Description
These Easy French Dip Sliders are perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a savory meal. Featuring tender roast beef, melted provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and a rich onion soup butter topping, all nestled inside sweet rolls and baked to perfection. Served with a flavorful au jus for dipping, these sliders combine juicy, cheesy goodness with a crispy top layer for a satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
Sliders and Filling
- 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
Butter Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix
Au Jus
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 3 cups water
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced onion and coat it in the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes until the onions are soft and browned but not burnt.
- Season the Onions: Add the minced fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper to the onions. Stir to combine thoroughly. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the 12 sweet rolls out of the package without separating them. Using a large knife, slice the entire set of rolls horizontally so you have a top and bottom layer.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the rolls, cut side up, into an 11×7 inch baking dish. Layer half of the provolone cheese slices over the bottom rolls, followed by all the sliced roast beef, then evenly spread the caramelized onions over the beef. Top with the remaining cheese slices, then place the tops of the rolls on top.
- Prepare Butter Topping and Apply: In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix. Use a brush or spoon to evenly distribute this butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake the Sliders: Loosely cover the baking dish with foil, ensuring the foil does not touch the rolls’ tops. Bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes to brown the tops of the rolls nicely.
- Make the Au Jus: While the sliders bake, prepare the au jus gravy mix according to the package directions by combining the gravy mix with 3 cups of water and heating it until ready.
- Serve: Once baked, optionally garnish the sliders with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with the warm au jus on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Dried herbs can be substituted for fresh thyme—use half the amount if doing so.
- Feel free to use any slider buns you prefer, though sweet rolls provide the best flavor contrast.
- Provolone and mozzarella cheeses work best for their meltability and mild flavor.
- Au jus is optional, but it adds a delicious depth of flavor to your sliders.
- These sliders can be assembled and frozen before baking; just thaw fully before cooking for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American