If you love the rich, savory flavors of a classic French dip sandwich but crave something a little more fun and flaky, then you are going to adore this French Dip Crescent Rolls Recipe. It transforms tender roast beef, creamy cheeses, and that irresistible au jus dip into bite-sized, golden crescent rolls that are perfect for parties, family dinners, or even a comforting snack. Each roll bursts with juicy beef and melty cheese, wrapped in buttery, flaky dough that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this recipe you’ll be making it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the creamy tang of the softened cream cheese to the savory depth of onion soup mix, creating those perfectly balanced French Dip Crescent Rolls.
- ½ pound deli-sliced roast beef (1/2 inch diced): Choose freshly sliced roast beef for a juicy, tender bite that melts in your mouth.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds a rich, creamy texture that binds the filling together beautifully.
- 4 ounces deli-sliced provolone cheese (1/2 inch diced): This mild cheese melts perfectly, lending a subtle savory flavor that complements the beef.
- 1 tablespoon onion soup mix (divided): Brings a flavorful punch, giving that classic French dip taste.
- 2 cans crescent roll dough: The flaky, buttery base that encases all the delicious filling.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Used for brushing, it creates that golden brown, shiny finish.
- 1 ounce package au jus gravy mix: The secret to a perfect dip, enhancing the beefy goodness.
- 3 cups cold water: Essential for preparing the au jus gravy just right.
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant color and subtle herbaceous note to finish.
How to Make French Dip Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, line two sheet pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready upfront makes the assembly smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Chop the Meat and Cheese
Take your roast beef and provolone cheese and chop them into pieces about half an inch to one inch in size. This ensures each crescent roll will have a good balance of hearty beef and melty cheese in every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped roast beef, provolone cheese, softened cream cheese, and half a tablespoon of onion soup mix. Using an electric hand mixer, blend everything until it is deliciously combined and creamy. This mixture is the heart and soul of your French Dip Crescent Rolls Recipe.
Step 4: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Open one can of crescent roll dough and unroll it gently onto a clean surface. Separate it into triangles following the perforations. Then, cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create two long, narrow triangles for rolling.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Place a heaping teaspoon of the filling onto the wider bottom part of each crescent triangle. Then roll the dough up over the filling, sealing it gently inside to form crescent shapes. Place each roll on your prepared sheet pans, making sure they aren’t touching to allow even baking.
Step 6: Butter and Bake
Brush the exposed dough with melted butter to promote a beautiful golden color and add rich buttery flavor. Pop the pans into the oven and bake for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown and flaky. The smell at this stage is absolutely divine!
Step 7: Make the Au Jus
While the crescent rolls bake, prepare the au jus gravy by mixing the au jus packet with the cold water as directed on the package. This savory dipping sauce is what takes your French Dip Crescent Rolls Recipe from great to unforgettable.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, optionally sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the rolls for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the rolls immediately with warm au jus on the side for dipping. Get ready for compliments!
How to Serve French Dip Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds a bright color contrast and a hint of herbaceous flavor, perfectly balancing the richness of the rolls. You can also try a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan or a touch of cracked black pepper for extra flair.
Side Dishes
These crescent rolls pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a more indulgent meal, creamy mashed potatoes or a warm bowl of soup complement the savory flavors beautifully, making your meal complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your French Dip Crescent Rolls on a rustic wooden board with mini bowls of au jus or horseradish sauce for dipping. They also make a fantastic party platter with assorted mustards and pickles on the side, letting guests customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Dip Crescent Rolls keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before storing to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked crescent rolls assembled with filling by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place the rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This method restores their crispiness better than microwaving, keeping that flaky texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this French Dip Crescent Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone provides a classic mild flavor, you can swap or combine it with Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar to suit your taste. Just make sure the cheese melts well to maintain the gooey texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the roast beef with sautéed mushrooms or marinated eggplant and use vegetable broth for the au jus. This creates a delicious vegetarian-friendly twist that still captures the essence of the original.
What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing dried onion flakes, beef bouillon powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of herbs. This homemade blend will still deliver that savory depth essential to the French Dip flavor.
Can I prepare the filling a day in advance?
Definitely! Preparing the filling ahead of time actually allows the flavors to meld even better. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge and assemble your crescent rolls when you’re ready to bake.
How do I make sure the filling doesn’t leak out during baking?
Be careful not to overfill the dough triangles and press the edges firmly to seal each roll. You can slightly moisten the dough edges with water before sealing for a better seal. This helps keep the filling inside and your rolls neat.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about these French Dip Crescent Rolls Recipe that makes every bite a comforting little celebration. From the buttery, flaky dough to the savory, creamy filling and that perfect au jus dip, this recipe hits all the right notes for an easy crowd-pleaser or family favorite. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making some magic with these tasty bites. You won’t regret it!
PrintFrench Dip Crescent Rolls Recipe
Delicious French Dip Crescent Rolls filled with savory roast beef, provolone, and cream cheese, seasoned with onion soup mix and baked to golden perfection. Served warm with a flavorful au jus dip, these bite-sized crescent rolls are perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 32 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Filling
- ½ pound deli-sliced roast beef, diced into ½ inch pieces
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces deli-sliced provolone cheese, diced into ½ inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon onion soup mix, divided
Dough
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Au Jus Dip
- 1 ounce package au jus gravy mix
- 3 cups cold water
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Set them aside to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Chop Ingredients: Dice the deli-sliced roast beef and provolone cheese into ½ inch to 1 inch pieces to ensure bite-sized filling.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped roast beef, provolone cheese, softened cream cheese, and ½ tablespoon of the onion soup mix. Use an electric hand mixer to blend the ingredients until well combined and creamy.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough at a time and separate into individual triangles.
- Cut Triangles: Cut each triangle in half lengthwise so that each original triangle becomes two smaller, long triangles.
- Fill and Roll: Place about 1 heaping teaspoon of the prepared filling at the wider end of each small triangle. Carefully roll the dough over the filling towards the narrow end to form crescent shapes. Place each roll on the parchment-lined sheet pans, ensuring they do not touch.
- Repeat: Continue filling and rolling the remaining dough triangles until all filling and dough are used, spacing the rolls evenly on the sheet pans.
- Brush with Butter: Generously brush the melted unsalted butter over the exposed surfaces of all crescent rolls to enhance browning and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Au Jus: While the crescent rolls bake, prepare the au jus gravy by mixing the 1 ounce package of au jus gravy mix with 3 cups of cold water according to package instructions.
- Serve: Garnish the baked crescent rolls with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm immediately with the au jus dip for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier.
- Cutting the crescent dough triangles in half creates perfect bite-sized rolls, ideal for appetizers or party snacks.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- The au jus gravy can be prepared in advance or substituted with beef broth for a quicker version.
- For a crispier crust, brush an extra layer of melted butter after baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for best texture.