French Dip Sliders

Introduction

French Dip Sliders are a fun and irresistible twist on the classic French dip sandwich. Packed with tender, slow-cooked beef, melted cheese, and nestled on soft, buttery rolls, these sliders are perfect for any casual meal or gathering. The beef is simmered in a savory broth, infusing every bite with rich, flavorful goodness. The sliders are served with a side of au jus, making each dunk into the broth a savory experience that takes comfort food to a whole new level.

I remember the first time I made these for a game day, and the entire house was filled with the mouthwatering smell of the beef cooking slowly in the broth. Everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something hearty for dinner, these sliders are perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own. With a combination of tender beef, melted cheese, and a golden, pillowy roll, it’s comfort food at its finest.

What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to put together, and yet it feels like something you’d find at a top-notch deli. The sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, so you can sit back and enjoy the compliments as everyone dives in for another bite. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers or a full meal, French Dip Sliders will always be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Game day or sports events
• Family gatherings
• Casual parties
• Weeknight dinners
• Beef lovers

Why You’ll Love This French Dip Sliders

Here’s why French Dip Sliders will become your new go-to recipe:

• Tender and Juicy Beef: The beef is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Easy to Serve: These sliders are the perfect size for individual servings, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
• Savory Au Jus: The side of au jus for dipping elevates the flavor and adds extra moisture and richness to the sandwich.
• Quick and Simple: This recipe comes together quickly, especially if you use pre-cooked or leftover beef.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of savory beef, melty cheese, and soft rolls is irresistible.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your French Dip Sliders:

• 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (such as deli roast beef or leftover pot roast)
• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian or soft dinner rolls work best)
• 6 slices provolone cheese (or Swiss cheese)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the buns)
• 1 packet French onion soup mix (or 1 tablespoon onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme)
• 1 cup beef broth (for dipping)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra umami flavor)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Roast Beef: Thinly sliced roast beef creates the tender, flavorful filling that is the heart of these sliders. It’s quick to assemble and a great choice for a crowd-pleasing meal.
• Provolone or Swiss Cheese: These cheeses melt beautifully and complement the savory beef without overpowering the other flavors.
• Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns, such as Hawaiian rolls, help balance the richness of the beef and cheese while making these sliders easy to hold and eat.
• Beef Broth: The au jus is made from beef broth, adding rich flavor and moisture to the beef while providing a savory dipping sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make French Dip Sliders:

Prepare the Sliders:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom connected. Place the bottom half of the buns in the prepared baking dish.
3. Layer the Roast Beef and Cheese: Layer the sliced roast beef evenly over the bottom half of the buns. Top with slices of provolone or Swiss cheese, spreading them out evenly.
4. Place the Top Buns: Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the beef and cheese layers.

Prepare the Au Jus:

5. Mix the Au Jus: In a small bowl, mix the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), and onion soup mix. You can substitute the soup mix with onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme for a more natural flavor.
6. Pour Over the Sliders: Pour the au jus mixture evenly over the sliders, ensuring the bread is soaked and the beef gets a good infusion of flavor.
7. Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the top of the buns with olive oil, and sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.

Bake the Sliders:

8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are soft. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops to crisp up slightly.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the sliders sit for 5 minutes before serving. Use a sharp knife to cut the sliders apart, and serve immediately with a side of au jus for dipping.

How to Serve French Dip Sliders

French Dip Sliders are best served hot and fresh. Here are some ideas for serving:

• Dipping Sauce: Serve with a small bowl of au jus for dipping to enhance the flavor and juiciness of the sliders.
• Side Dishes: Pair with potato chips, coleslaw, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
• For a Crowd: Serve these sliders as a party snack or appetizer for a large group. They’re easy to grab and eat with one hand.
• Gourmet Touch: Top the sliders with sautéed onions or bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Additional Tips for French Dip Sliders

Here are some tips to ensure your French Dip Sliders are perfect every time:

• Use High-Quality Beef: For the best flavor, use high-quality deli roast beef or freshly cooked roast beef.
• Toast the Buns: If you prefer a little crunch on the outside, you can toast the buns lightly before assembling the sliders.
• Don’t Overbake: Be careful not to overbake the sliders, or the bread may become too dry. You want them to stay soft and slightly crispy on top.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe is easily scalable for larger groups. Double the ingredients and use a bigger baking dish if necessary.
• Make It Your Own: Add caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even spicy mustard for an added twist to the flavor.

Recipe Variations for French Dip Sliders

Here are 10 variations you can try for French Dip Sliders:

• BBQ French Dip Sliders: Add barbecue sauce to the beef for a smoky twist on the classic recipe.
• Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: Replace the roast beef with thinly sliced steak and add peppers and onions for a Philly cheesesteak version.
• Spicy French Dip Sliders: Add sliced jalapeños or spicy pepper jack cheese for a little heat.
• French Dip Sliders with Horseradish Sauce: Add a dollop of horseradish sauce to the sliders for a tangy, zesty bite.
• Buffalo French Dip Sliders: Toss the roast beef in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick, then top with blue cheese crumbles.
• French Dip Sliders with Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms and layer them on top of the beef before adding the cheese for an earthy flavor.
• Vegetarian French Dip Sliders: Swap the beef for roasted vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini, and serve with a vegetable broth au jus.
• Swiss and Caramelized Onion Sliders: Add caramelized onions for a sweet, savory contrast to the Swiss cheese.
• Cheddar and Bacon French Dip Sliders: Add crispy bacon strips to the sliders for a smoky flavor and extra crunch.
• Garlic Butter French Dip Sliders: Brush the top of the buns with garlic butter before baking for an irresistible aroma and extra richness.

Freezing and Storage for French Dip Sliders

• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Simply wrap the unbaked sliders tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. The au jus can be stored separately in a jar for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment for French Dip Sliders

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your French Dip Sliders easier:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for assembling and baking these sliders.
• Aluminum Foil: Covering the sliders with foil during baking helps retain moisture and ensures the buns stay soft.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting the sliders apart neatly without squishing the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions for French Dip Sliders

1. Can I use any type of beef for the sliders?
   Yes, you can use different cuts of beef, such as roast beef, ribeye, or even a chuck roast if you slow-cook it first.
2. Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just make sure to pour the au jus over them just before baking.
3. Can I make the au jus from scratch?
   Yes, you can make au jus by simmering beef broth with garlic, onions, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor.
4. Can I make these sliders with chicken or pork?
   Yes, you can substitute the beef with thinly sliced chicken or pulled pork for a different flavor profile.
5. How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
   To prevent sogginess, be sure not to oversoak the buns with au jus, and serve the dipping sauce separately for guests to dip as desired.

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Conclusion

French Dip Sliders are the ultimate comfort food that combines savory, melt-in-your-mouth beef with gooey cheese, all nestled in soft, buttery buns. These mini sandwiches pack all the flavors of a classic French dip sandwich into a bite-sized form, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or serving them at a special event, these sliders will definitely impress your guests.

The rich, juicy beef pairs perfectly with the melted cheese, and the dipping sauce adds that extra layer of flavor that makes every bite irresistible. They’re not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making them an ideal choice when you want a delicious, hassle-free meal that everyone will enjoy.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and you have a meal that’s perfect for any gathering. French Dip Sliders are guaranteed to become a go-to recipe for any event or craving.

I’d love to see how your French Dip Sliders turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!