If you have yet to discover the magic of the French Dip Sliders Recipe, get ready for a delightful culinary adventure that’s both comforting and impressive. These mini sandwiches bring together tender roast beef, melty provolone cheese, and buttery, flavorful slider rolls, all served alongside a rich, homemade au jus perfect for dipping. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game days, casual dinners, or any moment you want to transform simple ingredients into a savory masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This French Dip Sliders Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that work together beautifully to create layers of taste and texture. Each item plays a vital role, from the tender roast beef to the oozing provolone, and the buttery, seasoned rolls to the savory au jus dip.
- 1 lb roast beef, thinly sliced: The star protein that provides a juicy, tender base for the sliders.
- 12 slider rolls: Soft yet sturdy to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the tops of the buns brown to golden perfection.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle zing and depth of flavor in the buttery topping.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a savory umami punch that makes these sliders unforgettable.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Delivers warm, savory notes that boost the overall savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances all the ingredients and enhances natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to keep things lively.
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly over the roast beef, creating a delightful creamy layer.
- 1 cup beef broth: The base of the rich au jus dip that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the broth into a luscious dipping sauce.
How to Make French Dip Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, cut your slider rolls horizontally but keep the tops and bottoms connected so they can be filled and baked easily.
Step 2: Layer the Beef and Cheese
Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly lay the thinly sliced roast beef over the rolls, then generously sprinkle shredded provolone cheese right on top. This layering gives each slider a perfect balance of meat and melty cheese in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Top Buns and Prepare the Butter Mixture
Place the top halves of the rolls gently over the cheese and press down slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. This mixture will turn those rolls golden and pack a punch of flavor when brushed on top.
Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Uncover
Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the slider rolls. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and cheese has melted into gooey perfection.
Step 5: Make the Au Jus Dip
While the sliders bake, heat beef broth in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. Stir flour with a few tablespoons of the hot broth in a separate bowl to create a smooth paste, then whisk it into the pot. Keep whisking for 3 to 5 minutes as the broth thickens into a velvety dipping sauce that will elevate the sliders to a whole new level.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the sliders rest for a minute or two. Then serve each slider with a side of the savory au jus for dipping, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
How to Serve French Dip Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes takes these sliders over the top. Try sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness. A light spread of horseradish sauce inside the buns also adds a tasty zing that pairs beautifully with the beef.
Side Dishes
French Dip Sliders shine with classic sides such as crispy fries or a crunchy coleslaw that provides a refreshing contrast. Pickles or a simple green salad also work wonderfully to balance the richness of the sliders and au jus without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, arrange the sliders on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, surrounding them with small bowls of au jus and dipping sauces. You could also skewer each slider with a colorful toothpick and serve them on tiered platters, making the French Dip Sliders Recipe the star attraction at any party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the sliders and the au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This ensures the bread stays soft and the dip maintains its flavor, making next-day enjoyment just as satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze fully assembled sliders before baking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before following the baking instructions. Store au jus in a freezer-safe container separately for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted. Warm the au jus gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving to keep that delicious dipping experience intact.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar can work nicely, depending on your preference. Each adds a different flavor profile while still melting beautifully.
Is there a vegetarian version of this French Dip Sliders Recipe?
While the traditional recipe centers on roast beef, you can swap with grilled mushrooms or a plant-based roast for a vegetarian twist that still pairs wonderfully with the au jus.
How long can I keep the au jus in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, the au jus will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ready to add a savory touch to your next meal.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sliders fully assembled and refrigerated overnight, then bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve. This is great for meal prepping or entertaining.
What is the best bread to use for these sliders?
Soft slider rolls are ideal since they soak up the au jus nicely without becoming too soggy or falling apart. Hawaiian rolls also provide a sweet touch that complements the savory flavors wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about the French Dip Sliders Recipe that invites everyone to dig in and savor each juicy, cheesy bite dipped in savory au jus. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving comfort food with a gourmet twist, these sliders are an easy and unforgettable choice. Give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to dishes.
Print
French Dip Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These French Dip Sliders feature thinly sliced roast beef and melted provolone cheese on soft slider rolls, brushed with a flavorful garlic and mustard butter mix, then baked to golden perfection. Served with a rich homemade au jus for dipping, they make for a delicious and satisfying appetizer or meal.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 1 lb roast beef, thinly sliced
- 12 slider rolls
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
Au Jus
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Slider Rolls: Cut the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected to make them easier to fill and bake.
- Arrange Bottom Halves: Place the bottom halves of the slider rolls evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base.
- Add Roast Beef: Lay the thinly sliced roast beef evenly over the bottom halves of the slider rolls for a flavorful filling.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese over the roast beef to add creamy richness.
- Top the Sliders: Place the top halves of the slider rolls on top of the cheese, pressing down gently to keep everything together.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to create a flavorful glaze.
- Brush Butter Mixture: Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the slider rolls to enhance flavor and promote browning.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Au Jus Base: While the sliders bake, pour beef broth into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Create Flour Paste: In a separate small bowl, mix the flour with a couple of tablespoons of the hot broth to form a smooth paste without lumps.
- Thicken Au Jus: Slowly whisk the flour paste back into the simmering broth in the saucepan.
- Simmer Au Jus: Continue cooking the broth while whisking occasionally until it thickens to a desired consistency, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Set Au Jus Aside: Remove the thickened au jus from heat and set it aside for serving.
- Remove Foil and Finish Baking: After the initial 15 minutes, remove the foil from the sliders, then return them to the oven and bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Rest Sliders: Remove the baked sliders from the oven and let them sit for a minute or two to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the warm sliders with the prepared au jus on the side for dipping, delivering a classic French Dip experience.
Notes
- Keeping the slider tops and bottoms connected when slicing helps maintain the sandwich structure during baking.
- Adjust the thickness of the au jus by cooking longer for a thicker consistency or adding a little more broth if too thick.
- The Dijon mustard in the butter mixture adds a subtle tang that complements the savory roast beef perfectly.
- Leftover sliders can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to preserve moisture.
- Substitute provolone with Swiss or mozzarella cheese if desired for different flavor profiles.
