French Dip Sliders: The Ultimate Savory, Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

A Classic Sandwich Transformed into Shareable Bites

French Dip Sliders take the beloved flavors of the classic French dip sandwich and transform them into a convenient, shareable appetizer or snack. These miniature sandwiches are packed with savory roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, all nestled within soft, buttery sweet rolls. The rich, homemade au jus served on the side for dipping elevates these sliders to the next level of deliciousness. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, parties, potlucks, or a fun and easy weeknight dinner.

A Recipe That’s Always a Party Hit

I first made these French Dip Sliders for a casual get-together with friends, and they were an instant success. I was looking for something that was easy to make, could be served at room temperature, and would be a little more exciting than the usual appetizers. The combination of the warm, cheesy sliders and the flavorful au jus for dipping was a total winner. Everyone raved about them, and several people asked for the recipe. Since then, these sliders have become one of my go-to recipes for any gathering. They’re always a hit, and they’re so easy to customize to your liking. I’ve even made them for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, served with a simple salad on the side. They are also great to bring to a potluck.

Ingredient Insights: Building Layers of Flavor in Every Slider

Let’s break down the key ingredients that make these French Dip Sliders so delicious:

• Sweet Rolls (12): Provide a soft, slightly sweet, and buttery base for the sliders.
  • Brand: King’s Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice, but you can use any brand of sweet rolls or even dinner rolls.
  • Tip: The slight sweetness of the rolls balances the savory flavors of the other ingredients.
• Provolone Cheese (10 slices): Adds a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a wonderfully melty texture.
  • Alternative: You can use other cheeses, such as Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack, but provolone is a classic choice for French dip sandwiches.
• Sliced Deli Roast Beef (14 ounces): The star of the show, providing a savory, meaty flavor.
  • Quality: Choose a good-quality, thinly sliced roast beef from your deli counter.
  • Tip: You can also use leftover roast beef, thinly sliced.
• Onion (1 medium, thinly sliced): Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory depth of flavor that complements the beef and cheese.
• Fresh Thyme (2 teaspoons, minced): Provides a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter (½ cup total, divided): Used for caramelizing the onions and for brushing the tops of the rolls, adding richness and flavor.
• Dried Onion Soup Mix (1 ½ tablespoons): Adds a concentrated burst of savory onion flavor to the topping.
• Au Jus Gravy Mix (1 packet): The base for the flavorful dipping sauce.
  • Tip: Look for a good-quality au jus gravy mix.
• Water (3 cups): Used to make the au jus.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Essential Equipment: Tools for Slider Assembly and Baking

• Large Skillet: For caramelizing the onions.
• 11×7 Inch Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the sliders.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the melted butter and onion soup mix.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the rolls and chopping the onions.
• Cutting Board: For preparing the onions.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the butter mixture on top of the rolls.
• Saucepan: To prepare the au jus.

The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to French Dip Slider Perfection

Ingredients with Measurements

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 sweet rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian)
• 10 slices provolone cheese
• 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ tablespoons dried onion soup mix
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 3 cups water
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Detailed Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Sweet and Savory Depth

1. Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and coat them in the melted butter.
3. Cook Slowly: Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes. The goal is to soften and caramelize them, bringing out their natural sweetness. They should be a light golden brown but not burnt.
4. Add Seasonings: Add the minced fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to the onions. Stir to combine everything well.
5. Set Aside: Remove the skillet from the heat and set the caramelized onions aside.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish and Rolls: Setting the Stage

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice Rolls: Take the sweet rolls out of the package, but do not separate them. Keeping them connected, use a large, sharp knife (like a bread knife) to slice horizontally through all the rolls at once, creating a top and bottom half.
3. Place in Dish: Place the bottom half of the rolls, cut-side up, into an 11×7 inch baking dish.

3. Assemble the Sliders: Building Layers of Flavor

1. Layer Cheese: Top the bottom layer of rolls with half of the provolone cheese slices (about 5 slices), overlapping them slightly if needed.
2. Add Roast Beef: Evenly distribute the sliced deli roast beef over the cheese layer.
3. Top with Onions: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the roast beef layer.
4. Add Remaining Cheese: Top the onions with the remaining provolone cheese slices.
5. Add Top Buns: Place the top half of the sweet rolls over the cheese layer, aligning them with the bottom halves.

4. Prepare the Topping: A Buttery, Flavorful Glaze

1. Melt Butter: In a small bowl, melt the remaining ½ cup of unsalted butter.
2. Combine with Onion Soup Mix: Stir the dried onion soup mix into the melted butter until it’s well combined.

