Easy French Dip Sliders: Ultimate Quick Dinner or Game Day Appetizer

Slider recipes are renowned for their fun, bite-sized appeal, making them perfect for any occasion. These easy French Dip Sliders are no exception, offering a mouthwatering experience with minimal effort. This simple recipe creates a delightful slider featuring generously melted provolone cheese, tender, thinly sliced, and perfectly seasoned roast beef, all nestled within the softest, fluffiest Hawaiian sweet rolls. The result is a savory, satisfying dish that captures all the classic flavors of a French Dip sandwich in a convenient slider form.

If you’re already a fan of classic French dip sandwiches, then you are absolutely going to adore these sliders. They offer the same incredible taste and comforting warmth but are reimagined into a miniature version, ideal for sharing or for quick individual servings. Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer to serve for game day gatherings with friends and family. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, savory slider, packed with flavor and ready in minutes – it’s culinary magic!

Preparing this French Dip Sliders recipe promises a culinary treat. You’ll savor the rich, savory flavors of the roast beef, complemented by an abundance of gooey, melted cheese, all brought together by the subtly sweet and incredibly soft slider buns. With just a few straightforward steps, you can create a dish that tastes complex and indulgent but is surprisingly simple to assemble and bake, making it accessible for even novice cooks. The convenience combined with the irresistible taste makes this recipe an instant favorite in any household.

Ingredients for Irresistible French Dip Sliders

Crafting the perfect French Dip Slider starts with selecting quality ingredients that work in harmony to create that signature flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this delicious and easy recipe:

Rolls: We highly recommend Hawaiian sweet rolls, specifically a package of 12 rolls. Their inherent sweetness and incredibly soft, fluffy texture provide the perfect contrast to the savory beef and cheese, while also holding up well during baking.
Cheese: For that ultimate melty goodness, use slices of provolone cheese. Provolone has a mild flavor that complements the roast beef without overpowering it, and it melts beautifully into a creamy layer.
Onions: To add a fantastic textural element and a burst of savory flavor, you will absolutely love these crispy French-fried onions on your French Dip sliders. They provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft rolls and tender beef.
Beef: The star of the show is deli roast beef. Opt for thinly sliced, good-quality roast beef for the best results. The thin slices warm quickly and become incredibly tender when baked.

For the Flavorful Glaze:

This savory glaze, brushed over the tops of the sliders, adds an extra layer of flavor and helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. It’s a simple yet impactful addition.

Butter: Melted butter forms the base of our glaze, providing richness and helping to carry the other flavors.
Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, umami-rich, and slightly tangy note that enhances the savory beef.
Seasoning: A packet of Au Jus dry gravy mix is key. Part of it goes into the glaze for a concentrated beefy flavor, and the rest is reserved for the dipping sauce.
Seeds: A sprinkle of little white sesame seeds not only adds a delicate nutty flavor but also provides a lovely visual appeal and a subtle textural contrast.
Spices: Minced garlic provides a fragrant, aromatic foundation for the glaze, infusing the rolls with a delicious savory essence.
Water: Essential for preparing the separate Au Jus dipping sauce.

How to Make Easy French Dip Sliders

These French Dip Sliders are incredibly simple to put together, making them an ideal choice for a quick meal or an easy appetizer. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly and the rolls to warm through without drying out.

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Glaze Mixture

In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, one tablespoon of the Au Jus dry gravy mix (remember, we’ll use the rest of the Au Jus mix shortly for the dipping sauce), sesame seeds, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and form a smooth, aromatic glaze. Set this mixture aside for a moment, as it will be brushed onto the sliders before baking.

Step 2: Assemble Your Sliders

Carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife. This technique keeps all the rolls connected, making assembly much easier. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. Place the bottom half of the rolls onto the prepared sheet pan. Layer half of the provolone cheese slices evenly over the bottom rolls. Next, generously top the cheese with all of the deli roast beef slices, ensuring good coverage. Drizzle or brush half of the prepared glaze mixture evenly over the roast beef. Sprinkle the crispy French-fried onions over the beef layer for added crunch and flavor. Finally, place the remaining provolone cheese slices over the onions, and then gently cover everything with the top half of the rolls.

