INTRODUCTION
French Dip Sliders are small sandwiches filled with thin roast beef, melted provolone, and sweet caramelized onions. They sit on soft slider buns and you dip them in a warm beef au jus. These sliders are simple to make and work well for weeknight meals, parties, or game day. They are cozy and comforting. You can make them in less than an hour and serve many people without a lot of fuss. If you like easy sandwiches that are juicy and soft, this is a recipe you will use again and again. For a different take on a savory starter, try this cottage cheese French onion egg muffins recipe which also pairs well with the flavors here.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these French Dip Sliders because they are fast, flavorful, and shared easily. The roast beef stays tender when heated briefly, the provolone melts into every bite, and the caramelized onions add a sweet, savory layer. The slider size lets everyone take a taste without getting too full. These sliders make a full meal when paired with a light salad or some roasted vegetables. They also work as finger food for guests and can be served straight from the oven. If you want a rich dip to go with the sliders, try a simple side like a delicious ricotta dip with hot honey which adds a creamy and sweet contrast.
HOW TO MAKE French Dip Sliders
This recipe cooks the onions slowly, layers the roast beef and cheese, and bakes the sliders until the cheese melts and the tops are golden. The key is to let the onions soften and gain color without burning, to keep the beef warm, and to brush the tops of the buns with butter before baking. Use a baking dish that holds the sliders snugly so the heat is even and the buns warm through. Serve the sliders with hot au jus in small bowls for dipping. The steps are simple and do not require special skills, but they do reward patience with great flavor.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Non-stick skillet or heavy frying pan for caramelizing onions.
- Sharp knife to slice buns and onions.
- Cutting board.
- 9×13 or similar baking dish to hold the sliders.
- Small saucepan to warm au jus or beef broth.
- Spoon or pastry brush to spread butter on the buns.
- Oven mitts and tongs for safe handling.
These tools are common in most kitchens and keep the work quick and easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- slider buns
- roast beef (thinly sliced)
- caramelized onions (see directions)
- provolone cheese (slices)
- au jus (beef broth)
- salt
- pepper
- butter
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter and caramelize the onions over medium heat until golden brown.
- Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer roast beef and caramelized onions on the buns, then top with provolone cheese.
- Place the top halves of the buns on and brush with butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm with au jus for dipping.
HOW TO SERVE French Dip Sliders
Serve the sliders hot from the oven with a small bowl of warm au jus for each person or group. You can place the au jus in dipping cups so each person dips their own slider. Add a side of crisp pickles or a small green salad to balance the richness. Bread chips or potato chips work well for a casual meal. For a party, set up a dipping station with au jus, horseradish sauce, and a mild mustard so guests can choose their flavor. For a lighter option, serve one slider with a large salad and roasted vegetables. If you want a creamy dip to offer alongside, consider using a warm ricotta dip like the delicious ricotta dip with hot honey for a sweet and tangy contrast.
STORAGE & FREEZING : French Dip Sliders
To store leftover sliders, let them cool slightly, then wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the sliders to an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sliders in a baking dish, add a splash of beef broth to keep them moist, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze assembled but unbaked sliders. Wrap each slider packed in foil or place the whole dish in freezer-safe wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if still a bit cold. Warm the au jus separately before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
French Dip Sliders pair well with simple, fresh sides. Try a green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness. Roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries add a hearty element. A bowl of coleslaw adds a crisp, cool contrast. For a casual plate, serve sliders with kettle chips and dill pickles. If you serve sliders at a party, offer small nacho-style cups with au jus for dipping. You can also add a side of pickled vegetables to sharpen the flavors. For drinks, pair with a light beer, a dry cider, or iced tea. The warmth and juiciness of the slider match well with crisp, cold beverages.
VARIATIONS
- Cheese choice: Swap provolone for Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack for a bolder flavor.
- Bread: Use small rolls, dinner rolls, or mini hoagies if you do not have slider buns.
- Beef: Use leftover roast beef, thinly sliced deli roast beef, or sliced steak.
- Onions: Skip caramelized onions and use raw red onion slices for more bite, or add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy note.
- Sauce: Mix mayo with a little horseradish for a quick spread. Offer garlic butter brushed on tops instead of plain butter for more flavor.
- Vegetarian: Replace roast beef with thinly sliced roasted mushrooms or seared tempeh and serve with a rich vegetable broth for dipping.
FAQs
Q: Can I use deli roast beef for these sliders?
A: Yes. Thinly sliced deli roast beef works well. Warm it briefly so it is tender in the slider.
Q: How do I make caramelized onions fast?
A: Use medium heat, a little salt, and a splash of water if they start to stick. Stir often. They will soften and sweeten in 15–20 minutes rather than the long slow cook, though longer time yields deeper flavor.
Q: Do I need to make au jus from scratch?
A: No. You can use low-sodium beef broth warmed on the stove. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra depth if you like.
Q: How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
A: Toast the bottom buns lightly before assembling or place a thin layer of cheese directly on the bun under the beef to create a barrier. Serve soon after baking.
Q: Can I prepare these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Assemble the sliders in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. See the make-ahead tips below.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR French Dip Sliders
You can prepare several parts of this recipe ahead of time. Caramelize the onions a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble the sliders in the baking dish without the butter on top and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, brush the tops with butter and place in the oven for the recommended time. You can also slice the buns and warm the au jus ahead so assembly and baking take only a few minutes. If you plan to freeze, assemble unbaked sliders and wrap the dish tightly. Thaw overnight before baking. For a large crowd, make multiple trays and bake them together on separate racks, rotating racks halfway through if needed for even browning.
French Dip Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and caramelize the onions over medium heat until golden brown.
- Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer roast beef and caramelized onions on the buns, then top with provolone cheese.
- Place the top halves of the buns on and brush with melted butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm with au jus for dipping.