A classic French Dip (crackly bread, warm roast beef and melted cheese, dunked in a flavorful au jus) tops the charts of truly great sandwiches. Our Big Dipper Au Jus mix makes it dead simple to prepare this pub favorite any night of the week–and the rich, seasoned beef broth rivals any restaurant version. The sweet, sticky caramelized onions take the sandwich to the next level, but they take about an hour to prepare, so plan accordingly (most of the time is unattended). But, If you need a fix fast, a roast beef-and-cheese sandwich can be ready in just 15 minutes.
Serve these sandwiches tavern-style, with hot fries or potato chips. Leftover caramelized onions will keep up to a week in the fridge, use them on steak sandwiches or in omelets.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon turbinado or light brown sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 baguette, sliced into quarters and split lengthwise (or 4 hoagie rolls)
Melt the butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, and then add the onions, tossing to coat. Cover the skillet and cook for 20 minutes, tossing every now and then.
Remove the lid and cook for another 20 minutes, tossing occasionally. The onions should be quite soft and starting to brown.
Add the sugar, vinegar, and salt and pepper and cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the onions are dark and very sticky. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Place the baguette slices (or rolls) cut-side up on a baking sheet.
Prepare Big Dipper Au Jus mix according to packet instructions.
Dip ¼ of the beef in the hot Au Jus, and then place the meat on the bottom slice of bread and top with 2 slices of provolone and some caramelized onions. Repeat with remaining beef.
Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
Serve sandwiches with small bowls of Au Jus for dipping.