French Dip Sliders Recipe

Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish? These French Dip Sliders are the ultimate combination of rich roast beef, melted cheese, and perfectly caramelized onions, all tucked into soft sweet rolls. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. Plus, the side of au jus for dipping makes these sliders irresistible!

Ingredients Breakdown for French Dip Sliders

To make these French Dip Sliders as delicious as possible, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the onions.
• 1 medium onion (thinly sliced): Caramelizes beautifully to add a deep, sweet flavor.
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (minced): Provides a subtle herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with the beef.
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• 12 sweet rolls: The softness of the rolls contrasts with the savory filling and provides a perfect base.
• 10 slices provolone cheese: Melts smoothly and complements the roast beef without overpowering.
• 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef: Thinly sliced roast beef adds the savory, hearty filling.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Used to brush over the rolls for a rich finish.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix: Infuses the butter topping with extra flavor.
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix: For that classic French Dip dipping sauce.
• 3 cups water: Used to make the au jus.
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional): A garnish for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process:

• Large skillet
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• 11×7 baking dish
• Small bowl
• Basting brush (optional)
• Foil for baking
• Saucepan for preparing au jus

How to Make French Dip Sliders: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the thinly sliced onions. Stir occasionally, ensuring the onions are coated in butter. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until the onions are soft, golden, and caramelized. The key here is patience—don’t rush! You want the onions browned but not burnt. Once they’re perfectly cooked, stir in 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything together and set the skillet aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the onions cool, remove the 12 sweet rolls from their package but keep them intact. Using a sharp knife, slice through the middle of the rolls horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Place the bottom half of the rolls, cut side up, in an 11×7 baking dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Start layering the sliders. Begin by placing half of the provolone cheese on the bottom rolls. Then, add the 14 ounces of sliced deli roast beef evenly across the rolls. Spread the caramelized onions on top of the roast beef for maximum flavor. Finish by adding the remaining provolone cheese, then place the top halves of the rolls back on top.

Step 4: Butter Topping

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix. Using a brush (or carefully pouring), coat the top of the rolls with this buttery mixture. This will help the sliders turn golden brown while baking.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the tops of the rolls. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This will allow the rolls to brown slightly and become crispy on top.

Step 6: Prepare the Au Jus

While the sliders are baking, prepare the au jus by following the package directions. Usually, this involves mixing the au jus packet with 3 cups of water and simmering in a small saucepan until it thickens slightly. Once done, transfer the au jus to small bowls for dipping.

Step 7: Serve

Once the sliders are done baking, remove them from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with au jus on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Caramelized Onions

• Low and slow is key: Avoid cooking the onions too quickly. Keep the heat at medium and stir occasionally to ensure even browning without burning.
• Use butter generously: Butter adds a rich flavor that helps the onions caramelize beautifully.
• Season towards the end: Adding thyme, salt, and pepper at the end of cooking ensures that the onions don’t dry out too early.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making French Dip Sliders

• Overfilling the sliders: Too much filling can make it hard for the rolls to stay together. Keep the balance just right with even layers of cheese, beef, and onions.
• Burning the rolls: Be sure to cover the sliders loosely with foil while baking to prevent the tops from burning.
• Not letting the cheese melt enough: Make sure the cheese is fully melted before removing the sliders from the oven.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

For a fun presentation, cut the sliders into individual portions and arrange them on a large serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve the au jus in small bowls alongside each slider, allowing guests to dip as they eat. These sliders are perfect for game-day gatherings, family dinners, or holiday parties.

How to Store Leftover French Dip Sliders

If you have any leftover sliders, they store well in the refrigerator. Wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 days. When reheating, bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the rolls from getting soggy, unlike reheating in a microwave.

Recipe Variations and Ingredient Swaps

• Cheese Swap: While provolone is traditional, you can use Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a twist.
• Roll Options: If you don’t have sweet rolls, try Hawaiian rolls or any soft dinner rolls for a similar effect.
• Herb Variation: Replace thyme with rosemary for a more woodsy flavor.

How to Make Homemade Au Jus

If you prefer to make your own au jus from scratch, combine 2 cups of beef broth with 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon of soy sauce. Simmer on low heat, adding salt and pepper to taste. For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About French Dip Sliders

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
If you don’t have dried onion soup mix, you can make your own by combining dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Can I freeze French Dip Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked sliders. Wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions.

Conclusion

These French Dip Sliders are packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or serving a large crowd, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tender roast beef, gooey melted cheese, and caramelized onions makes every bite unforgettable. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious, easy-to-make dishes!

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