Name: French Dip Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix; 1 packet au jus gravy mix; 3 cups water; Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing this French Dip Sliders Recipe with friends and family because it combines everything I love in a sandwich: tender roast beef, melty provolone, caramelized onions, and soft, buttery rolls all nestled together. The best part is dunking these little sliders into a flavorful, savory au jus that brings the whole experience to life. Every bite feels decadent yet comforting, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up whether I’m cooking for a casual gathering or just craving a cozy meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This French Dip Sliders Recipe

What truly makes this French Dip Sliders Recipe stand out for me is the harmony of rich flavors and delightful textures. The slow-cooked onions add a sweetness that perfectly balances the savory roast beef and sharp provolone cheese. Plus, the rolls soak up just enough of the butter and onion soup mix to taste irresistible without becoming soggy. It’s like having a gourmet sandwich party right in your oven!

I also love how straightforward this recipe is, which means I can prepare a crowd-pleaser without much fuss or complicated steps. The prep is simple, with most of the magic happening in the oven while I catch up on other things. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner, a football game day feast, or even holiday appetizers, these sliders feel special but effortless—exactly what I look for in a recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a white plate filled with golden brown slider buns topped with crispy fried onions and chopped green herbs, each bun containing thin slices of roast beef layered over melted pale yellow cheese inside soft, fluffy bread; next to the plate is a white bowl of dark brown dipping sauce with a woman's hand holding one slider dipped halfway into the sauce, showing layers of the sandwich; in a clear baking dish, rows of sliders sit closely together with the same layers visible through the bread; the background is a white marbled surface with fresh green lettuce behind the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, keeping the dish simple yet flavorful. The combination of fresh thyme and caramelized onions adds depth, while provolone cheese melts wonderfully over the tender roast beef, all encased in soft sweet rolls that soak up the au jus beautifully.

Unsalted butter: I use it for cooking onions and brushing over rolls, adding richness without overwhelming.
Medium onion: Thinly sliced, it caramelizes slowly to bring sweetness and texture into every bite.
Fresh thyme: Minced for a bright, herbaceous note that complements the beef perfectly.
Kosher salt: To season the onions, enhancing all the natural flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a light kick to balance the dish.
Sweet rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these hold all the ingredients together beautifully.
Provolone cheese: Melts perfectly and adds a creamy, mild sharpness that pairs well with roast beef.
Roast beef slices: The hearty star of the sliders, thinly sliced for tenderness.
Dried onion soup mix: Mixed into melted butter and brushed on top for extra onion flavor and a golden crust.
Au jus gravy mix: Prepared with water to create the dipping sauce that makes these sliders unforgettable.
Water: To prepare the au jus gravy according to package directions.
Fresh chopped parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh flavor at serving time.

Directions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and stir to coat well in the butter. Cook them for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and beautifully browned without burning.

Step 2: Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the fresh minced thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together, then remove the skillet from heat and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it warms, take the sweet rolls out of the packaging, keeping the rolls intact as a whole block.

Step 4: Use a large knife to slice the block of rolls horizontally so you have separated top and bottom halves. Place the bottom half, cut side up, in an 11×7 inch baking dish.

Step 5: Layer half of the provolone cheese slices evenly over the bottom rolls. Then, add the sliced roast beef, spreading it over the cheese. Next, top with the caramelized onions, distributing them evenly, and follow with the remaining cheese slices.

Step 6: Place the tops of the rolls gently over the layered ingredients, creating a slider sandwich block.

Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the dried onion soup mix. I like to use a brush to evenly coat the top of the rolls with this flavorful butter mixture, but you can also pour it gently over the surface.

Step 8: Loosely cover the baking dish with foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the rolls, and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the tops develop a lovely golden brown crust.

Step 9: While the sliders bake, prepare the au jus gravy mix according to the package instructions using the water. Keep the sauce warm until serving time.

Step 10: Remove the sliders from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with warm au jus on the side for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Servings and Timing

This French Dip Sliders Recipe makes about 12 sliders, making it perfect for a medium-sized gathering or to share with family. Prep time is roughly 15 minutes to slice and assemble, with about 30 minutes of baking time including browning. Total time from start to finish is close to 45 minutes, meaning you can have an impressive appetizer or meal ready before you know it. There’s no resting time needed, so these sliders are best enjoyed hot from the oven alongside the savory au jus.

