Delicious Vegetarian French Dip Sandwich Recipe
Are you tired of the same old lunchtime routine? Are you searching for a vegetarian twist on a classic sandwich? Look no further than my Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches recipe!
This plant-based twist on the traditional roast beef French Dip is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings with every bite. It features salty and sweet herb-infused caramelized onions, sliced mushrooms, and provolone cheese all stuffed into a crusty roll and served alongside a vegetarian au jus dipping sauce.
But this recipe isn’t just for vegetarians – even meat-eaters will love the depth of flavor in this sandwich. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to make, making it the perfect addition to your menu for your next party or casual lunch at home.
So, gather your ingredients and let’s get started on creating a Vegetarian French Dip Sandwich that everyone will love. Trust me; it won’t disappoint!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, foodies! I’m about to introduce you to a game-changing appetizer that will surely earn you the title of “Hostess with the Mostest” at your next shindig. Say hello to the Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches recipe.
But why should you choose this sandwich over all others? Well, for starters, it’s packed with deliciousness. Layers of meaty portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, and melty provolone cheese make for a satisfying bite that’ll have your guests (even the carnivores) licking their fingers.
But wait, there’s more! Unlike traditional French dip sandwiches that tend to be heavy and greasy, this vegetarian version uses a plant-based mushroom broth that’s low in sodium and won’t leave you feeling weighed down. Plus, the herb-infused au jus dipping sauce is to die for – it’s the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
Here’s another reason you’ll love this recipe: it’s budget-friendly! Unlike recipes that call for expensive cuts of beef or other pricey ingredients, the Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches recipe is easy on your wallet without skimping on flavor.
And finally, let’s not forget about our vegan friends. This recipe can easily be made vegan by using plant-based butter and cheese alternatives. It’s a crowd-pleaser for everyone in attendance!
In summary, these Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches are an absolute must-try recipe that no party would be complete without. Trust me, give them a try and watch as your guests rave about them all night long!
Ingredient List
Let’s gather our ingredients for this Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches Recipe. Here are the items you will need to make this delicious and savory meal:
For the “meat” base:
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 portobello mushroom caps, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp vegan butter
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium or homemade)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
For the au jus dipping sauce:
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, sliced in half rings
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- 8 tsp soy sauce
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp dried thyme
Other ingredients:
- 4 oz provolone cheese, sliced thin
- 4 French baguette rolls or sandwich bread slices
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Cook the Mushrooms
To start cooking the mushrooms for the vegetarian french dip sandwiches, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil divided in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add 3 portobello mushroom caps, thinly sliced and 2 garlic cloves, minced. Sauté them for approximately 5 minutes, until they have released their liquid and start to brown.
Tip: Make sure to spread out the mushrooms in the skillet as they release their liquid to ensure even browning.
Step 2: Add Onion and Herbs
Next, add 1 yellow onion, sliced half, and continue to sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes, until they have softened and caramelize slightly. To infuse some sweet herb flavors into the mushrooms and onions, add ¼ teaspoon dried oregano and ¼ teaspoon dried thyme.
Tip: If you prefer a richer umami flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder at this stage.
Step 3: Create Au Jus Dipping Sauce
Set aside the mushroom-onion mixture for now and prepare your vegetarian au jus dipping sauce. To create this feature salty and sweet herb-infused sauce, combine in a saucepan: 2 cups vegetable broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp vegan butter, 1/8 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp dried oregano, and 1/8 tsp brown sugar.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then lower it to a simmer for about 10 minutes until it reduces slightly. The end result should be rich in flavor with a thin consistency – perfect for dipping your sandwich.
Tip: If you want to make vegan au jus recipe instead, replace vegan butter with olive oil; replace soy sauce with tamari or Liquid Aminos; replace brown sugar with coconut sugar).
Step 4: Assemble Your Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches
To assemble your sandwiches recipe, start by slicing 1 medium onion, using as much or little as you desire. In another pan over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp vegan butter (or regular butter if preferred), then add the prepared sliced onions. Sauté them for about 5-6 minutes until lightly caramelized.
While you’re caramelizing onions, slice your vegetarian french dip rolls and put slices of provolone cheese on one side of each roll (leave one side uncheese because that’s where we smear butter). Then load up on the sautéed mushrooms-onion combo followed by some caramelized onions.
Again, spread some more cheese on top of the filling followed by another vegetarian french dip roll. Apply light pressure or smash it down gently and smear some softened butter on top – make sure you do this step so you get that golden-crisp
Substitutions and Variations
As a home chef, it’s always good to have flexibility in the kitchen. If you’re looking to mix up this Vegetarian French Dip Sandwich recipe, there are a number of substitutions and variations you can try.
