French Dip Sliders are a beloved classic reimagined for ultimate convenience and flavor. This viral sensation delivers tender roast beef, perfectly melted cheese, and the best savory butter topping, all nestled in sweet Hawaiian rolls.
Easy French Dip Sliders: Your New Go-To Recipe for Any Occasion
Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly simple yet irresistibly delicious French Dip Sliders. This recipe takes everything you adore about classic French Dip sandwiches – the succulent roast beef, the gooey cheese, and the rich au jus for dipping – and transforms it into a bite-sized, oven-baked wonder. Perfect for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or cheering on your favorite team, these sliders are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. With only ten minutes of prep time, you’ll have a tray of golden, cheesy, meaty goodness ready to impress everyone at your table.
Why These French Dip Sliders Are an Absolute Must-Try
It’s no secret why French Dip Sliders have taken the internet by storm. They offer a winning combination of taste, convenience, and universal appeal:
- Unmatched Versatility: Whether you’re hosting a large party, a casual get-together, or simply looking for a fun family dinner, these sliders fit the bill. They’re substantial enough for a main course and perfectly portioned for appetizers.
- Effortless Serving: Forget messy carving or individual sandwich assembly. These sliders bake together in a single batch and are easily sliced into individual portions, making them incredibly hassle-free to dish out and enjoy.
- Remarkably Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, anyone can make these sliders. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to achieve gourmet results.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of savory roast beef, melty cheese, and a buttery, seasoned topping is a universally loved flavor profile. These sliders are consistently a hit, ensuring happy eaters every time.
- Explosion of Flavor and Texture: Each slider offers a delightful contrast of textures – the soft, sweet roll, the tender roast beef, the creamy melted cheese, and the satisfying crunch of crispy fried onions, all complemented by a rich, savory au jus.
The Key Ingredients for Irresistible French Dip Sliders
The magic of these sliders lies in the careful selection and combination of a few high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that signature French Dip flavor profile:
- Butter: Not just for greasing the pan! Butter is essential for both flavor and creating a beautiful golden crust on your rolls. It also forms the base for our irresistible savory topping.
- Hawaiian-Style Sweet Dinner Rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls are the perfect foundation for our sliders. Their sweetness beautifully balances the savory beef and cheese, and their individual, connected shape makes assembly incredibly easy.
- Deli Roast Beef: For the best results, we recommend getting rare deli roast beef. This ensures that the beef remains tender and juicy after baking in the oven, preventing it from becoming overcooked or dry.
- Provolone Cheese: Known for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties, Provolone cheese is a fantastic choice for these sliders. It creates a gooey, flavorful layer that complements the roast beef without overpowering it. Swiss cheese is also a popular alternative if you prefer a sharper taste.
- French Fried Onions: This optional but highly recommended ingredient adds a fantastic layer of crunch and a subtle onion flavor that elevates the sliders. They’re a classic addition to many savory dishes for a reason!
- Savory Seasoning Mixture (for topping): A blend of melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, and onion powder creates an aromatic and flavorful topping that soaks into the rolls, adding depth and a delightful golden finish.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: This powdered mix is your secret weapon for a rich, beefy dipping sauce. It’s used both in the buttery topping and, most importantly, to create the quintessential au jus for dipping.
How To Masterfully Make French Dip Sliders
Creating these sensational sliders is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spread 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter across the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan. For even easier cleanup, you can line the pan with parchment paper after buttering.
- Prepare the Rolls: Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls in half horizontally. The goal is to keep the individual rolls connected while separating the top and bottom halves. Place the bottom half of the rolls evenly in your prepared baking dish.
- Build Your Sliders: Now, it’s time for the delicious layers! First, lay 6 slices of Provolone cheese over the bottom rolls. Next, evenly distribute the deli roast beef. If you’re using them, sprinkle the crispy french-fried onions over the roast beef. Finish this layer with the remaining 6 slices of Provolone cheese, then gently place the top half of the rolls back over the cheese.
- Create and Apply the Buttery Topping: In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 1 tablespoon of the au jus gravy mix, along with 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, 3/4 teaspoon of dried minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Whisk all these ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Evenly spread about three-quarters of this flavorful mixture over the tops and sides of the assembled rolls. You can refrigerate any leftover butter mixture to use later on steak or other bread for added flavor.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking pan with the sliders into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully gooey and melted, and the tops of the Hawaiian rolls are a beautiful golden brown.