How to Serve This French Dip Sliders Recipe

The image shows a white plate with a single sandwich in the center, stacked with layers of shredded meat that look tender and moist, topped with melted cheese and mushrooms. The sandwich is made with a sesame seed bun, golden brown and soft, slightly shiny on top. Behind the plate, there is a stack of similar sandwiches with visible layers of meat and cheese. To the right, there is a small white bowl with a dark-colored sauce. The background surface is a white marbled texture, with some fresh green herbs scattered near the plate. A woman's hand is lightly touching one of the sandwiches in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whenever I serve these sliders, I love keeping things simple but thoughtful with sides that complement the rich, savory flavors. Crispy seasoned potato wedges or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette brighten the meal and add a nice textural contrast. For a fun twist, I occasionally set out bowls of pickles or coleslaw so guests can customize their bites.

For presentation, I arrange the sliders on a large platter, cutting them individually so everyone can grab one easily. Sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top adds a lovely pop of color. I also recommend warming your serving platter in the oven slightly to help keep the sliders toasty longer while serving.

When it comes to beverages, I often pair these sliders with a bold red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a malty beer such as a brown ale, both of which stand up nicely to the hearty flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, I find a sparkling iced tea or a craft root beer balances the richness perfectly. These sliders truly shine at casual family dinners, game day parties, or even festive holiday gatherings, best served warm for maximum enjoyment.

Variations

Over time, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different ways to make this French Dip Sliders Recipe uniquely my own. One easy substitution is swapping out provolone for Swiss or mozzarella to tweak the cheese flavor and meltiness. If you prefer a spicy kick, adding thinly sliced jalapeños or a chipotle mayo spread can take these sliders to another level.

For those following dietary restrictions, this recipe adapts well. Use gluten-free rolls or sandwich buns and confirm your au jus gravy mix is gluten-free to keep the sliders compliant. While making a fully vegan version would require different ingredients, I’ve tried thinly sliced grilled mushrooms or seitan in place of roast beef, and paired with vegan cheese and vegetable broth-based dip, it still satisfies cravings for that savory dunking experience.

Lastly, instead of baking, I sometimes assemble the sliders and toast them in a slow cooker set on low for a couple of hours, which gently warms and melds the flavors so beautifully. You could also turn these into a skillet or panini-style sandwich for a crispier texture if you want to shake things up. The French Dip Sliders Recipe is wonderfully versatile, and I encourage you to play around with it based on what you love!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing the sliders in an airtight container or covering the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, keep the au jus separate so the rolls don’t get soggy before reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes quite nicely if you want to prepare ahead. I usually wrap the entire slider block tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. You can keep them frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw the sliders overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven as directed for best results.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I gently reheat the sliders in a preheated oven at 325°F, covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out, for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the perfectly soft-but-not-soggy texture. I also warm up the au jus separately on the stove or in the microwave and dip each slider just before eating.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in this French Dip Sliders Recipe?

Absolutely! While provolone is classic and melts beautifully, Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar can work well depending on your taste preferences. Just choose cheeses that melt easily to keep that gooey slider experience.

What can I substitute for the dried onion soup mix if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can mix dried onion flakes, a bit of beef bouillon powder, garlic powder, and some parsley as a homemade alternative. It won’t be exactly the same, but it brings a similar savory onion punch to the topping.

Is it better to use homemade au jus or a packaged mix?

I love the convenience of a packaged au jus mix for this recipe, but if you prefer from scratch, making au jus with beef broth, sautéed onions, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can make it wonderfully fresh and customized to your liking.

Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time and bake them later?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders and keep them covered in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold, to ensure everything heats evenly.

What’s the best way to keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Brushing the tops generously with the onion soup butter mixture and using sturdy sweet rolls helps keep things moist but not soggy. Also, baking covered with foil prevents drying out while avoiding too much sogginess from the fillings. Serving immediately after baking ensures the best texture.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful, and comforting dish to add to your recipe collection, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this French Dip Sliders Recipe. It’s hearty without being complicated, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Once you make these sliders, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites just like they are for me!