5. Brush and Bake: Creating a Golden-Brown Finish

1. Brush with Butter Mixture: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the melted butter and onion soup mix over the tops of the rolls. Make sure to coat the entire surface evenly.
   • Tip: If you don’t have a pastry brush, you can carefully pour the butter mixture over the rolls.
2. Cover Loosely: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
   • Tip: Make sure the foil is not touching the tops of the rolls directly, or they may stick.
3. Bake: Bake for 25 minutes covered.
4. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted ¹ and bubbly.

6. Prepare the Au Jus: A Rich and Savory Dipping Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: While the sliders are baking, prepare the au jus. In a medium saucepan, combine the au jus gravy mix with the 3 cups of water.
2. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly.
3. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the au jus has thickened slightly, whisking occasionally.
4. Serve: Remove from heat.

7. Cool, Garnish, and Serve: The Final Touches

1. Cool Slightly: Let the sliders cool for a few minutes in the baking dish.
2. Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the tops of the sliders with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve with Au Jus: Serve the French Dip Sliders warm, with the hot au jus on the side for dipping.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Tips for Slider Success

• Soggy Bottoms:
  • Problem: The bottom layer of rolls becomes soggy.
  • Solutions: Make sure not to add too much au jus to the bottom of the pan. Pre-baking the bottom layer of rolls for a few minutes before assembling can also help.
• Cheese Not Melting:
  • Problem: The cheese isn’t melting properly.
  • Solutions: Use good-quality cheese that melts well. Make sure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature. You can also tent the baking dish with foil for a few extra minutes at the end of the baking time to help the cheese melt.
• Onions Burning:
  • Problem: The onions are burning instead of caramelizing.
  • Solutions: Cook the onions over medium-low heat and stir them frequently. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.

Tips and Variations: Customize Your French Dip Sliders

• Cheese Variations:
  • Swiss: Use Swiss cheese for a classic French Dip flavor.
  • Monterey Jack: For a milder, creamy flavor.
  • Pepper Jack: Add a kick of heat with pepper jack cheese.
• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onions while they’re cooking, or use a spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon.
• Horseradish: Add a dollop of prepared horseradish to each slider for a zesty kick.
• Different Bread: Experiment with different types of rolls, such as slider buns, mini brioche buns, or even pretzel rolls.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect for Parties and Casual Meals

• Game Day: These sliders are a perfect addition to your game day spread.
• Party Appetizer: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any party or gathering.
• Potlucks: Easy to transport and always a popular choice.
• Casual Dinner: Serve with a side salad or fries for a fun and satisfying meal.

Pairing Recommendations: Drinks and Sides

• Drinks:
  • Beer: A light-bodied beer, such as a lager or pilsner, pairs well with the savory flavors.
  • Red Wine: A light-bodied red wine, like Pinot Noir, can also complement the dish.
  • Iced Tea: A refreshing non-alcoholic option.
• Sides:
  • French Fries: A classic pairing for any type of sandwich.
  • Potato Chips: Provide a crunchy contrast.
  • Salad: A simple green salad or a pasta salad balances the richness of the sliders.
  • Pickles: The acidity of pickles cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef.

Nutritional Information: A Savory Indulgence

Per serving (approximate, will vary based on size and specific ingredients): Calories: 300-350, Fat: 15-20g, Carbohydrates: 25-30g, Protein: 15-20g. (Note: This is an approximation and may vary based on the specific ingredients used).

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Comprehensive FAQ: Your French Dip Slider Questions Answered

• Q: Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
  • A: You can prepare the caramelized onions and the au jus ahead of time. You can also assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and bake them just before serving.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?
  • A: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Q: Can I freeze these sliders?
  • A: It’s best not to freeze the assembled sliders, as the bread may become soggy. However, you can freeze the cooked roast beef and caramelized onions separately.
• Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
  • A: While roast beef is traditional, you could experiment with thinly sliced cooked chicken or turkey.
• Q: What if I don’t have a packet of au jus gravy mix?
  • A: You can make your own au jus by using beef broth, and adding seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. There are also many easy recipes for homemade au jus online.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
  • A: Yes, Swiss, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even cheddar would work well.
• Q: Can I make these sliders in a slow cooker?
• A: While this recipe is designed for oven baking, you might be able to adapt it for a slow cooker. You would need to experiment with cooking times and methods. It is not recommended.
• Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
• A: Yes, you can use regular dinner rolls, or slider buns.
• Q: How can I make these sliders vegetarian?
• A: You could try using a plant-based meat substitute or a hearty vegetable filling, such as portobello mushrooms, for a vegetarian version.
• Q: How can I make these sliders spicier?
• A: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the onions while they are cooking. You could also use a spicier cheese, like pepper jack.
• Q: Can I use a different type of mustard?
• A: Yes, you can use any type of mustard you prefer. Yellow mustard, stone-ground mustard, or honey mustard would all be delicious.