Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that bring out the savory, juicy flavors without fuss. I always recommend using fresh, quality beef for the best taste—and don’t skimp on the broth for dipping. Growing up, my grandmother insisted that a good stock could transform any meal, and I couldn’t agree more. For the bread, something sturdy but soft inside works best since it soaks up the juices without falling apart.
- 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef (preferably from the deli or leftover roast)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup beef au jus or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing onions)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish (optional)
Substitutions: You can swap puff pastry for crescent roll dough if you prefer a softer, fluffier texture. For a vegetarian twist, replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth for dipping.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the onions until caramelized and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard evenly over the surface.
- Distribute the caramelized onions over the mustard, then layer the roast beef evenly on top.
- Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese generously over the beef layer.
- Fold the edges of the pastry slightly over the filling to contain it, leaving most of the surface exposed for crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While baking, warm the beef au jus or broth in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Serve the squares hot with warm au jus for dipping, garnished with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