Step 3: Glaze and Bake

Take the remaining glaze mixture and brush or drizzle it evenly over the tops of the rolls. This step not only adds flavor but also helps the rolls achieve a beautiful golden-brown color during baking. Make sure to get some sesame seeds on top for that extra touch.

Bake the sliders in your preheated oven for approximately 8-10 minutes. The goal is to heat them through until the cheese is wonderfully melty and gooey, and the rolls are lightly toasted and golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

Step 4: Prepare the Classic Au Jus Dipping Sauce

While your sliders are baking in the oven, you can simultaneously prepare the essential Au Jus dipping sauce. To a small pot on the stovetop, add the remainder of the Au Jus dry gravy mix packet and 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, whisking frequently to ensure the mix dissolves completely and to prevent lumps. Continue to simmer and whisk until the sauce slightly thickens to your desired consistency. This rich, savory Au Jus is crucial for the authentic French Dip experience. Once ready, pour this delicious Au Jus sauce into a small serving bowl and place it on the side of your dish, ready for dipping your warm, cheesy sliders.

How to Store Leftover Juicy Roast Beef Sliders

If you happen to have any of these delicious sliders left over (which is a rare feat!), proper storage will help maintain their flavor and freshness for enjoyment later. While best served fresh, leftovers can be just as tasty with a little care.

Fridge: To store leftover sliders, allow them to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, you have a couple of options. You can either place the individual sandwiches or the entire slab of sliders into an airtight container, ensuring it seals well to prevent them from drying out. Alternatively, wrap the leftover beef sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil, then place the foil-wrapped package into a large ziplock bag. Stored this way, they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating Instructions: For best results, reheat leftover sliders in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet, loosely covered with foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is re-melted. For a quicker option, individual sliders can be microwaved for 30-60 seconds, though the rolls may lose some of their crispness.

Tips and Tricks for Making Delicious French Dip Sliders

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few tips and tricks can elevate your French Dip Sliders from great to absolutely exceptional. These insights will help you customize the flavors and ensure a perfect batch every time.

Type of Bread to Use for These French Dip Sandwiches:

Our recipe specifically calls for King’s Hawaiian rolls, and for good reason! Since we love making this recipe as sliders, the slightly sweet and incredibly soft texture of King’s Hawaiian rolls makes them a fantastic choice. They perfectly complement the savory roast beef and melt-in-your-mouth cheese, baking wonderfully in the oven to create a golden, tender crust that holds everything together beautifully.

However, if you’re looking to turn this into a more traditional sandwich meal or prefer a different bread texture, you can absolutely do so. Consider using hoagie rolls or sub buns instead of Hawaiian rolls for a larger, more substantial sandwich. Other excellent options include soft brioche buns for added richness, classic dinner rolls for a more neutral flavor, or even a mini ciabatta for a slightly chewier texture. The key is to choose a bread that’s soft enough to absorb the flavors but sturdy enough to hold the fillings.

Cheese to Use:

The best cheese for this recipe, hands down, is one that melts beautifully. Essentially, you want to pick a cheese you absolutely love that will transform into a gooey, savory blanket over the slices of roast beef. That truly is the best part of any French Dip, in my humble opinion! We’ve chosen to use provolone cheese for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties, which creates a creamy, satisfying layer without overpowering the beef.

But don’t feel limited to provolone! You can easily customize this to your preference. Other fantastic melting cheeses include Swiss cheese (for a slightly nutty flavor), mozzarella (for extra stretchiness), or even a blend of white cheddar and Monterey Jack for a sharper, more complex taste. Experiment with your favorites to find your perfect melty match!

Elevate Your Sliders with Additional Flavor Boosts:

Caramelized Onions: For an extra layer of sweetness and depth, sauté thinly sliced onions until deeply caramelized and add them to the beef layer before baking.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can add an earthy, umami richness that pairs wonderfully with roast beef.
Horseradish Sauce: A creamy horseradish sauce, spread lightly on the bottom buns, provides a zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
Season the Beef: While deli roast beef is convenient, you can toss it lightly with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper before layering for an extra flavor infusion.

