This Easy French Dip Sliders recipe transforms classic deli roast beef into an irresistible crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of tender roast beef, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and savory au jus creates a mouthwatering handheld version of the beloved French dip sandwich that everyone will be reaching for!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No-Fuss Preparation: These sliders come together in just minutes of hands-on time, making them perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Big Flavor Payoff: The combination of caramelized onions, savory roast beef, and that incredible butter-onion topping creates layers of flavor that taste like you spent all day cooking.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders disappear fast at parties and family gatherings! The pull-apart format makes them perfect for sharing, and the individual portions mean everyone gets their own little sandwich.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different cheeses or seasonings to suit your family’s preferences while keeping that classic French dip taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Sweet Rolls: These provide the perfect soft, slightly sweet base that contrasts beautifully with the savory fillings. Their connected structure makes preparation a breeze.
  • Roast Beef: The star of the show! Deli roast beef is pre-cooked and thinly sliced, making assembly quick and easy while providing that classic beefy flavor.
  • Provolone Cheese: Adds a wonderful meltiness and mild flavor that complements the beef without overpowering it. It also creates that essential cheese pull we all love!
  • Onions: When caramelized, they bring a beautiful sweetness and depth that elevates these sandwiches from good to magnificent.
  • Fresh Thyme: Adds an aromatic herbal note that pairs perfectly with beef and onions, giving the sliders a more sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Butter: Used both for caramelizing the onions and creating the incredible topping that gives the rolls their golden, flavorful crust.
  • Onion Soup Mix: This convenience ingredient packs a punch of savory flavor in the butter topping, infusing every bite with umami goodness.
  • Au Jus Gravy Mix: Creates the essential dipping sauce that defines a French dip sandwich. It adds moisture and intensifies the beef flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Cheese Options

Swap provolone for Swiss, white cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick! Havarti and Gruyère also melt beautifully and add rich flavor.

Protein Swap

Try thinly sliced turkey, ham, or even pastrami instead of roast beef. For a luxurious twist, use leftover prime rib or homemade roast beef.

Add-In Ideas

Slather a thin layer of horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard on the rolls for a tangy zip. Add roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms alongside the caramelized onions.

Bread Variations

Hawaiian rolls add sweetness, or try pretzel buns for a more robust flavor. Dinner rolls or mini brioche also work wonderfully.

How to Make Easy French Dip Sliders

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add thinly sliced onions. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until they’re soft and golden brown. Add the fresh thyme, salt and pepper, stir to combine, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Keeping the sweet rolls connected, slice them horizontally so you have a top and bottom half. Place the bottom half cut-side up in an 11×7 baking dish.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Layer half the provolone cheese on the bottom half of the rolls. Add an even layer of roast beef, then spread the caramelized onions across the beef. Top with the remaining cheese, creating a seal that will help hold everything together.

Step 4: Add the Butter Topping

Mix melted butter with onion soup mix until well combined. Brush this savory mixture over the tops of the rolls, ensuring even coverage. This creates a beautifully flavored, golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with foil (make sure it’s not touching the rolls) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Prepare the Au Jus

While the sliders are baking, prepare the au jus according to package directions. Keep warm for serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Low and Slow Onions: Don’t rush the caramelization process—the deeply flavored onions are key to these sliders’ incredible taste.
  • Cheese Placement: Put cheese both below and above the meat to create a protective layer that prevents the bread from getting soggy.
  • Cutting Strategy: Use a serrated knife for clean cuts when serving, and cut along the natural divisions in the rolls.
  • Make the Butter Mixture Count: Brush the butter-onion soup mixture thoroughly over every inch of the rolls’ surface for maximum flavor.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving to allow the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to separate.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These sliders are fantastic alongside a simple green salad, crispy French fries, or sweet potato chips. For a heartier meal, pair with a cup of tomato soup or your favorite potato salad.

Dipping Style

Serve warm au jus in individual ramekins for each person. The traditional way to enjoy a French dip is to briefly dunk each bite into the savory broth just before eating.

Garnish Ideas

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. For heat lovers, offer sliced pepperoncini on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Options

Assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, pour the butter mixture over the top and bake as directed, adding about 5 minutes to the covered baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the au jus separate in its own container.

