French Dip Sliders

French Dip Sliders are a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or casual dinners. These sliders combine tender roast beef, melted cheese, and flavorful caramelized onions, all nestled in sweet rolls. The addition of au jus for dipping elevates this meal, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, these sliders are perfect for busy individuals or families.
• Savory Flavor: The combination of beef, cheese, and caramelized onions creates a rich taste that is hard to resist.
• Versatile: Whether for a party or a cozy dinner at home, these sliders fit any setting beautifully.
• Perfect for Dipping: Served with au jus on the side, they deliver an extra layer of flavor that enhances each bite.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare them in advance and bake them just before serving, making hosting effortless.

Tools and Preparation

To make your French Dip Sliders effortlessly, gather some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process and ensure delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish (11×7)
• Knife
• Small bowl
• Brush (for butter sauce)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for caramelizing onions evenly without burning them.
• Baking dish: Ensures that the sliders bake uniformly while giving you enough space to layer ingredients.
• Knife: Necessary for slicing the rolls effortlessly without tearing them apart.

Ingredients

For the Sliders

• 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
• 10 slices provolone cheese
• 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef

For the Au Jus Mixture

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 3 cups water

Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

How to Make French Dip Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
2. Add the onions, stirring to coat them in butter.
3. Cook for about 12–15 minutes until they are soft and browned but not burnt.
4. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the sliders.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

1. Remove the sweet rolls from their package while keeping them intact.
2. Carefully slice through the rolls horizontally with a large knife, separating tops from bottoms.
3. Place the bottom half of the rolls cut-side up in an 11×7 baking dish.
4. Layer half of the provolone cheese over the bottom halves.
5. Add the sliced deli roast beef on top of the cheese.
6. Spread out the cooked onions evenly over the beef.
7. Top with remaining provolone cheese followed by placing the tops of the rolls back on.

Step 4: Add Butter Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with dried onion soup mix.
2. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls or pour it gently if preferred.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil ensuring it doesn’t touch toppings and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Prepare Au Jus

1. While baking, follow package instructions to prepare au jus using water.

Step 7: Serve

1. Once baked, serve your French Dip Sliders warm with optional garnish of parsley and au jus on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious French Dip Sliders!

How to Serve French Dip Sliders

French Dip Sliders are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that complement the flavors of these cheesy, beefy delights.

Casual Gatherings

• With Chips: Serve with crispy potato chips for a crunchy contrast.
• Vegetable Platter: Pair with fresh veggies like carrots and celery for a refreshing crunch.

Game Day Favorites

• With Dips: Offer a variety of dips such as ranch or blue cheese alongside for added flavor.
• Mini Pickles: Add some tangy mini pickles for a zesty bite.

Elegant Dinner Parties

• Gourmet Sauces: Provide options like horseradish sauce or mustard for an upscale touch.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme to elevate presentation.

How to Perfect French Dip Sliders

To make the best French Dip Sliders, consider these tips that ensure maximum flavor and enjoyment.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t hesitate to add extra spices like garlic powder or paprika for a flavor boost.
• Quality beef: Choose high-quality deli roast beef for the richest taste in every bite.
• Proper cheese melting: Use provolone or Swiss cheese, ensuring it’s melted perfectly by layering it well.
• Rest before serving: Let the sliders sit for a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.

Best Side Dishes for French Dip Sliders

Pairing your French Dip Sliders with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent choices:

1. French Fries: Golden and crispy fries make an ideal accompaniment, especially sprinkled with sea salt.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that balances the richness of the sliders.
3. Sweet Potato Wedges: Baked sweet potato wedges offer a sweet contrast that pairs perfectly with savory flavors.
4. Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings provide an extra layer of texture and flavor that complements the sliders well.
5. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings a creamy dressing that enhances the meal’s overall taste.
6. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter add another delicious carb option to your feast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French Dip Sliders, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Avoiding these will help you create the perfect sliders.

• Overcooking the Onions: If you cook the onions too long, they’ll burn and turn bitter. Aim for soft, caramelized onions by cooking them on medium heat and stirring occasionally.

• Not Using Enough Cheese: A lack of cheese can lead to dry sliders. Ensure you layer enough cheese both inside and on top for that gooey texture.

• Ignoring the Au Jus Preparation: Skipping or improperly preparing the au jus can lead to bland flavors. Follow package instructions carefully to achieve the best dipping sauce.

• Not Covering While Baking: Failing to cover the sliders with foil can cause them to dry out. Cover them loosely at first to retain moisture, then uncover for browning.

• Using Low-Quality Rolls: The type of rolls you choose makes a big difference. Opt for sweet rolls that are soft and fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing French Dip Sliders

• Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating French Dip Sliders

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute on medium power until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter and cover until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making French Dip Sliders.

Can I use different types of cheese for French Dip Sliders?

Yes! While provolone is classic, feel free to experiment with Swiss cheese or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Are French Dip Sliders suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These sliders store well and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

How can I customize my French Dip Sliders?

You can add toppings like sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flavor. Additionally, try different seasonings in the beef or au jus for a twist!

What sides go well with French Dip Sliders?

Pair them with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even coleslaw for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

For a vegetarian option, substitute roast beef with marinated mushrooms or grilled vegetables, and use vegetable broth for the au jus.

Final Thoughts

French Dip Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different cheeses and toppings to suit your taste. They are perfect for gatherings or as a quick weeknight dinner. Give this recipe a try; your family will love it!