

I use a generous amount of cheese and let the sandwich cook slowly over medium heat so the inside gets fully melted without burning the outside.

Can I make the au jus ahead of time?

Yes! I make it a day in advance and reheat when I’m ready to serve—it even develops more flavor overnight.

Is this freezer-friendly?

The sandwich isn’t ideal for freezing, but I can freeze leftover roast beef and use it for future sandwiches.

Conclusion

French Dip Grilled Cheese is one of those recipes that feels familiar yet totally special. I love how the buttery toasted bread, savory beef, and gooey cheese come together—and dipping it into warm, rich au jus just makes it irresistible. Whether I’m feeding a friend or making a cozy solo lunch, this sandwich always brings serious flavor and comfort to the table.