French Dip Biscuits are a tasty treat that combines soft biscuits with juicy, flavorful beef and a yummy dipping sauce. It’s like having a fancy meal that’s super easy to make!
You get the best of both worlds: warm biscuits and hearty fillings. I love to serve them with a side of extra sauce for dipping—because who can resist that? 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the biscuits, providing structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you could use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, which works well in most biscuit recipes!
Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is key for flakiness. You can substitute with shortening or coconut oil if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version, but I recommend using butter for the best flavor.
Milk or buttermilk: Whole milk gives a good texture. But if you want a tangy taste, use buttermilk. In a pinch, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk.
Roast beef: Thinly sliced roast beef really makes this dish. If beef isn’t your thing, you could swap in turkey, chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Cheese: Provolone or Swiss cheese adds a nice meltiness. For a stronger flavor, try using Gouda or cheddar instead. You can even skip cheese altogether for a lactose-free option!
How Do You Achieve Flaky Biscuits?
Making flaky biscuits requires careful handling of the dough. The secret lies in using cold butter and avoiding overmixing the dough. This keeps those lovely layers!
- Start with cold butter. Cut it into the flour until you have pea-sized pieces—this helps with flakiness.
- When mixing in the milk, use a gentle hand. Just stir until the dough holds together; lumps are okay!
- After forming the dough, fold it a few times. This folds in air and creates those flaky layers you want.
How to Make French Dip Biscuits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for topping)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For The Filling:
- 1 pound roast beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
For The Au Jus Dipping Sauce:
- 2 cups beef broth or beef consommé
- 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to bake, totaling around 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or snack that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Biscuit Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well blended. Then, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients. You want the mixture to look like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
3. Mix in the Milk:
Pour in the milk or buttermilk and gently stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy!
4. Form the Biscuits:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Fold it over several times to create nice layers, then pat or roll it out to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Egg Wash & Bake:
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the biscuits with this mixture. If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for extra flavor!
Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Au Jus:
While the biscuits are baking, warm the beef broth in a small saucepan. Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine (if using). Season with salt and pepper, and keep this mixture warm on low heat.
7. Assemble the Biscuits:
After the biscuits have cooled slightly, slice them in half horizontally. On the bottom half, layer the sliced or shredded roast beef, add a slice of cheese, and then place the top biscuit back on.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the warm biscuits with a side of the hot au jus for dipping. To enjoy them, just dip the beef and cheese biscuit into the savory au jus for a delightful flavor experience!
Enjoy your homemade French Dip Biscuits, filled with tender beef, melted cheese, and flaky buttery biscuits, all complemented by a flavorful dipping sauce!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for the Biscuits?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour! Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the texture.
What Can I Substitute for the Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth works as a great substitute. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth or mushroom broth for a rich flavor without the meat!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the assembled biscuits in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven to keep the biscuits from getting soggy.
Can I Make the Biscuits in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the biscuit dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling it out.
