15-Minute French Dinner Roll Roast Beef Sandwiches
Elegant picnic sandwiches featuring crusty French dinner rolls filled with garlic herb Boursin cheese, fresh spinach, tomatoes, and thin-sliced deli roast beef. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, lunch boxes, or casual entertaining when you want something more sophisticated than typical deli fare. The creamy Boursin adds a gourmet touch while the crusty rolls provide satisfying texture that holds up well for portable meals.
Ingredients
- 4 frozen crusty French or crusty wheat dinner rolls
- 4 tablespoons Boursin cheese with garlic and herbs, from 5.2-oz containercream cheese mixed with garlic powder and herbs1:1vegetarian
milder flavor
- 8 leaves fresh baby spinach
- 1 medium plum (Roma) tomato, cut into 8 slices
- 4 thin slices rare London-broil roast beef or regular roast beef, about 5 oz, from deliturkey or ham1:1personal preference
different protein flavor
Instructions
- 1
Heat dinner rolls as directed on package
- 2
Cool completely for about 10 minutes
- 3
Cut each roll in half crosswise with serrated knife
- 4
Spread bottom half of each roll with cheese
- 5
Top each with spinach leaves
- 6
Arrange tomato slices over spinach
- 7
Add beef, folding to fit roll
- 8
Cover with top halves of rolls
- 9
Serve immediately or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time
Tips
Use a serrated knife to cut rolls cleanly without crushing the crusty exterior.
Cool rolls completely before assembling to prevent cheese from melting and vegetables from wilting.
Fold roast beef slices to create height and prevent them from sliding out of the sandwich.
Good to Know
Refrigerate wrapped sandwiches up to 1 day. Best served within 4 hours for optimal texture.
Can assemble sandwiches up to 4 hours ahead. Wrap tightly and refrigerate.
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Great for picnics, lunch boxes, or casual meals.
Common Mistakes
Cool rolls completely before assembly to avoid soggy sandwiches from melted cheese.
Use thin deli meat slices to prevent overstuffing and difficult eating.
Substitutions
different protein flavor
milder flavor
FAQ
Can I use different types of rolls?
Yes, any crusty dinner roll works well. Avoid soft hamburger buns as they may get soggy from the tomatoes and cheese.
How long will these sandwiches keep?
Best eaten within 4 hours of assembly. Can be refrigerated wrapped for up to 1 day but bread may lose crustiness.
Can I make these without heating the rolls?
Yes, you can use the rolls at room temperature, but heating makes them crustier and more flavorful.