Gourmet French Dip Panini
Indulge in these delicious Gourmet French Dip Paninis, perfect for a hearty lunch or snack. This recipe combines tender sliced roast beef with savory beef broth, caramelized shallots, and melted Monterey Jack pepper cheese, all nestled within a crispy baguette. Each bite is balanced with rich flavors, and the accompanying dipping sauce takes it to another level. Great for sharing with friends or enjoying during a cozy meal at home, this panini is a true comfort food classic that's sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
4 tablespoons (softened)
Shallot
1 (finely chopped)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
Beef Broth
2 cups (none)
Sliced Roast Beef
1 lb (none)
Baguette
1 (split lengthwise and sliced crosswise into 4 sections)
Monterey Jack Pepper Cheese
4 ounces (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté until translucent, about 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and cook for another minute, stirring continuously.
2
Gradually whisk in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once thickened slightly, add the sliced roast beef to the saucepan, allowing it to warm through on low heat while stirring occasionally.
3
Preheat a nonstick grill pan over medium heat. Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of softened butter generously on the split sides of each baguette section.
4
Using tongs, pile the warm roast beef onto half of the baguette sections, ensuring each one gets a good amount of meat. Reserve the warm dipping sauce.
5
Top the roast beef with slices of Monterey Jack pepper cheese before placing the other half of the baguette on top to create the panini.
6
Carefully place the assembled panini in the hot grill pan. To ensure a nice golden crust, weigh them down with a heavy skillet. Grill for about 2 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese is beginning to melt, then flip and repeat on the other side for another 2 minutes.
7
Once perfectly grilled, remove the panini from the heat and slice them in half. Serve hot with small bowls of the reserved sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gourmet French Dip Panini?
It is a hearty sandwich featuring tender roast beef, savory beef broth, caramelized shallots, and melted Monterey Jack pepper cheese served on a crispy baguette.
What ingredients are needed for the dipping sauce?
The sauce is made using butter, finely chopped shallot, cornstarch, and beef broth.
How much roast beef is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of sliced roast beef.
What type of cheese is used in this panini?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of sliced Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
How should the baguette be prepared?
The baguette should be split lengthwise and then sliced crosswise into 4 sections.
What is the role of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the beef broth dipping sauce.
How long do I sauté the shallots?
Sauté the shallots in melted butter for about 1-2 minutes until they become translucent.
How much butter is needed in total?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of butter: 2 for the sauce and 2 for the bread.
How do I warm the roast beef?
Add the sliced roast beef to the thickened broth mixture and warm it through on low heat.
What is the best way to grill the panini without a press?
Use a nonstick grill pan over medium heat and weigh the sandwiches down with a heavy skillet.
How long should each side of the panini be grilled?
Grill each side for approximately 2 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese starts to melt.
Should I butter the inside or outside of the bread?
The butter should be spread generously on the split sides of each baguette section.
How much beef broth is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of beef broth.
How do I serve the dipping sauce?
Reserve the warm sauce from the pan and serve it in small individual bowls alongside the sliced panini.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch or snacks?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a hearty lunch or a substantial snack.
Can I use a different type of shallot?
The recipe specifies one shallot, finely chopped, for the best flavor balance.
What temperature should I use for grilling?
A medium heat setting on a nonstick grill pan is recommended.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe prepares one baguette cut into four sections, which typically serves 2 to 4 people.
Should the roast beef be added to the sauce before assembly?
Yes, the beef is warmed in the sauce mixture before being piled onto the bread.
What makes this a 'Gourmet' version?
The addition of caramelized shallots, Monterey Jack pepper cheese, and a homemade dipping sauce elevates it from a standard sandwich.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack pepper cheese?
While pepper cheese adds a kick, you can use plain Monterey Jack or Provolone if preferred.
How do I know when the panini is finished cooking?
The bread should have a golden-brown crust and the cheese should be visibly melting.
Do I need to preheat the pan?
Yes, preheat the nonstick grill pan over medium heat before adding the assembled sandwiches.
How do I assemble the sandwich layers?
Pile the warm roast beef onto the buttered bread, top with cheese slices, and then place the other bread half on top.
Is the beef broth simmered or boiled?
The broth should be brought to a gentle simmer after whisking in the cornstarch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served fresh and hot to maintain the crispiness of the bread and the melt of the cheese.
What tags describe this dish?
It is categorized as a bistro-style comfort food, sandwich, and beef dish.
Should I slice the panini before or after grilling?
Assemble and grill the sections whole, then slice them in half just before serving.
Is the dipping sauce thick or thin?
The sauce is thickened slightly by the cornstarch and shallot mixture to create a rich dipping experience.
Can I use different bread?
A baguette is recommended for its structure and crunch, but other crusty breads could work.