Description
These Easy French Dip Sliders are a flavorful and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for appetizers, lunch, or dinner. Featuring tender roast beef, melted provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and a savory au jus dipping sauce, these sliders come together quickly with simple ingredients and are sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Onion Mixture
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sliders
- 12 sweet rolls
- 10 slices provolone cheese
- 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef
For the Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ tablespoons dried onion soup mix
For the Au Jus
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 3 cups water
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and coat them well with butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes until the onions are soft, browned, and caramelized, but not burnt.
- Season Onions: Stir in the minced fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper into the caramelized onions. Mix well, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the package of sweet rolls and slice them horizontally to separate the tops and bottoms. Place the bottom halves, cut side up, in an 11x7-inch baking dish.
- Assemble Sliders: On the bottom roll layer, evenly place half of the provolone cheese slices, then layer the sliced roast beef. Spread the caramelized onions evenly on top of the beef, then cover with the remaining cheese slices. Place the tops of the rolls over everything to complete the sliders.
- Butter Sauce Application: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the dried onion soup mix. Brush this mixture evenly over the top of the rolls to ensure flavorful coating. Alternatively, you can pour it on top if preferred.
- Bake Sliders: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil, making sure the foil does not touch the rolls’ tops. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes to brown and crisp the tops.
- Prepare Au Jus: While the sliders bake, prepare the au jus gravy mix according to package directions using the 3 cups of water.
- Serve: Garnish the sliders with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with the au jus on the side for dipping, enhancing the rich flavors of the sandwich.
Notes
- Dried herbs can replace fresh thyme; just use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Sweet rolls are ideal for this recipe, but you can use any slider buns of your preference.
- Provolone and mozzarella cheese work best, lending great melt and flavor.
- The au jus is optional but adds significant depth when included as a dipping sauce.
- You can freeze assembled sliders before baking; thaw fully before baking as directed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American