Serving Suggestions:

French Dip Sliders are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with crispy French fries, a refreshing potato salad, a tangy coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. As an appetizer, they stand perfectly on their own with the accompanying Au Jus.

Make Ahead Tips:

You can assemble the sliders up to a few hours in advance, covering them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating. Add the top glaze just before baking. This makes them ideal for entertaining, as you can do most of the prep beforehand and simply pop them in the oven when your guests arrive.

FAQs for French Dip Sliders:

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! While roast beef is traditional, you can experiment with other thinly sliced deli meats like turkey or even ham, though the “French Dip” experience is best with beef. Leftover pot roast shredded finely also works exceptionally well.

Q: How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?
A: The Hawaiian rolls are quite resilient. Ensuring you don’t over-drench the beef with Au Jus (just a drizzle for flavor before baking) and baking until the rolls are slightly toasted on the bottom helps. Serve the main Au Jus on the side for dipping.

Q: Can I freeze uncooked French Dip Sliders?
A: It’s generally not recommended to freeze assembled uncooked sliders, as the bread can become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked roast beef and Au Jus separately for future use.

Q: What if I don’t have Au Jus gravy mix?
A: You can use a beef bouillon cube or concentrated beef broth mixed with a bit of cornstarch to thicken for the dipping sauce. For the glaze, you can omit the mix and simply use melted butter, Worcestershire, garlic, and sesame seeds, although the beefy flavor will be less intense.

More Delicious Meal Ideas to Make:

If you enjoyed these sliders, you might love exploring other fantastic sandwich and slider recipes perfect for family dinners or entertaining:

Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Italian Chicken Sandwiches
Ham Salad Sandwiches

These recipes offer a range of flavors and preparation styles, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Quick Links for Making Cooking Easy:

Discover more resources to simplify your meal planning and cooking journey:

Family Meal Plans
Essential Tools for the Kitchen and More
The Best Cookbook for Family Dinner Recipes
FREE Budget Meal Plan
Engaging Cooking Videos to Watch

5 from 5 votes

French Dip Sliders – 10 Minute Dinner

By:

Julia Pacheco

Delicious and fluffy sweet Hawaiian rolls stuffed with melty provolone cheese, tender slices of roast beef, with the best dipping sauce.

Prep:

2 minutes

Cook:

8 minutes

Total:

10 minutes

Servings:

5
servings

Save Recipe
Saved Recipe

Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe

Ingredients

▢

1
bag
Hawaiian sweet rolls, 12 rolls total
▢

10
slices
provolone cheese
▢

1
cup
french fried onions
▢

1
lb
deli roast beef

Glaze

▢

5
tbs
melted butter
▢

1
tsp
Worcestershire sauce
▢

1
oz
packet Au Jus dry gravy mix
▢

1
tbs
sesame seeds
▢

1
tsp
minced garlic
▢

1 ½
cups
water

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
Make the glaze mixture: To a small bowl, add the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of the Au Jus mix (the remaining mix will be used for the dipping sauce in a moment), sesame seeds, and minced garlic. Stir these ingredients together until well combined and set aside.
Slice the entire package of rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bottom half of the rolls on the baking sheet. Layer half of the provolone cheese on the rolls, then top with all of the roast beef. Brush or drizzle half of the prepared glaze over the roast beef. Sprinkle the French-fried onions over the beef, then place the remaining cheese over the top. Finally, cover with the top part of the rolls.
Brush or drizzle the remaining glaze evenly on the top of the rolls.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melty and the rolls are lightly golden.
While the sliders are in the oven, prepare the Au Jus dipping sauce: To a small pot on the stove, add the rest of the Au Jus packet and 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat and whisk often until the sauce slightly thickens to your desired consistency. Serve this rich Au Jus sauce in a small bowl on the side for dipping the sliders.

Video

Nutrition

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

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

If you give these incredible French Dip Sliders or any of our other recipes a try, we’d absolutely love to hear from you! Make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and share your creations. Let us know how much you liked the recipes, what your favorite part was, or any creative twists you added. Your feedback and photos are always a joy to see!