French dip sandwiches, a classic comfort food, have been a staple in many cuisines for decades. The tender beef, crispy bread, and savory au jus all come together to create a truly satisfying meal. However, the question remains: what do you eat with French dip sandwiches? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of French dip pairings, exploring the perfect sides, soups, salads, and snacks to elevate your dining experience.
Classic Pairings: Timeless Favorites
When it comes to French dip sandwiches, some pairings are timeless. These classic combinations have been enjoyed for generations and continue to be a staple in many restaurants and households.
French Fries: A Match Made in Heaven
French fries are a classic pairing for French dip sandwiches. The crispy, salty fries complement the tender beef and savory au jus perfectly. Whether you prefer thin, shoestring fries or thicker, chunkier ones, they’re sure to add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Coleslaw: A Refreshing Contrast
Coleslaw, with its creamy dressing and crunchy cabbage, provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, meaty flavors of the French dip sandwich. The cool, tangy slaw helps cut through the savory au jus, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
Hearty Sides: Filling and Flavorful Options
If you’re looking for something more substantial to pair with your French dip sandwich, consider these hearty side options.
Roasted Vegetables: A Healthy and Delicious Choice
Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, make a delicious and healthy side dish. Simply toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized. The natural sweetness of the vegetables pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the French dip sandwich.
Mashed Potatoes: A Comforting Classic
Mashed potatoes are a comforting classic that pairs perfectly with French dip sandwiches. The creamy, buttery potatoes soak up the savory au jus, creating a rich and satisfying flavor experience.
Soups and Salads: Lighter Options for a Balanced Meal
If you’re looking for a lighter option to pair with your French dip sandwich, consider these soups and salads.
French Onion Soup: A Classic Combination
French onion soup, with its rich, beefy broth and melted cheese, is a classic combination that pairs perfectly with French dip sandwiches. The soup’s savory flavors complement the sandwich’s au jus, creating a truly satisfying meal.
Green Salad: A Fresh and Light Option
A simple green salad, with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette, provides a fresh and light contrast to the rich flavors of the French dip sandwich. The crunchy greens and tangy dressing help cut through the savory au jus, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
Snacks and Appetizers: Perfect for a Quick Bite
If you’re looking for a quick bite or snack to pair with your French dip sandwich, consider these options.
Onion Rings: A Crispy and Savory Snack
Onion rings, with their crispy exterior and savory flavor, make a delicious snack to pair with French dip sandwiches. Simply slice onions, separate into rings, and fry until crispy. The crunchy onion rings add a satisfying texture to your meal.
Pickles: A Tangy and Refreshing Snack
Pickles, with their tangy flavor and crunchy texture, provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the French dip sandwich. Simply slice dill pickles and serve on the side. The cool, tangy pickles help cut through the savory au jus, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
International Inspirations: Global Twists on a Classic
French dip sandwiches are a classic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add some international flair to your meal. Consider these global twists on a classic.
Korean-Style BBQ Sauce: A Sweet and Spicy Twist
Korean-style BBQ sauce, with its sweet and spicy flavors, adds a unique twist to the classic French dip sandwich. Simply brush the sauce onto the beef before serving, and enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors.
Italian-Style Giardiniera: A Tangy and Crunchy Twist
Italian-style giardiniera, with its tangy and crunchy flavors, adds a unique twist to the classic French dip sandwich. Simply top the sandwich with giardiniera, a spicy pickled vegetable mix, and enjoy the tangy and crunchy flavors.
Conclusion
French dip sandwiches are a classic comfort food that can be paired with a variety of sides, soups, salads, and snacks. Whether you prefer classic pairings like French fries and coleslaw or more substantial options like roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re in the mood for a French dip sandwich, don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new. Your taste buds will thank you!
| Pairing Options | Description |
|---|---|
| French Fries | Crispy, salty fries that complement the tender beef and savory au jus. |
| Coleslaw | Creamy dressing and crunchy cabbage provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the French dip sandwich. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Natural sweetness of the vegetables pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the French dip sandwich. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy, buttery potatoes soak up the savory au jus, creating a rich and satisfying flavor experience. |
| French Onion Soup | Rich, beefy broth and melted cheese complement the savory flavors of the French dip sandwich. |
| Green Salad | Fresh and light contrast to the rich flavors of the French dip sandwich, with crunchy greens and tangy dressing. |
| Onion Rings | Crispy exterior and savory flavor add a satisfying texture to your meal. |
| Pickles | Tangy flavor and crunchy texture provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the French dip sandwich. |
In conclusion, French dip sandwiches are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of options to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer classic pairings or more substantial options, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re in the mood for a French dip sandwich, don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new. Your taste buds will thank you!
