French Dip Sliders Recipe

There's something irresistible about the savory aroma of freshly baked French Dip Sliders filling the kitchen. Soft, buttery rolls stuffed with tender roast beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, all served with a rich au jus for dipping—this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I first made these sliders for a game day party, hoping to impress friends with an easy, shareable meal that didn’t skimp on flavor. Little did I know they'd become a household favorite, requested for every get-together since. Once you try these mouthwatering sliders, you'll see why.

Why You'll Love These French Dip Sliders

Get ready to add these French Dip Sliders to your list of go-to recipes. They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to win over any crowd.

First of all, these sliders are incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or as a last-minute party dish. Everything comes together seamlessly, making them stress-free yet impressive.

The flavors are out of this world. The combination of thinly sliced roast beef, melted provolone, and the rich, savory au jus is simply irresistible. Plus, the buttery, garlic-topped rolls crisp up beautifully in the oven, adding the perfect touch of texture.

These sliders are also super versatile. You can customize them with your favorite cheeses or add extras like sautéed mushrooms for a twist. And whether you serve them as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main dish, they’re bound to be a hit.

Finally, they’re great for entertaining. Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or just a casual get-together, these sliders are easy to make in large batches and always disappear quickly.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to these mouthwatering French Dip Sliders lies in choosing the right ingredients. Each element enhances the flavor and texture of the final dish.

Roast Beef: Thinly sliced deli roast beef is perfect for these sliders. It’s tender, juicy, and easy to layer onto the rolls. If you have leftover pot roast or beef brisket, feel free to use that as well—just shred it for an extra-hearty filling.

Provolone Cheese: I love using provolone for its mild, creamy flavor that melts beautifully. However, you could also use Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack if you want a little kick. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the beef.

Slider Rolls: Soft, Hawaiian rolls are ideal for this recipe. They soak up the buttery garlic topping and au jus without becoming soggy. Feel free to use any soft dinner rolls or mini sandwich buns, but the slight sweetness of Hawaiian rolls adds a wonderful contrast to the savory filling.

Onions: Caramelized onions add a deliciously sweet and savory element. If you're pressed for time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend including them for maximum flavor. You can even sauté the onions ahead of time to save time later.

Au Jus: Store-bought au jus mix makes life easier, but you can also make your own with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a few seasonings. The au jus is essential for dipping and takes these sliders to the next level.

Optional Add-Ins: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, horseradish sauce, or banana peppers for extra flavor. Just be careful not to overfill the sliders to prevent them from becoming messy.

You’ll also need a baking dish large enough to fit all the sliders in a single layer and a brush for spreading the garlic butter on top.

How To Make These French Dip Sliders

Creating these French Dip Sliders is a straightforward process that results in big flavors. Here’s a simple breakdown of each step.

1. Preheat and Prepare the Rolls: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a greased baking dish.

2. Layer the Beef and Cheese: Evenly spread the thinly sliced roast beef over the bottom layer of rolls. Next, layer the provolone cheese over the beef. Make sure every slider has a good amount of both to ensure each bite is flavorful and cheesy.

3. Add the Caramelized Onions: If you’re using caramelized onions, spoon them over the cheese. To caramelize the onions, simply sauté sliced onions in butter over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes until golden and soft. This step is optional but highly recommended!

4. Top with Slider Buns and Butter Mixture: Place the top half of the rolls over the beef and cheese layers. In a small saucepan, melt some butter and mix in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt. Brush this butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.

5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

6. Prepare the Au Jus: While the sliders are baking, prepare the au jus according to package instructions. If you’re making it from scratch, simmer beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a few seasonings until warmed through.

The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making these sliders a quick and easy meal option. They come out perfectly melty, buttery, and absolutely irresistible.

Storage Options

Have leftover sliders? No problem! These French Dip Sliders are easy to store and reheat for future meals.

Refrigeration: Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’re best when reheated, as the flavors continue to meld together.

Freezing: You can also freeze these sliders for longer storage. Wrap them individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before warming in the oven.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, place the sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If they’re starting to dry out, cover them with foil to keep them moist. Serve with warm au jus for dipping.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about French Dip Sliders is their versatility. Here are a few ways you can change up the recipe to suit your preferences.

Different Meats: While roast beef is classic, you can use leftover shredded beef, turkey, or even pulled pork. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile and makes great use of leftovers.

Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar can all add a different twist to the sliders. You could even mix and match for a gooey, melty combination.

Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, use sautéed mushrooms and onions as the main filling. Add a touch of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (if vegetarian) to enhance the umami flavors.

Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for a spicy version. A drizzle of sriracha mayo or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also elevate the heat.

Herbs and Seasonings: Customize the garlic butter with your favorite herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. You can also sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning on top for an extra pop of flavor.

Don't be afraid to experiment with these French Dip Sliders. They’re a flexible recipe that’s easy to adapt to your taste or whatever you have on hand. Enjoy the creative process and happy dipping!

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