Texas Toast French Dips

Cheesy Texas Toast French Dips are my favorite way to turn an ordinary sandwich night into something special. Thick, buttery garlic toast acts as the sturdy base for tender piles of sliced roast beef and gooey melted provolone, all finished off with rich au jus for dunking. Every bite feels like pure comfort and the hands-on assembly makes it a hit with both kids and adults.

Family members look forward to this as a fun buildyour-own meal and no one can resist the hearty dunk into warm savory au jus. The first time I served it after a long work day, everyone raved and cleaned their plates.

Ingredients

• Frozen garlic Texas Toast: provides a thick crispy garlicky base and is ready in minutes for convenience
• Au jus gravy mix: delivers savory beefy flavor and makes the perfect dip try to find a brand with the fewest additives
• Cold water: is needed for dissolving the au jus mix start with clean filtered water if possible
• Deli sliced roast beef: is tender and flavorful choose beef that is freshly sliced and not too fatty
• Provolone cheese: melts beautifully and adds a creamy layer you can opt for pre sliced for quick assembly
• Dried parsley: gives a fresh pop of color and is optional but adds a nice finishing touch

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking

Bake the Texas Toast:

Arrange the frozen garlic toast in a single layer on the tray. Bake according to the box directions usually about 8 minutes total flipping each piece halfway to ensure both sides get golden and crisp

Make the Au Jus:

As the toast bakes combine the au jus gravy mix with exactly three cups of cold water in a saucepan. Whisk thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer on medium heat. Stir constantly until it thickens to a rich broth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed

Warm the Roast Beef:

Add sliced roast beef directly into the hot au jus and warm for a few minutes. This keeps the beef tender and soaks it with flavor without overcooking

Assemble the Toast:

Take each cooked toast slice and lay down half a slice of provolone cheese so it covers the bread almost to the edges. Use tongs to pile warm roast beef on top then finish with the second half slice of provolone. This layering helps the cheese melt between and over the meat

Bake Until Melty:

Return the assembled toasts to the oven and bake for three to five minutes until the cheese is fully melted and starts bubbling over. Sprinkle lightly with dried parsley for a pop of color if you like

Serve Hot with Au Jus:

Arrange the cheesy toasts on plates and serve right away with small bowls of steaming au jus on the side for dunking. The warm broth brings every bite together

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The layer of gooey provolone always draws everyone to the table. My kids love helping with the assembly and it has become the ultimate Friday treat at our house. Watching the cheese bubble and melt feels almost magical and the smell is unbeatable.

Storage Tips

These sandwiches are best enjoyed hot out of the oven but you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Reheat on a baking tray at 350 degrees until the cheese melts again. Store au jus separately and heat in a saucepan or microwave before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Texas Toast use any thick cut garlicky bread or make your own by spreading butter and garlic powder on sliced Italian loaf. Swiss cheese or mozzarella can stand in for provolone. For a different flavor try using turkey or chicken deli meat but keep an eye on moisture since these meats are leaner.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these hearty sandwiches with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Chips or oven fries round out a classic deli style dinner. A tangy horseradish sauce and pickles can be set out for extra zing if your crowd likes a little heat.

Cultural Context

French dips originally hail from Los Angeles where the combo of hot beef on a crusty roll with dipping broth became iconic. This Texas Toast version takes inspiration from classic comfort food by using thick buttery bread for extra crunch and flavor. It is a southern twist on a beloved American sandwich.

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I have learned that letting the Texas Toast cool a minute before piling on the beef keeps it crispier. Try adding a little cracked pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon to your au jus to brighten the flavors if you want to put your own twist on this comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of bread works best?

Frozen garlic Texas toast is ideal for sturdiness and flavor, holding up well to the beef and au jus.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully, you can swap in mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar as desired.

→ How do I keep the au jus hot?

Keep the au jus gently simmering on the stove or transfer to a small slow cooker to maintain warmth for dipping.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead?

It's best served immediately, but you can prep ingredients and assemble just before baking for convenience.

→ What sides go well with this sandwich?

Crispy fries, a simple salad, or pickles make excellent accompaniments to this flavorful sandwich.