If you’re looking for a fun and tasty twist on a classic French dip sandwich, this French Dip Sliders recipe is exactly what you need. These sliders are perfect for game days, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a quick, savory dish. With tender roast beef, melted provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and a savory au jus dip, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for more. Plus, they’re super easy to make in just under 30 minutes!
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Why French Dip Sliders Are the Perfect Meal
French Dip Sliders are a great choice for a variety of reasons. First, they’re incredibly quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. The combination of soft sweet rolls and juicy roast beef, paired with gooey cheese and crispy caramelized onions, delivers a comforting flavor that’s perfect for all ages. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or a party, these sliders are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for French Dip Sliders
Here’s a list of the key ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious French Dip Sliders:
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions.
- Onion: For sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized.
- Thyme: Enhances the savory profile of the sliders.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to balance the flavors.
- Sweet Rolls: The soft, slightly sweet rolls make these sliders a treat.
- Provolone Cheese: A mild, meltable cheese that complements the beef.
- Roast Beef: Thinly sliced deli roast beef is perfect for sliders.
- Dried Onion Soup Mix: Adds a savory onion flavor to the butter topping.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: A must-have for dipping, it adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Water: Used to prepare the au jus.
- Parsley (optional): For garnish to add a pop of color.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Cheese: If you don’t have provolone, mozzarella works just as well.
- Roast Beef: You can substitute the deli roast beef with leftover pot roast or even Mississippi pot roast for a richer flavor.
- Rolls: If you can’t find sweet rolls, any type of slider bun will do, but sweet rolls are recommended for a nice flavor contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions for French Dip Sliders
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the onions and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become soft and caramelized, but not burnt.
- Once the onions are caramelized, add thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, remove from heat, and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the sweet rolls out of the package, leaving them intact. Slice the rolls horizontally, creating a top and bottom.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls, cut side up, in an 11×7-inch baking dish.
- Top the rolls with half of the provolone cheese. Layer the roast beef on top, followed by the caramelized onions, spreading them evenly. Add the remaining provolone cheese on top.
- Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese and beef.
- In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and onion soup mix. Brush the mixture generously over the top of the rolls to coat evenly.
- Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil, making sure the foil doesn’t touch the tops of the rolls. Bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the tops of the rolls.
- While the sliders are baking, prepare the au jus according to the package instructions, using the required amount of water.
- Serve the sliders hot, garnished with parsley (optional) and au jus on the side for dipping.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect French Dip Sliders
- Caramelize the Onions Slowly: To get the best flavor from the onions, cook them low and slow to bring out their natural sweetness. Avoid high heat to prevent burning.
- Check Roll Doneness: Be sure to check the sliders in the oven during the final few minutes of baking to ensure the rolls are golden brown but not overly crisp.
- Customize the Cheese: If provolone isn’t your favorite, you can easily swap it for mozzarella or even pepper jack for a little heat.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the sliders up to the baking step, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them overnight. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for French Dip Sliders
French Dip Sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and toppings. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:
- Side Dishes: Serve your sliders with crispy French fries or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Toppings: Try adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix a spoonful of horseradish sauce into the au jus for a spicy twist.
- Cheese Variations: For extra cheesy sliders, layer in some Swiss cheese along with the provolone.
Storing and Freezing French Dip Sliders
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the sliders cool completely, then wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven, covering them loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
French Dip Sliders are the perfect choice for any occasion, from family dinners to game day parties. With their irresistible combination of tender beef, melted cheese, and savory dipping sauce, they are sure to become your new go-to slider recipe!
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love These French Dip Sliders
If you’re craving a savory, satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and irresistible, this French Dip Sliders recipe has you covered. With tender roast beef, melted provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and the perfect dipping au jus, these sliders will quickly become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual family dinner, a fun game day, or a larger gathering, they’re sure to impress everyone with their incredible flavor and ease of preparation. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s so popular!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About French Dip Sliders
1. Can I make French Dip Sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can make French Dip Sliders ahead of time. Simply prepare the sliders up to the point of baking, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate them overnight. When you’re ready to bake them, remove the cover and bake as directed. This makes them perfect for meal prep or for entertaining guests without last-minute stress.
2. What can I use instead of provolone cheese in this recipe?
Provolone is a great cheese choice for French Dip Sliders because it melts beautifully, but you can substitute it with mozzarella for a similar texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a more adventurous option, try adding Swiss cheese for a slightly nutty flavor or even pepper jack if you enjoy a spicy kick.
3. Can I use a different type of bread for the sliders?
While sweet rolls like King’s Hawaiian are recommended for their soft texture and sweet flavor, you can substitute them with any slider buns of your choice. You could opt for regular dinner rolls or even mini baguette rolls for a more traditional feel. The key is finding a bread that holds up to the filling and is easy to serve as individual portions.
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French Dip Sliders Recipe:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These French Dip Sliders are a fun and tasty twist on a classic French dip sandwich, made with tender roast beef, provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and a savory au jus dipping sauce. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings, game days, or any casual occasion.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter
- 1 Onion
- 1 tsp Thyme
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Sweet Rolls
- Provolone Cheese
- Roast Beef (thinly sliced)
- 1 packet Dried Onion Soup Mix
- 1 packet Au Jus Gravy Mix
- Water (for au jus)
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until caramelized but not burnt.
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper to the onions and stir. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the sweet rolls horizontally and place the bottom half in an 11×7-inch baking dish.
- Top the rolls with half of the provolone cheese, then layer the roast beef and caramelized onions evenly. Add the remaining provolone cheese on top.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese and beef.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the onion soup mix. Brush the mixture generously over the top of the rolls.
- Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the tops of the rolls.
- While the sliders bake, prepare the au jus according to the package instructions.
- Serve the sliders hot, garnished with parsley (optional), and au jus on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Caramelize the onions slowly to avoid burning and bring out their natural sweetness.
- Check the sliders during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the tops are golden brown but not overly crisp.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the sliders up to the baking step, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- For a spicier twist, add horseradish sauce to the au jus.
- Substitute provolone with mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
