why make this recipe
This recipe makes a tasty, easy snack or meal. The squares are hands-on, warm, and full of roast beef and cheese. You can make them fast with store-bought puff pastry. They work well for parties, lunches, or a quick family dinner.
introduction
French Dip Squares are small puff pastry pockets filled with roast beef, Swiss cheese, and a bit of Au Jus. They bake until golden and stay juicy inside. For a similar handheld idea, try the version for French dip sliders to see another way to serve roast beef in a small sandwich.
how to make French Dip Squares
Preheat the oven and keep the pastry cold until you roll it. Cut the pastry into squares, layer roast beef, add a little Au Jus and cheese, then seal. Brush the tops with egg wash so they turn golden while baking. Bake until the pastry is puffed and brown, then serve warm with extra Au Jus for dipping.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound roast beef, sliced
- 1 cup Au Jus gravy
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into squares.
- Layer slices of roast beef on half of the squares.
- Spoon a small amount of Au Jus gravy over the roast beef and sprinkle with Swiss cheese.
- Top with another puff pastry square and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with extra Au Jus for dipping.
how to serve French Dip Squares
Serve them hot from the oven with small bowls of extra Au Jus for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley if you like. These go well with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a fuller meal.
how to store French Dip Squares
Let the squares cool to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until hot and crisp. You can freeze cooled squares in a single layer, then move to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
tips to make French Dip Squares
- Keep the puff pastry cold until you roll it to get good puff.
- Do not overfill the squares or they may leak.
- Press edges well with a fork to seal.
- Use a light hand with Au Jus inside so the pastry stays crisp.
- Brush with egg wash for a shiny, golden top.
variation (if any)
- Use cheddar or provolone instead of Swiss for a different cheese flavor.
- Add caramelized onions for sweetness.
- Use horseradish sauce sparingly for a spicy kick.
- Try thinly sliced steak or leftover roast beef as alternatives.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, or freeze unbaked squares and bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.
Q: Can I use homemade Au Jus?
A: Yes. Homemade Au Jus works great and gives extra flavor.
Q: How do I stop the pastry from getting soggy?
A: Use a small amount of Au Jus inside, seal edges well, and bake at the right temperature so the pastry puffs and crisps quickly.
Q: Can I make mini or large sizes?
A: Yes. Cut the puff pastry to the size you want and adjust baking time slightly.
Q: Is there a vegetarian option?
A: Try replacing roast beef with sautéed mushrooms and a savory gravy for a vegetarian version.
French Dip Squares
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious puff pastry pockets filled with roast beef, Swiss cheese, and Au Jus, perfect for snacks or meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound roast beef, sliced
- 1 cup Au Jus gravy
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into squares.
- Layer slices of roast beef on half of the squares.
- Spoon a small amount of Au Jus gravy over the roast beef and sprinkle with Swiss cheese.
- Top with another puff pastry square and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with extra Au Jus for dipping.
Notes
Keep puff pastry cold until rolling for best results. Do not overfill the squares to prevent leaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
