Texas Toast French Dips

When it comes to comfort food that’s both simple to make and absolutely crave-worthy, these Texas Toast French Dips check all the boxes. With buttery garlic toast as the base, tender roast beef layered with gooey provolone, and a savory au jus for dipping, this recipe brings a fun, creative twist to the classic French dip sandwich we all know and love.

I first made these on a busy weeknight when I was short on time but still wanted something warm and satisfying for dinner. Let me tell you—one bite in and my family was hooked. The crispy edges of the garlic toast paired with the rich, melty cheese and that perfectly seasoned au jus made this an instant favorite at our house. And the best part? It’s ready in just about 25 minutes, making it ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to casual entertaining.

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk for a second about why this version is so special. Traditional French dips use hoagie rolls or baguettes, but swapping in frozen garlic Texas Toast not only adds tons of flavor but also gives you that beautiful golden crispiness that holds up so well when dipped in the warm au jus. Plus, because the toast is open-faced, you get the perfect ratio of meat, cheese, and bread in every single bite.

Alright, let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 1 box frozen garlic Texas Toast (8 slices)

• 1 packet au jus gravy mix

• 3 cups cold water

• 1 pound sliced deli roast beef

• 8 slices provolone cheese

• Dried parsley for garnish (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high temperature helps the Texas Toast achieve that golden, crispy exterior. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup — trust me, you’ll be thankful for this step later.

Step 2: Bake the Texas Toast

Place the frozen garlic Texas Toast slices directly on your prepared baking sheet. Follow the package instructions, which typically call for about 8 minutes of baking time. Make sure to flip each slice halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides. The buttery garlic flavor will fill your kitchen and you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Prepare the Au Jus

While the Texas Toast is doing its thing in the oven, move on to the au jus. In a medium saucepan, whisk together one packet of au jus gravy mix with 3 cups of cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer according to the packet directions. You’ll want the au jus to fully dissolve and thicken slightly, giving it that rich, savory flavor that makes French dips so iconic.

Step 4: Warm the Roast Beef

Once your au jus is ready, it’s time to gently warm the roast beef. Add the sliced deli roast beef directly into the pot of au jus. Allow it to heat through without boiling—this helps keep the meat tender and juicy rather than tough or dry. Just a few minutes here will do the trick.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE AND PERFECT YOUR TEXAS TOAST FRENCH DIPS

Now that we’ve prepped our golden Texas Toast, savory au jus, and perfectly warmed roast beef, it’s time to bring everything together. This part is where the real magic happens—melty cheese, flavorful beef, and that crisp, buttery toast combine for a bite that’s seriously hard to beat.

I love how versatile this recipe is. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or whipping up a quick appetizer for guests, these open-faced French Dips never fail to impress. Plus, the simple assembly makes it a stress-free option, even on the busiest days.

Let’s jump right back into the recipe and finish up these irresistible sandwiches.

Step 5: Layer on the First Slice of Cheese

Once your Texas Toast slices are perfectly golden, remove them from the oven and start layering. Place half a slice of provolone cheese on top of each piece of toast. This first layer of cheese will start to melt slightly from the warmth of the bread, creating the perfect base for the roast beef.

Step 6: Add the Roast Beef

Using tongs, carefully remove the warmed roast beef slices from the au jus, letting any excess liquid drip off before placing them on top of the cheese-covered toast. Distribute the beef evenly so that each slice of toast is generously topped but not overloaded.

Step 7: Top with More Cheese

Now, take the remaining half slices of provolone cheese and lay them over the top of the roast beef on each toast. This second layer of cheese will melt beautifully in the oven, fully covering the beef and locking in all those delicious flavors.

Step 8: Melt the Cheese

Return the assembled Texas Toast French Dips to your preheated 425°F oven. Bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye here—every oven is a little different, and you don’t want to overcook the toast.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the tray from the oven. For a little extra color and flavor, sprinkle a pinch of dried parsley over each sandwich if desired. Serve immediately while they’re hot and gooey, with warm au jus on the side for dipping.

TIPS FOR THE BEST TEXAS TOAST FRENCH DIPS

• Don’t Overheat the Beef: Keep the roast beef just warmed through. Overheating can make it tough and chewy.

• Try Different Cheeses: If provolone isn’t your favorite, Swiss or mozzarella work beautifully too.

• Customize with Extras: Sautéed onions, mushrooms, or a touch of horseradish sauce can add even more flavor and make each bite unique.

• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the au jus ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.

• Perfect for Parties: These are great for casual gatherings. Simply prep everything ahead and pop them in the oven right before serving.