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I have a serious soft spot for sliders. They are small, cute, packed with flavor, and absolutely perfect for feeding a crowd. But let me tell you, these Easy French Dip Sliders might just be the king of all slider recipes in my kitchen. I first made them for a casual movie night with friends, and I still remember how they vanished faster than popcorn! Warm, melty, buttery rolls loaded with roast beef, provolone, caramelized onions, and that glorious au jus on the side for dipping? It’s impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love These Easy French Dip Sliders
- Crowd Favorite: Always the first to disappear at any party or family gathering.
- Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients with minimal prep.
- Irresistible Flavor: Juicy roast beef, melty cheese, buttery rolls, and savory au jus.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for appetizers, lunch, dinner, or even game day!
- Kid-Approved: Everyone loves a slider!
Ingredients for Easy French Dip Sliders
Every time I gather these ingredients, I feel like I’m setting up for the most comforting meal ever!
For the Sliders:
- Unsalted butter, perfect for sautéing the onions and brushing on the rolls.
- Yellow onion, sliced thin for sweet, caramelized goodness.
- Fresh thyme, adds that earthy, fragrant touch.
- Kosher salt and black pepper, for balance and depth.
- Sweet rolls, I love using Hawaiian rolls for their soft, slightly sweet flavor.
- Provolone cheese, creamy and perfect for melting.
- Sliced deli roast beef, thinly sliced for easy layering.
For the Butter Topping:
- Unsalted butter, melted and mixed with onion soup mix for extra flavor on top.
- Dried onion soup mix, a shortcut for BIG flavor.
For the Au Jus:
- Au jus gravy mix, because dipping is what takes these sliders over the top!
- Water, for preparing the au jus.
- Fresh parsley, optional but adds a lovely color and freshness at the end.
(Exact measurements are in the recipe card below!)
How to Make Easy French Dip Sliders
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and stir to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes until softened and golden. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Prep the Rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom half into a greased baking dish.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Add half of the provolone slices over the rolls. Layer the roast beef evenly over the cheese. Spread caramelized onions on top of the beef. Add the remaining cheese slices. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 4: Add the Butter Topping
Mix melted butter with onion soup mix. Brush or pour over the tops of the rolls.
Step 5: Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Step 6: Make the Au Jus
Prepare the au jus by combining the mix with water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook per package instructions.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the sliders hot with warm au jus for dipping.
Pro Tips for Making French Dip Sliders
- Low and Slow for Onions: Don’t rush caramelizing the onions; they develop the best flavor slowly.
- Sharp Knife for Rolls: Helps cut the rolls cleanly without tearing.
- Foil is Your Friend: Keeps the rolls soft while the cheese melts.
- Don’t Skip the Dip: The au jus makes these sliders next-level delicious!
Recommended Equipment for This Recipe
Here are the tools I always grab when making these Easy French Dip Sliders:
- Large Skillet, for perfectly caramelized onions
- Sharp Serrated Knife, for slicing rolls easily
- 11×7 Baking Dish, perfect size for a batch of sliders
- Pastry Brush, to evenly distribute that buttery topping
- Small Saucepan, for preparing the warm, savory au jus
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: Perfect for game day spreads or potlucks.
- Easy Dinner: Serve with a simple green salad or fries.
- Lunch: Great for family lunch or meal prep.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat sliders in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Au jus can be stored separately and reheated on the stovetop.
Variations to Try
- Add Horseradish Sauce: For a spicy kick.
- Swap Cheese: Mozzarella or Swiss would work great.
- Add Peppers: Sauteed bell peppers or jalapenos for extra flavor.
- Use Turkey: Change it up with deli turkey instead of beef.
Closing Thoughts
These Easy French Dip Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food. They’re warm, cheesy, buttery, and that au jus dip takes them completely over the top. Every time I serve these, someone always asks for the recipe — and I love that! Give them a try at your next family night or gathering, and watch them disappear.
Don’t forget to check the recommended tools above to make your cooking even easier and more fun!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different cheese? Yes! Mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar would all be delicious.
Can I prepare these ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Do I have to use sweet rolls? Not at all! Any slider bun or dinner roll will work.
Can I freeze French Dip Sliders? Yes, assemble without the butter topping. Wrap tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen adding 10 extra minutes.
Is the au jus necessary? It’s optional but highly recommended for that classic French dip experience.
Easy French Dip Sliders
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- 11×7 Baking Dish
- Aluminum Foil
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme minced
- 0.25 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 12 sweet rolls
- 10 slices provolone cheese
- 14 ounces deli roast beef sliced
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1.5 tbsp dried onion soup mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 3 cups water
- fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add the onions and cook for about 12-15 minutes until soft and browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add the thyme, salt, and pepper to the onions. Stir to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half cut side up in an 11×7 baking dish.
- Layer half of the provolone cheese, followed by the roast beef, caramelized onions, and the remaining cheese. Place the top of the rolls on top.
- In a small bowl, stir together melted butter and onion soup mix. Brush or pour this mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes to brown the rolls.
- Meanwhile, prepare au jus according to the package directions using 3 cups water. Serve the sliders with parsley garnish and au jus on the side for dipping.
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