There’s something irresistibly comforting about a French dip sandwich – that perfect combination of tender beef, melty cheese, and savory au jus for dipping. But when you swap standard bread for buttery, garlicky Texas toast? Pure magic happens. These Texas Toast French Dips transform the classic sandwich into something even more indulgent, with crispy edges, a soft center, and all that beefy goodness you crave.
I developed this recipe after a particularly chilly weekend when nothing but comfort food would do. The beauty lies in its simplicity – store-bought Texas toast creates an amazing vehicle for thinly sliced roast beef and provolone, while the homemade au jus brings everything together. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for weekend gatherings when you need to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why I Love These
The contrast between the buttery, crisp Texas toast and the tender beef creates a texture experience that regular French dips can’t match.
The homemade au jus comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered all day.
I make these whenever I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require hours of preparation.

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)
How To Make
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cook the frozen garlic Texas Toast according to package directions, typically 8 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
- While the toast bakes, prepare the au jus gravy mix with 3 cups cold water according to package directions. Keep warm on the stovetop.
- Once the au jus is ready, add the sliced deli roast beef to the warm au jus to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Place the baked Texas Toast on your prepared sheet tray. Top each slice with half a slice of provolone cheese as the base layer.
- Using tongs, remove the warmed roast beef from the au jus and divide evenly among all 8 pieces of toast, piling it generously on top.
- Place the remaining half slices of provolone cheese on top of the roast beef to create a melty cheese layer.
- Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with dried parsley if desired. Serve immediately with small bowls of the warm au jus for dipping.
Nutrition
These Texas Toast French Dips offer a satisfying balance of protein and carbohydrates, making them a filling meal option. The roast beef provides a good source of protein and iron, while the cheese adds calcium and additional protein to the nutritional profile.
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-sodium beef broth and lean roast beef. You can also substitute regular Texas toast with whole grain varieties for added fiber, though this will alter the classic flavor profile slightly.
This recipe contains gluten (in the bread) and dairy (in the cheese and possibly the Texas toast). For dairy sensitivities, dairy-free cheese alternatives can work well, though they may not melt as smoothly. Unfortunately, the Texas toast component makes gluten-free adaptations challenging without significant recipe modifications.
Tips & Variations
- The au jus can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator; simply reheat before serving for a quicker meal assembly.
- Add a layer of caramelized onions between the beef and cheese for a sweet, savory twist that complements the rich flavors.
- For a lower-carb option, use thick-cut keto-friendly bread brushed with garlic butter instead of traditional Texas toast.
Ways To Serve Them
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Serve alongside crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a classic diner experience
- Add a small dish of horseradish cream sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick
- For entertaining, cut into smaller portions and serve as hearty appetizers with the au jus in individual dipping cups
Proper Storage
- Fridge: Store assembled but untoasted sandwiches wrapped in foil for up to 1 day. Store the au jus separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: The assembled sandwiches don’t freeze well due to texture changes in the bread, but the au jus can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat the au jus on the stovetop until hot. If storing assembled sandwiches, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes from refrigerated, keeping them wrapped in foil for the first 8 minutes to prevent over-browning.

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)
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cook the frozen garlic Texas Toast according to package directions, typically 8 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
- While the toast bakes, prepare the au jus gravy mix with 3 cups cold water according to package directions. Keep warm on the stovetop.
- Once the au jus is ready, add the sliced deli roast beef to the warm au jus to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Place the baked Texas Toast on your prepared sheet tray. Top each slice with half a slice of provolone cheese as the base layer.
- Using tongs, remove the warmed roast beef from the au jus and divide evenly among all 8 pieces of toast, piling it generously on top.
- Place the remaining half slices of provolone cheese on top of the roast beef to create a melty cheese layer.
- Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with dried parsley if desired. Serve immediately with small bowls of the warm au jus for dipping.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 275 kcal
Notes
- The au jus can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator; simply reheat before serving for a quicker meal assembly.
- Add a layer of caramelized onions between the beef and cheese for a sweet, savory twist that complements the rich flavors.
- For a lower-carb option, use thick-cut keto-friendly bread brushed with garlic butter instead of traditional Texas toast.