Roast Beef Dip Sandwich With Herbed Garlic Au Jus

The aroma of a warm roast beef dip sandwich takes me straight back to my college days. Late nights studying, fueled by lukewarm coffee and the promise of a comforting, cheesy sandwich. There was this tiny deli near campus that served the most incredible au jus—rich, savory, and intensely garlicky. One bite, and all the stress of impending exams would melt away, replaced by a feeling of pure, simple contentment. This recipe captures that same magic, bringing back all those memories with every delicious dunk.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yields: 4 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

For the Garlic Au Jus:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄4 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can beef broth (or homemade beef stock or 3/4 cup rich homemade beef stock)

For the Sandwiches:

• 1 French baguette, cut into 4 (5-6 inch portions)
• 1 (5 ounce) package garlic and herb boursin cheese
• 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic Au Jus: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried basil. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this will impart a bitter taste.
3. Deglaze with Red Wine: Add the red wine, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let the liquid reduce by half. This will concentrate the flavors and create a richer, more intense au jus.
5. Add the Broth: Pour in the beef broth (or homemade beef stock). Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. If using homemade stock, taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Canned broth usually already contains salt, so taste before adding more.
6. Make Ahead (Optional): You can prepare the Garlic Au Jus up to 3 days in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it covered in the refrigerator.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches: Reheat the au jus gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
8. Split the baguette pieces horizontally. Spread each cut side evenly with the garlic and herb boursin cheese. This will add a creamy, flavorful layer to the sandwich.
9. Divide the thinly sliced roast beef evenly among the four sandwich halves. Pile the roast beef generously on top of the boursin cheese.
10. Close the sandwiches. Place them on a baking sheet.
11. Warm the Sandwiches: Bake in a preheated oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) for about 3 minutes, or until the sandwiches are just warmed through and the cheese is slightly melted. You’re not looking to toast the bread, just to heat everything up.
12. Serve Immediately: Serve the warm roast beef dip sandwiches with small cups of the hot au jus for dipping.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Boosting Beef Flavor: For an even richer au jus, consider adding a tablespoon of beef bouillon paste along with the beef broth. This will deepen the beefy flavor and add more umami.
• Bread Perfection: If you prefer a toasted sandwich, lightly toast the baguette halves before adding the boursin cheese. This will give the sandwich a bit of crunch.
• Cheese Variations: If you can’t find boursin cheese, you can substitute it with another creamy herb cheese, such as cream cheese mixed with garlic, herbs, and a little bit of milk to soften it. Goat cheese also works well, offering a tangy counterpoint to the rich beef.
• Slicing the Beef: Ask your butcher to slice the roast beef very thinly. This makes it easier to eat and allows the beef to absorb the au jus better. If slicing yourself, use a sharp carving knife or a meat slicer.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the au jus for a little bit of heat.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the roast beef dip sandwiches immediately while they are warm and the au jus is hot. These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, as the bread can become soggy if left sitting for too long.

Leftover au jus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

The assembled sandwiches are not ideal for storing, as the bread will become soggy. However, you can store the leftover roast beef and boursin cheese separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and assemble fresh sandwiches as needed.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	305 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	12.2 g	18%
Saturated Fat	4 g	20%
Cholesterol	88.4 mg	29%
Sodium	1058.4 mg	44%
Total Carbohydrate	11.8 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.7 g	2%
Sugars	1.2 g	4%
Protein	34.5 g	69%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free baguettes or rolls for a gluten-free version.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the roast beef with thinly sliced portobello mushrooms marinated in balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, then roasted until tender.
• Spicy Au Jus: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the au jus for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, Swiss, or Gruyere, in place of the boursin cheese.
• French Onion Au Jus: Caramelize the onions for a longer time (about 20-30 minutes) to create a sweeter, more complex flavor for a French onion soup-inspired au jus.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely! While a French baguette is traditional, you can use any sturdy bread that can stand up to the au jus. Ciabatta rolls, hoagie rolls, or even sourdough bread would work well.

Q: Can I make the au jus in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can. After reducing the wine and soy sauce mixture, transfer it to a slow cooker along with the beef broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours for an even more flavorful au jus.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
A: To prevent sogginess, serve the au jus in individual cups for dipping, rather than pouring it over the sandwich. Also, don’t assemble the sandwiches too far in advance.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the au jus?
A: Yes, you can. Consider adding sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the saucepan along with the onions and garlic for added flavor and nutrients.

Q: Can I use leftover roast beef for this recipe?
A: Definitely! This is a great way to use up leftover roast beef. Just make sure it’s thinly sliced for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Roast Beef Dip Sandwich with Herbed Garlic Au Jus is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of tender roast beef, creamy boursin cheese, and flavorful au jus is simply irresistible. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share it with your loved ones. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. And don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations to make it your own! Let me know what you think, and what twists you added, in the comments below. Bon appétit!