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.

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.

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.

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.

Easy French Dip Sliders Recipe

Name: Easy French Dip Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
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; 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

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

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Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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