What is a French Dip Sandwich?
A French Dip Sandwich is a type of sandwich that typically consists of thinly sliced roast beef, served on a crusty baguette with melted cheese, and dipped in a savory au jus sauce. The sandwich is often associated with French cuisine, but its origins are unclear. Some claim it was created by a French chef in the United States, while others argue it is an American invention inspired by French cooking techniques.
The key to a great French Dip Sandwich is the quality of the ingredients and the preparation method. The roast beef should be tender and flavorful, the cheese should be melted to perfection, and the au jus sauce should be rich and savory. When all these elements come together, the result is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
What are some popular cheeses to pair with French Dip Sandwiches?
When it comes to pairing cheese with French Dip Sandwiches, there are several popular options to consider. One of the most classic combinations is Gruyère, a Swiss cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that complements the beef and au jus perfectly. Another popular option is Provolone, a mild, smooth Italian cheese that melts beautifully and adds a touch of saltiness to the sandwich.
Other cheeses that pair well with French Dip Sandwiches include Cheddar, Swiss, and even Blue Cheese for a bolder flavor. Ultimately, the choice of cheese will depend on personal preference, but Gruyère and Provolone are two of the most traditional and popular options.
What types of bread are best suited for French Dip Sandwiches?
The bread is a crucial component of a French Dip Sandwich, and the right type of bread can make all the difference. A crusty baguette is the most traditional choice, as it provides a sturdy base for the sandwich and a satisfying crunch when bitten into. The baguette should be lightly toasted to bring out its natural sweetness and to provide a nice textural contrast to the soft beef and cheese.
Other types of bread that work well for French Dip Sandwiches include Ciabatta, Focaccia, and even a hearty Sourdough. The key is to choose a bread that is sturdy enough to hold up to the juices and cheese, but still soft and yielding to the bite. Avoid using too dense or heavy a bread, as it can overpower the other flavors in the sandwich.
What is au jus sauce, and how is it made?
Au jus sauce is a savory sauce made from the juices of roasted meat, typically beef. It is a key component of a French Dip Sandwich, as it adds a rich, meaty flavor to the sandwich. To make au jus sauce, the juices from a roasted beef are collected and simmered with some aromatics, such as onions and carrots, until the sauce is reduced and concentrated.
The resulting sauce is a deep, velvety liquid with a intense beef flavor. It is served on the side of the sandwich, allowing the diner to dip the sandwich to their heart’s content. Some recipes may also include additional ingredients, such as red wine or beef broth, to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Can I make French Dip Sandwiches at home?
Making French Dip Sandwiches at home is easier than you might think. The key is to start with high-quality ingredients, including thinly sliced roast beef, a crusty baguette, and a rich au jus sauce. You can roast the beef yourself, or use store-bought roast beef for a quicker option.
To assemble the sandwich, simply slice the beef thinly and place it on the baguette, along with some melted cheese and a spoonful of au jus sauce. You can also add some additional toppings, such as caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms, to enhance the flavor of the sandwich.
What are some popular sides to serve with French Dip Sandwiches?
French Dip Sandwiches are often served with a variety of sides to complement their rich, savory flavor. One of the most popular options is a simple green salad, which provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty sandwich. Other options might include crispy French fries, a side of creamy coleslaw, or even a bowl of warm, comforting soup.
For a more substantial side, consider serving the sandwich with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. These can be roasted in the oven with some olive oil and seasonings until tender and caramelized, providing a delicious and healthy contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
Can I customize my French Dip Sandwich with different toppings?
One of the best things about French Dip Sandwiches is their versatility – you can customize them to your heart’s content with a variety of different toppings. Some popular options might include caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy bacon. You could also try adding some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or some diced bell peppers for a burst of color and flavor.
The key is to balance your toppings with the other flavors in the sandwich, so that no one ingredient overpowers the others. You might also consider using different types of cheese, such as Gouda or Havarti, to add a unique flavor to the sandwich. Ultimately, the possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations.