French Dip Biscuits

The savory goodness of a classic French Dip is reimagined in these irresistible French Dip Biscuits. Golden buttermilk biscuits are stuffed with tender roast beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey provolone cheese, then baked to perfection and served with rich, warm beef consomme for dipping. This recipe offers all the comfort and flavor of a sandwich-shop classic in a flaky, buttery biscuit form. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or need a standout appetizer for game day, these biscuit sliders bring a satisfying, handheld twist to a favorite comfort food.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced

• 1 can (8-count) Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits (not flaky)

• 1 pound deli roast beef, thinly sliced

• 8 slices provolone cheese, quartered

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) beef consomme

• 1 large egg, beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 15 minutes). Set aside.

3. Separate each biscuit into two halves, creating 16 pieces. Roll each out to about 4 inches wide.

4. Arrange 8 biscuit halves on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Distribute roast beef and caramelized onions evenly over these 8 pieces. Top each with 4 quarters of provolone cheese.

6. Place the remaining biscuit halves on top of each, pressing edges slightly to seal.

7. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.

8. Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until golden brown.

9. While baking, heat the beef consomme in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through (3–5 minutes).

10. Serve hot biscuits with warm consomme for dipping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 336 kcal | Servings: 8

The Origin and Evolution of French Dip Flavors

French Dip sandwiches originated in Los Angeles in the early 20th century and are attributed to two rival restaurants: Cole’s and Philippe’s. Both establishments claim to have invented the sandwich, which traditionally consists of thinly sliced roast beef piled onto a crusty French roll and served with a side of beef au jus for dipping. Over time, this hearty and savory sandwich has evolved from its classic presentation into numerous modern variations.

The French Dip Biscuits recipe is a clever and comforting twist on this timeless favorite. Instead of using traditional French rolls, this version wraps all the goodness of a French Dip—roast beef, cheese, and onions—inside flaky, buttery Southern-style buttermilk biscuits. It retains the soul of the original while introducing a homemade, comforting element that biscuit lovers will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Biscuit-Based Version

This recipe offers all the rich, savory flavor of a classic French Dip, but with added texture and buttery flavor from the biscuits. Unlike crusty rolls, biscuits bring a flaky softness that melts in your mouth, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Here are some top reasons why this version stands out:

• Easy and Convenient: It uses store-bought or homemade biscuits and deli roast beef, reducing prep time without compromising flavor.

• Perfectly Portable: These biscuit sandwiches are great for lunchboxes, potlucks, game-day snacks, or weeknight dinners.

• Dippable Delight: With warm beef consommé or homemade au jus on the side, each bite is juicy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

• Customizable: You can switch out the cheese, add horseradish or Dijon, or even spice it up with jalapeños. The options are endless.

• Freezer-Friendly: Prepare and freeze them ahead of time. Just reheat and serve with consomme or au jus.

Ingredient Breakdown and Tips

Let’s talk about the real heroes of this recipe.

• Buttermilk Biscuits: These form the base of the dish. Use Southern-style biscuits that are soft and fluffy, not the flaky, layered kind. If you have time, homemade biscuits will elevate the dish even more.

• Roast Beef: Thinly sliced deli roast beef is ideal here. You get the tenderness and beefy flavor without the need to cook from scratch.

• Caramelized Onions: These take a bit of time, but they’re essential for deep, sweet, umami richness. You can even make them a few days in advance and refrigerate until needed.

• Provolone Cheese: Mild and melty, provolone works perfectly, but Swiss or Gruyere are great substitutes depending on your preference.

• Beef Consommé: This condensed, deeply flavored broth acts as your dipping sauce. It’s much easier than traditional au jus but still delivers fantastic flavor.

Pro Tip: Brush the tops with egg wash before baking for that shiny, golden-brown finish that looks straight out of a bakery.

How to Serve French Dip Biscuits

Presentation is just as important as preparation when it comes to these biscuits. Here are a few serving suggestions to maximize their impact:

• Game Day Platter: Serve these on a large tray with little ramekins of consomme or au jus, garnished with chopped parsley or scallions for added color.

• Dinner Spread: Pair with a crisp wedge salad, some roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes for a more traditional sit-down meal.

• Lunch Box Hero: Make a batch ahead and pack them warm in foil for a hearty lunch. Add a thermos of hot consomme on the side for dipping.

For a fun twist, consider offering dipping sauces other than beef broth—maybe a cheesy horseradish dip or a spicy mustard aioli.

Make It Air Fryer Friendly

One of the most exciting aspects of this recipe is that it’s air fryer compatible. Air frying gives the biscuits a delightfully crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and cheesy. It also cuts down on cooking time and energy usage.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.

• Assemble the biscuits as usual.

• Cook in batches for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

This method is perfect for smaller households or when you don’t want to turn on your oven during the warmer months.

Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved

This dish is a big hit with both adults and kids. The soft biscuit texture is easy to bite into, and the flavor is universally appealing. You can also tone down the onions for picky eaters or replace them with sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms.

Encouraging kids to dip their food can make meals more interactive and fun. Just be sure the consomme is warm but not too hot.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or planning ahead for a party, French Dip Biscuits store well and reheat beautifully.

To store:
Let the biscuits cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze:
Wrap each cooled biscuit in plastic wrap and then foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes

• Air Fryer: 350°F for 4–6 minutes

• Microwave: 60–90 seconds (though this may soften the biscuit texture)

Always reheat the consomme or au jus separately in a saucepan or microwave-safe container.

Versatile Variations to Try

Don’t be afraid to get creative. Here are a few variations you can try based on your pantry and flavor preferences:

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for a little heat.

• Veggie Lover’s Version: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

• Garlic & Herb: Mix minced garlic and fresh herbs into the butter before sautéing onions.

• Breakfast Twist: Add scrambled eggs and swap out consomme for sausage gravy for a decadent morning meal.

The base concept of the recipe is very adaptable, making it a great go-to for different occasions and dietary needs.

Why It’s Perfect for Entertaining

French Dip Biscuits are ideal for feeding a crowd. They’re individually portioned, easy to serve, and universally loved. You can even prep them in advance and bake just before serving, making your hosting duties far less stressful.

Consider offering a “build-your-own” biscuit bar for your guests where they can add extras like pickled onions, fresh arugula, mustard sauces, or hot sauces before baking.

Conclusion

French Dip Biscuits are more than just a clever spin on a classic sandwich—they’re a showcase of comfort food at its finest. With buttery biscuits, savory roast beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melty provolone, every bite hits all the right notes. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy night, hosting friends for the big game, or simply craving a comforting snack, this dish is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious.

Adding it to your weekly rotation will not only please every palate at the table but also bring joy to your kitchen with its simple steps and satisfying results. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this version of French Dip might just be better than the original.