The Ultimate Easy French Dip Sliders Recipe: Perfect for Parties & Quick Weeknight Meals

Get ready to impress with these incredibly simple yet utterly delicious French Dip Sliders! Imagine soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls generously stuffed with savory roast beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey, melty provolone cheese, all served with a rich au jus for dipping. These sliders are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making them your new go-to for entertaining a crowd or simply enjoying a fantastic meal on a busy weeknight.

If you’re a fan of easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing sliders, then you’ll undoubtedly adore this French Dip version. For more delicious slider ideas, be sure to check out our Ham and Cheese Sliders and Tuna Melt Sliders.

Why These French Dip Sliders Are a Must-Try

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this French Dip Sliders recipe. It perfectly balances convenience with incredible taste, ensuring a satisfying meal every time. Here’s why these sliders will become a staple in your kitchen:

• **Effortless Preparation:** One of the biggest advantages of these sliders is their simplicity. By utilizing readily available store-bought deli roast beef and classic Hawaiian rolls, much of the prep work is already done for you. All that’s left is a quick assembly and a short bake in the oven, making them perfect for those times when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a lively birthday party, a casual game day gathering, or simply need a quick and satisfying dinner on a busy weeknight, these French Dip Sliders fit the bill. Their individual serving size makes them ideal for communal eating, while the rich flavors make them feel special enough for any celebration. They’re also fantastic for potlucks and tailgates!
• **Bursting with Flavor:** The combination of ingredients in these sliders creates a symphony of flavors that is truly irresistible. The sweetness of the perfectly caramelized onions beautifully complements the savory, thinly sliced roast beef. Add in the creamy, melty cheese and the rich, umami depth of the au jus gravy, and you have a culinary experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Each bite is packed with layers of deliciousness.
• **Unquestionably Delicious:** Beyond the convenience and versatility, the bottom line is that these French Dip Sliders are absolutely delicious! The soft texture of the Hawaiian rolls, the tender meat, the gooey cheese, and the sweet-savory onions come together in perfect harmony. And when dipped in the warm au jus, they reach a whole new level of savory indulgence that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Key Ingredients for Your French Dip Sliders

While this recipe prides itself on simplicity, selecting quality ingredients can elevate your sliders from great to extraordinary. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:

• **Hawaiian Sweet Rolls:** The foundation of these sliders! Hawaiian rolls are essential for their signature sweetness and incredibly soft, pull-apart texture. This sweetness offers a delightful contrast to the savory roast beef and tangy cheese. While other dinner rolls can work, Hawaiian rolls truly make these sliders shine.
• **Roast Beef:** Opt for high-quality, thinly sliced deli roast beef. The thinner the slices, the more tender and easy to eat your sliders will be. You’ll want about 14 ounces for 12 sliders. If roast beef isn’t your preference, don’t hesitate to experiment! Sliced turkey, ham, or even thinly sliced cooked chicken breast can be excellent alternatives, though they will slightly alter the classic French Dip flavor profile.
• **Provolone Cheese:** Provolone is a classic choice for French Dip sandwiches due to its mild flavor and excellent melting properties. It becomes wonderfully gooey and adds a creamy element without overpowering the other ingredients. However, feel free to use other good melting cheeses like Swiss (for a nuttier flavor), mozzarella (for extra stretch), or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
• **Onions & Sugar (for Caramelization):** One medium onion, thinly sliced, will caramelize down to a rich, sweet, and deeply flavorful addition. A touch of sugar helps speed up the caramelization process and enhances the natural sweetness of the onions. Don’t rush this step – slow and steady cooking is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown, soft texture. Yellow or sweet onions work best here.
• **Unsalted Butter:** You’ll use butter for caramelizing the onions and for the delicious topping brushed over the rolls. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall saltiness of the dish.
• **Dried Onion Soup Mix:** This is a secret weapon for an extra layer of savory flavor in the butter topping, which helps create that irresistible golden crust on your rolls. Store-bought dried onion soup mix is perfectly convenient here.
• **Au Jus Gravy Mix:** For ease and convenience, a store-bought au jus gravy mix is recommended. This provides that essential, rich, beefy dipping sauce that defines a French Dip. Simply follow the package directions for preparation. If you prefer, you can make au jus from scratch, but the mix makes this recipe truly “easy.”
• **Fresh Thyme, Salt, and Pepper:** These simple seasonings elevate the caramelized onions and bring out the best in all the ingredients. Fresh thyme adds an aromatic, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the savory components.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Easy French Dip Sliders

Creating these delightful French Dip Sliders is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps to bring this crowd-pleasing dish to life:

