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Craving a savory party snack that packs all the best flavors of a French Dip sandwich without the fuss of a big loaf or slow roast This French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups recipe brings together thinly sliced deli roast beef gooey provolone and crispy French fried onions wrapped up in golden tortillas served with warm au jus for dunking This go to finger food is easy enough for family snacks and tasty enough to steal the show on any appetizer platter
When I first made these my kids declared they are better than takeout French Dips and now the roll ups make a regular appearance anytime friends stop by unexpectedly
Ingredients
- Large flour tortillas: Choose soft yet sturdy twelve inch tortillas so they hold the fillings and crisp up without cracking Warm briefly to keep them pliable
- Provolone cheese: Use thinly sliced provolone for classic flavor and perfect melting Look for freshly sliced at the deli counter for best quality
- Deli roast beef: Fresh slices work best Avoid pre packaged versions for a juicier result
- French fried onions: Adds satisfying crunch and salty flavor You can use store bought or make your own if you have extra time
- Extra virgin olive oil: Brushing the tortillas helps achieve a golden crisp outside Opt for good quality oil for best flavor
- Beef consommé: This forms the base of the au jus Seek out cans labeled beef consommé for richer taste compared to ordinary beef broth
- Water: Helps to mellow and stretch the au jus
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings deep umami richness A little goes a long way so pick a trusted brand
- Low sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness and adds a savory edge Low sodium prevents the dip from getting too salty
- Onion powder: Offers sweet savory undertones and keeps the dip extra flavorful
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the broth and layers on cozy aroma Choose fresh spices for best results
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
- Set your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper This prevents sticking and helps your roll ups crisp evenly
- Assemble the First Tortilla:
- Lay one tortilla flat Spread two slices of provolone cheese over one half of the tortilla so each bite gets gooey cheese Layer on approximately three ounces of freshly sliced roast beef and a generous handful of French fried onions Brush the inside edge of the tortilla with olive oil to help it seal tightly
- Roll and Seal:
- Starting from the filled end roll the tortilla up as tightly as possible so the fillings do not fall out Press the oiled edge to make it seal and stay shut then place seam side down on your baking sheet
- Repeat and Brush:
- Repeat steps two and three with the remaining tortillas and fillings Space them evenly on the baking sheet and gently brush the tops and sides of each roll up with more olive oil This step ensures a beautiful golden crust
- Bake the Roll Ups:
- Bake for eight to ten minutes until the tortillas are crisp and golden and the cheese starts to bubble at the edges Rotate the baking sheet partway through if needed so they bake evenly
- Make the Au Jus Dip:
- While the roll ups are baking combine the beef consommé water Worcestershire sauce soy sauce onion powder and garlic powder in a small saucepan Whisk together and heat over medium until gently simmering about three to four minutes so all flavors meld
- Rest and Slice:
- Let the roll ups rest for two minutes on a wire rack so the cheese settles before slicing Cut each roll into halves or thirds depending on your serving needs
- Serve with Au Jus:
- Arrange the sliced roll ups on a platter and serve immediately alongside warm au jus dip
My favorite part is definitely that gooey melt of provolone mingling with the warm roast beef The first time my daughter helped assemble these we ended up eating the cheese and onions straight from the pan and laughing before the roll ups even went into the oven
Storage Tips
Keep leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the fridge They stay fresh and crispy when reheated in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for around six minutes Avoid microwaving or they may turn soggy For longer storage freeze assembled uncooked roll ups tightly wrapped then bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes
Ingredient Substitutions
Switch the cheese Try mozzarella or Swiss for a twist Use chicken or turkey deli meat instead of roast beef for a lighter flavor Swap French fried onions for crispy shallots if you want a homemade touch
Serving Suggestions
These are excellent as a main course for lunch or a light dinner paired with a green salad or veggie sticks On game days slice the roll ups into thirds for easy to grab snacks If you need a heartier meal serve alongside roasted potatoes or coleslaw
Cultural Context
French Dip sandwiches are a California classic invented in the early nineteen hundreds and these roll ups celebrate the same crowd pleasing flavors in a more bite sized form Dipping the tacos in savory jus stays true to the original tradition
Seasonal Adaptations
Add sautéed mushrooms inside for an earthy fall version Tuck in roasted red peppers for summertime color Mix in a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary with the provolone for a holiday spin
Letting the baked roll ups rest before slicing keeps the filling neat and cheesy and brings this party snack to the next level Serve hot with plenty of au jus for dunking and enjoy every bite
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of tortillas work best for rolling?
Large, soft flour tortillas make it easy to wrap the fillings tightly without cracking or tearing.
- → Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes, Swiss or mozzarella both melt well and can be used in place of provolone for a different flavor.
- → How do I keep the rolls from unwrapping while baking?
Brushing the inner edge with olive oil helps seal the roll ups, and placing them seam-side down keeps them secure.
- → What’s the best technique for slicing the roll ups?
Allow rolls to cool for a couple of minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut cleanly into halves or thirds.
- → How do I reheat leftovers without losing crispness?
Rewarm in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F to revive the crispy exterior and melty cheese inside.
- → Is the au jus dip necessary?
The au jus brings authentic flavor and enhances each bite, but the roll ups are tasty on their own as well.