The Big Dipper Melt from Denny's features melted American cheese and savory roast beef piled high between toasted sourdough bread, served with a side of warm au jus for dipping, delivering a hearty and satisfying melt sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Sandwich press (optional)
- Bread knife
- Serving plate
- Sauce cup (for au jus)
- Spatula
- Meat slicer (optional)
- Saucepan (for au jus)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) roast beef, thinly sliced
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 8 slices American cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Use thinly sliced roast beef to ensure tender, evenly heated layers in the sandwich. Select fresh sourdough bread for a crispy exterior and soft interior after toasting. American cheese melts smoothly, creating the signature gooey texture of the Big Dipper Melt. The au jus sauce requires high-quality beef broth combined with Worcestershire and soy sauces for a rich, savory flavor. Your attention to ingredient quality will elevate the taste of The Big Dipper Melt from Denny's copycat menu.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan.
- Stir and simmer the au jus for 5-10 minutes.
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
- Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on the grill/griddle.
- Layer 2 slices of American cheese on each bread slice.
- Pile thinly sliced roast beef on top of the cheese.
- Add 2 more slices of American cheese over the roast beef.
- Top each sandwich with another slice of sourdough bread, buttered side up.
- Grill until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- (Optional) Press sandwiches in a sandwich press for a crispier texture.
- Remove sandwiches and let cool slightly.
- Cut sandwiches in half using a bread knife.
- Pour warm au jus into sauce cups.
- Serve sandwiches on plates with au jus on the side for dipping.
Substitution
The Big Dipper Melt from Denny's copycat menu recreates the classic roast beef and melted American cheese sandwich served with rich au jus. If you don't have sourdough bread, Italian or French bread can be a suitable substitute to maintain the sandwich's texture and flavor. Use a grill, griddle, or sandwich press for evenly melting the cheese and toasting the bread to a golden crisp. For the au jus, beef broth combined with Worcestershire and soy sauce delivers authentic taste, but low-sodium broth can be used to control salt levels. You can slice your roast beef at home if pre-sliced is unavailable, ensuring even thickness for better layering and dipping.
Tips
Make sure to thinly slice the roast beef for easy layering and optimal melting between the bread slices. Butter the sourdough bread evenly on one side to achieve a golden, crispy exterior while preventing sogginess. Monitor the grill or griddle temperature closely to avoid burning the bread before the cheese fully melts. When serving, warm au jus enhances the beef's flavor, so pour it into sauce cups to keep it hot and ready for dipping.
Nutritions
The Big Dipper Melt provides a rich source of protein from the 1 lb of thinly sliced roast beef, supporting muscle repair and satiety. American cheese contributes calcium and fat, enhancing both flavor and energy density, while sourdough bread adds carbohydrates for sustained energy. Butter used in grilling increases the sandwich's fat content, providing essential fatty acids, and the au jus made with beef broth offers additional nutrients and hydration. Your meal balances macronutrients but may be higher in sodium and fat, so enjoy it as part of a varied diet.
Storage
Store leftover Big Dipper Melt sandwiches in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of preparation to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep the au jus in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator to preserve its flavor and avoid soggy bread. When reheating, use a grill or sandwich press to restore the sandwich's crispiness, and warm the au jus gently on the stovetop or microwave for optimal dipping experience.
Variation or Alternatives
To add a smoky twist to your Big Dipper Melt, you can swap the American cheese with smoked cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor depth. Instead of sourdough bread, try using a crusty French baguette or rye bread to change the texture and taste profile. For your au jus, incorporating a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar can enhance its richness. Grilling the sandwich with caramelized onions or sauteed mushrooms on top of the roast beef offers an extra layer of savory goodness tailored to your preferences.
Allergies
The Big Dipper Melt contains several common allergens, including dairy from the American cheese and butter, as well as gluten present in the sourdough bread. The au jus dipping sauce includes soy sauce, which contains soy and wheat, both potential allergens. You should be cautious if you have allergies to dairy, gluten, or soy before enjoying this sandwich.
Why this recipe?
The Big Dipper Melt from Denny's features layers of crispy bacon, savory ham, melted American cheese, and a perfectly fried egg, all nestled between grilled sourdough bread. Its savory blend of textures and flavors offers a satisfying balance of smoky, cheesy, and rich tastes, creating a comfort food experience. You will appreciate the hearty, indulgent qualities that make this menu item a customer favorite, making it worth trying to recreate at home. Copycat versions allow you to customize ingredients while enjoying the classic appeal of this iconic sandwich.