French Dip Sliders put tender roast beef, melted provolone, and sweet rolls together for an easy crowd-pleaser. This recipe delivers savory, juicy bites you can dip into rich au jus. It works for weeknight dinners, game days, and casual parties. The sliders taste fancy while staying simple to make.

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Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This French Dip Sliders

These sliders combine soft, slightly sweet rolls with savory roast beef and caramelized onions. The melted provolone adds creamy texture while the au jus brings warm, beefy flavor for dipping.

You can make them ahead, bake quickly, and serve a hot platter that everyone grabs. They work well as finger food or a main dish, and they feed many with little fuss.

How to Make French Dip Sliders

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 medium onion, thinly sliced, 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 12 sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian or similar), 10 slices provolone cheese, 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix, 1 packet au jus gravy mix, 3 cups water, Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. With a long serrated knife, slice the entire block of sweet rolls horizontally, keeping them connected. Lift off the top section and set aside. Place the connected bottom halves into the prepared baking dish.
2. Caramelize the Onions
In a medium skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onion, minced thyme, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Butter Topping
Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a small bowl or saucepan. This will be brushed over the rolls before baking.
4. Assemble the Sliders
Layer half of the provolone slices over the bottom rolls. Add the sliced deli roast beef, then spread the caramelized onions evenly on top. Add the remaining provolone slices, then carefully place the connected top halves of the rolls back over the filling.
5. Brush and Bake (Covered)
Brush the tops generously with the melted butter. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Bake (Uncovered) and Rest
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted. Allow the sliders to rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Craft the Au Jus
While the sliders bake, prepare the dipping sauce. In a saucepan, combine 1 packet au jus gravy mix, 1½ tablespoons dried onion soup mix, and 3 cups water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Keep warm.
8. Slice, Serve, and Garnish
Slice along the roll lines to separate the sliders. Transfer to a serving platter and serve with warm au jus in small bowls for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Ingredient Notes

Roast beef: Use thinly sliced deli roast beef for easy layering. For better texture, ask your deli to slice it extra thin.
Sweet rolls: King’s Hawaiian gives a classic sweet contrast. You can use small brioche rolls if you prefer a less sweet option.
Provolone: Mild provolone melts well. Swiss or mozzarella are good swaps.
Onion soup mix and au jus: These are shortcut ingredients that make the sauce rich and quick. Use low-sodium versions to control salt.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a bright, herb note. Dried thyme can replace it at one-third the amount.

How to Serve French Dip Sliders

Serve sliders warm with small bowls of hot au jus for dipping. Offer napkins and toothpicks for easy handling. Pair the sliders with simple sides: a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or crunchy coleslaw. For parties, place a communal bowl of au jus in the center so guests can dip as they like.

How to Store French Dip Sliders

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the au jus in a separate covered container in the fridge. To reheat, transfer sliders to a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Reheat au jus on the stove over low heat until just hot.

Tips to Make French Dip Sliders Perfect

Slice rolls as a block so assembly goes fast and sliders bake evenly.
Caramelize onions slowly. Low heat and patience yield deep, sweet flavor.
Use thin roast beef. Thick slices make the sliders heavy and harder to bite.
Brush the tops of the rolls generously with melted butter for a golden finish.
Rest the sliders for a few minutes after baking. That lets the cheese settle and prevents the filling from leaking when you cut.
Keep the au jus warm. Warm liquid extracts more flavor from the beef and matches the hot sliders.

Flavor Variations

Mushroom and Onion: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions. Mushrooms add an earthy, meaty note.
Horseradish Kick: Mix a small amount of prepared horseradish into the au jus or spread horseradish sauce on the rolls for a bright bite.
Cheddar and Caramelized Apple: Swap provolone for sharp cheddar and add thin slices of caramelized apple for a sweet-savory twist.
Italian Style: Use oregano and roasted red peppers with mozzarella and a beef broth dip seasoned with Italian herbs.
Buffalo Twist: Toss the roast beef lightly in mild buffalo sauce and serve with a ranch-style dipping sauce alongside the au jus.

Pro Tips for Success

Use a serrated knife to slice the roll block. A gentle sawing motion keeps the rolls intact.
When caramelizing onions, add a pinch of salt early to draw out moisture. This speeds browning without high heat.
Layer cheese closest to the rolls to help glue the beef and onions together when melted.
If you plan to make sliders ahead, assemble and refrigerate unbaked with butter brushed on. Bake 10-15 minutes longer from chilled.
For larger crowds, double the recipe and bake in two pans so each tray heats evenly.
Test the au jus for seasoning near the end. Add a dash of soy sauce or a pinch of sugar to round flavors, if needed.

FAQs About French Dip Sliders

Q: Can I make these sliders ahead for a party?
A: Yes. You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator. If you prepare them fully ahead, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking. Bake a few extra minutes if they come straight from the fridge so they heat through and the cheese melts fully.

Q: What can I use instead of provolone?
A: Provolone melts smoothly and has mild flavor. If you do not have it, use mozzarella for a neutral melt or Swiss for a nuttier flavor. Sharp cheddar works too, though it will change the flavor profile. Keep slices thin so they melt quickly and evenly.

Q: How do I make a richer au jus without packaged mixes?
A: Simmer beef broth with a small onion, garlic, a sprig of thyme, and a splash of soy sauce for depth. Reduce gently until the flavor concentrates. Strain before serving. This fresh au jus tastes rich and avoids extra salt and additives.

Q: Can I use leftover roast beef from a roast?
A: Definitely. Leftover roast beef works very well. Slice it thin and warm it slightly before layering so the cheese melts more easily. If the roast beef is very lean and dry, warm it in a bit of beef broth so the sliders stay juicy.

Final Thoughts

French Dip Sliders make a simple, satisfying meal for families and groups. The recipe balances sweet rolls, melty cheese, savory roast beef, and warm au jus. You can tweak the toppings and the dip to match your tastes. Use the tips above to keep the sliders juicy and the au jus flavorful. They hold up well for parties and make leftovers easy to reheat.

Conclusion

For another clear recipe and step-by-step photos, check out Best French Dip Sliders (Quick & Tasty!) 2025. It offers extra photos and timing notes that pair well with this guide.