First of all, if you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can easily substitute the provolone cheese for a plant-based option or simply omit it altogether. The key to making that cheesy goodness is with a combination of butter, garlic powder, and brown sugar. You can switch out those ingredients for their vegan counterparts such as vegan butter and your favorite sweetener.
If you can’t find portobello mushrooms, cremini mushrooms or other mushroom varieties like shiitake or oyster work well. You can also experiment with using different herbs and spices depending on your preferences. Dried thyme and oregano give a nice herb-infused flavor while soy sauce adds a salty sweet dimension to the au jus dipping sauce.
For those who are on a budget, vegetable broth is a great low-cost substitution for beef broth in this recipe. And if you’re trying to incorporate more plant-based proteins into your diet, swap out the beef roast for seitan, tofu or tempeh instead.
To make this recipe even more versatile, I suggest changing up the bread you use for the sandwich. For example, swapping out the baguette for sourdough will give it a tangy taste.
No matter how you switch up your Vegetarian French Dip Sandwich recipe, there’s no wrong way to do it. With so many variations possible, this dish guarantees that your taste buds will never be bored!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing the Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches recipe, there are plenty of options to choose from. The delicious combination of salty-sweet herb-infused au jus dipping sauce paired with the meaty portobello mushrooms creates a flavor profile that deserves unique pairings.
I recommend serving the sandwiches hot, straight out of the oven. I personally love to add some provolone cheese on top of the portobello mushrooms before broiling them for a few minutes until they’re bubbly and browned in spots. This will create an irresistible cheesy crust that everyone will love!
As for side dishes, you can never go wrong with a salad, some sweet potato fries or roasted potatoes, pickles or coleslaw for crunch and brightness, or even a hearty soup or stew. A glass of red wine is also lovely to enjoy alongside this dish.
If you’re having a big party or gathering, these sandwiches would be perfect alongside some other crowd-pleasers like sliders or baked mac and cheese! Your guests will definitely not leave hungry.
Overall, get creative and serve these Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches whichever way strikes your fancy – they truly are perfect for any meal or occasion!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Picture this: the party is over, everyone has left, and you’re left with a few extra veggie French dip sandwiches. You don’t want them to go to waste but don’t feel like eating them all at once. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with tips for storing and reheating these delicious sandwiches.
Make-Ahead: These vegetarian French dip sandwiches are perfect for making ahead of time. If you’re planning on serving them the next day or later in the week, follow the recipe up until the point of adding the au jus dipping sauce. Store the sliced mushrooms, onions, and provolone cheese in separate containers in the fridge, and store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature. Heat up the vegetable broth and prepare the au jus dipping sauce right before serving.
Storing: If you have leftovers, let them cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. The sandwich ingredients can be stored separately for up to four days in the fridge without losing their quality. Make sure to store the au jus dipping sauce separately. Remember to give it a good stir before reheating.
Reheating: There are two ways that you can reheat your vegetarian French dip sandwiches: oven or microwave. For best results, avoid using a toaster oven since they potentially dry out the bread or overcook its filling.
To Reheat in Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place your leftover sandwiches on baking sheets. Cover each sandwich with foil tightly to prevent it from becoming dry during heating. Bake for about 10 minutes–15 minutes, depending on how many sandwiches you’re reheating.
To Reheat in Microwave: Microwave is faster, but it might slightly affect sandwich texture or flavor because it might not melt cheese and toast bread evenly as an oven does. Place each sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and reheat for 1 minute until warmed through.
The vegetarian French dip sandwiches taste best when hot and fresh out of the oven or skillet, but they can still be just as delicious after reheating— making them ideal for meal prepping or having leftovers for lunch. Follow these tips for storing and reheating your sandwich ingredients separately, so they stay fresh when assembled whenever you’re ready to eat!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches requires a few tips to make sure everything comes out just right. Here are some crucial things to keep in mind while making this dish.
First, it is important to properly slice the vegetables, especially the mushrooms and onions. Aim for even slices so that everything cooks evenly and gets nicely caramelized.
To get that savory flavor in the mushroom mixture, use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water. It adds a depth of flavor without being too salty.
Another important thing to remember is not to overcook the mushrooms. They should be tender but still slightly firm when you take them off the heat. This way, they won’t turn into mush when you assemble the sandwiches.
When assembling the sandwich, place provolone cheese on top of the mushrooms and onions as this will help the cheese melt faster during broiling.
For a vegan version, replace provolone with sliced vegan cheese or nutritional yeast flakes mixed with cashew cream and soy sauce. Go for a plant-based buttery spread rather than regular butter.
