Delicious French Dip Squares are a fun twist on a classic sandwich, packed with tender roast beef, melted cheese, and a soft, buttery dough that pulls apart in perfect little squares. Each bite gives you that amazing combination of juicy meat and warm bread that’s so satisfying and easy to share.
I love making these squares for casual get-togethers or game days because they’re easy to grab and full of flavor without any fuss. One of my favorite tricks is to dip each square in the rich au jus sauce that comes with it – it makes every bite extra juicy and tasty. They’re a real crowd-pleaser, and I always end up making more than I think I need!
These squares remind me of laid-back family dinners where everyone reaches for one and starts chatting right away. I find they’re perfect served warm out of the oven alongside a simple salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal. Whether you’re feeding a group or just wanting a comforting snack, these French Dip Squares hit the spot every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit dough: Using refrigerated biscuit dough saves time and gives a soft, fluffy crust. If you prefer, you can swap this for puff pastry or homemade biscuit dough for a more buttery or flaky texture.
Roast beef: Thinly sliced deli roast beef works great here. If you have leftover roast beef, even better—just shred it for easy layering. For a different flavor, you could try thinly sliced turkey or chicken.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar melt well and add great flavor. If you want a sharper taste, swap mozzarella with Swiss or provolone. Parmesan on top adds a nice crisped finish but can be left out if you prefer.
Butter and seasonings: The mixture brushed on top keeps the crust golden and flavorful. Garlic and onion powder bring a savory kick, while parsley adds freshness. You can try Italian seasoning or fresh herbs here if you like.
Au jus sauce: This dipping sauce is key to the French dip experience. You can buy it pre-made or make your own with beef broth and seasonings. Don’t skip dipping—it adds juicy richness.
How Do You Get the Biscuit Layers Soft But Well-Cooked?
The biscuit dough needs to bake fully without drying out, while staying soft enough to pull apart easily.
- Press the dough into thin squares but avoid tearing so the layers hold together.
- Press them tightly together to form solid bottom and top layers. This helps the filling stay inside.
- Brush the butter-seasoning mix generously on top—it promotes browning and keeps the crust moist.
- Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes. Check the top crust for a golden color; if the center needs more time, tent with foil to avoid overbrowning.
- Let the dish rest 5 minutes before cutting so the layers firm up and don’t crumble.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I like this size because it fits everything nicely and makes cutting into squares easy.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the butter mixture and cheese layers; a small bowl for brushing the top.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to measure seasonings and cheese accurately.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing the roast beef and cutting the baked squares.
- Oven – to bake the dish until golden and bubbly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap roast beef for cooked sliced turkey or ham for a different flavor profile, perfect for holiday leftovers.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions inside the layers for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a blend of Swiss and mozzarella cheeses for a more distinct cheesy taste.
- Mix in a teaspoon of horseradish or Dijon mustard into the cheese layer for a bit of a spicy kick.
Delicious French Dip Squares
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base and Topping:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (each can with 8 biscuits)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley (or fresh minced parsley)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or leftover roast beef)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Serving:
- Au jus sauce, warmed for dipping (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This French Dip Squares recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow 5 minutes to rest and cool slightly before cutting and serving. In total, you’ll spend around 40-45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Biscuit Layers:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Separate the biscuit dough and gently press each biscuit into a thin square. Place half of these biscuit squares evenly on the bottom of the dish, pressing them together slightly to form a solid base.
2. Add the Beef and Cheese Filling:
Layer the thinly sliced roast beef evenly over the biscuit base. Sprinkle a mixture of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the roast beef, spreading it evenly.
3. Top and Season the Squares:
Press the remaining biscuit squares gently on top to create a layered crust. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Brush this flavorful butter mixture generously over the top biscuit layer.
4. Bake, Rest, and Serve:
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm with a side of au jus sauce for dipping and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough for This Recipe?
It’s best to use refrigerated biscuit dough as the recipe is designed for it. If you only have frozen dough, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before shaping and baking to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover French Dip Squares?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the biscuit crust crispy.
Can I Make French Dip Squares Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the squares and cover them tightly with foil, then store in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Bake as directed when ready to serve for fresh, hot squares.
What Can I Use Instead of Au Jus Sauce?
If you don’t have au jus, you can substitute with beef broth seasoned with a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of garlic powder. Heat well and use it for dipping to keep that classic French dip flavor.