Texas Toast French Dips are an easy shortcut version of the classic French dip sandwich. Crispy garlic Texas toast is loaded with tender deli roast beef and melted provolone cheese, then served with warm au jus for dipping.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, these sandwiches are great for a quick weeknight dinner, game-day meal, or casual family lunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Sandwich
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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

1. Prepare the Au Jus

In a saucepan, whisk the au jus gravy mix with 3 cups of cold water.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally. Cook according to the package directions until the au jus is hot and slightly thickened.

Keep warm while preparing the sandwiches.

2. Bake the Texas Toast

Preheat your oven according to the package directions for the frozen garlic Texas toast.

Arrange the 8 slices on a baking sheet and bake until they’re golden and crisp on the edges.

3. Assemble the French Dips

Remove the Texas toast from the oven.

Place a layer of sliced deli roast beef on 4 slices of toast. Top each with 2 slices of provolone cheese.

Place the remaining 4 slices of Texas toast on top to form sandwiches.

4. Melt the Cheese

Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven for about 2–4 minutes, just until the provolone is melted.

For an extra golden top, you can briefly use the broiler, watching carefully so the garlic toast doesn’t burn.

5. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the sandwiches with dried parsley if desired.

Serve immediately with warm au jus on the side for dipping.

Recipe Tips for Success

Don’t overbake the Texas toast. It will go back into the oven after assembly, so bake it just until crisp.
Warm the roast beef if preferred. For especially hot sandwiches, briefly warm the roast beef in the au jus before assembling.
Don’t soak the bread. Keep the au jus on the side so the garlic toast stays crisp.
Watch the broiler closely. Texas toast can brown quickly under high heat.
Use thinly sliced beef. Thin deli roast beef is easier to bite through and works best for these sandwiches.

Ingredient Substitutions

Provolone: Substitute Swiss, mozzarella, or mild white cheddar.
Deli roast beef: Use thinly sliced leftover roast beef.
Texas toast: Thick-cut garlic bread can be used if Texas toast isn’t available.
Dried parsley: Fresh parsley can be used for garnish.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Texas Toast French Dips

Add an extra slice of provolone to each sandwich for a cheesier version.

Mushroom French Dips

Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them over the roast beef before adding the cheese.

Onion French Dips

Add caramelized onions for extra sweetness and savory flavor.

Spicy French Dips

Add sliced pepperoncini or pickled jalapeños to the sandwiches before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the au jus separate.

For the best texture, reheat the sandwiches in an oven or air fryer until hot and crisp. Reheat the au jus separately on the stovetop.

Avoid microwaving the assembled sandwich if possible, as the Texas toast can become soft.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Texas Toast French Dips with:

French fries
Potato wedges
Onion rings
Coleslaw
Pickles
Simple green salad
Roasted vegetables

A small bowl of warm au jus alongside each sandwich makes dipping easy and keeps the garlic toast crisp between bites.

Nutrition Information

Estimated per sandwich with au jus. Actual values vary depending on the brands of Texas toast, roast beef, cheese, and gravy mix used.

Calories: 620
Protein: 39g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1,900mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Texas Toast French Dips?

They’re a shortcut version of a classic French dip sandwich made with garlic Texas toast instead of traditional sandwich rolls. The toast is filled with roast beef and melted provolone and served with au jus for dipping.

Can I use leftover roast beef?

Yes. Thinly slice leftover cooked roast beef and use it instead of deli roast beef.

Can I use another cheese?

Absolutely. Provolone is a classic choice, but Swiss, mozzarella, or mild cheddar can also work.

How do I keep the Texas toast crispy?

Bake the toast until golden before assembling, and serve the au jus separately. Avoid pouring the dipping sauce directly over the bread.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the au jus ahead and assemble the sandwiches shortly before serving. For the best texture, bake and melt the cheese right before eating.

Can I add onions?

Yes. Caramelized or sautéed onions are a great addition and pair especially well with roast beef and au jus.

Final Thoughts

Texas Toast French Dips are one of those easy meals that make a few convenience ingredients feel like a complete dinner. Crispy garlic toast, warm roast beef, melted provolone, and savory au jus come together with very little effort.

Keep the au jus on the side for dipping, and you’ll get that satisfying combination of crisp, cheesy bread and tender beef in every bite.