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French Dip Sliders

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These sliders are a must-have for casual gatherings or a fun family meal. You’ll enjoy layers of savory roast beef, melt-in-your-mouth provolone, and rich caramelized onions tucked into soft rolls brushed with a buttery soup mix. Bake until golden, then serve with warm au jus for a dunk that's too good to resist. It’s a tasty meal you can prepare in about an hour and share on game days or any special get-together.
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Updated on Sun, 04 May 2025 15:43:57 GMT
A baking tray filled with golden buns packed with cheese and beef. Pin it
A baking tray filled with golden buns packed with cheese and beef. | tastefullyrecipe.com

Bite-sized French Dip Sliders take your favorite sandwich down to the perfect party size. These mouthwatering treats pack juicy roast beef and gooey provolone between soft, buttery rolls, paired with a tasty au jus for dunking. The mix of textures and flavors will have your guests grabbing seconds before they've finished their first!

I've brought these to family get-togethers for years now, and they're always gone in a flash. There's something almost magical about how that melted cheese hugs the warm beef that keeps everyone's hands reaching for the plate.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Hawaiian rolls or brioche slider buns: Their hint of sweetness and buttery texture makes them the ultimate base.
  • Paper-thin top round roast beef: Gives you that melt-in-your-mouth feeling with every bite.
  • Provolone cheese: Melts perfectly and plays nicely with the beef without stealing the show.
  • Yellow onions: Turn wonderfully sweet when browned, adding rich flavor depth.
  • Good beef broth: The foundation for an amazing dipping sauce.
  • Whole garlic cloves: Add that must-have aromatic kick.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory punch that makes everything taste better.

Crafting Delicious Sliders

Getting Those Onions Right:
Drop butter into a big skillet over medium heat and wait for bubbles. Toss in your thin onion slices and stir now and then. Watch them slowly turn from white and crunchy to golden and soft as they release their sugars. This'll take around 25 minutes for that perfect sweet-savory result.
Making Your Dipping Sauce:
In another pot, heat butter with chopped garlic until it smells amazing. Add your beef broth and Worcestershire, letting everything bubble gently. Drop in some fresh thyme and let it all hang out together for at least 15 minutes.
Putting It All Together:
Keep those slider buns connected in their original pack - it makes everything easier. Spread a thick layer of those sweet caramelized onions on the bottom half. Layer your beef slices next, then blanket everything with provolone.
Finishing Touches:
Paint the bun tops with your butter mix. Pop them in your hot oven and keep an eye out as the cheese gets all melty and the tops turn golden. You'll smell when they're done.
A plate of meat sandwiches with cheese and herbs. Pin it
A plate of meat sandwiches with cheese and herbs. | tastefullyrecipe.com

The sweet onions are the standout star in our house. Even my daughter, who usually picks onions out of everything, asks for extra scoops whenever these sliders show up on the table.

Tasty Side Matches

Serve these babies with some crunchy potato wedges or a light peppery arugula salad. For casual hangouts, throw in some tangy pickled veggies or homemade slaw to cut through all that richness.

Mix It Up Your Way

Try swapping in Swiss or Havarti cheese for a twist. You can toss in some buttery mushrooms or sweet roasted peppers for extra flavor. If you're watching salt intake, just whip up some dipping sauce with low-sodium broth on the side.

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten sliders away from the dipping sauce in a sealed container. They'll stay good in the fridge for about three days. When you're ready to eat them, warm them up in a 350°F oven for around 10 minutes.

A plate of sandwiches with meat and cheese. Pin it
A plate of sandwiches with meat and cheese. | tastefullyrecipe.com

I've tweaked this recipe countless times over the years, and I've learned that being patient with those onions makes all the difference in flavor. Taking your time on that step always pays off when you bite into the finished slider.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these sliders in advance?
Absolutely! Put them together up to a day early. Store covered in the fridge, then add the buttery topping right before baking.
→ What's the top choice for slider buns?
Hawaiian rolls are perfect because they’re soft and slightly sweet, but any soft buns will do the trick.
→ Is freezing these sliders possible?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Wrap them securely, freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight before reheating.
→ What sides go well with these sliders?
Pair them with chips, coleslaw, potato salad, or a green salad. And don’t skip the warm au jus for dipping!
→ How can I stop the rolls from getting soggy?
Be sure to drain extra liquid from the onions and avoid overdoing the buttery topping. Let the dipping happen with the au jus!

French Dip Sliders

These handheld sliders have layers of tender roast beef, melted cheese, and sweet onions on fluffy buns, served with savory au jus for dipping.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Patricia


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 sliders)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 14 ounces deli roast beef, thinly sliced
02 12 soft sweet rolls
03 10 slices provolone cheese, divided

→ Caramelized Onions

04 1 medium onion, sliced into thin pieces
05 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
06 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
07 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
08 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

→ Butter Topping & Au Jus

09 1 packet au jus gravy mix
10 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix
11 Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
12 1/2 cup butter, melted
13 3 cups water

Instructions

Step 01

Melt the butter in a big pan on medium heat. Toss in the onion slices and coat them evenly. Stir every now and then for 12–15 minutes until the onions turn golden brown. Don't let them burn.

Step 02

Mix in thyme, salt, and pepper with the onions. Stir everything gently, remove from heat, and set aside.

Step 03

Turn the oven to 350°F. Slice the pack of rolls horizontally so they're split into tops and bottoms, but keep them connected. Lay the bottom half in an 11x7 pan, cut side up.

Step 04

Place half the cheese slices on the rolls. Add the roast beef in an even layer. Spread the cooked onions over the beef, then add the rest of the cheese. Finish by placing the roll tops back on.

Step 05

Combine the melted butter and onion soup mix in a small bowl. Use a brush to spread this mix evenly over the tops of the rolls.

Step 06

Lightly cover the dish with foil, keeping it off the roll tops. Bake for 25 minutes. Take off the foil and bake another 5 minutes to crisp them up.

Step 07

While the rolls are baking, prepare the au jus following the package instructions and using the water. Serve the sliders with the sauce on the side—chop a little parsley on top if you like.

Notes

  1. Swap dried thyme for fresh if needed—just use half the amount.
  2. Slider buns work, but sweet rolls have the best flavor here.
  3. Provolone or mozzarella are our top cheese picks for this.
  4. Adding au jus is up to you, but it really boosts the taste.
  5. They freeze well, so save extras for later.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large frying pan
  • 11x7 baking dish
  • Small bowl for mixing
  • Brush for spreading butter
  • Foil for covering while baking

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy ingredients (cheese, butter).
  • Contains gluten from the rolls.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 284
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: 15 g