French Dip Sliders
Introduction
The moment you open the oven and that first wave of warm, savory aroma rolls through the kitchen, you know you’re in for something special. Imagine pillowy slider buns hugged around tender slices of roast beef, a soft blanket of melted provolone, and sweet, lacquered ribbons of caramelized onion. Each bite gives you a crisp, butter-brushed top, a gooey cheese pull, and an indulgent dunk into steaming au jus that sends savory juices down your wrist. The textures—soft bun, silky cheese, tender beef—play off each other perfectly, while the aroma of garlic-butter and slow-cooked onions hooks your senses before the first bite.
These French Dip Sliders are the kind of recipe that sparks conversation and comfort in equal measure: perfect for game-day gatherings, cozy family dinners, or a weekend brunch when you want something a little more elevated than ham-and-cheese. They’re quick enough for a stress-free weeknight (30–40 minutes active time) but special enough to bring to potlucks and holiday appetizer spreads. If you’re curious about similar slider riffs or want a quick reference to build on this base, check this classic option: French Dip Sliders recipe.
Dish Snapshot
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes (including caramelizing onions and oven time)
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: 8 sliders (serves 4 comfortably as a main with 2 each, or 8 as appetizer portions)
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner cooks who want an impressive result
Nutrition Highlights
Per serving (1 slider as prepared — values are estimates)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
Notes on the numbers:
These values are estimates calculated from commonly used ingredient portions and verified against USDA FoodData Central entries for common foods (buns, roast beef, provolone, butter, onions) and general dietary guidance from reputable health resources. Actual nutrition will vary based on specific products and portion sizes (e.g., low-sodium roast beef or reduced-fat cheese will change totals). For personalized dietary advice, consult a registered dietitian or health resource such as the CDC or Mayo Clinic.
Perfect For…
- Crowd-pleasing gatherings: Serve these in a baking dish right from the oven for effortless sharing at game day, potlucks, or casual parties.
- Cozy dinners: The warm au jus and gooey cheese make them comfort-food gold on chilly nights.
- Quick, satisfying meals: Assembly is fast—great for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without fuss.
- Nostalgic bites: They tap into classic diner flavors while feeling slightly upscale—perfect for family memories or a modern twist on retro comfort food.
How to Make French Dip Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns (or 8 larger dinner rolls)
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or leftover roast)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 8–12 slices provolone cheese (one per slider; overlap for extra cheesiness)
- 2 cups au jus or beef broth (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
- Salt, to taste
Optional ingredients and substitutions
- Cheese: Swiss, mozzarella, or fontina instead of provolone
- Bread: Gluten-free slider buns or Hawaiian rolls for a sweeter note
- Beef: Sliced roast beef can be swapped with thinly sliced prime rib or leftover pot roast
- Au jus substitute: Beef bouillon dissolved in hot water; add a splash of red wine for depth
- To make it vegetarian/vegan: Use seitan or marinated mushrooms, vegan cheese, and a mushroom-based “au jus”
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or similar-size pan.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn deep golden brown (about 15–20 minutes). Lower the heat if they start to stick—slow caramelization develops the sweetest flavor.
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves snugly in the baking dish so they touch (this keeps them from drying and helps for easy pull-apart serving).
- Layer the sliced roast beef evenly over the bottom buns. Top the beef with the caramelized onions, distributing them across all sliders. Place provolone slices atop each mound of beef/onions.
- Place the top halves of the buns on. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the garlic powder and black pepper. Brush this buttery mixture evenly over the tops of the buns.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese melts and the beef is warm through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes (watch carefully) until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
- While the sliders bake, warm the au jus in a small saucepan until it’s steaming (do not boil). Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve the sliders warm, with small bowls of au jus for dipping.
Practical tips
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when caramelizing onions—give them room to brown.
- If your roast beef is thick, briefly warm it in the au jus before assembling to ensure it’s hot throughout.
- To get even cheese melt, tent the foil close to the tops so steam helps the cheese but doesn’t wet the buns excessively.
- Check doneness by ensuring the cheese is fully melted and the center of the dish is hot to the touch.
Best Pairings
- Classic au jus: Serve piping hot in small bowls for dunking—this is essential.
- Crispy sides: Truffle fries, sweet potato fries, or classic shoestring fries complement the sliders’ richness.
