French Dip Sliders
French Dip Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic French dip sandwich, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Made with sweet rolls, tender roast beef, and gooey provolone cheese, these sliders are easy to make and pack a ton of flavor.
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.
Notes
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. Can be made vegetarian by substituting with grilled vegetables and using plant-based cheese.