If you love the comforting, savory goodness of a traditional French Dip sandwich but crave something shareable and fun, then this French Dip Pull Apart Bread with Roast Beef and Cheese Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Imagine layers of tender roast beef and gooey melted cheese tucked into a crusty sourdough loaf, infused with garlic and Worcestershire-flavored butter, all baked to perfection so you can easily pull apart each cheesy, meaty bite. This dish is perfect for gathering around a game day, party, or casual night with friends, offering all the rich flavors of a French dip in a wildly tempting, communal format.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward but plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures — from the sturdy sourdough loaf that holds everything together to the sharp, melty cheese and succulent roast beef that fill the bread’s pockets.
- 1 round loaf of sourdough bread: The crusty exterior and chewy crumb make it ideal for stuffing and tearing apart.
- ½ lb sliced roast beef: Choose thinly sliced, tender roast beef for maximum juiciness and flavor.
- 2 cups shredded provolone or Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey, stretchy pockets of cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture while carrying the garlic and Worcestershire sauce flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the butter mixture with a lovely aromatic punch.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings that savory umami zing that complements the roast beef perfectly.
- 1 packet au jus mix + water (for dipping): Creates the essential flavorful dipping sauce that transforms every bite.
How to Make French Dip Pull Apart Bread with Roast Beef and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Bread
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which will ensure a warm, even bake. While the oven warms, take your sourdough loaf and slice it in a crosshatch pattern. It’s super important not to cut all the way through — the bread should remain in one piece but have deep, wide cuts to create pockets for the fillings.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce. This mixture is the heart of the flavor, soaking into the bread’s crevices and lending that classic French Dip tang and richness. Drizzle this generously into all the nooks and crannies you created with the crosshatch cuts.
Step 3: Stuff with Cheese and Roast Beef
Now for the fun part — stuff those cuts with shredded provolone or Swiss cheese and thinly sliced roast beef. Be generous because this is what makes every piece bursting with flavor and gooey goodness. Make sure the fillings are packed evenly so every pull is just as delicious.
Step 4: Wrap and Bake
Wrap the stuffed loaf tightly in foil to trap the heat and moisture, then place it in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, just enough for the cheese to melt into luscious, stringy pools and the bread to warm through. The result is irresistible cheesy, meaty pockets surrounded by crusty bread.
Step 5: Prepare the Au Jus Dipping Sauce
While the bread is baking, prepare your au jus mix according to package instructions. Keep it warm for dipping because this rich, savory broth is essential — it’s what turns the dish from delicious to unforgettable.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully unwrap the foil, place the pull-apart bread on a serving platter, and bring out the warm au jus. Tear apart the bread with friends or family and dunk each cheesy, beefy bite into the flavorful sauce. Pure comfort in every mouthful.
How to Serve French Dip Pull Apart Bread with Roast Beef and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the top can add a lovely pop of color and freshness. For an extra layer of flavor, caramelized onions drizzled over the bread before baking add a sweet-savory richness that perfectly complements the roast beef and cheese.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple to let the star of the show shine: crunchy pickles, a crisp green salad, or even a bowl of crispy potato chips make fantastic sides. They add a contrasting texture that balances the richness of the French Dip Pull Apart Bread with Roast Beef and Cheese Recipe beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish on a wooden board for an inviting rustic feel, perfect for casual entertaining. Additionally, offering small individual dipping bowls of au jus makes it easy for guests to customize how much sauce they want. You can even turn it into a buffet appetizer by piping different sauces like horseradish cream or Dijon mustard alongside the au jus for dipping options.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread might lose a little of its crispiness, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed bread before baking by tightly wrapping it in foil and then plastic wrap. Freeze for up to a month. When ready, thaw completely in the fridge overnight before baking as usual. This is a great way to have a party appetizer ready on demand.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the bread and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again. Serve with freshly warmed au jus sauce for the full experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough works best because of its firm crust and sturdy crumb, you can experiment with other round loaf breads like Italian or French bread. Just make sure it’s not too soft or airy to hold the fillings well.
What kind of cheese melts best for French Dip Pull Apart Bread?
Provolone and Swiss cheeses are classic choices because they melt beautifully and have a mild, creamy flavor. Mozzarella can be used if you prefer extra stretchiness, but it lacks some of the unique notes that elevate this recipe.
Can I add other fillings besides roast beef?
While the roast beef is key to the classic flavor, you could try adding caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even some roasted peppers to add complexity. Just keep the au jus dipping sauce to maintain the traditional French Dip character.
Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?
Yes! This French Dip Pull Apart Bread with Roast Beef and Cheese Recipe is perfect for sharing. For larger gatherings, simply prepare multiple loaves or adjust quantities accordingly to feed everyone.
How soon should I serve after baking?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still melty and the bread crusty. Serve immediately for the most delicious texture and rich flavors.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this French Dip Pull Apart Bread with Roast Beef and Cheese Recipe. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing delight that brings everyone together with every flavorful, cheesy pull. Whether you’re hosting game night or just craving something hearty and indulgent, this recipe is a must-try. Give it a go, and prepare for a whole new way to enjoy a French Dip that will quickly become a personal favorite!
Print
French Dip Pull Apart Bread with Roast Beef and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This French Dip Pull Apart Bread takes all the delicious flavors of a classic French Dip sandwich and transforms them into a cheesy, pull-apart loaf that’s perfect for sharing at parties or game day gatherings. Featuring savory roast beef, gooey melted provolone or Swiss cheese, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce tucked into a crusty sourdough bread, it’s served warm alongside a rich au jus dipping sauce for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Bread and Meat
- 1 round loaf of sourdough bread
- ½ lb sliced roast beef
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded provolone or Swiss cheese
Butter Mixture
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Dipping Sauce
- 1 packet au jus mix
- Water as required to prepare au jus
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the bread.
- Prepare Bread: Carefully slice the round sourdough loaf in a crosshatch or crisscross pattern, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom. This allows the bread to be pulled apart easily after baking.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to mix all the flavors.
- Drizzle Butter Mixture: Slowly drizzle the garlic butter mixture into the cuts of the bread, allowing it to seep inside between all the crevices for maximum flavor.
- Stuff Bread: Insert shredded provolone or Swiss cheese and sliced roast beef into the slits of the bread, distributing evenly to ensure every bite is cheesy and meaty.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap the stuffed bread tightly in aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the bread is warm.
- Prepare Au Jus: While the bread bakes, prepare the au jus dipping sauce by mixing the packet with water according to package instructions and warming it up.
- Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, unwrap the foil, and serve immediately with warm au jus on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Add caramelized onions to the stuffing for an extra layer of savory sweetness.
- Best served fresh and warm from the oven to enjoy the melted cheese at its best.
- Use a serrated knife for cutting the bread to avoid squashing the loaf.
- Substitute roast beef with turkey or ham for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
