Flaky Biscuits with Roast Beef

These French Dip Bites deliver flaky biscuits filled with tender roast beef and melted cheese, served with a rich au jus for dipping. They make a perfect appetizer or party snack that’s both comforting and full of savory flavor.

I first made these for a casual game night, and they quickly became the star of the table. Everyone loved the balance of melty cheese and savory beef sealed in a buttery biscuit.

Ingredients

• Ready-to-bake biscuit dough: ensures flaky and buttery biscuits with minimal prep choose a high-quality brand for best results
• Provolone cheese: melts beautifully and complements the beef without overpowering it
• Roast beef from the deli: opt for freshly sliced from a good deli counter to keep it tender and flavorful
• Melted butter: adds richness and helps brown the biscuits to a golden finish
• Worcestershire sauce: brings umami and depth to the buttery topping
• Garlic powder: imparts a subtle savory aroma
• Onion powder: adds mild sweetness and complexity
• Dried thyme leaves and dried rosemary leaves: add earthy herbal notes that pair perfectly with beef
• Fine salt and ground black pepper: essential seasonings that balance the flavors
• Hot beef broth: serves as the au jus for dipping, so choose a flavorful broth or make your own for best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Oven Preparation:

Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a baking pan so the biscuits do not stick and set it aside.

Shape the Biscuit Dough:

Separate the biscuit dough into 8 individual pieces. Use your fingers to gently press and flatten each piece into a small round disc.

Assemble Fillings:

Place one slice of roast beef on top of each biscuit dough disc followed by a slice of provolone cheese.

Seal the Bites:

Pinch the edges of the dough upward and over the filling, carefully sealing it into a ball shape to keep the cheese and beef enclosed.

Arrange in Pan:

Place each filled dough ball into the prepared baking pan with the sealed side facing down to avoid openings during baking.

Prepare the Butterty Seasoning:

In a small bowl, combine melted butter with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all flavors.

Brush the Seasoned Butter on the Bites:

Generously brush the top of each dough ball with the butter mixture to create a rich, flavorful crust.

Bake:

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops of the biscuits turn a golden brown color indicating they are fully cooked and crisp on top.

Heat the Au Jus:

While the bites bake, heat the beef broth gently in a small pot over medium heat until warmed through so it is ready for dipping.

Serve:

Serve the warm French Dip Bites alongside bowls of the hot beef broth for dipping to enjoy that classic sandwich experience in bite-sized form.

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I love the combination of herbs in the butter brush; the rosemary and thyme bring out the comforting flavors of the beef perfectly. One winter evening, making these bites brought everyone in the family to the kitchen, eagerly waiting for their turn to dip and savor each warm, cheesy bite.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at a low temperature to keep the biscuit flaky and the filling heated through. You can freeze unbaked, filled dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swiss or mozzarella cheese can be used instead of provolone for a milder or creamier melt. Roast beef can be swapped for thinly sliced turkey or ham if you prefer different deli meats. Beef broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a lighter dipping option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They also pair well with a crunchy pickle or coleslaw for that classic deli experience.

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Cultural Context

French Dip sandwiches originated in Los Angeles in the early 1900s and have since become a beloved American comfort food. This bite-sized version captures all the flavors of the traditional sandwich in an easy, shareable appetizer format.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of biscuit dough works best?

Ready-to-bake biscuit dough with a flaky texture enhances the contrast between the crisp exterior and the tender filling.

→ How can I keep the filling from leaking out during baking?

Pinch the edges tightly around the roast beef and cheese to seal the dough balls securely before baking.

→ Can I use a different cheese than provolone?

Cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss also melt well and complement the beef's flavor nicely.

→ What is the purpose of brushing the tops with the butter mixture?

The buttery blend with herbs enhances browning and adds a savory, aromatic crust to the biscuits.

→ How should the au jus be served?

Warm the beef broth separately and serve it in small bowls for dipping each biscuit bite.