Get ready to impress your guests with a mouthwatering appetizer that combines the flavors of a classic French dip sandwich with the convenience of finger food – French Dip Squares. Whether you’re hosting a game night, family gathering, or casual get-together, these savory squares are sure to steal the show. With layers of tender roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and a buttery crescent roll crust, they’re a deliciously addictive treat that will have everyone coming back for more. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making French Dip Squares, from assembling the ingredients to mastering the cooking technique. Plus, we’ll explore FAQs, cooking notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb adaptations for those with dietary preferences.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/2 pound of deli sliced roast beef
- 1 cup of grated Swiss cheese
- 1 packet of dry onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 cup of beef broth for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring that the seams are sealed.
- Layer the deli sliced roast beef evenly over the crescent roll crust.
- Sprinkle grated Swiss cheese over the roast beef layer.
- In a small bowl, mix together the dry onion soup mix, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Pour the buttery mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and place it over the top of the cheese layer, pressing the seams to seal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting into squares.
- Serve warm with a side of beef broth for dipping. Enjoy the irresistible flavors of French Dip Squares!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add sliced mushrooms or caramelized onions to the layers before baking.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavor profiles. Provolone or mozzarella would be tasty alternatives to Swiss cheese.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made au jus gravy mix instead of beef broth for dipping.
- To make this recipe ahead of time, assemble the squares but do not bake them. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions: For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some adjustments you can make to create a keto-friendly version of French Dip Squares:
- Substitute the refrigerated crescent rolls with a homemade or store-bought keto-friendly dough made from almond flour or coconut flour.
- Use thinly sliced roast beef without any added sugars or fillers from the deli counter.
- Replace the onion soup mix with homemade seasoning using keto-friendly ingredients such as onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
- Serve with a side of beef broth made from bone broth or homemade stock without any added sugars or thickeners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: Can I use homemade crescent roll dough instead of refrigerated? A: Yes, you can certainly use homemade crescent roll dough if you prefer. Just be sure to roll it out thin enough to cover the bottom and top of the baking dish.
Q: Can I make these ahead and freeze them? A: While you can assemble the squares ahead of time and refrigerate them, we do not recommend freezing them as the texture may become soggy upon reheating.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat besides roast beef? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use thinly sliced turkey, ham, or even chicken as a delicious alternative to roast beef.
In conclusion, French Dip Squares are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the rich flavors of a French dip sandwich with the convenience of bite-sized portions. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a savory snack, these irresistible squares are sure to hit the spot. With layers of tender roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and a buttery crescent roll crust, they’re a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, with our keto and low-carb adaptations, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of French Dip Squares while staying true to your dietary goals. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of French Dip Squares!
