The French Dip sandwich, a culinary icon, is celebrated for its savory simplicity: thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a crusty roll, served with a flavorful au jus for dipping. But a question often arises, sparking debate and dividing food enthusiasts: Does a French Dip have cheese? The answer, as with many beloved dishes, isn’t as straightforward as one might think. It’s a matter of tradition, regional variations, personal preference, and ultimately, what you’re craving.
The Traditional French Dip: A Cheese-Free Zone
Historically, the classic French Dip, originating in Los Angeles, is a cheese-free affair. The original versions, dating back to the early 20th century, focused on the quality of the beef, the texture of the bread, and the richness of the au jus. The beauty lay in the harmonious blend of these three core components.
The sandwich was conceived as a solution for a customer with sensitive teeth, the story goes. The bread was dipped in the pan drippings, making it softer and easier to eat. This simple act inadvertently created a culinary legend. The original recipe didn’t call for cheese, and for many purists, adding it is considered a departure from the authentic experience.
Philippe the Original vs. Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet: The Origins
Two Los Angeles restaurants, Philippe the Original and Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet, both claim to be the birthplace of the French Dip. Regardless of which restaurant truly invented it, both have historically served the sandwich without cheese. The focus remained on the roast beef, the bread (usually a French roll), and the all-important au jus. This traditional approach highlights the interplay of textures and flavors without the added richness of cheese.
Why No Cheese? The Argument for Purity
The argument against cheese in a traditional French Dip centers around maintaining the purity of the original flavor profile. Proponents of the cheese-free version believe that cheese can mask the subtle nuances of the roast beef and overpower the delicate flavors of the au jus. They argue that the richness of the beef and the dipping sauce are sufficient, and adding cheese simply detracts from the overall experience. The balance of savory, salty, and slightly sweet is considered perfect as is.
The Modern French Dip: Embracing Cheese
While the traditional French Dip may not include cheese, the modern interpretation often embraces it. Many restaurants and home cooks now offer cheesy variations, catering to evolving tastes and preferences. This shift reflects a broader trend in culinary innovation, where classic dishes are reimagined with contemporary twists.
The inclusion of cheese opens up a world of possibilities, adding another layer of flavor and texture to the sandwich. However, the choice of cheese is crucial to ensure it complements, rather than overwhelms, the other ingredients.
Popular Cheese Choices for a French Dip
When cheese is added to a French Dip, certain varieties tend to work better than others. The ideal cheese should melt well, have a complementary flavor profile, and not be too overpowering. Here are some popular choices:
- Swiss: A classic choice, Swiss cheese offers a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with roast beef without being too assertive. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the sandwich.
- Provolone: Another excellent melting cheese, Provolone has a slightly sharper flavor than Swiss, adding a bit more complexity to the overall taste.
- Monterey Jack: A mild and buttery cheese that melts exceptionally well, Monterey Jack is a good option for those who prefer a more subtle cheesy flavor.
- Mozzarella: While not as common as the other options, mozzarella can be a good choice, especially fresh mozzarella, which adds a creamy and slightly tangy element.
- Havarti: Creamy and mild, Havarti melts well and adds a luxurious texture to the sandwich.
The Rise of Cheesy Variations: Catering to Preferences
The increasing popularity of cheesy French Dips reflects a broader culinary trend of customization and personalization. Diners are increasingly seeking options that cater to their individual tastes. Restaurants are responding by offering variations on classic dishes, including the French Dip, to appeal to a wider audience. This trend has led to the proliferation of cheesy French Dips on menus across the country.
The inclusion of cheese also aligns with the growing popularity of cheese-centric dishes in general. From grilled cheese sandwiches to mac and cheese variations, cheese has become a star ingredient in many contemporary culinary creations. The French Dip, with its inherent richness and savory profile, is a natural candidate for this cheesy transformation.
Regional Variations and Personal Preferences
The prevalence of cheese on a French Dip can also vary depending on the region. In some areas, it’s considered a standard addition, while in others, it’s viewed as an optional enhancement. Ultimately, whether or not to include cheese often comes down to personal preference.
