Turkey French Dip Sandwiches
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Give the classic French dip sandwich a simple twist with these Turkey French Dip Sandwiches. This quick, easy dinner features warm deli turkey, melty provolone cheese, and flavorful homemade gravy for dipping. It is a great option when you want something a little more interesting than a basic turkey sandwich but still need dinner on the table fast.
Thinly sliced deli turkey is piled onto soft deli rolls, topped with provolone cheese, and toasted until the cheese is nice and melty. The dipping gravy comes together with butter, flour, broth, rosemary, and thyme, creating a savory herb flavor that pairs perfectly with the turkey.
The best part is how easy the whole meal is to put together. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have warm, cheesy sandwiches and a rich dipping gravy ready in no time, making this a great choice for busy weeknights or an easy weekend lunch.
These Turkey French Dip Sandwiches are also a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. Swap the deli turkey for leftover roasted turkey, use leftover gravy for dipping, and add a layer of stuffing and cranberry sauce to the sandwich for a delicious holiday-inspired twist.
Ingredients for Turkey French Dip Sandwiches
- BUTTER – Butter forms the base of the gravy and adds rich flavor. It also combines with the flour to help thicken the broth.
- FLOUR – Flour creates a simple roux with the butter. This gives the dipping gravy a smooth, slightly thickened consistency.
- CHICKEN OR TURKEY BROTH – Broth provides the savory base for the gravy. Turkey broth gives the strongest turkey flavor, but chicken broth works just as well and is often easier to find.
- ROSEMARY – Rosemary adds a warm, earthy herb flavor that pairs especially well with turkey.
- THYME – Thyme adds another layer of savory flavor and complements both the rosemary and broth.
- BROWNING SAUCE – Browning sauce adds deeper color and a richer, more savory look to the gravy without changing the flavor very much. You usually only need a small amount, so add it gradually until the gravy reaches the color you want.
- SALT – Salt enhances the gravy’s flavor and helps bring all the ingredients together. Add it to taste, especially since some broths can already be fairly salty.
- PEPPER – Black pepper adds warmth and helps balance the gravy’s richness.
- HOAGIE OR DELI ROLLS – These sturdy rolls hold up well to the turkey, melted cheese, and dipping gravy. Choose rolls that are soft inside but firm enough not to fall apart when dipped.
- DELI TURKEY BREAST– Thinly sliced deli turkey makes these sandwiches quick and easy to assemble. Oven-roasted or smoked turkey both work well.
- PROVOLONE CHEESE – Provolone melts smoothly and adds a mild, slightly tangy flavor that pairs nicely with the turkey and herb gravy.
INSTRUCTIONS for Turkey Dip Sandwiches
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the chicken or turkey broth while whisking until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the rosemary, thyme, and browning sauce. Then season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened slightly. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm while you prepare the sandwiches.
Slice the hoagie or deli rolls in half and place them cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Layer the bottom halves generously with slices of turkey, then top with provolone cheese.
Broil the sandwiches for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are lightly toasted golden brown. Watch closely so they don’t burn.
Remove from the oven, add the top halves of the rolls, and serve the sandwiches warm with the herb gravy on the side for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken broth instead of turkey broth?
Yes. Chicken broth works very well and is usually easier to find. Turkey broth will give the gravy a slightly deeper turkey flavor.
What kind of deli turkey works best?
Oven-roasted, smoked, or traditional deli turkey all work well. Thinly sliced turkey is easiest to layer and heats through quickly.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. You can use Swiss, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even white cheddar in place of provolone.
Do I have to broil the sandwiches?
No. You can bake them at 375°F until the cheese melts and the rolls are warm, though broiling gives you a quicker toasted finish.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.
How thick should the gravy be?
It should be slightly thickened but still thin enough for dipping. If it gets too thick, whisk in a little extra broth.
Can I use leftover cooked turkey instead of deli turkey?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced leftover turkey works especially well and makes this a great way to use holiday leftovers.
What kind of rolls are best?
Hoagie rolls, deli rolls, or sturdy sandwich rolls are all good choices. You want something that can hold the filling and still stand up to dipping.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes. Sautéed onions, mushrooms, or a little Dijon mustard would all be good additions.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store the turkey, rolls, cheese, and gravy separately when possible. Refrigerate the gravy and sandwich fillings in airtight containers and reheat before assembling.
Tips and Tricks
- Add the broth slowly. Whisk it into the butter and flour a little at a time to keep the gravy smooth and lump-free.
- Keep the gravy thinner. Because it is meant for dipping, you do not want it as thick as traditional dinner gravy. Add a little more broth if needed.
- Use thinly sliced turkey. Thin slices layer better, warm more evenly, and make the sandwiches easier to bite into.
- Watch the broiler closely. The rolls and cheese can go from perfectly toasted to burned very quickly. Stay nearby and check them often.
- Serve the gravy hot. Warm dipping gravy makes the sandwiches much more flavorful and keeps the turkey and cheese feeling warm and comforting.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Turkey Brie and Cranberry Sandwiches
- Turkey Bacon Ranch Tortilla Pinwheels
- Sourdough Turkey Bacon Melt
- Turkey Pesto Sliders
Turkey French Dip Sandwiches
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
Gravy:
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 2 cups chicken broth or turkey broth
- ½ tsp rosemary
- ½ tsp thyme
- splash browning sauce like Kitchen Bouquet
- salt
- pepper
Sandwiches:
- 1 lb deli turkey sliced
- 4 slices provolone cheese sliced in half
- 4 deli rolls or hoagie rolls
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for a minute, then slowly whisk in the broth. Add in the rosemary, thyme, and browning sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for a few minutes until thickened. Keep warm while you prepare the sandwiches.
- Slice the rolls in half. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Layer the bottom half of the rolls with turkey. Top with cheese. Broil until the cheese melts and the rolls toast. Serve with the gravy.
