Introduction

Oh, friends, do you ever crave that super satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth flavor that just screams comfort? I’m talking about that classic French Dip sandwich, but in a way that’s totally huggable and perfect for sharing (or not!). Today, we’re diving into the magic of French Dip Sliders. These little bites are so incredibly easy to whip up, and they have a way of making any day feel special. Whether you’re planning a game day feast, a cozy family dinner, or just need a seriously delicious pick-me-up, these sliders are your new go-to. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone lucky enough to snag one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready in a flash, perfect for weeknights!
Easy: Seriously, minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Giftable: Package them up for a delicious treat for friends or neighbors.
Crowd-pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters will devour these!
Irresistible: That savory roast beef, gooey cheese, and rich au jus are pure happiness.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, kitchen crew! Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy French Dip Sliders:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base for our savory onion mixture.
1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Sweet and tender, it adds so much depth.
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced: A little herbal magic to elevate the flavor.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Just to make all those delicious flavors pop!
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A classic partner to salt.
12 sweet rolls: Think slider buns, Hawaiian rolls, or even dinner rolls. Whatever makes your heart sing!
10 slices provolone cheese: Melts like a dream and pairs perfectly with roast beef.
14 ounces sliced deli roast beef: Get the good stuff! Thinly sliced is key.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: For that glorious au jus dip.
1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix: A little secret weapon for big flavor.
1 packet au jus gravy mix: The star of the show for our dipping sauce!
3 cups water: To bring our au jus to life.
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional): For a pretty pop of color and freshness if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is going to be so much fun.

Sauté those Onions: Grab a big skillet and melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in your thinly sliced onion and let them soften and get a little golden, about 8-10 minutes. I like to give them a good stir now and then to make sure they don’t stick. Once they’re looking lovely, stir in the fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it one last stir, and then take the skillet off the heat. Set this aromatic mixture aside – it’s going to be amazing on our sliders!
Prep Your Buns: Now for the fun part! Take your sweet rolls and carefully slice them in half horizontally. You want to keep them together in their row if you can, it makes assembly a breeze.
Build Your Sliders: Lay the bottom halves of your rolls out. Spoon that delicious cooked onion mixture evenly over the bottom buns.
Cheese, Please! Drape your provolone cheese slices right on top of the onions. I love how gooey this gets!
Add the Roast Beef: Pile on those slices of roast beef. Don’t be shy – more is more when it comes to deliciousness!
Crown Your Creations: Gently place the top halves of the sweet rolls over the roast beef, completing your slider masterpieces.
Whip Up the Au Jus: In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter, dried onion soup mix, au jus gravy mix, and water. Give it a whisk to make sure everything is well combined. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, just until it starts to thicken slightly. This is the magical dipping sauce!
Ready for Dipping: Pour your warm au jus into a shallow dish. A pie plate or a wide bowl works perfectly.
Dip ‘Em Up: Now, take each assembled slider and dip it into the au jus mixture. You want to get both the top and bottom halves nice and coated. It’s okay if a little bit of everything spills out – that’s just extra flavor!
Serve and Enjoy! Place your beautifully dipped sliders on a platter. If you have some fresh chopped parsley, sprinkle it over the top for a touch of green and freshness. Serve them immediately while they’re warm and gooey!

Substitutions & Additions

Want to jazz things up or need a little swap? I got you!

Cheese: Swiss cheese is a fantastic alternative to provolone and gives a slightly nuttier flavor. Mozzarella would also be lovely for extra meltiness!
Onions: If you don’t have fresh onions, you can use about 2 tablespoons of dried minced onion simmered with the butter, salt, and pepper.
Rolls: King’s Hawaiian rolls are my personal favorite for their slight sweetness, but any soft sweet roll or slider bun will be delicious.
Add Some Spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onions while they’re cooking, or a dash of hot sauce to the au jus.
Garlic Lover? Add a clove or two of minced garlic to the onions in the last minute of cooking.
Dijon Twist: A thin smear of Dijon mustard on the bottom bun before adding the onions adds another layer of flavor.

