French dips are a classic culinary delight that has been enchanting palates for decades. The combination of a tender, juicy beef sandwich dipped in a rich, savory broth is undeniably satisfying. However, the question remains: what do you eat with French dips to elevate this dish into a complete, fulfilling meal? In this article, we will delve into the world of French dips, exploring the traditional accompaniments, contemporary twists, and expert advice on how to create the perfect dining experience.
Understanding French Dips
Before we dive into the various options for what to eat with French dips, it’s essential to understand the essence of this beloved dish. French dips typically consist of thinly sliced roast beef, placed between a crusty French roll, and served with a side of au jus for dipping. The au jus, which translates to “with juice” in French, is the key component that sets French dips apart from other sandwiches. This savory broth is made from the drippings of the roast beef, simmered with vegetables and seasonings to create a depth of flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
Traditional Accompaniments
Traditionally, French dips are served with a few classic accompaniments that enhance the overall dining experience. These include:
French bread: The foundation of a French dip, the bread is a crucial element that soaks up the au jus without becoming too soggy. A good French bread should have a crispy crust and a soft interior.
Au jus: As mentioned earlier, the au jus is the essence of a French dip. It’s what sets this dish apart from other sandwiches and adds a layer of complexity to the flavors.
Roast beef: Thinly sliced roast beef is the protein of choice for French dips. It’s essential to select high-quality beef that’s tender and flavorful.
The Role of Cheese
While not always a traditional component, cheese has become a popular addition to French dips in recent years. Melted cheese can add a creamy, richness to the dish, balancing out the savory flavors of the beef and au jus. Popular cheese options for French dips include Swiss, provolone, and cheddar. When choosing a cheese, consider the melting point and flavor profile to ensure it complements the other ingredients.
Contemporary Twists and Suggestions
While traditional French dips are undeniably delicious, there’s always room for innovation and creativity. Here are a few contemporary twists and suggestions for what to eat with French dips:
Side Dishes
Adding a side dish can elevate the French dip experience, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the sandwich. Some popular side dish options include:
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw with a hint of vinegar can provide a nice crunch and cooling effect to balance out the meal.
- Fries: Thinly sliced French fries, cooked to a crispy perfection, can add a satisfying crunch to the dish.
- Sautéed vegetables: Quickly sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, can add a burst of color and flavor to the meal.
Dipping Options
For those looking to mix things up, there are several dipping options beyond the traditional au jus. Horseradish sauce, mustard, and mayonnaise are popular alternatives that can add a spicy kick or creamy texture to the dish. When experimenting with new dipping options, be sure to balance the flavors and textures to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
Expert Advice and Tips
To create the perfect French dip experience, it’s essential to consider a few expert tips and tricks. From selecting the right bread to cooking the roast beef to perfection, every detail matters. Here are a few expert advice and tips to keep in mind:
Quality Ingredients
The quality of the ingredients is paramount when it comes to creating an exceptional French dip. Choose high-quality beef, fresh vegetables, and artisanal bread to ensure the best possible flavors and textures. When selecting ingredients, consider the origin, freshness, and seasonality to guarantee the optimal taste and nutritional value.
Presentation and Plating
The presentation and plating of a French dip can make a significant difference in the overall dining experience. Consider adding a few garnishes, such as fresh herbs or thinly sliced vegetables, to create a visually appealing dish. A well-plated French dip can elevate the meal from a simple sandwich to a gourmet experience.
In conclusion, French dips are a versatile and delicious dish that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to create a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer traditional options or contemporary twists, the key to a perfect French dip experience lies in the quality of the ingredients, attention to detail, and a willingness to experiment and innovate. By exploring the world of French dips and considering expert advice and tips, you can elevate this beloved dish to new heights and enjoy a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
What are the classic combinations to eat with French Dips?
When it comes to classic combinations to eat with French Dips, there are several options that are both traditional and delicious. One of the most popular combinations is to pair the sandwich with a bowl of French Onion soup. The rich, beefy broth and caramelized onions in the soup complement the flavors of the French Dip perfectly, creating a satisfying and filling meal. Another classic combination is to serve the sandwich with a side of crispy French fries, which adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
In addition to these classic combinations, there are also several other options that can add some variety to the meal. For example, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sandwich. Alternatively, a side of roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts can add some healthy nutrients and flavors to the meal. Whatever combination is chosen, the key is to find a balance of flavors and textures that complements the French Dip without overpowering it.
How can I add some crunch to my French Dip meal?
Adding some crunch to a French Dip meal can be as simple as serving the sandwich with a side of crispy French fries or a bowl of crunchy croutons. The crunchy texture of these items provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, chewy bread and tender meat of the sandwich. Another option is to top the sandwich with some crunchy vegetables such as crispy bacon, sliced bell peppers, or thinly sliced onions. These add a fresh, crunchy texture to the sandwich and can add some extra flavor as well.
