Here is a simple, tasty recipe for a crowd or family meal.
INTRODUCTION
French Dip Sliders bring hot, juicy beef and melted cheese to a soft roll. This recipe cooks onions until they are sweet and brown. Then it layers roast beef, cheese, and the onions on Hawaiian rolls. The top gets a buttery, savory coat and the whole pan bakes until warm and golden. Serve with warm au jus for dipping.
If you want a warm coffee to go with these sliders, try our French press espresso guide for a bold drink that pairs well with beef.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these sliders because they are easy and fast to make. They feed many people with little work. The caramelized onions add deep flavor. The provolone melts and holds the beef together. The au jus makes each bite soft and juicy. The rolls stay soft but crisp on top after baking. You can make them ahead and warm them later. They work for game day, a party, or a simple family dinner.
These sliders also pair well with warm drinks. For a quick coffee idea, see the French press espresso guide to make a drink that matches the meal.
HOW TO MAKE French Dip Sliders
This recipe uses simple steps and basic tools. Start by cooking the onions slowly to bring out their sweet flavor. Slice the sheet of rolls and build the sandwich in layers. Brush the top with a butter and onion soup mix blend for great taste and a nice crust. Bake until the tops are brown and the cheese melts. Make the au jus while the sliders bake. Cut and serve with the hot au jus on the side.
For a quick drink idea to serve with the sliders, read this French press espresso guide to make a simple cup that goes well with beef.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet for caramelizing onions.
- Large serrated knife to slice the rolls.
- 11×7 baking dish to hold the sliders.
- Pastry brush or spoon to add butter mix.
- Foil to cover while baking.
- Small saucepan to make au jus (or follow packet directions in a measuring cup).
- Serving platter or board.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 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 (Hawaiian sweet rolls)
- 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 :
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add thinly sliced onions and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and beautifully browned.
- Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Keep rolls connected and use a large serrated knife to slice horizontally through the entire sheet of rolls.
- Place the bottom half, cut side up, into an 11×7 baking dish.
- Layer half of the provolone cheese on the bottom layer of rolls. Add all roast beef, spreading evenly.
- Top with caramelized onions, then add remaining cheese. Place the top half of the rolls over everything.
- Mix together melted butter and dried onion soup mix. Brush or pour evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
- While sliders are baking, prepare au jus according to package directions using 3 cups of water.
- Slice sliders apart and serve immediately with au jus on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
HOW TO SERVE French Dip Sliders
Serve the sliders hot and fresh from the oven. Place a small bowl of warm au jus next to each serving plate. Let guests dip each slider into the broth for a moist bite. Add a small side of pickles or thinly sliced red onion for a fresh bite. Offer napkins—these sliders are juicy and hands-on. For a full meal, add a light salad and roasted vegetables.
To create a balanced meal, try a warm drink from the French press espresso guide. It makes a strong cup that cuts through the rich flavors.
STORAGE & FREEZING : French Dip Sliders
Store cooled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, covered, until warm. To keep the tops crisp, remove the foil for the last 3 minutes of heating.
To freeze, wrap the entire pan in plastic wrap and foil, or place individual sliders in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20 minutes, then uncover to brown for 5 minutes.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with warm au jus in individual bowls.
- Add a side of kettle chips or fries for a classic pairing.
- Offer small bowls of mustard or horseradish for guests who like a kick.
- A green salad with vinaigrette helps cut the richness.
- For a holiday table, serve with roasted root vegetables and a simple slaw.
VARIATIONS
- Swap provolone for Swiss or cheddar for a different melt and flavor.
- Use thinly sliced roast pork instead of beef for a new twist.
- Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms with the onions for an earthy taste.
- Make mini sliders using dinner rolls for bite-size appetizers.
- For a sharper top, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan over the butter before baking.
- Make it spicy: mix in a pinch of cayenne into the butter and soup mix.
You can also pair the sliders with coffee or a simple hot drink. For a guide to make one, check the French press espresso guide for a no-fuss option that matches the meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh roast beef from the deli or leftover roast beef?
A: Yes. Both deli roast beef and leftover sliced roast beef work well. Slice the beef thin so it heats evenly in the oven.
Q: Can I make the au jus from scratch?
A: Yes. Use beef broth, a splash of Worcestershire, and a little browned onion for a simple homemade au jus. The packet works for speed, but scratch versions taste great.
Q: Can I assemble this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the sliders and cover them in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking. Add the butter topping right before you bake.
Q: Can I make these with smaller rolls?
A: Yes. Use smaller rolls to make appetizer-size sliders. Adjust baking time down by 5-10 minutes so they do not dry out.
Q: How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
A: Toast the cut sides lightly before layering to add a thin barrier. Do not over-soak the beef in au jus before serving; offer the au jus on the side for dipping.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR French Dip Sliders
You can make the caramelized onions a day in advance. Store them in the fridge in a sealed container. Assemble the sliders up to 24 hours before baking but do not add the butter and onion soup mix on top until you are ready to bake. If you need to prep more ahead, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders. Wrap them well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Conclusion
This French Dip Sliders recipe is simple and crowd-pleasing. For one more tested take on this exact slider style, see Best French Dip Sliders (Quick & Tasty!) 2025 for extra tips and photos.
French Dip Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add thinly sliced onions and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and beautifully browned.
- Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Keep rolls connected and use a large serrated knife to slice horizontally through the entire sheet of rolls.
- Place the bottom half, cut side up, into an 11×7 baking dish.
- Layer half of the provolone cheese on the bottom layer of rolls. Add all roast beef, spreading evenly.
- Top with caramelized onions, then add remaining cheese. Place the top half of the rolls over everything.
- Mix together melted butter and dried onion soup mix. Brush or pour evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
- While sliders are baking, prepare au jus according to package directions using 3 cups of water.
- Slice sliders apart and serve immediately with au jus on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.