Easy French Dip Sliders

These easy French Dip Sliders have become my go-to for casual family gatherings and game days. The buttery sweet rolls and melty cheese create an irresistible combo, while savory roast beef and caramelized onions bring bold flavor that everyone loves. Simple ingredients and low-prep steps mean these sliders are perfect for a quick dinner, party appetizer, or hearty lunch.

When I first made these for a football party even the pickiest eaters went back for seconds. Now everyone asks me to bring them to family celebrations.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: gives richness and helps the onions caramelize without burning Use good quality butter for best flavor
• Yellow onion: thinly sliced for sweet flavor and classic French dip character Choose firm heavy onions for best texture
• Fresh thyme: brings herby freshness You can swap for half as much dried thyme
• Kosher salt: draws out moisture in the onions Pick one with clear granules so you do not oversalt
• Black pepper: gives gentle heat Go for freshly ground for boldest taste
• Sweet rolls: add a soft pillowy base Pick something rich and slightly sweet for balance
• Provolone cheese: melts creamy and smooth If you prefer a stretchier cheese choose mozzarella
• Deli roast beef: for savory meat thinly sliced for tender bites Aim for freshly cut or high quality from your deli counter
• Dried onion soup mix: flavors the buttery topping with a savory punch Go for trusted brands for best taste
• Au jus gravy mix: transforms into a warm dipping sauce using water Any classic French dip au jus or homemade works
• Fresh parsley (optional): gives a little pop of color for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Onions:

Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat Add thinly sliced onion Stir to coat and cook for 12 to 15 minutes stirring only occasionally to allow the onions to turn soft caramel colored and deeply sweet without burning

Season Onions:

Sprinkle onions with fresh thyme kosher salt and black pepper Stir thoroughly and remove from heat Set aside to cool slightly

Prep the Rolls:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Take your package of sweet rolls out but keep the rolls attached as one piece Using a long serrated knife carefully slice horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms Lay the bottom halves cut side up in an 11 by 7 inch baking dish

Layer Fillings:

Lay half the provolone cheese slices evenly over the bottom rolls Top with all the roast beef Spread the caramelized onions over the beef Arrange the remaining cheese on the onions Gently place the roll tops as the final layer

Make and Add Topping:

In a small bowl mix melted butter and dried onion soup mix Brush or gently spoon this mixture over the tops of the rolls so every spot gets covered

Bake:

Loosely cover the baking dish with foil being careful not to let it touch the rolls Bake for 25 minutes Remove foil and bake 5 minutes more to brown the tops

Prepare Au Jus:

While sliders bake get the au jus going according to the packet directions Stir the mix into water in a saucepan whisk and heat until steaming for dipping

Serve:

Cut or pull apart the warm sliders Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you wish Serve immediately with warm au jus spooned on the side

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My favorite part is the gooey cheese layer that stretches when you pull these sliders apart It always makes my family smile when they see the cheese pull on their plates The first time I made these my dad declared them better than any restaurant sandwich

Storage Tips

Leftover sliders stay fresh in the fridge if wrapped tightly in foil or plastic for up to three days Warm them in a low oven to restore the cheesy texture The rolls stay soft but get lightly crisp on top when reheated in the oven rather than the microwave For longer storage let them cool completely wrap well and freeze up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above

Ingredient Substitutions

If provolone is not your favorite mozzarella or Swiss cheese work beautifully in this recipe Use whatever you enjoy slicing and melting Roast turkey or sliced chicken also work instead of beef if you want a lighter flavor and you can easily use any favorite slider roll if you cannot find sweet Hawaiian rolls Dried thyme can sub in for the fresh just remember to use half as much

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders as a main dish with a big green salad or roasted veggies on the side They are also a party hit arranged on a platter with little ramekins of au jus for dipping Pair with kettle chips or potato wedges for a comfort food twist If sharing as an appetizer cut the sliders smaller so everyone gets a taste

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A Bit of French Dip History

The French dip sandwich started in Los Angeles with both Philippe’s and Cole’s claiming they invented it The dipping sauce or au jus was originally an accident from dunking a sandwich in the meat juices Now it is beloved everywhere and these sliders bring all that savory joy to a friendly bite sized format

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you get the onions perfectly caramelized?

Cook onions low and slow in butter, stirring occasionally until soft and golden brown without burning, about 12-15 minutes.

→ What kind of rolls work best for these sliders?

Soft sweet rolls hold up well to fillings and add a slightly sweet contrast, but any slider buns can be used.

→ Can you make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sliders, then cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve and rewarm if needed.

→ Is the au jus necessary?

Au jus enhances the flavors and gives a classic French dip experience, but the sliders are tasty on their own too.

→ What cheese pairs well besides provolone?

Mozzarella or Swiss both melt beautifully and compliment the roast beef and onions nicely.

→ Can these sliders be frozen?

Yes, freeze baked or unbaked. Reheat in the oven until warm and the cheese is melted for best results.