Easy French Dip Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or dinner, featuring tender roast beef and melty cheese tucked into soft, buttery rolls. These mini sandwiches are incredibly simple to prepare and offer all the savory goodness of a classic French dip in a convenient, hand-held form.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will quickly find that these Easy French Dip Sliders are a staple for game days, holiday parties, or busy weeknight meals. The combination of caramelized onions, savory roast beef, and a rich au jus dipping sauce makes them completely irresistible to both kids and adults. Best of all, this recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find, and you can easily double the batch to feed a larger crowd without much extra effort.
Ingredients for Easy French Dip 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 (such as King’s Hawaiian)
- 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)
How to Make Easy French Dip Sliders
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and coat them thoroughly in the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes until the onions are soft and browned, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the minced thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the rolls from the package, keeping them intact. Use a large serrated knife to slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally so you have a top and a bottom section. Place the bottom half, cut side up, into an 11×7-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the provolone cheese slices over the bottom rolls. Add the roast beef in an even layer, then spread the caramelized onions over the meat. Top with the remaining cheese slices and place the top half of the rolls back on.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted 1/2 cup of butter and the dried onion soup mix. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls to ensure every inch is covered.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil, making sure the foil does not touch the tops of the rolls. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops to become golden brown.
- While the sliders are in the oven, prepare the au jus gravy mix with 3 cups of water according to the package directions. Serve the warm sliders with a garnish of fresh parsley and individual bowls of au jus for dipping.
Expert Tips for the Best Sliders
Herb Substitutions: If you do not have fresh thyme on hand, you can use dried herbs instead. Just remember to cut the amount in half, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh.
Bread Choices: While Hawaiian sweet rolls are the favorite for this recipe because of the flavor contrast, you can use any slider buns or savory rolls you prefer.
Cheese Options: Provolone and mozzarella are the best choices for a neutral, melty white cheese. If you want a bit of a kick, try swapping half the cheese for pepper jack.
Make-Ahead and Storage: These sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, tent them with foil in the oven until the cheese is melty again.
Easy French Dip Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and coat them thoroughly in the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes until the onions are soft and browned, being careful not to burn them.3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 medium onion
- Add the minced thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then remove the pan from the heat and set aside.2 teaspoons fresh thyme, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the rolls from the package, keeping them intact. Use a large serrated knife to slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally so you have a top and a bottom section. Place the bottom half, cut side up, into an 11×7-inch baking dish.12 sweet rolls
- Layer half of the provolone cheese slices over the bottom rolls. Add the roast beef in an even layer, then spread the caramelized onions over the meat. Top with the remaining cheese slices and place the top half of the rolls back on.10 slices provolone cheese, 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted 1/2 cup of butter and the dried onion soup mix. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls to ensure every inch is covered.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil, making sure the foil does not touch the tops of the rolls. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops to become golden brown.
- While the sliders are in the oven, prepare the au jus gravy mix with 3 cups of water according to the package directions. Serve the warm sliders with a garnish of fresh parsley and individual bowls of au jus for dipping.1 packet au jus gravy mix, 3 cups water, Fresh chopped parsley
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of meat is best for French Dip Sliders?
Deli-sliced roast beef is the most convenient and popular choice for this recipe. However, you can also use leftover Mississippi pot roast, shredded roast beef, or any leftover beef you have on hand for a heartier texture.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, these sliders freeze very well. Let them cool completely after baking, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the rolls before baking. You can also spread a thin layer of horseradish sauce or cream cheese on the bottom rolls for a tangy twist.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
The best way to prevent sogginess is to layer the cheese directly onto the bottom roll. The cheese acts as a barrier between the bread and the moisture from the roast beef and onions.