- Light contrasts: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a quick slaw cuts through the richness and brightens each bite.
- Sauces: Horseradish cream or a grainy mustard on the side adds a sharp, delightful kick.
- For a fun palate pairing, try serving a zesty tomato-based dip or bright bruschetta option—great if you want a contrasting fresh bite: Bruschetta-style dip idea.
Storing Leftovers
- Room temperature: Do not leave sliders with meat and cheese at room temperature more than 2 hours (per USDA food safety guidance).
- Refrigeration: Store cooled sliders in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) until warmed through to preserve moisture.
- Freezer: Assembled sliders freeze best for up to 2 months. Wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic and foil or place sliders in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Alternatively, freeze components separately (beef and buns) for better texture retention.
Chef’s Advice
- Choose thinly sliced roast beef; it heats quickly and remains tender. Deli-style or thinly shaved leftover roast work best.
- Use a mix of butter and a touch of olive oil when brushing tops to prevent burning while still achieving browning.
- For deeper au jus, simmer beef drippings with a splash of red wine, a sprig of thyme, and a halved shallot for 10–15 minutes, then strain.
- Don’t skip the foil stage in the oven—covering helps melt the cheese without drying the rolls.
- If you prefer a crispier top, give it a short broil (1–2 minutes) after removing foil—watch closely to avoid burning.
Creative Twists
- Mushroom & Swiss French Dip Sliders: Sauté cremini mushrooms with thyme and garlic, swap provolone for Swiss, and fold mushrooms into the beef layer for an earthy, savory riff.
- Spicy Horseradish Sliders: Mix prepared horseradish with mayo and spread a thin layer on the buns before assembling. Add pickled jalapeños for heat.
- Vegetarian “Beefless” Sliders: Use marinated, grilled portobello slices or seitan, vegan cheese, and a mushroom-based au jus (reduce soy sauce and add miso for umami).
- Hawaiian-style: Use sweet slider rolls (Hawaiian buns), pineapple chutney, and swap the au jus for a teriyaki-ginger dipping sauce for a sweet-savory twist.
Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes—assemble everything (without brushing the tops with butter) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush and bake when ready. Avoid baking fully ahead as texture degrades.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat without drying out?
A: Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through (10–15 minutes). Reheat with a small splash of au jus over the beef if it seems dry.
Q: Can I use pre-made au jus mixes?
A: Absolutely. Store-bought au jus or beef broth-based mixes work well—just taste and adjust seasoning. Add a little Worcestershire or a splash of red wine for depth.
Q: How do I make this lower in sodium?
A: Use low-sodium roast beef or rinse deli beef briefly and pat dry, choose low-sodium beef broth, and opt for lower-sodium cheese varieties.
Q: Any tips for the caramelized onions?
A: Low and slow is the motto—medium-low heat and patience yield the best sweetness. A pinch of baking soda (very small, like 1/8 tsp) can accelerate caramelization but use sparingly.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, comfort-forward recipe that’s both simple and show-stopping, these French Dip Sliders are a win. They deliver melty cheese, tender beef, and that irresistible dunkable au jus in every bite—perfect for sharing or savoring solo. For more takes on this classic and ideas to refine your au jus or assembly, see this detailed roundup: Best French Dip Sliders (Quick & Tasty!) 2025 and another excellent home-cook perspective here: French Dip Sliders – Cooking in the Midwest.
Try the recipe, tweak it to your taste, and share your photos and tips—I’d love to see your perfect slider stacks and hear how you dunk them. Happy cooking!
Print
French Dip Sliders
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders (serves 4 comfortably as a main, or 8 as appetizers) 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
Delicious sliders featuring tender roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and caramelized onions, served with a warm au jus for dipping.
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns (or 8 larger dinner rolls)
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 8–12 slices provolone cheese
- 2 cups au jus or beef broth
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté until golden brown, about 15–20 minutes.
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in the baking dish.
- Layer the sliced roast beef evenly over the bottom buns, followed by the caramelized onions. Place provolone slices atop the beef and onions.
- Place the top halves of the buns on and brush melted butter mixed with garlic powder and black pepper over the tops.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until golden.
- While sliders bake, warm the au jus in a small saucepan until steaming.
- Serve sliders warm with small bowls of au jus for dipping.
Notes
Try not to overcrowd the pan while caramelizing onions for the best flavor. These sliders can also be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
