French Dip Sliders

Introduction

French Dip Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make take on the classic French dip sandwich, perfect for parties, game days, or family meals. These sliders are made with tender roast beef, melted cheese, and a flavorful au jus for dipping—all served on soft, buttery rolls. The combination of savory, juicy beef, gooey cheese, and the rich dipping sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.

I remember the first time I made these for a casual family dinner, and the response was instant excitement. The sliders disappeared quickly, and everyone couldn’t stop talking about how delicious they were. What’s fantastic about these sliders is how simple they are to prepare while still packing a lot of flavor. You can assemble them ahead of time, bake them to golden perfection, and have them ready in no time.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, these sliders will satisfy everyone’s cravings for savory, hearty goodness. Serve them up with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad, and you’ve got the perfect meal for any occasion.

Perfect for:

• Game day
• Family gatherings
• Casual parties
• Comfort food lovers
• Sandwich enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This French Dip Sliders

Here’s why French Dip Sliders will become your new favorite appetizer or meal:

• Easy to Make: This recipe is quick and simple, making it perfect for busy days or when you want a satisfying meal in no time.
• Tender Roast Beef: The slow-cooked or deli-sliced roast beef is juicy, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with the savory au jus for dipping.
• Melted Cheese: The gooey, melted provolone or Swiss cheese adds a creamy richness to each bite.
• Flavorful Au Jus: The rich, savory dipping sauce brings all the flavors together, elevating the entire sandwich.
• Perfectly Portable: These sliders are smaller, bite-sized versions of the classic French dip, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories per slider
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 24g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your French Dip Sliders:

• 12 soft slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls or similar)
• 1 lb deli-sliced roast beef (or leftover roast beef)
• 12 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Slider Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls like Hawaiian rolls or slider buns are perfect for these sandwiches, providing a slightly sweet flavor and tender texture.
• Roast Beef: Tender roast beef, whether deli-sliced or homemade, is the key to these sliders. You can use freshly cooked roast beef for more flavor, or quick deli slices for convenience.
• Provolone or Swiss Cheese: Both cheeses melt beautifully and add a creamy, slightly tangy flavor to the sliders.
• Au Jus: A savory dipping sauce made with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings adds depth and richness to each bite.

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). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Slice the Rolls: Using a serrated knife, slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping them attached at the base so they form one large sandwich “loaf.”
3. Layer the Roast Beef: Layer the bottom half of the rolls with the roast beef slices, making sure to distribute the meat evenly.
4. Add the Cheese: Place a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese on top of the roast beef in each slider. You can fold the cheese to fit if needed.
5. Assemble the Sliders: Place the top half of the rolls on top of the cheese and beef to complete the sandwich.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce:

6. Make the Au Jus: In a small saucepan, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Butter the Rolls: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with Dijon mustard (optional) and garlic powder. Brush the butter mixture generously over the top of the assembled slider rolls.

Bake the Sliders:

8. Bake the Sliders: Place the assembled sliders in the prepared baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are lightly golden.
9. Serve with Au Jus: Once the sliders are done, remove them from the oven and cut into individual sliders. Serve with the warm au jus on the side for dipping.

How to Serve French Dip Sliders

French Dip Sliders are a delicious and versatile meal that can be served in various ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve these sliders at your next party or gathering for a hearty and satisfying appetizer that will please a crowd.
• For Dinner: Pair these sliders with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad for a delicious and filling dinner.
• For Game Day: Perfect for watching sports, these sliders are easy to eat with your hands and make a great finger food for parties.
• With Extra Dipping Sauces: For added variety, serve the sliders with other dipping sauces like creamy horseradish sauce or a tangy mustard sauce alongside the au jus.
• For Picnic or Lunch: These sliders are great for picnics or packed lunches, offering a savory, portable option.

Additional Tips for French Dip Sliders

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

• Use Fresh Roast Beef: If possible, use fresh, thinly sliced roast beef from the deli for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Adjust the Au Jus Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the au jus according to your taste. Add a dash of hot sauce for some heat or a pinch of sugar for sweetness.
• Use High-Quality Rolls: The quality of the slider rolls makes a difference. Opt for soft, slightly sweet rolls like Hawaiian or brioche buns for the best texture.
• Double the Recipe: These sliders are a hit at parties, so consider doubling the recipe to feed a larger crowd.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the sliders and store them in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking. Just add the butter mixture before baking.

Recipe Variations for French Dip Sliders

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

• BBQ French Dip Sliders: Add a layer of barbecue sauce to the roast beef for a smoky twist.
• Cheddar and Caramelized Onion French Dip Sliders: Swap the provolone for sharp cheddar and add caramelized onions for extra sweetness and depth.
• Horseradish French Dip Sliders: Spread a thin layer of horseradish sauce on the rolls for a spicy kick.
• Mushroom French Dip Sliders: Add sautéed mushrooms to the beef and cheese for an earthy, savory variation.
• Swiss and Pesto French Dip Sliders: Use Swiss cheese and add a spoonful of pesto for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Buffalo French Dip Sliders: Toss the roast beef in buffalo sauce before layering it on the rolls for a spicy and tangy flavor.
• Vegetarian French Dip Sliders: Use sautéed mushrooms or lentils as a substitute for beef for a vegetarian version.
• Cuban French Dip Sliders: Add pickles, ham, and Swiss cheese for a Cuban-inspired twist on the classic French dip.
• Bacon French Dip Sliders: Add crispy bacon to the sliders for a smoky and crunchy element.
• Spicy Jalapeño French Dip Sliders: Add sliced jalapeños to the roast beef for some heat and extra flavor.

Freezing and Storage for French Dip Sliders

• Freezing: These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and frozen before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for best results.

Special Equipment for French Dip Sliders

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

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This size baking dish is perfect for assembling and baking the sliders.
• Small Saucepan: Use this to prepare the au jus dipping sauce.
• Serrated Knife: A serrated knife is ideal for cutting the slider rolls without crushing them.
• Basting Brush: A basting brush is perfect for evenly applying the melted butter mixture to the rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions for French Dip Sliders

1. Can I use a different type of bread for the sliders?
   Yes, you can use any soft, slightly sweet rolls like brioche or even dinner rolls for this recipe.
2. Can I make these sliders with turkey instead of roast beef?
   Yes, you can substitute turkey or chicken for roast beef if you prefer a lighter option.
3. Can I make the au jus ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the au jus ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
4. Can I add vegetables to the sliders?
   Yes, sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.
5. Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free slider rolls to make this recipe gluten-free.

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Conclusion

French Dip Sliders are the perfect bite-sized version of the classic French dip sandwich, offering all the delicious flavors in a more casual, easy-to-serve format. Tender roast beef, melted cheese, and savory au jus come together in a soft slider bun, creating a combination that’s both hearty and irresistible. These sliders are great for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

The best part? They’re quick and simple to make, and you can even customize them with your favorite cheese or add some caramelized onions for extra flavor. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, French Dip Sliders will leave everyone coming back for more.

Once you make these, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation—perfect for any occasion!

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