- Prepare the Au Jus: While the sliders are baking, prepare your dipping sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the remaining packet of au jus gravy mix over medium heat. Add the amount of cold water indicated on the package directions and whisk constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook, whisking occasionally, until the au jus has slightly thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Using a very sharp knife, cut the baked sliders into individual squares along the natural divisions of the rolls. Serve immediately with the warm, rich au jus on the side for dipping.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To ensure your delicious French Dip Sliders remain fresh and flavorful:
- Store: Place any leftover French Dip Sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooled sliders in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped in foil for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: To reheat, place sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Cover them with foil to prevent drying out and ensure the cheese melts perfectly.
What to Serve Alongside Your French Dip Sliders
These savory sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Fresh Salads: A light and crisp garden salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sliders.
- Hearty Roasted Vegetables: Complement the warm sliders with a healthy side like mixed roasted vegetables, tender roasted Parmesan asparagus, or classic roasted broccoli.
- Crunchy Veggie Sticks: For a simple and fresh option, offer an assortment of carrot sticks, celery sticks, and colorful bell pepper strips.
- Classic BBQ Sides: Embrace comfort food pairings with creamy coleslaw, a unique broccoli grape pasta salad, or a traditional potato salad recipe.
- Flavorful Pasta Salads: Elevate your meal with a refreshing basil lime orzo pasta salad or a vibrant cowboy caviar pasta salad.
Creative Variations & Customizations
While the classic French Dip Slider is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize them to your taste:
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Gruyere, white cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
- Meat Alternatives: Instead of roast beef, try thinly sliced turkey, ham, or even pulled pork for a different flavor profile.
- Additions: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives into the layers.
- Spicy Kick: Drizzle a little sriracha or hot sauce into your butter topping for an extra zing.
More Delicious Slider Recipes to Explore
If you love these French Dip Sliders, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic slider creations:
- Italian Sliders
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
- Turkey Sliders
- Cheeseburger Sliders
Print Recipe
French Dip Sliders
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 12-count package Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls see note 1
- 1 pound deli roast beef see note 2
- 12 slices provolone cheese divided
- 1-1/2 cups crispy fried onions optional
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix divided
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 3/4 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 2 tbsp softened butter all over a 9×13-inch baking pan. For easier cleanup, you can line the pan with parchment paper.
- Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, ensuring the individual rolls remain attached (see note 1). Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan.
- Layer the bottom rolls with 6 slices of provolone cheese, followed by the deli roast beef, then the optional crispy french-fried onions, and finally, the remaining 6 cheese slices. Top with the upper slab of rolls.
- In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter. Add 1 tbsp of au jus gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, and onion powder. Whisk until well combined. Spread about three-quarters of this mixture evenly over the tops and sides of the rolls. Refrigerate any leftovers for later use on steak or bread.
- Bake the sliders uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and melted, and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
- For the au jus dipping sauce, heat the remaining packet of gravy mix in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add cold water as indicated on the package directions and whisk constantly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Remove the pan from the oven and, using a very sharp knife, cut the sliders into individual squares along the roll divisions. Serve immediately with the warm au jus for dipping.
Recipe Notes
Note 2: When selecting deli roast beef, opt for the rarest available. This choice is key to preventing the beef from becoming tough or dry after its time in the hot oven. Don’t hesitate to ask your deli counter staff for assistance in choosing the perfect cut.
Storage: Store any leftover French Dip Sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When reheating, use the oven at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes, covered with foil, to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Dip Sliders
Here are some common questions to help you perfect your French Dip Sliders:
- Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add the buttery topping just before baking for the best results. The au jus can also be made ahead and reheated.
- What kind of roast beef should I use? Opt for thin-sliced deli roast beef, preferably rare or medium-rare. This ensures it won’t overcook and become tough in the oven.
- Can I use a different type of roll? While Hawaiian sweet rolls are highly recommended for their texture and sweetness, you could use other soft dinner rolls or even mini brioche buns in a pinch. The baking time might vary slightly.
- How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy? Applying the buttery topping just before baking helps keep the rolls from becoming overly soft. Also, ensure your au jus is served on the side for dipping, not poured over the sliders until serving.
- Can I make a larger batch? Absolutely! This recipe scales up easily. Just use a larger baking pan or multiple pans as needed.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Easy Meal
These Easy French Dip Sliders are more than just a recipe; they’re a revelation in simple, satisfying cooking. From their quick prep time to their crowd-pleasing flavors, they embody everything you want in a versatile meal or party snack. Dive into the world of tender roast beef, melty cheese, and buttery rolls, all perfectly complemented by a savory au jus. We encourage you to try them out and discover why they’ve become such a beloved viral sensation!
**Self-Correction/Review:**
1. **SEO-friendly:**
* `