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French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups are my go to when I want all the flavor of a classic French dip sandwich but in a quicker hand held form The melty cheese savory beef and crispy tortilla make these disappear fast at parties or family movie nights and that rich dipping sauce brings everything together
I always end up making a double batch because they go so quickly My friends ask me for the recipe every time we have a casual get together and these are always my most requested appetizer
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas: Choose large soft tortillas for easy rolling Look for ones that bend without cracking
- Provolone cheese: Creamy flavor that melts beautifully Try to pick a block or freshly sliced from the deli for best texture
- Deli sliced roast beef: Tender thin slices hold up well when baked Ask for it sliced at the counter not prepackaged
- French fried onions: These add irresistible crunch and a bit of sweetness Use the kind you find in a can near the salad toppings
- Olive oil: Helps the rolls get golden on the outside Use extra virgin if you want that fresh flavor
- Beef consommé: Creates the base for a rich flavorful dip Look for this in the soup aisle for concentrated beef taste
- Water: Thins the sauce without making it bland Use filtered if possible
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a complex depth Make sure yours is not expired for best punch
- Soy sauce: Enhances savory notes Choose a low sodium version if watching salt
- Onion powder: Adds bonus onion flavor without chopping Freshness counts so check that it smells strong
- Garlic powder: Infuses warmth and a rounded flavor Look for garlic powder not garlic salt
Instructions
- Make the Filling:
- Lay your tortillas flat on a board Tear the provolone into bits and scatter them so each bite gets cheese Cover with slices of roast beef Arrange the beef evenly so the layers are not lumpy Sprinkle a generous handful of French fried onions over the beef pressing them in so they stick to the gooey cheese
- Roll and Seal:
- Fold in the left and right edges of the tortilla about an inch toward the center Roll tightly from the bottom upward like you would a burrito Pull back gently as you roll to keep the filling snug Brush a line of olive oil along the edge to help seal the roll Place the roll with its seam facing down on your baking sheet Repeat with all tortillas
- Prep for Baking:
- Brush the tops of rolled tortillas lightly with olive oil This is what crisps up the outside and gives shine Make sure every part is covered but avoid soaking or you will get soggy tortillas
- Bake Until Golden:
- Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven at four hundred twenty five degrees Bake for about ten minutes Watch through the door as the tortillas puff and turn golden brown The cheese inside will melt and the beef will warm without drying out If you want them extra crispy broil for an extra minute but watch closely to avoid burning
- Make the Dipping Sauce:
- While things bake pour beef consommé water Worcestershire sauce soy sauce onion powder and garlic powder in a saucepan Stir well then heat on medium until steaming but not boiling Taste to adjust salt or seasoning Keep warm until ready to serve
- Slice and Serve:
- Take the golden roll ups from the oven Use a sharp knife to slice each in half for easy dipping Serve right away while hot with cups of the warm sauce for dunking The crunchy onions inside and the savory sauce are irresistible
Provolone is my absolute favorite here because it gets that perfect pull when melted My son loves helping sprinkle the onions on and it has become our quick Friday night dinner ritual We always laugh because someone sneaks extra onions onto their roll up
Storage Tips
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and store in the fridge for up to three days To reheat bake at three hundred fifty degrees until hot for about ten minutes so the tortillas crisp up again Avoid microwaving or you lose the crunch If you make extra dipping sauce warm it separately and add a splash of water to thin if needed
Ingredient Substitutions
Do not have provolone Swap in mozzarella or Swiss cheese Want it spicier Try pepper jack For a shortcut you can use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef Just add a bit more seasoning to the sauce If you are out of French fried onions try crispy shallots or even thin kettle chips as a last resort
Serving Suggestions
I often pair these with a crisp salad of romaine and vinaigrette for a refreshing side If you want to take them over the top serve with roasted potato wedges or sweet potato fries These also work as a fun lunchbox addition since they hold together better than a typical sandwich
Cultural and Historical Context
The French dip sandwich started in Southern California with two iconic delis dueling over who invented it This recipe captures that beefy cheesy spirit but lightens it up with tortillas instead of bread You get all that signature savory dunk in a smaller bite that is easier for parties and sharing
Seasonal Adaptations
Great for winter parties or game days with hearty roast beef Swap in turkey and cranberry sauce during the holidays for a seasonal take Add a few leaves of fresh baby spinach in spring for extra freshness
Success Stories
I prepped these for my son’s birthday and the entire platter disappeared before the adults even got a chance Since then I always make extra batches for parties They are now a staple on our Super Bowl snack table too and even picky eaters ask for seconds
Freezer Meal Conversion
Roll up the tortillas and freeze unbaked in a single layer Once solid wrap in foil and store for up to two months When ready to bake thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual for a quick last minute meal Prep the sauce fresh for best flavor
Once you try these French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups you will want to make them again and again They are sure to become a favorite for gatherings and cozy nights at home
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of roast beef works best?
Deli-sliced roast beef with some marbling offers tenderness and deep flavor.
- → Can I use different cheese?
Yes, swap provolone for Swiss, mozzarella, or Gruyère based on your taste preferences.
- → How do I make the roll ups extra crispy?
Bake until golden and lightly brush with olive oil for a crunchy exterior.
- → Is there a substitute for French fried onions?
Crispy shallots or homemade fried onions can be used for texture and flavor.
- → How can I make the dipping sauce richer?
Simmer the sauce to concentrate flavors, or add a splash of red wine or a sprig of thyme.