French Dip Sandwich

A french dip sandwich is a combination of cooked beef, cheese, baguette, and au jus (beef broth). As a prepared food item it has a shorter lifespan compared to its individual components. If stored in the refrigerator immediately after it’s made or delivered, this sandwich can last for up to 3-4 days. Leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours can significantly decrease its life due to bacterial growth. Although it's not very common, you can freeze french dip sandwiches. They can last in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.

When a french dip sandwich has gone bad, it will show certain signs. Firstly, it might develop an off smell, especially the beef part of the sandwich. This aroma could be funky, tangy, or an otherwise unusual smell. Secondly, visual cues could be there. Watch out for any discoloration or mold in the beef, cheese or bread. The bread might also become overly soggy or hard, and the beef could have a slimy or sticky texture. Finally, if it tastes sour or just off, then the sandwich has likely gone bad.

• Always refrigerate your French dip sandwich within two hours of preparing it. • Store it in a sealed container to minimize exposure to air. • If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing the sandwich. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before putting it in a freezer bag. • Consider deconstructing it before storage if staying fresh longer is important. Store the components separately and then assemble when you’re going to eat it. • Defrost any frozen French Dip Sandwich in the refrigerator rather than leaving it out on the counter. This prevents bacterial growth.