What constitutes a “good” French Dip is subjective. Some people appreciate the simplicity of the traditional version, while others prefer the added richness and flavor complexity that cheese provides. There’s no right or wrong answer – it’s simply a matter of individual taste.
West Coast vs. East Coast: Cheese Preferences
While the French Dip originated on the West Coast (specifically Los Angeles), the preference for cheese can vary across different regions of the United States. On the West Coast, the traditional, cheese-free version is often more prevalent. However, in other parts of the country, particularly on the East Coast, cheesy French Dips are more common.
This regional variation reflects the broader culinary landscape of the United States, where different regions have their own unique food traditions and preferences. While there are national trends in food, regional variations often persist, shaping the way dishes are prepared and consumed.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
Regardless of whether you choose to include cheese, the quality of the ingredients is paramount to creating a truly exceptional French Dip. High-quality roast beef, crusty bread, and a flavorful au jus are essential. If you opt for cheese, choosing a variety that complements the other ingredients is crucial.
The roast beef should be tender, juicy, and thinly sliced. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy, yet soft enough to bite into easily. The au jus should be rich, savory, and flavorful, providing the perfect dipping experience.
Making the Perfect French Dip: With or Without Cheese
Whether you’re a purist who prefers the classic, cheese-free version or an adventurous eater who enjoys experimenting with cheesy variations, there are a few key steps to making the perfect French Dip:
- Choose high-quality ingredients: As mentioned earlier, the quality of the ingredients is essential. Select the best roast beef, bread, and cheese you can find.
- Prepare the au jus: The au jus is the soul of the French Dip. Use a good quality beef broth and enhance it with pan drippings, herbs, and spices.
- Assemble the sandwich: Pile the roast beef high on the bread. If using cheese, add it on top of the beef.
- Toast or warm the sandwich: Toasting the bread or warming the sandwich in the oven can enhance the flavors and textures.
- Serve with au jus: Serve the sandwich with a generous portion of au jus for dipping.
Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your French Dip
Once you’ve mastered the basics of making a French Dip, you can start experimenting with different variations and flavor combinations. Adding caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or horseradish sauce can elevate the sandwich to a whole new level. You can also try using different types of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta, to add variety.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different cheeses as well. Try using a combination of cheeses, such as Swiss and Gruyere, for a more complex flavor profile. Or, add a touch of spice with a pepper jack cheese.
The Art of the Au Jus: The Heart of the Sandwich
The au jus is arguably the most important element of a French Dip. A flavorful and well-prepared au jus can make or break the entire sandwich. The key to a great au jus is using high-quality beef broth and enhancing it with pan drippings from the roast beef.
You can also add herbs, spices, and vegetables to the au jus for added flavor. Some popular additions include thyme, rosemary, garlic, onions, and carrots. Simmering the au jus for an extended period of time will allow the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more complex sauce.
Pairing Suggestions: Completing the Meal
A French Dip is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate the dining experience. Some popular pairings include:
- French Fries: A classic pairing, French fries provide a crispy and salty contrast to the savory sandwich.
- Onion Rings: Another great option for a crispy and flavorful side dish.
- Coleslaw: The creamy and tangy flavors of coleslaw can help to cut through the richness of the sandwich.
- Potato Salad: A classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of sandwiches.
- Pickles: The acidity of pickles can help to balance the richness of the French Dip.
The Verdict: Cheese or No Cheese? It’s Up to You
So, does a French Dip have cheese? The answer, as we’ve explored, is a resounding “it depends.” Traditionally, no, it does not. But in the modern culinary landscape, the addition of cheese is a perfectly acceptable and often delicious variation. The ultimate decision rests on your personal preferences and what you’re craving. Whether you’re a purist who prefers the classic simplicity of the original or an adventurous foodie who enjoys experimenting with cheesy creations, there’s a French Dip out there for you. The most important thing is to use high-quality ingredients, prepare the au jus with care, and enjoy the experience of savoring this iconic sandwich.
