Hey y’all! Looking for a savory, hearty sandwich that even meat-lovers will crave? These Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches pack big flavor with meaty mushrooms, caramelized onions, and melty cheese, all tucked into a crusty baguette and served with rich, homemade au jus for dipping. Whether you’re hosting a cozy lunch or just want a quick, comforting dinner, this recipe hits the spot. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
- Meaty mushrooms and caramelized onions deliver deep, umami flavor without any beef.
- Quick and easy – ready in under 40 minutes with simple prep.
- Hearty enough for dinner yet fun for a weekend lunch with friends.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and breads.
- Perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to try a plant-based twist on a classic.
Ingredients for Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 16 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 4 crusty hoagie rolls or baguette sections, split
- 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese (optional)
How to Make Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches
Step 1: Prepare the Mushroom Filling
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until caramelized and golden, about 8-10 minutes, stirring often.
- Add remaining olive oil, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook until mushrooms are browned and tender, about 8 minutes more.
- Stir in soy sauce and thyme; cook for 1-2 minutes to let flavors meld. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Vegetarian Au Jus
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add vegetable broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt.
- Simmer 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and flavorful. Keep warm.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Sandwiches
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange rolls on a baking sheet, cut side up. Layer mushroom-onion mixture on bottom halves. Top with cheese (if using).
- Bake for 6-8 minutes, until cheese melts and bread is lightly toasted.
- Top with upper halves of bread and serve hot with a bowl of au jus for dipping.
Notes & Cooking Tips for Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches
- For ultra-savory au jus, try adding a splash of mushroom powder or a few dried porcini mushrooms to the broth.
- Use a mix of mushroom varieties for deeper, layered flavor.
- Make this recipe vegan by swapping butter and cheese for plant-based alternatives. Learn more about vegan swaps here.
Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches Variations
- Vegan French Dip: Omit cheese and use vegan butter for a plant-based version.
- Spicy French Dip: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls and flour for the au jus.
Required Equipment for Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Whisk
- Oven
Storage Instructions for Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches
Store leftover mushroom filling and au jus in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For best texture, assemble sandwiches just before serving; bread can get soggy if stored with filling.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches
- Serve with a crisp green salad or creamy vegan coleslaw for balance.
- Pair with oven-baked sweet potato fries or a bowl of tomato soup.
- Enjoy with sparkling water, iced tea, or a glass of light red wine.
Pro Tips for the Best Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches
- Slice mushrooms thickly to retain their meaty texture during cooking.
- Don’t rush the caramelization step – slow, golden onions are key for depth of flavor.
- Warm your au jus just before serving for the ultimate cozy, dipping experience. Read more about caramelizing onions perfectly.
Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches FAQ
- Can I make Vegetarian French Dip Sandwiches ahead of time?
- Yes! Prep the filling and au jus up to 2 days in advance; assemble and bake sandwiches just before serving for best results.
- Which mushrooms are best for this recipe?
- Cremini, baby bella, or even portobello mushrooms work best for hearty texture and umami flavor.
- Is this recipe vegan?
- It can be! Just use vegan cheese and butter for a completely plant-based version.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 16 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 crusty baguette rolls, split
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
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2Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes.
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3In a saucepan, combine vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes to develop flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.
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4Preheat the oven broiler. Place baguette rolls on a baking sheet, layer mushroom-onion mixture and a slice of provolone cheese on each bottom half. Broil until cheese is melted and bread is toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
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5Assemble the sandwiches and serve hot with a small bowl of the vegetarian au jus for dipping.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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