1. **Caramelize the Onions:** Begin by melting 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Cook patiently for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft, deeply golden brown, and beautifully caramelized. Season with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme to taste. Once done, remove the onions from the heat and set them aside. These sweet, savory onions are a game-changer!
2. **Prepare Your Oven:** Preheat your oven to a moderate 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the sliders bake evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
3. **Assemble the Sliders:** Carefully remove the Hawaiian rolls from their package, keeping them as one intact block. Using a large serrated knife, slice the entire block of rolls horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Place the bottom half of the rolls, cut side up, into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the provolone cheese slices evenly over the bottom rolls. Next, generously spread the sliced deli roast beef over the cheese, followed by the caramelized onions. Top with the remaining provolone cheese slices, then carefully place the top half of the rolls back on.
4. **Create the Flavorful Topping:** In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter with 1 1/2 tablespoons of dried onion soup mix. Whisk until well combined. This mixture adds incredible flavor and helps the rolls brown beautifully. You can either brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls for precise coverage or simply pour it over the entire surface.
5. **Bake to Perfection:** Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Ensure the foil doesn’t stick to the tops of the rolls to prevent the cheese from pulling off. Bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
6. **Prepare and Serve Au Jus:** While the sliders are baking, prepare the au jus gravy according to the package directions, typically by whisking the mix with 3 cups of water and simmering until thickened. Once the sliders are ready, remove them from the oven. For an optional fresh touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the hot French Dip Sliders immediately with the warm au jus on the side for dipping. Enjoy every savory bite!

Top Tips for Irresistible French Dip Sliders

To ensure your French Dip Sliders are nothing short of spectacular, consider these expert tips and variations:

• **Don’t Skip the Caramelized Onions (but Au Jus is Optional!):** While the au jus dipping sauce is classic, these sliders are incredibly flavorful even without it. The combination of roast beef, provolone cheese, and especially the sweet and savory caramelized onions on the rolls is a showstopper on its own. If you’re short on time or prefer a less “messy” slider, you can absolutely skip preparing the au jus. However, the caramelized onions are non-negotiable for that deep, complex flavor!
• **Elevate with Homemade Onion Rolls:** Feeling ambitious and want to take these to the next level? Consider making your own homemade onion rolls instead of store-bought Hawaiian rolls. The added depth of flavor and satisfying texture of fresh, homemade bread will make these sliders truly unforgettable.
• **Customize Your Toppings:** These sliders are a fantastic base for customization. Don’t hesitate to add your favorite condiments or extra ingredients. A smear of mayonnaise, a dab of Dijon mustard, a few pickle slices, or even some hot giardiniera can add an exciting twist. Get creative and make them your own!
• **Experiment with Cheese Varieties:** While provolone is a classic and reliable choice for its meltability and mild flavor, feel free to use other cheeses. Swiss cheese offers a nutty, slightly sharper flavor, while mozzarella will give you a super gooey, stretchy pull. For a bolder taste, try a sharp white cheddar or even pepper jack for a hint of spice.
• **Make-Ahead Magic:** These sliders are wonderful for meal prep or party planning. You can assemble the sliders (including the caramelized onions and roast beef) ahead of time, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Prepare the butter topping just before baking. This makes game day or party day much smoother!
• **Storing Leftovers:** If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or in a microwave for a quicker option, though the rolls might lose some crispness.

More Easy Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

If you loved the simplicity and flavor of these French Dip Sliders, you’ll definitely want to explore more easy and delicious recipes from our collection. Perfect for any occasion, these dishes are sure to become new favorites:

• Crab BLT Sliders: A fresh and flavorful seafood twist on the classic BLT, perfect for summer gatherings.
• Crispy Chicken Sliders: Indulgent and satisfying, these crispy chicken sliders are always a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Chicken Parm Sliders: All the classic flavors of chicken parmesan packed into adorable, easy-to-eat sliders.
• BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Tender, smoky, and drenched in BBQ sauce, these sandwiches are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Tried this incredibly satisfying recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback helps us and other home cooks. And consider following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for more delicious inspiration!

5 from 4 votes

French Dip Sliders

By Julie Maestre

These French dip sliders are Hawaiian rolls stuffed with roast beef, caramelized onions, and cheese. Super easy to make and perfect for a large crowd!

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12

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Ingredients 

• ▢ 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 onion, thinly sliced
• ▢ 1/2 tsp sugar
• ▢ 2 tsp fresh thyme
• ▢ 12 sweet rolls
• ▢ 10 slices provolone cheese
• ▢ 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef
• ▢ 1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted
• ▢ 1 1/2 tbsp dried onion soup mix
• ▢ 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• ▢ 3 cups water
• ▢ salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions 

• Add some butter to a skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the onions and sugar, cook for 15 minutes stirring frequently. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove it from the heat and set it aside. 
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 
• Take the rolls out of the package, leaving the rolls intact. Take a large knife and slice the rolls across so you have the tops and bottom separated. Place the bottom, cut side up into a baking dish. Top with half of the cheese. Add the roast beef. Top with the onions, spreading them out. Add the remaining cheese, then add the tops of the rolls on top.
• In a small bowl stir together the melted butter and onion soup mix. I like to brush this mixture on top of the rolls to make sure it’s evenly distributed but you can just pour the butter sauce on top.
• Cover loosely with foil, make sure the foil is not touching the tops of the rolls, and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes to brown the rolls.
• While the rolls are baking, prepare the au jus per the package directions with the water. Serve the rolls with an optional garnish of parsley and au jus on the side for dipping.

Notes

You don’t need the au jus mix! These sliders are just as good without the onion mix and au jus. Just the roast beef, caramelized onions, and provolone cheese are incredible when served on rolls.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 726mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 479IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 221mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12

Calories: 281

Keyword: easy French dip sliders, French dip sliders recipe, how to make French dip sliders

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