French Dip Sliders – Buttery, Cheesy, and Perfectly Dunkable
There are certain recipes that instantly feel like a guaranteed win, the kind you make once and then get asked to bring to every gathering forever. French dip sliders are exactly that kind of recipe. They take everything we love about a classic French dip sandwich—tender roast beef, melty cheese, savory au jus—and transform it into bite-sized perfection that’s ideal for parties, game days, family dinners, or even a cozy weekend treat.
What makes french dip sliders truly irresistible is the balance of textures and flavors. Soft, pillowy rolls soak up just enough buttery topping to turn golden and fragrant in the oven, while layers of thinly sliced roast beef stay juicy beneath blankets of melted provolone. And then there’s the au jus: rich, savory, and warm, waiting on the side for dunking. It’s comfort food that feels indulgent without being complicated.
This recipe is designed to be approachable and reliable. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. In fact, these sliders come together quickly, bake beautifully as a single tray, and disappear even faster once they hit the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy and satisfying, french dip sliders deliver every single time.
Ingredients:
- 12 slider rolls or Hawaiian rolls
- 1½ pounds deli-sliced roast beef
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Au Jus:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact as a sheet if possible. Place the bottom halves into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the provolone cheese evenly over the bottom rolls. This first cheese layer helps prevent the bread from getting soggy.
- Add the sliced roast beef in an even layer, gently folding it for volume and texture rather than laying it completely flat.
- Sprinkle the sliced onions evenly over the beef, seasoning lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Place the remaining provolone cheese slices over the beef and onions, then cover with the top halves of the rolls.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped parsley.
- Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, allowing some to drip down the sides for extra flavor.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the sliders to heat through and the cheese to melt.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- While the sliders bake, prepare the au jus by combining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Simmer gently over medium heat for 5–7 minutes.
- Remove sliders from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm with au jus on the side for dipping.
french dip sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking dish.
- Slice rolls in half and place bottoms in dish.
- Layer cheese, roast beef, onions, and remaining cheese.
- Top with roll tops and brush with seasoned butter.
- Bake covered 15 minutes, then uncovered until golden.
- Prepare au jus, slice sliders, and serve warm.
Notes
Tips & Tricks:
- Use high-quality deli roast beef sliced thin for the best texture and flavor.
- Keep sliders covered during the first part of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Warm the au jus gently; boiling can make it taste overly salty.
Variations:
- Swap provolone for Swiss cheese for a more traditional French dip flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth and earthiness.
- Use horseradish sauce spread lightly on the rolls for a bold kick.
- Make it spicy by adding sliced pepperoncini or a pinch of crushed red pepper.
Serving Suggestions:
French dip sliders are perfect as an appetizer for parties, a main dish paired with a crisp green salad, or a fun alternative to traditional sandwiches for weeknight dinners. Serve with potato chips, fries, or a simple coleslaw for a complete meal.
Storage Information:
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Store au jus separately and reheat gently on the stove.
FAQ:
Can I make french dip sliders ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
What rolls work best?
Soft slider rolls or Hawaiian rolls work beautifully, absorbing flavor without falling apart.
Can I freeze them?
Freezing is not recommended, as the bread texture changes once thawed.
History / Fun Facts:
The French dip sandwich originated in Los Angeles in the early 1900s and quickly became a diner classic. The idea of dipping the sandwich into flavorful beef jus turned a simple roast beef sandwich into a legendary comfort food staple. Sliders are a modern twist, making this iconic sandwich even more shareable and fun.
