Get ready to meet your new favorite appetizer. These French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups pack all the savory, beefy, and cheesy flavor of a classic French Dip sandwich into a convenient, bite-sized pinwheel. They are incredibly easy to assemble and are guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear at any gathering.
We combine tender deli roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and a savory cream cheese spread all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. But the real star is the simple, homemade au jus for dipping. It creates an irresistible flavor combination that will have everyone coming back for more.
Whether you need a quick lunch, a game-day snack, or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Why This French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe is a Must-Try
Forget complicated recipes. This dish is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy home cooks.
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up these roll ups in under 30 minutes. The assembly is straightforward, and the au jus comes together in minutes.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of savory roast beef, sharp provolone, and a rich dipping sauce is a classic for a reason. It’s a flavor profile that both kids and adults love.
- Perfectly Portable: These pinwheels are easy to transport and serve, making them the ideal choice for potlucks, parties, and picnics.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare them ahead of time, which is a lifesaver when planning for an event. We’ll share all the tips below!
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Roll Ups
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use easy-to-find ingredients to create something truly special.
For the Roll Ups
- Flour Tortillas: Large, burrito-sized tortillas work best. They give you plenty of surface area to roll everything up tightly.
- Cream Cheese: Use a block of full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy spreading.
- Deli Roast Beef: A quality, thinly sliced roast beef from the deli counter is the star. Go for a lean but flavorful cut.
- Provolone Cheese: Thin slices of provolone cheese provide that perfect, melty cheese pull and a slightly sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the beef.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder infuses the cream cheese spread with a deep, savory flavor.
For the Quick & Savory Au Jus
- Beef Broth: A quality low-sodium beef broth forms the base of our dipping sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complexity and a signature tangy depth.
- Onion & Garlic Powder: These aromatics provide a foundational layer of flavor without any chopping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups. We’ll start with the au jus so it can simmer while you assemble the pinwheels.
Making the Savory Au Jus
- In a small saucepan, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it gently simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Assembling and Rolling the Tortillas
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is smooth and well-incorporated.
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the entire tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Arrange a single layer of provolone cheese slices over the cream cheese, followed by a single layer of deli roast beef.
- Starting from one end, roll the tortilla up as tightly as you can. The cream cheese will help seal it shut. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.
Slicing and Serving
- For the best results, wrap each tortilla roll tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the rolls firm up, making them much easier to slice cleanly.
- Once chilled, unwrap the rolls and use a sharp serrated knife to slice them into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Arrange the French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups on a platter and serve immediately with the warm au jus for dipping.
Pro Tips for the Best Tortilla Roll Ups
Want to ensure your roll ups are perfect every single time? Follow these expert tips.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack the tortillas with extra fillings, but this can make them difficult to roll and cause them to fall apart. Stick to single, even layers.
- Roll Tightly: A tight roll is the key to pinwheels that hold their shape. Use your fingers to keep the roll taut as you go.
- Chilling is Crucial: Don’t skip the chilling step! It makes a huge difference in getting clean, picture-perfect slices.
- Use a Serrated Knife: A bread knife or another serrated knife is the best tool for slicing through the layers without squishing the roll.
Easy Variations and Customizations
While the classic recipe is fantastic, feel free to make it your own with these simple variations.
- Add Caramelized Onions: For a deeper, sweeter flavor, spread a thin layer of caramelized onions over the cream cheese before adding the beef and cheese.
- Try Different Cheeses: Swiss, Gruyère, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese would all be delicious alternatives to provolone.
- A Touch of Horseradish: Mix a teaspoon of prepared horseradish into the cream cheese spread for a zesty kick. If you enjoy cheesy and savory appetizers, you might also love this Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer.
Make-Ahead and Storage Guide
These roll ups are perfect for planning ahead. Here’s how to do it right.
Making Ahead
You can assemble the rolls (without slicing them) up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice and arrange them with the freshly reheated au jus.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The au jus can be stored separately in the fridge and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. For another easy meal idea, check out this delicious beef and broccoli recipe.
What to Serve with French Dip Pinwheels
These roll ups are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a simple green salad, a bowl of crispy potato chips, or some crunchy coleslaw. They are a versatile dish, much like these easy sheet pan chicken pitas, which are also great for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! They are perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the rolls (without slicing) up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, store in the fridge, and slice just before serving.
These roll ups are typically served cold, which makes them a very convenient party food. However, they are served with a warm au jus for dipping, which creates a delicious temperature contrast.
The cream cheese spread acts as a barrier to prevent sogginess. Also, ensure your roast beef is patted dry if it has excess moisture. Assembling and serving within 24 hours is key.
If you don’t have provolone, Swiss cheese is an excellent substitute with a similar nutty and mild flavor. Gruyère or even a mild white cheddar would also work well.
Thinly sliced deli roast beef is the best choice for this recipe. A quality, lean cut like top round provides great flavor without being too fatty, which helps the roll ups hold together well.
The Ultimate French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups (The Ultimate Party Appetizer)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine the beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Keep warm.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder until smooth.
- Lay a tortilla flat. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over the entire tortilla.
- Layer with 2 slices of provolone cheese, then a single layer of roast beef.
- Roll the tortilla up tightly. Repeat for the remaining tortillas.
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Unwrap and use a sharp serrated knife to slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Serve immediately with the warm au jus for dipping.
Notes
Tip 2: Use a serrated knife (like a bread knife) for slicing to avoid squishing the rolls.
Tip 3: Assemble the rolls a day ahead and slice just before serving for an easy party prep.
Pin This Recipe!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to save it for later! Pin it to your favorite appetizer board on Pinterest so you can always find it. Your friends will thank you!