In addition to these options, there are also several other ways to add some crunch to a French Dip meal. For example, a side of crispy onion rings or a bowl of crunchy potato chips can provide a satisfying crunch. Alternatively, some crunchy pickles or a side of crispy sliced cucumbers can add a refreshing and crunchy texture to the meal. Whatever option is chosen, the key is to find a balance of textures that complements the French Dip without overpowering it. By adding some crunch to the meal, it is possible to create a more interesting and engaging dining experience.
Can I eat French Dips with a variety of cheeses?
Yes, French Dips can be eaten with a variety of cheeses, each of which can add a unique flavor and texture to the sandwich. One of the most traditional options is to use Swiss cheese, which melts well and adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor to the sandwich. Another popular option is to use Provolone cheese, which has a smoky, savory flavor that complements the beef and au jus perfectly. Other options such as cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda can also be used, each of which can add a unique flavor and texture to the sandwich.
In addition to these options, there are also several other cheeses that can be used to add some variety to the meal. For example, a strong, pungent cheese such as blue cheese or goat cheese can add a bold, tangy flavor to the sandwich. Alternatively, a mild, creamy cheese such as brie or feta can add a rich, indulgent texture to the meal. Whatever cheese is chosen, the key is to find a balance of flavors that complements the French Dip without overpowering it. By using a variety of cheeses, it is possible to create a more interesting and engaging dining experience.
What are some healthy options to eat with French Dips?
For those looking for healthy options to eat with French Dips, there are several choices that can add some nutrition to the meal. One of the healthiest options is to serve the sandwich with a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans. These vegetables are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious and healthy choice. Another option is to serve the sandwich with a side of mixed greens or a simple green salad, which can provide a refreshing and healthy contrast to the rich flavors of the sandwich.
In addition to these options, there are also several other healthy choices that can be made. For example, a side of roasted sweet potato fries or a bowl of roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts can provide a healthy and nutritious alternative to regular French fries. Alternatively, a side of fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad can provide a light and refreshing finish to the meal. Whatever option is chosen, the key is to find a balance of flavors and nutrients that complements the French Dip without overpowering it. By making some healthy choices, it is possible to create a more balanced and nutritious meal.
Can I customize my French Dip with different meats?
Yes, French Dips can be customized with different meats, each of which can add a unique flavor and texture to the sandwich. One of the most popular options is to use prime rib, which is tender, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with the au jus. Another option is to use roast beef, which is leaner and has a slightly sweeter flavor than prime rib. Other options such as turkey, ham, or pastrami can also be used, each of which can add a unique flavor and texture to the sandwich.
In addition to these options, there are also several other meats that can be used to customize the French Dip. For example, a leaner meat such as chicken or pork can be used to create a lighter, healthier version of the sandwich. Alternatively, a more exotic meat such as lamb or venison can be used to add a bold, gamey flavor to the meal. Whatever meat is chosen, the key is to find a balance of flavors that complements the au jus and the bread without overpowering them. By customizing the French Dip with different meats, it is possible to create a more interesting and engaging dining experience.
What are some popular sides to eat with French Dips?
There are several popular sides that can be eaten with French Dips, each of which can add some variety and interest to the meal. One of the most popular options is to serve the sandwich with a side of crispy French fries, which adds a satisfying crunch to the meal. Another option is to serve the sandwich with a bowl of creamy coleslaw, which provides a refreshing and cooling contrast to the rich flavors of the sandwich. Other options such as baked beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad can also be used, each of which can add some variety and nutrition to the meal.
In addition to these options, there are also several other sides that can be eaten with French Dips. For example, a side of onion rings or a bowl of potato chips can provide a satisfying crunch and some extra flavor. Alternatively, a side of pickles or a bowl of olives can add a tangy, salty flavor to the meal. Whatever side is chosen, the key is to find a balance of flavors and textures that complements the French Dip without overpowering it. By serving the sandwich with a variety of sides, it is possible to create a more interesting and engaging dining experience.
How can I make my French Dip meal more indulgent?
To make a French Dip meal more indulgent, there are several options that can be considered. One of the most popular ways to indulge is to add some rich, creamy cheeses such as brie or feta to the sandwich. These cheeses have a rich, indulgent texture that can add some luxury to the meal. Another option is to serve the sandwich with a side of rich, decadent sauces such as bearnaise or hollandaise, which can add some extra flavor and indulgence to the meal. Other options such as truffle oil or caramelized onions can also be used to add some extra flavor and indulgence.
In addition to these options, there are also several other ways to make a French Dip meal more indulgent. For example, serving the sandwich with a side of crispy, fatty bacon or a bowl of rich, creamy mashed potatoes can add some extra indulgence to the meal. Alternatively, using a rich, buttery bread such as brioche or ciabatta can add some extra luxury to the sandwich. Whatever option is chosen, the key is to find a balance of flavors and textures that complements the French Dip without overpowering it. By making some indulgent choices, it is possible to create a more satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.