French Dip Sliders
Amazing French Dip Sliders
French Dip Sliders start with tender roast beef, melty provolone, and savory au jus for dipping. This recipe turns the classic sandwich into small, shareable sliders that work for game day, weeknight dinners, and parties. The sliders balance sweet rolls, caramelized onions, and a buttery topping. They bake fast and serve warm with rich au jus. You get bold flavor with little hands-on time.
Why You’ll Love This French Dip Sliders
You’ll love these sliders because they mix comfort and convenience. The sweet rolls keep the sandwich soft. Provolone melts into every bite. Caramelized onions add deep, savory sweetness. The au jus brings a warm, beefy dip that makes each slider juicy. You can prep the onions ahead. You can bake right before guests arrive. These sliders feed a crowd without fuss.
How to Make French Dip Sliders
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 medium onion, thinly sliced, 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 12 sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian or similar), 10 slices provolone cheese, 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix, 1 packet au jus gravy mix, 3 cups water, Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient notes: You can swap provolone for mozzarella or Swiss if you prefer. Use any soft sweet rolls you like. If you want lower sodium, choose a low-sodium au jus mix and lower-salt deli roast beef. For a lighter option, use whole wheat sweet rolls or smaller rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat Oven and Prepare Rolls:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Using a long serrated knife, slice the entire block of sweet rolls horizontally—keeping them connected. Lift off the top layer and set it aside, then place the connected bottom halves into the prepared baking dish.
Caramelize the Onions:
In a medium skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onion, minced thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until the onions are very soft and deeply caramelized. Set aside.
Prepare the Butter Topping:
Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a small bowl or saucepan. This will be brushed over the rolls before baking.
Assemble the Sliders:
Layer half of the provolone slices over the bottom rolls. Add the thinly sliced roast beef, then spoon the caramelized onions evenly over the top. Place the remaining provolone slices over the onions, then return the top section of the rolls to complete the sliders.
Brush and Bake (Covered):
Brush the tops of the rolls generously with the melted butter. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Bake Uncovered and Rest:
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes, or until the tops turn golden and the cheese is fully melted. Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes in the baking dish before slicing to help the cheese set.
Craft the Au Jus:
While the sliders bake, prepare the dipping sauce. Combine the au jus gravy mix, dried onion soup mix, and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed and keep warm until serving.
Slice, Serve, and Garnish:
After the sliders have rested, slice along the roll lines to separate them. Arrange them on a serving platter and pour the warm au jus into small bowls for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes on the steps: Follow the order to keep the rolls soft and the cheese melty. Caramelizing the onions slowly brings out more sweet-savory flavor. Keep the au jus warm so it stays aromatic and rich when guests dunk the sliders.
How to Serve French Dip Sliders
Serve the sliders hot with small bowls of au jus at each place. Place toothpicks in sliders if you will pass them on a platter. Add small side bowls of pickles, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For parties, arrange sliders on a large board with extra au jus pitchers. Napkins are a must. Let guests dip and eat with their hands.
Pairing ideas: Serve with kettle chips or crispy fries. For a cool drink, offer sparkling grape juice or iced tea. For family dinners, a simple coleslaw or roasted carrots work well.
How to Store French Dip Sliders
Cool the sliders to room temperature before storing. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer sliders to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 10-15 minutes until warm and the cheese melts again. For reheating individual portions, microwave for 20-40 seconds, then crisp in a toaster oven for a minute if needed.
Store the au jus separately in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Rewarm gently on the stove and stir before serving. Do not bring the au jus back to a rolling boil to avoid reducing it too much.
Freezing: You can freeze fully assembled sliders before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed.
Tips to Make French Dip Sliders Perfect
- Use thinly sliced roast beef. Thin slices warm quickly and stay tender.
- Toast the bottom rolls a minute in the oven before assembling if you want a firmer base.
- Spread the provolone to cover edges so each slider has melted cheese.
- Keep the butter topping salted if you use unsalted rolls. A small sprinkle of extra salt on top helps flavor.
- Let the sliders rest five minutes after baking. This keeps cheese from spilling out and helps slices hold together.
- Taste the au jus before serving. Adjust with a pinch of salt or a dash of black pepper if needed.
Ingredient substitutions: Swap provolone for Swiss or mozzarella. Use turkey bacon in other recipes that call for bacon. Use chicken ham where a ham substitute would fit. For lower salt, pick a low-sodium au jus mix and low-salt roast beef.
