The Homestyle French Dip from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe features tender roast beef layered on a soft, toasted hoagie roll, served with a savory au jus dipping sauce, delivering a warm and flavorful classic sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Oven or roaster
- Slicer or carving knife
- Hoagie roll toaster or bread toaster
- Saucepan or small pot
- Tongs
- Ladle
- Serving tray/plate
- Au jus dipping bowl
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 hoagie rolls
- Butter (for toasting rolls)
Choose a well-marbled beef chuck roast for tender, flavorful meat that holds up well during slow roasting. Fresh garlic and yellow onions enhance the broth's richness, so avoid pre-minced or dried substitutes. Use high-quality beef broth and Worcestershire sauce for a deep, savory au jus, which is essential for an authentic Homestyle French Dip experience. Butter your hoagie rolls generously before toasting to achieve a crisp, golden exterior that complements the juicy roast beef. You can recreate the Homestyle French Dip from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe at home by carefully balancing these ingredients for that warm, classic sandwich flavor.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven or roaster to 325°F (165°C).
- Season beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pan or roaster over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef on all sides until browned.
- Slice yellow onion and peel/crush garlic cloves.
- Add onion and garlic to the pan with the beef.
- Pour in beef broth.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
- Cover pan or roaster with lid or foil.
- Transfer to oven and roast for 3 hours, or until beef is tender and shreds easily.
- Remove roast from oven and transfer beef to a cutting board.
- Strain liquid from the pan into a saucepan or small pot to make au jus.
- Simmer au jus on low for 10 minutes to concentrate flavors.
- Slice or shred beef thinly with slicer or carving knife.
- Cut hoagie rolls and butter the inside.
- Toast hoagie rolls using a hoagie roll toaster or bread toaster until golden.
- Layer sliced or shredded beef onto bottom half of toasted rolls.
- Close sandwiches with the top half of rolls.
- Use tongs to assemble sandwiches on serving tray/plate.
- Ladle hot au jus into dipping bowls.
- Serve sandwiches with au jus dipping bowls on the side.
Substitution
The Homestyle French Dip from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe copycat menu calls for beef chuck roast for rich flavor, but you can substitute with brisket or sirloin roast for a leaner cut. If you don't have beef broth, use vegetable broth with a splash of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce to mimic the umami depth. When toasting hoagie rolls, butter enhances crispness and flavor, but olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative. Your au jus dipping sauce can be adjusted in saltiness by controlling beef broth seasoning during simmering. Slicing the roast thinly with a sharp carving knife ensures tender, easy-to-eat layers perfect for the sandwich.
Tips
Make sure to sear the beef chuck roast thoroughly on all sides to lock in juices, which enhances tenderness and flavor. When slicing or shredding the roast beef, cut thinly against the grain for the best texture and ease of eating. Buttering and toasting the inside of hoagie rolls adds a crispy, rich layer that balances the savory meat and dipping sauce. When serving, ladle hot au jus into individual bowls for your guests, as dipping the sandwich warm brings out the full depth of flavors.
Nutritions
The Homestyle French Dip provides a substantial source of protein from the 2 lbs of beef chuck roast, essential for muscle repair and growth. Each hoagie roll contributes carbohydrates for energy, while the use of olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The beef broth and au jus incorporate minerals such as iron and zinc, important for oxygen transport and immune function. Your meal delivers a balanced blend of macronutrients and micronutrients ideal for a satisfying, nourishing classic sandwich experience.
Storage
Store leftover roast beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent the beef from becoming soggy. When reheating, warm the beef gently in an oven or saucepan to preserve tenderness and heat the au jus separately in a small pot to retain its rich flavor. Your hoagie rolls are best stored in a bread box or tightly sealed bag at room temperature to keep them soft and ready for toasting.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute the beef chuck roast with a tender brisket or a sirloin tip roast to achieve a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Instead of toasting the hoagie rolls with butter, try brushing them with garlic-infused olive oil for extra aroma and taste. You may also enhance the au jus by adding a splash of red wine or a few drops of balsamic vinegar during simmering to deepen the sauce's complexity. Your French Dip will still deliver satisfying warmth and flavor with these simple adjustments.
Allergies
The Homestyle French Dip contains common allergens such as wheat in the hoagie rolls and soy in the soy sauce. The beef broth and Worcestershire sauce may also contain ingredients like gluten or anchovies, which can trigger allergies for some individuals. Be sure to review these components carefully to ensure your dietary needs are met.
Why this recipe?
The Homestyle French Dip from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe is beloved for its tender, slow-roasted beef stacked generously on freshly baked French bread, creating a perfect balance of savory flavors. Your taste buds will appreciate the rich au jus served alongside, ideal for dipping and enhancing every bite. This dish delivers authentic comfort food experience with each mouthful, making it a standout menu item worth recreating at home. Crafting a copycat version lets you enjoy the restaurant's distinctive flavor with the convenience of your own kitchen.