why make this recipe
French Dip Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic French dip sandwich, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. These sliders are easy to make and pack a ton of flavor. They’re made with sweet rolls, tender roast beef, and gooey provolone cheese—all dipped in a savory au jus. This recipe is not only delicious but also fun to serve at parties or casual family meals.
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)
Directions :
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Preheat Oven and Prepare Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-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.
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Caramelize the Onions: 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.
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Prepare Butter Topping: 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.
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Assemble the Sliders: Arrange half of the provolone cheese slices directly over the bottom rolls in the baking dish, ensuring good coverage. 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.
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Brush and Bake (Covered): 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.
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Bake (Uncovered) and Rest: 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.
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Craft the Au Jus: 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.
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Slice, Serve, and Garnish: 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!
how to serve French Dip Sliders
Serve French Dip Sliders warm, accompanied by cups of au jus for dipping. They make a great appetizer for parties or a fun main dish for a casual dinner. You can also add some potato chips or a simple salad on the side for a complete meal.
how to store French Dip Sliders
If you have leftovers, store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to regain their crispness, and serve with fresh au jus.
tips to make French Dip Sliders
- Use high-quality roast beef for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the caramelizing process for the onions; it adds depth to the dish.
- Feel free to mix and match cheeses; Swiss or cheddar can be great substitutes.
- Make the sliders ahead of time and bake them just before serving for hot and fresh sliders.
variation (if any)
You can make a vegetarian version of French Dip Sliders by substituting the roast beef with grilled mushrooms, bell peppers, and eggplant. Use a plant-based cheese for a complete vegetarian dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use other types of rolls or even a baguette cut into smaller pieces, but adjust baking time accordingly.
2. Can I freeze French Dip Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake straight from the freezer, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. What should I serve with French Dip Sliders?
They pair well with simple sides like potato chips, a green salad, or even coleslaw. You can also add some pickles or other appetizers.
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 for brushing
- 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 for brushing over the tops of the sliders.
- Arrange half of the provolone cheese slices directly over the bottom rolls in the baking dish. Layer the 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.
Baking
- Generously brush the tops of the rolls with the melted unsalted butter. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and 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. Let sliders rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Craft the Au Jus
- In a medium saucepan, combine the au jus gravy mix, dried onion soup mix, and water. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well blended and the liquid is slightly thickened.
Serving
- Slice the sliders along the lines, separating each for easy grabbing. Serve warm with the hot au jus for dipping and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
