A panini on a whole new level. This easy French Dip panini is made in a slow cooker. Flavor overload, as the perfect hot fix for cool weather!
Do you know that August is the National Panini Month. Yes, I’m celebrating it big time this month. Just few days ago, I was given a tour to the Sunset Magazine HQ. Oh boy, I love their office! And I also got a chance to meet Margo True, Sunset Magazine Food Editor.
And I spotted this panini place on my way home. It’s been a while since I had panini but I also had French dip in mind, so my creative mind got very excited and suddenly the ideas of a French dip panini popped out. If you love French Dip sandwiches, you must know Philippes in Los Angeles. It is known as the home of the original French dipped sandwich since 1908. We were there few times back when we lived in LA and never saw this place empty. The store opens as early as 6am and you can’t just leave this place without dipping your sandwich, even for breakfast.
There is something so good and right and true about this sandwich and it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. This one is so easy to make and done in a slow cooker. Ow yeah… what is better than that? Just dump everything in your slow cooker in the morning, set it, and go. In the evening, you return home to find your dinner problem solved. So if you’re still not sure what’s for dinner, there’s always a solution to it… French Dip Panini.
French Dip Panini
Ingredients
- 1 lb chuck roast
- 1 can 14.5oz beef broth
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 medium white onion sliced
- 1 cube beef bouillon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbs worcestershire sauce
- 4 tbs light soy sauce
Panini:
- 6-8 crusty rolls
- 6-8 slices swiss or provolone cheese
- Horseradish
- Butter
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in your slow cooker. While the oil is heating, generously season all sides of the chuck roast with freshly ground pepper.
- When the oil starts to shimmer, add onion and let it cook for 5-10 minutes. Carefully place the roast and the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Transfer the beef to a plate and shred with a fork.
- Reserve 3 cups of the juice from the slow cooker and add to a small sauce pan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a hard simmer and let it cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
- Using butter knife, spread butter outside of roll to create crispy top and bottom.
- Flip the roll on the other side and spread horseradish, top it with cheese. Add a pile of shredded beef. Place other slice of bread over the top, with the buttered side on top. Grill Panini sandwich with the lid close for about 5 minutes, or until cheese melts. Serve immediately with the sauce on the side for dipping.
Liz says
My gang would love these sandwiches!!! Can’t wait to give them a try!!!
Linda says
Thank you, Liz. I hope you like it 🙂
Catherine says
Dear Linda, I just love this idea. My family would LOVE this for lunch or even dinner. xo, Catherine
Linda says
Thank you, Catherine!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
Great sandwich!
Linda says
Thank you, Megan!
Candy says
What a great lunch idea. Think I’ll make these for girls day at my house
Linda says
Thank you Candy and have fun with the recipe 🙂
Rhiannon Leigh says
It had never crossed my mind to use a chuck roast, but it really is a flavorful cut and perfect for a French dip sandwich. Saves a few bucks, too!
Linda says
Thank you, Rhiannon!
Samantha @ Momma Wants Java says
This looks so good! We got a panini press for our wedding a few years ago, and we still haven’t used it yet. This recipe is telling me it’s time to change that!
Linda says
I agree. It’s time to put that machine to work. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do 🙂
Logan says
This looks delicious! I love french dips, so I will have to try your recipe!
Linda says
Thank you, Logan!
Kristen Kavan says
i am now officially starving. This looks soooo amazing. I love french dip everything!
Linda says
Thank you, Kristen!
Leah says
This Panini sounds so good! Lovely flavor idea and I can just imagine these for lunch!
Linda says
Thank you, Leah!
Nicole Taggart says
French Dip sandwiches are great!
And that office looks so cool
Linda says
Yup, I truly enjoyed the tour. It was a great and beautiful office 🙂
Lauren Gaskill says
How exciting you got to have a tour of Sunset’s offices! That + this panini = a picture perfect day!
Linda says
Thank you, Lauren. I couldn’t agree more 🙂
Johnna says
This panini looks delicious! I enjoyed seeing the Sunset office, too, particularly those copper appliances in their kitchen.
Linda says
Thank you, Johnna! You’re totally right their appliances just made me wanted to jump right away in their kitchen and cook something 🙂