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Introduction
French Dip Biscuits are a comforting and delicious twist on the classic French Dip sandwich, where savory roast beef is paired with warm, flaky biscuits instead of traditional bread.
This hearty dish features tender, thinly sliced beef smothered in a rich au jus gravy, served in soft, buttery biscuits.
It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a fun take on a beloved classic, with the biscuits acting as a vessel for the flavorful beef and dipping gravy.
Origin and Cultural Significance
The original French Dip sandwich was created in the early 1900s in Los Angeles, California. It’s said to have been invented by either Philippe’s or Cole’s, two restaurants that both claim to have created the sandwich.
The sandwich consists of thinly sliced roast beef served on a baguette, with the bread dipped in a savory broth (au jus).
The French Dip Biscuits take inspiration from this dish, transforming it into a more casual, homey version, where biscuits replace the traditional bread for a more buttery and tender texture.
The French Dip sandwich is a cultural staple in American comfort food, particularly in California, and has since spread throughout the country with various regional adaptations.
French Dip Biscuits bring the same comforting flavors to the table with a fun, biscuit-centric twist.
Ingredients Quantity
For the beef and gravy:
- 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or leftover roast beef)
- 2 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the biscuits:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Optional Additions
- Shredded cheese (such as Swiss or Provolone) to melt on top of the beef
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor in the gravy
- Caramelized onions to add sweetness and depth to the beef
- A dash of hot sauce or Dijon mustard to add a little zing
- Sautéed mushrooms to complement the beef
- Horseradish sauce for an extra kick with the beef
Tips for Success
- Biscuits: Use cold butter when making the biscuit dough to ensure they turn out flaky. Don’t overmix the dough; just stir until everything is combined to avoid tough biscuits.
- Gravy: If you like a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with a little cold beef broth before adding it to the pot to avoid lumps. You can also simmer the gravy longer to reduce it to a thicker consistency.
- Roast beef: If using deli roast beef, be sure to warm it gently in the gravy just before serving to avoid overcooking. If you have leftover roast beef, it’s a great way to repurpose it in this dish.
- Make-ahead tip: The gravy can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.
Instructions
- Make the gravy:
a. In a medium saucepan, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
b. If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then slowly add it to the simmering broth. Stir continuously until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
c. Keep the gravy warm on low heat, adding the sliced roast beef to the pan and letting it soak in the gravy just before serving. - Make the biscuits:
a. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
b. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
c. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
d. Add the milk and stir until just combined into a dough.
e. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle. Fold it over a few times to create layers, then pat it down to about 1-inch thickness.
f. Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
g. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown. - Assemble the French Dip Biscuits:
a. Split the biscuits in half.
b. Spoon a generous amount of the beef and gravy onto the bottom half of each biscuit.
c. Optionally, top with shredded cheese and place the biscuit halves under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese.
d. Top with the other half of the biscuit and serve with extra gravy on the side for dipping.
Description
French Dip Biscuits are a cozy and flavorful twist on the traditional French Dip sandwich. The soft, flaky biscuits serve as the perfect vessel for tender, flavorful roast beef that’s been simmered in a rich, savory gravy. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. The biscuits add a buttery and tender texture that contrasts perfectly with the savory beef and rich dipping sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 550-600
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Sugar: 3g
Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of beef and any optional additions like cheese.
Conclusion
French Dip Biscuits are a comforting, indulgent dish that combines the savory goodness of roast beef and the rich, buttery texture of homemade biscuits.
It’s a fun and delicious twist on the classic French Dip sandwich, and the dipping gravy adds the perfect finishing touch.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, it’s sure to be a hit.
Recommendation
If you love comfort food with a bit of a twist, French Dip Biscuits are an excellent choice. They’re perfect for anyone who enjoys savory, hearty meals, and the biscuits add an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
You can make the gravy and biscuits ahead of time for a quicker, weeknight-friendly meal, or serve it as an indulgent weekend treat.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While French Dip Biscuits are a rich dish, there are ways to make it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. You can use leaner cuts of beef like sirloin or flank steak, or even substitute the beef with shredded chicken for a lighter option.
To lighten up the biscuits, you can swap some of the butter for Greek yogurt or use a lower-fat milk.
Adding vegetables like sautéed onions or mushrooms to the gravy can also provide extra nutrients and depth of flavor.
If you want to make the dish lower in carbs, you could serve the beef and gravy over a salad or cauliflower rice instead of biscuits.
French Dip Biscuits are a delicious and hearty meal that combines comfort with creativity.
Enjoy making and savoring this dish as a special treat or a weeknight favorite!