Tips for Success

A few little secrets to make your French Dip Sliders absolutely perfect:

Don’t Overcook the Onions: You want them softened and slightly caramelized, not burnt.
Thinly Sliced Roast Beef is Key: This makes it easier to layer and ensures every bite has that delicious beefy flavor.
Dip Just Before Serving: To prevent the rolls from getting too soggy, it’s best to dip them right before you plan to eat them.
Prep Ahead: You can sauté the onions and prepare the au jus mixture a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just gently reheat the au jus before dipping.
Mind the Drizzle: While a good dip is essential, try not to let the sliders sit in the au jus for too long before serving, or they might become too soft.

How to Store It

While these sliders are best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to handle any leftovers:

Storing the Sliders: If you have any assembled sliders that haven’t been dipped, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The au jus can also be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the au jus and dip the sliders as directed. You can also place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for a few minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the onion mixture and the au jus a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. It’s best to assemble and dip the sliders just before serving for the best texture.

Q: What kind of bread works best for French Dip Sliders?

A: Soft, slightly sweet rolls like King’s Hawaiian rolls or slider buns are ideal. They soak up the au jus beautifully without falling apart too easily.

Q: Can I use thinly sliced steak instead of deli roast beef?

A: Absolutely! If you want to go the extra mile, you can thinly slice and cook your own roast beef or even steak (like flank steak) to use in these sliders. Just ensure it’s cooked to your liking and sliced very thinly.

French Dip Sliders

Melt-in-your-mouth French Dip Sliders, a huggable and shareable twist on the classic sandwich, perfect for any occasion from game day to a cozy family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Servings 6 sliders

Equipment

Skillet For sautéing onions
Saucepan For making au jus
Shallow dish For dipping sliders (pie plate or wide bowl)
Platter For serving

Ingredients

For the Sliders

3 tablespoons unsalted butter The base for our savory onion mixture.
1 medium onion thinly sliced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme minced
0.25 teaspoon kosher salt Just to make all those delicious flavors pop!
0.25 teaspoon black pepper A classic partner to salt.
12 sweet rolls slider buns, Hawaiian rolls, or dinner rolls
10 slices provolone cheese Melts like a dream and pairs perfectly with roast beef.
14 ounces sliced deli roast beef Thinly sliced is key.

For the Au Jus

0.5 cup unsalted butter melted, For that glorious au jus dip.
1.5 tablespoons dried onion soup mix A little secret weapon for big flavor.
1 packet au jus gravy mix The star of the show for our dipping sauce!
3 cups water To bring our au jus to life.

For Garnish (Optional)

fresh chopped parsley for garnish, for a pretty pop of color and freshness

Instructions

Sauté those Onions: Grab a big skillet and melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in your thinly sliced onion and let them soften and get a little golden, about 8-10 minutes. I like to give them a good stir now and then to make sure they don't stick. Once they're looking lovely, stir in the fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it one last stir, and then take the skillet off the heat. Set this aromatic mixture aside.
Prep Your Buns: Take your sweet rolls and carefully slice them in half horizontally. You want to keep them together in their row if you can, it makes assembly a breeze.
Build Your Sliders: Lay the bottom halves of your rolls out. Spoon that delicious cooked onion mixture evenly over the bottom buns.
Cheese, Please! Drape your provolone cheese slices right on top of the onions. I love how gooey this gets!
Add the Roast Beef: Pile on those slices of roast beef. Don't be shy – more is more when it comes to deliciousness!
Crown Your Creations: Gently place the top halves of the sweet rolls over the roast beef, completing your slider masterpieces.
Whip Up the Au Jus: In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter, dried onion soup mix, au jus gravy mix, and water. Give it a whisk to make sure everything is well combined. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, just until it starts to thicken slightly.
Ready for Dipping: Pour your warm au jus into a shallow dish. A pie plate or a wide bowl works perfectly.
Dip 'Em Up: Now, take each assembled slider and dip it into the au jus mixture. You want to get both the top and bottom halves nice and coated. It’s okay if a little bit of everything spills out – that’s just extra flavor!
Serve and Enjoy! Place your beautifully dipped sliders on a platter. If you have some fresh chopped parsley, sprinkle it over the top for a touch of green and freshness. Serve them immediately while they're warm and gooey!

Notes

You can prepare the onion mixture and the au jus a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just gently reheat the au jus before dipping. To prevent the rolls from getting too soggy, it's best to dip them right before you plan to eat them.