In addition, use thick slices of bread that can hold up to dipping without falling apart easily.
Lastly, serve these sandwiches warm with a steaming bowl of vegetarian au jus dipping sauce or make it vegan by replacing butter with vegan butter and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The salty-sweet herb-infused vegetarian au jus will give your sandwiches an extra burst of flavor that everyone at your party will love.
These tips will ensure that your Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches are picture-perfect and utterly delicious. So tie up your apron strings and get ready to impress your guests with this budget-friendly meal from this Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches recipe!
FAQ
Before we conclude, in this section, we are addressing some of the most frequently asked questions about this Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches Recipe. Get ready for some valuable insights!
What goes well with a French dip sandwich?
Are you looking for some delicious side dishes to serve with your French dip sandwiches? Look no further! I’ve got a list of amazing options that will perfectly complement your sandwiches. You can opt for crispy green beans or chicken wings if you want something crunchy and savory. Alternatively, fries or nachos would be great if you’re craving something more carb-heavy. You can also go for a classic pairing of tomato sauce or cheese dip. Coleslaw, roasted or steamed vegetables, and pickles would be excellent choices to balance out the richness of the sandwiches. For those who love tangy flavors, fruit salads, spicy onion rings, and jicama fries could be the perfect match. And don’t forget about the hearty option of bean soup! No matter which side dish(es) you choose, your French dip sandwiches will be elevated to new heights.
What is a French dip sandwich made of?
The French Dip is a beloved sandwich typically made with thinly sliced roast beef, but can also include other meats like ham, turkey or lamb. Its key feature is being served on French bread and paired with the flavorful meat drippings known as “au jus.” This culinary classic is sure to satisfy with each bite.
Is a French dip supposed to have cheese?
One way to enjoy this dish is by serving it as is, but you can also add a twist by adding tasty toppings such as Swiss cheese and onions. To enhance the flavor, you may also provide a dipping sauce of beef broth, which is commonly referred to as au jus. Alternatively, you can use beef stock, light beef gravy, or beef consommé to substitute the dipping sauce.
What’s the difference between French dip and beef dip?
When it comes to the classic sandwich options of French Dip and Italian Beef, there are a few key differences that set them apart. A French Dip typically features thinly sliced beef that has been braised in a broth or au jus, while an Italian Beef is slow-cooked with an abundance of Italian herbs and spices, as well as pickled vegetables that lend a unique tangy flavor not found in the French Dip.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches recipe is not just for vegetarians or vegans. It is a delicious and healthy alternative to the classic French Dip sandwich, that can be enjoyed by anyone. The plant-based mushroom au jus is rich in flavor and features salty-sweet herb-infused taste that is sure to excite your taste buds.
By substituting roast beef with portobello mushrooms, and vegetable broth with low-sodium soy sauce, this recipe creates a healthy and budget-friendly French dip sandwich perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients and a little patience in the kitchen, you can create a delicious sandwich without compromising on the taste.
These sandwiches are perfect for game day, family gatherings or just a simple lunch or dinner. So, impress your friends and family with this unique vegetarian French dip sandwich recipe. I guarantee they will love it.
Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 portobello mushroom caps (about 1 lb.)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 French bread (6 inches each) or 4 ciabatta rolls (6 inches each)
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Slice the onion into thin strips. Rinse the Portobello caps to remove any dirt or debris. Slice each cap in half, then crosswise into 1/4-inch thick strips.
- Add the butter to a deep skillet along with the sliced onions. Sauté the onions over medium heat for a few minutes, or just until they begin to soften. Add the sliced mushrooms, a pinch of salt and pepper, the thyme, and oregano. Sauté the mushrooms until they release all their moisture and the liquid in the bottom of the skillet has dried up (about 10 minutes). You want to see some of the liquid browning and coating the bottom of the skillet (but not burning).
- Once the evaporated juices begin to coat the bottom of the skillet, pour in the vegetable broth. Stir to dissolve the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Also add the soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Allow the liquid to come up to a simmer, then turn down to low and simmer for about 5 minutes while you toast the bread.
- Open the rolls and place them on a baking sheet, open sides up. Turn the oven on to broil and place the rolls in the oven. Watch the rolls closely and broil just until you see a slightly browning on the edges (about 5 minutes).
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to take the mushrooms and onions out of the au jus. Divide the mushrooms and onions among the four rolls. Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone. Return the sandwiches to the oven and broil for a few minutes more, or just until the cheese is melted. Close the sandwiches up and serve with the au jus from the skillet for dipping.
- NOTE ABOUT BROTH: The type of broth you use will greatly affect the end flavor of the au jus. I used vegetable flavored Better Than Bouillon concentrate to make my broth.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!