French Dip Sliders Delight

French Dip Sliders are a crowd-pleasing option that brings a fun twist to the classic French dip sandwich. Perfect as an easy appetizer or a satisfying dinner, these sliders combine tender roast beef, melted provolone, and caramelized onions on soft Hawaiian rolls. The homemade au jus dipping sauce adds a flavorful touch that makes each bite deliciously juicy.

I first made these for a casual weekend gathering, and they quickly became the star of the table. Now I find myself making them whenever I want a comforting yet impressive meal.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls: Twelve Hawaiian sweet rolls provide a soft, slightly sweet base that balances savory fillings
• Provolone cheese: Ten slices of provolone cheese melt beautifully and add creamy richness. Mozzarella or Swiss cheese can be used as substitutes for a different twist
• Sliced deli roast beef: Fourteen ounces of sliced deli roast beef offers tender and flavorful protein. Leftover pot roast works well too for a homey touch
• Unsalted butter: Three tablespoons unsalted butter is used for cooking onions. Choose real butter for best flavor
• Onion: One medium onion, thinly sliced, adds sweetness and depth when caramelized
• Fresh thyme: Two teaspoons fresh thyme minced (optional) gives a subtle herbaceous note
• Kosher salt and black pepper: A quarter teaspoon each of kosher salt and black pepper balances the savory ingredients
• Unsalted butter (melted): Half a cup unsalted butter melted blends with dried onion soup mix to create a savory topping that crisps the rolls
• Dried onion soup mix: One and a half tablespoons dried onion soup mix adds concentrated onion flavor and seasoning to the butter topping
• Au jus gravy mix: One packet of au jus gravy mix combined with three cups water makes the dipping sauce that brings the whole dish together
• Fresh chopped parsley: Fresh chopped parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and freshness if desired

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Onions:

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt three tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced onion and stir to coat with butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about twelve to fifteen minutes until the onions soften and become browned without burning, which develops a rich sweetness.

Season the Onion Mixture:

Add two teaspoons of minced fresh thyme if using, along with a quarter teaspoon each of kosher salt and black pepper to the browned onions. Stir to combine and then remove from heat.

Prepare the Rolls for Assembly:

Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Take the package of twelve Hawaiian sweet rolls and slice across the middle to separate into tops and bottoms. Place the bottoms cut side up in an appropriate sized baking dish, either eleven by seven or nine by thirteen inches.

Layer Cheese and Roast Beef:

Cover the bottoms of the rolls with half of the provolone slices. Then evenly spread the entire fourteen-ounce portion of sliced roast beef over the cheese layer.

Add the Cooked Onions and Remaining Cheese:

Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the roast beef. Follow by layering the remaining provolone slices on top of the onions.

Top and Cover the Sliders:

Place the top halves of the rolls over the assembled layers.

Make the Butter Onion Topping:

In a small bowl, combine half a cup of melted unsalted butter with one and a half tablespoons of dried onion soup mix. Brush or pour this evenly over the tops of the rolls to soak in flavor and create a golden crust.

Bake the Sliders:

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil ensuring it does not touch the tops of the rolls. Bake for twenty-five minutes to warm and meld flavors. Remove foil and bake for an additional five minutes to brown and crisp the tops.

Prepare the Au Jus:

While the sliders bake, mix the au jus gravy packet with three cups of water according to the package instructions. This warm sauce is perfect for dipping once the sliders come out of the oven.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top of the sliders if you like. Serve immediately with the au jus on the side for dipping.

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The caramelized onions are my favorite part of this recipe, adding a deep sweetness that contrasts the salty meat and cheese. One time, I made this recipe for a family game night and everyone kept reaching for more sliders, dipping them eagerly into the au jus. It quickly became a favorite everyone asks for at gatherings.

Storage Tips

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, which helps maintain the soft texture without drying out. You can also freeze portions wrapped tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags for up to one month and thaw before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Hawaiian rolls, any soft slider buns or dinner rolls will work well. You can swap provolone cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor or Swiss for a nuttier profile. Roast beef can be replaced with thinly sliced leftover pot roast or even cooked brisket. For a dairy-free butter alternative, use olive oil for cooking onions and brushing tops, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair wonderfully with crispy oven fries or a simple green salad to add some freshness. Offering pickles or a side of coleslaw balances the richness of the sandwiches. For a party, serve with bowls of the au jus so guests can dip and customize each bite.

Cultural Context

The French dip sandwich is believed to have originated in Los Angeles in the early twentieth century and is traditionally served with a flavorful beef broth for dipping. These sliders are an approachable, party-sized adaptation of the classic sandwich, making it easier to enjoy in a casual and shareable way. Using Hawaiian rolls adds a sweet twist not found in the original, giving this version its own personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the roast beef with another meat?

Yes, leftover pot roast can be used as a tender and flavorful alternative to deli roast beef in these sliders.

→ What type of cheese works best in these sliders?

Provolone is recommended for its mild and creamy texture, but mozzarella or Swiss cheese can also complement the flavors well.

→ Is the au jus sauce necessary for serving?

The au jus adds a rich, savory depth and is perfect for dipping, though the sliders are delicious on their own without it.

→ Can I use different bread for the sliders?

Absolutely, any soft slider buns or rolls can be used if Hawaiian sweet rolls aren’t available.

→ How do I make the caramelized onions for this dish?

Onions are slowly cooked in melted butter over medium heat for about 12-15 minutes until soft and browned, bringing out their natural sweetness.