Is cheese traditionally included in a French Dip sandwich?
The classic French Dip sandwich, in its purest form, traditionally does not include cheese. It’s defined by thinly sliced roast beef served on a French roll or baguette, usually dipped in or accompanied by au jus (beef broth). The focus is on the savory beef flavor enhanced by the salty, rich broth, and the simple combination is considered the hallmark of a traditional French Dip.
However, modern variations and personal preferences often lead to the inclusion of cheese. Provolone, Swiss, and Monterey Jack are popular choices for those who enjoy a cheesy French Dip. While not authentic, adding cheese can provide a creamy texture and complementary flavor, transforming the sandwich into a more decadent and comforting experience.
Why do some recipes for French Dip include cheese?
The inclusion of cheese in some French Dip recipes is primarily driven by culinary innovation and catering to a wider range of tastes. As with many classic dishes, chefs and home cooks often experiment to create new and exciting variations. Adding cheese is a simple way to enhance the flavor profile and introduce a different textural element.
Furthermore, cheese appeals to a large segment of the population, making the sandwich more marketable and appealing in restaurants. From a business perspective, offering a cheesy French Dip broadens the customer base and allows for customization, ultimately increasing sales and customer satisfaction.
What kind of cheese is commonly added to a French Dip?
While the traditional French Dip eschews cheese entirely, those who prefer a cheesy version often opt for cheeses that melt well and complement the beef’s flavor. Provolone is a very popular choice due to its mild, slightly tangy flavor and excellent melting properties, creating a gooey and satisfying bite.
Other commonly used cheeses include Swiss, known for its nutty and slightly sweet flavor, and Monterey Jack, which is mild and creamy, providing a subtle richness. Mozzarella, Gruyere, and even pepper jack can also be used, depending on the desired level of flavor intensity and spice. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference.
Does adding cheese change the fundamental essence of a French Dip?
Adding cheese undeniably alters the character of a French Dip. The traditional sandwich is prized for its simplicity, highlighting the rich, savory flavor of the beef and the accompanying au jus. The absence of cheese allows these flavors to shine through without interference.
However, whether it fundamentally changes the essence is subjective. Some argue that any addition deviates from the original intention and spirit of the sandwich. Others believe that enhancements, like cheese, can be a welcome evolution, expanding the culinary experience while still retaining the core elements of beef and au jus.
Are there regional variations of the French Dip that include cheese?
While the French Dip is generally understood to be a sandwich of sliced roast beef on a French roll with au jus, regional variations do exist, and some of these include cheese. These are not necessarily “official” variations in the sense of adhering to a strict tradition, but rather local adaptations that have become popular within specific areas.
For example, in some areas, restaurants might offer a “deluxe” or “loaded” French Dip which invariably includes cheese alongside other additions like caramelized onions or horseradish sauce. It’s important to note that these variations are often menu-driven and influenced by customer preferences in a particular region.
What is the best way to add cheese to a French Dip if I choose to?
The best way to add cheese to a French Dip involves careful consideration of both the type of cheese and the method of melting. Choosing a cheese that melts well and complements the beef’s flavor, such as Provolone or Swiss, is crucial for a satisfying result. Avoid cheeses that are overly oily or do not melt smoothly.
To melt the cheese, you can either place the cheese slices on top of the hot beef shortly before assembling the sandwich, allowing the residual heat to melt them. Alternatively, you can briefly broil the assembled sandwich with the cheese on top, ensuring the bread doesn’t burn. Another method is to quickly melt the cheese in a microwave before adding it to the sandwich.
How can I decide whether or not to add cheese to my French Dip?
Deciding whether or not to add cheese to a French Dip is entirely a matter of personal preference. If you’re a purist who appreciates the simplicity and savory richness of the beef and au jus, then sticking with the traditional, cheese-less version is likely the best choice.
However, if you enjoy the creamy texture and added flavor that cheese brings, then feel free to experiment. Consider what other flavors you might want to incorporate, as different cheeses can complement different profiles. Trying both versions, with and without cheese, can help you determine your ultimate preference.