Freezing Instructions

These sliders freeze beautifully! Wrap fully cooled sliders individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. The au jus can be frozen separately in airtight containers.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, wrap in foil and reheat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. From frozen, reheat covered at 325°F for about 20-25 minutes, then uncover for the last 5 minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may make the bread soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use homemade au jus instead of the packet mix?

    Absolutely! If you prefer making your own au jus, simmer 2 cups beef broth with 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of thyme for about 10 minutes until slightly reduced. This homemade version offers deeper flavor and lets you control the salt content.

  2. My family doesn’t like onions. Can I still make these sliders?

    Yes, you can skip the caramelized onions entirely. The butter topping can be made with just the melted butter and some garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce instead of the onion soup mix. You’ll still get delicious sliders, just with a different flavor profile.

  3. Can I prepare these sliders in advance for a party?

    These are perfect make-ahead party food! Assemble everything up to the point of adding the butter topping, then cover and refrigerate overnight. About 45 minutes before serving, add the butter mixture and bake according to the recipe. They’ll taste freshly made.

  4. What’s the best way to keep the bottom of the sliders from getting soggy?

    The key is creating a protective barrier with cheese on the bottom. Another trick is to lightly toast the bottom half of the rolls in the oven for about 5 minutes before adding any toppings. This creates a light crust that resists soaking up moisture.

Final Thoughts

These Easy French Dip Sliders take all the comforting flavors of a classic French dip sandwich and transform them into an irresistible, shareable treat. They strike the perfect balance between impressive flavor and simple preparation, making them ideal for everything from casual family dinners to game day gatherings. The combination of tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and that incredible savory au jus for dipping creates a taste experience that will have everyone asking for your recipe. Give these sliders a try—they might just become your new go-to crowd-pleaser!

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Easy French Dip Sliders Recipe

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  • Author: Jaden Christner
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

These French Dip Sliders are the perfect combination of savory roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and caramelized onions, layered inside sweet rolls. Topped with a flavorful onion butter sauce and served with au jus for dipping, they make an irresistible appetizer or main dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for game days, gatherings, or any time you want a comforting and delicious meal.

 

Ingredients

Units Scale

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 sweet rolls
  • 10 slices provolone cheese
  • 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef

For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix

For Au Jus:

  • 1 packet au jus gravy mix
  • 3 cups water

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions:
    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes, until the onions are soft and browned, but not burnt.
  2. Season the Onions:
    Add the minced thyme, salt, and pepper to the onions. Stir well to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the onions aside.
  3. Prepare the Rolls:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Keep the sweet rolls intact as a block and slice them horizontally with a large knife, separating the tops from the bottoms. Place the bottom layer, cut side up, into an 11×7-inch baking dish.
  4. Assemble the Sliders:
    Layer half of the provolone cheese over the bottom rolls. Add the sliced deli roast beef on top. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the beef, then layer the remaining provolone cheese on top. Place the tops of the rolls back on to complete the sliders.
  5. Make the Butter Sauce:
    In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the dried onion soup mix. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls to fully coat them.
  6. Bake the Sliders:
    Cover the baking dish loosely with foil, ensuring the foil doesn’t touch the tops of the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
  7. Prepare the Au Jus:
    While the sliders are baking, prepare the au jus according to the package instructions by mixing the gravy mix with 3 cups of water. Heat until fully combined and warm. Serve the au jus on the side for dipping the sliders.

Notes

  • If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
  • Sweet rolls are ideal for this recipe, but you can use any slider buns of your choice.
  • Provolone cheese is a classic choice, but mozzarella works equally well.
  • The au jus adds incredible flavor to the sliders, but it’s optional if you prefer a dry version.
  • To store for later, these sliders can be frozen after assembly and baked when needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
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Hey everyone! I'm Jaden, and welcome to YummyHere! Basically, I'm obsessed with food. Like, really obsessed. So, I figured, why not share all my yummy creations with the world? Hopefully, you'll find something here that makes you say "Yum!" (because that's the goal, right?). Let's get cooking!

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