Flavorful and fun, these Easy French Dip Sliders are an easy appetizer, lunch, or dinner time meal that the whole family will enjoy. These mini hand-held sandwiches take all the best parts of a classic French dip and pack them into buttery, pull-apart rolls. Simple ingredients and a savory dipping sauce make this recipe an irresistible addition to your weekly rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this recipe in your back pocket. First, it uses easy-to-find ingredients that help these sliders come together quickly for a stress-free meal. Second, the recipe is incredibly versatile and can be doubled or tripled to serve a large crowd at your next party or game day gathering. Finally, the combination of melty provolone, caramelized onions, and savory au jus creates a depth of flavor that is hard to beat in such a simple dish.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Medium onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh thyme, minced
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Sweet rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian)
- Provolone cheese slices
- Sliced deli roast beef
- Dried onion soup mix
- Au jus gravy mix
- Water
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and coat them thoroughly in the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes until the onions are soft and browned but not burnt.
- Add the minced thyme, salt, and pepper to the onions. Stir to combine, then remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the sweet rolls from the package, keeping them intact as a single block. Use a large serrated knife to slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally so you have a top half and a bottom half. Place the bottom half, cut side up, into an 11×7-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the provolone cheese slices over the bottom of the rolls. Add the roast beef in an even layer. Spread the caramelized onions over the beef, then top with the remaining cheese slices. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and the dried onion soup mix. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls to ensure every inch is covered in savory flavor.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil, ensuring 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 and slightly crisp.
- While the sliders are finishing in the oven, prepare the au jus gravy mix with water according to the package directions. Serve the warm sliders with a garnish of fresh parsley and the au jus on the side for dipping.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To get the best results with your Easy French Dip Sliders, consider using fresh herbs whenever possible. If you only have dried thyme on hand, you can use it as a substitute, but remember to cut the amount in half as dried herbs are more concentrated.
When preparing the rolls, keeping them attached as a single slab makes the assembly process much faster. Using a pastry brush to apply the onion butter mixture is the best way to ensure even distribution, preventing some rolls from being soggy while others stay dry. Lastly, while the au jus is technically optional, it is highly recommended as it adds the signature moisture and salty punch that defines a French dip.
Variations & Substitutions
There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe based on what you have in your pantry. If you cannot find King’s Hawaiian rolls, any brand of sweet rolls or even standard slider buns will work perfectly. For the meat, while deli roast beef is convenient, this is an excellent way to use up leftover Mississippi pot roast or shredded beef from a Sunday dinner.
If you want to change the flavor profile, try swapping the provolone for mozzarella for an extra gooey cheese pull, or use pepper jack if you prefer a little heat. You can also add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or green peppers for a “Philly” twist, or spread a thin layer of horseradish sauce on the bottom buns for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For a casual game day spread, serve them alongside crispy French fries, onion rings, or potato chips. If you are looking for something lighter, a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the beef and cheese.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Storage: If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These sliders freeze surprisingly well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, let the sliders defrost in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Place them in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent the tops from burning. Heat in a 350°F oven until the cheese is melted and the meat is warmed through.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 284 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Sodium | 826mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
Easy French Dip Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and coat them thoroughly in the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes until the onions are soft and browned but not burnt.Unsalted butter, Medium onion, thinly sliced
- Add the minced thyme, salt, and pepper to the onions. Stir to combine, then remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.Fresh thyme, minced, Kosher salt, Black pepper
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the sweet rolls from the package, keeping them intact as a single block. Use a large serrated knife to slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally so you have a top half and a bottom half. Place the bottom half, cut side up, into an 11×7-inch baking dish.Sweet rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian)
- Layer half of the provolone cheese slices over the bottom of the rolls. Add the roast beef in an even layer. Spread the caramelized onions over the beef, then top with the remaining cheese slices. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.Provolone cheese slices, Sliced deli roast beef
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and the dried onion soup mix. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls to ensure every inch is covered in savory flavor.Unsalted butter, Dried onion soup mix
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil, ensuring 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 and slightly crisp.
- While the sliders are finishing in the oven, prepare the au jus gravy mix with water according to the package directions. Serve the warm sliders with a garnish of fresh parsley and the au jus on the side for dipping.Au jus gravy mix, Water, Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Notes
To get the best results with your Easy French Dip Sliders, consider using fresh herbs whenever possible. If you only have dried thyme on hand, you can use it as a substitute, but remember to cut the amount in half as dried herbs are more concentrated.
When preparing the rolls, keeping them attached as a single slab makes the assembly process much faster. Using a pastry brush to apply the onion butter mixture is the best way to ensure even distribution, preventing some rolls from being soggy while others stay dry. Lastly, while the au jus is technically optional, it is highly recommended as it adds the signature moisture and salty punch that defines a French dip.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Storage: If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These sliders freeze surprisingly well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, let the sliders defrost in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Place them in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent the tops from burning. Heat in a 350°F oven until the cheese is melted and the meat is warmed through.
FAQ
What kind of meat is best for French Dip Sliders?
Deli-sliced roast beef is the standard choice because it is thin and easy to bite through. However, you can also use leftover pot roast, roast beef from the butcher, or even thinly sliced steak.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes. While provolone is preferred for its mild flavor and excellent melting capabilities, mozzarella or Swiss cheese are also fantastic options. It is recommended to use slices rather than shredded cheese to keep the sliders stable.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to drain any excess liquid from your caramelized onions before adding them to the rolls. Additionally, baking the rolls uncovered for the last 5 minutes helps crisp up the exterior.
Do I have to use sweet rolls?
While the sweetness of the rolls provides a delicious contrast to the salty beef and au jus, you can use savory slider buns or brioche rolls if you prefer a less sweet flavor profile.