Flavor Variations
- Mushroom and Swiss: Sauté mushrooms with the onions and swap provolone for Swiss. This adds earthy depth.
- Horseradish Kick: Mix a teaspoon of prepared horseradish into the au jus. Offer extra at the table for heat lovers.
- Mustard Melt: Spread Dijon mustard thinly on the bottom rolls before the cheese for tang.
- BBQ Twist: Add a light brush of mild barbecue sauce over the roast beef before adding the caramelized onions. Keep the au jus on the side.
- Italian Style: Use mozzarella and a pinch of oregano. Swap au jus for a light beef broth seasoned with garlic and basil for dipping.
Each variation stays simple. Keep the baking time similar. Adjust small flavors to taste.
Pro Tips for Success
- Caramelize onions slowly. Low heat brings out natural sugars without burning.
- Keep the rolls connected while assembling. That makes slicing quicker.
- Use a serrated knife to slice neat sliders. Press lightly to avoid squashing.
- Warm the au jus in a small slow cooker for a party. It stays hot and easy to serve.
- If you prefer more sauce, double the au jus mix and add gently to taste. Simmer to concentrate flavor if needed.
FAQs About French Dip Sliders
Q: Can I make these sliders ahead of time and bake later?
A: Yes. You can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge. For longer hold times, assemble and wrap tightly, then refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bring them to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the sliders are still cold.
Q: What is the best bread for French Dip Sliders?
A: Soft sweet rolls like King’s Hawaiian work well because they stay tender and add a touch of sweetness that pairs with caramelized onions. You can use slider buns or small brioche rolls. If you prefer a firmer bite, choose a crustier roll, but the texture will change. The key is to use a roll that holds the meat and melts with the cheese.
Q: How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
A: Avoid soaking the bottom rolls with au jus. Serve the au jus on the side for dipping. You can lightly toast the bottom rolls for a minute before assembling for added barrier against sogginess. Also, let the sliders rest five minutes after baking so the juices redistribute and the cheese sets a bit.
Q: Can I use leftover roast beef or cooked steak?
A: Yes. Leftover roast beef or thinly sliced cooked steak works well. Reheat briefly in a skillet or microwave before layering so the cheese melts nicely. Make sure slices stay thin to warm quickly and keep the slider tender.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version of these sliders?
A: For a vegetarian option, replace roast beef with grilled sliced mushrooms or a seasoned meat substitute like seitan or plant-based roast slices. Use vegetable broth with onion soup mix to make a rich dipping sauce. The caramelized onions and melted cheese still give strong, satisfying flavor.
Final Thoughts
French Dip Sliders give you big flavor in a small package. They work for family meals, parties, and quick comfort food nights. The combination of sweet rolls, melty cheese, caramelized onions, and warm au jus hits savory, sweet, and rich notes. You can make them ahead, vary the toppings, and serve them with sides for any occasion. Follow the steps, keep the au jus warm, and let guests dip and enjoy.
French Dip Sliders
Ingredients
For the Sliders
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 pieces sweet rolls (King's Hawaiian or similar)
- 10 slices provolone cheese
- 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 3 cups water
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Using a long, sharp serrated knife, slice the entire block of sweet rolls horizontally through the middle, keeping them connected. Gently lift off the top section and set it aside. Place the connected bottom halves of the rolls directly into your prepared baking dish.
- In a medium skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced medium onion, minced fresh thyme, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, or until the onions are very soft, deeply golden brown, and caramelized. Set aside.
- Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. This melted butter will be used to brush over the tops of the sliders for a golden crust.
- Arrange half of the provolone cheese slices directly over the bottom rolls in the baking dish, ensuring good coverage. Generously layer the 14 ounces of thinly sliced deli roast beef over the cheese. Evenly spread the prepared caramelized onions over the roast beef layer. Place the remaining provolone cheese slices over the caramelized onions. Carefully replace the reserved connected top halves of the sweet rolls back onto your stacked filling.
- Generously brush the tops of the rolls with the 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue to bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Remove the French Dip Sliders from the oven and let them rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly.
- While the sliders are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 packet au jus gravy mix, 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix, and 3 cups of water. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well blended and the liquid is slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Keep the au jus warm on very low heat until ready to serve.
- After the resting period, use your serrated knife to cut along the lines of the individual rolls, separating each slider for easy grabbing. Arrange the warm, gooey French Dip Sliders on a serving platter. Pour the hot, fragrant au jus into individual small bowls or one larger communal bowl for dipping. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite!
