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French Dip Sliders

If you are on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the dinner table, French Dip Sliders are here to deliver! These bite-sized delights feature savory slices of roast beef tucked between sweet rolls, perfectly complemented by caramelized onions and melted provolone cheese. Dipped in a rich and flavorful au jus, these sliders are an incredible twist on a classic favorite that will leave both your taste buds and your guests craving more.

Why Make This Recipe

Combines the classic flavors of a French dip sandwich into a fun, shareable slider format.
Perfect for game days, parties, or a cozy family dinner.
Easy to prepare and serve, making it hassle-free for busy weeknights.

Whether you are hosting a gathering or looking for an easy meal for your family, these French Dip Sliders are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Making French Dip Sliders at Home

Creating French Dip Sliders is as fun as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps to bring this mouthwatering dish to life:

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing sliders:

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 (King’s Hawaiian or similar)
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, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these delectable sliders:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for the sliders. Using a long, sharp serrated knife, slice the block of sweet rolls horizontally through the middle, ensuring they remain connected. Gently lift off the top section and set it aside. Place the bottom halves directly into the prepared baking dish.
Caramelize the Onions
In a medium skillet, melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onion, minced thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes. You want the onions to become soft, deeply golden brown, and caramelized. Once they’re perfect, set them aside.
Prepare Butter Topping
Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. This melted butter will become the golden, crispy topping for your sliders.
Assemble the Sliders
It’s time for the fun part! Arrange half of the provolone cheese slices directly over the bottom rolls in the baking dish. Layer generous amounts of the sliced roast beef over the cheese. Evenly spread the caramelized onions on top of the roast beef. Finish with the remaining provolone cheese slices before carefully placing the reserved top halves of the sweet rolls back on top.
Brush and Bake (Covered)
Generously brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Bake (Uncovered) and Rest
After 15 minutes under the foil, carefully remove it. Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melty and bubbly. Once out of the oven, let the sliders rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Craft the Au Jus
While the sliders are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the au jus gravy mix, dried onion soup mix, and 3 cups of water. Stir well to mix all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful. Keep the au jus warm on low heat until ready to serve.
Slice, Serve, and Garnish
After the resting period, use your serrated knife to separate the individual sliders by cutting along the lines. Arrange the warm, cheesy sliders on a serving platter. Pour the hot au jus into small bowls for dipping, or into a larger bowl for sharing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like and serve immediately to enjoy every savory bite!

Keeping French Dip Sliders Fresh

The best part about French Dip Sliders is that they can be easily stored for later enjoyment. Here are the best practices for keeping them fresh:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge at 40°F (4°C).
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the assembled (but uncooked) sliders in a tightly sealed container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat: When ready to enjoy, separate the sliders and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Best Ways to Serve French Dip Sliders

These sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served in various delightful ways to elevate your dining experience:

Game Day Appetizer: Perfect for sports events, cut into smaller pieces and serve alongside a variety of dipping sauces for a fun twist.
Family Dinner: Present the sliders on a large platter with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or a colorful salad to balance the meal.
Picnic Treat: Pack the sliders into a portable container, along with small cups of au jus, for a delicious outdoor meal.
Potluck Favorite: Make a big batch and share them at family gatherings or potlucks where finger foods are a hit.

Pair these sliders with refreshing drinks like sparkling lemonade, iced tea, or a nice red wine for an amazing dining experience.

Tips to Make French Dip Sliders

Here are a few handy tips to get the best results with your sliders:

Use fresh rolls for optimal flavor and texture.
Do not skip the caramelized onions; they add a lovely sweetness that complements the richness of the meat.
Make the au jus a day in advance for the flavors to develop, then simply reheat.

Variations or Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your French Dip Sliders! Here are a couple of ideas:

Substitute Meat: Try using thinly sliced turkey or even grilled chicken instead of roast beef for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms combined with a flavorful blend of garlic and herbs for a delicious vegetarian spin.

These adaptations not only provide new flavor profiles but also accommodate different dietary preferences.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sliders in advance, cover them, and store them in the fridge before baking. Just increase the baking time a bit if they are cold when you put them in the oven.
Q: How do I keep the sliders moist?
A: Adding extra au jus on the side for dipping helps to keep the sliders moist and enhances the flavors.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Q: How do I make the sliders more kid-friendly?
A: You can use less au jus for dipping, or even serve them with a side of ranch dressing for a familiar dip kids enjoy!
Q: What can I serve with French Dip Sliders?
A: Pair these sliders with crispy potato wedges, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. They also go well with some pickles or potato chips on the side!

Nutritional Info

For those who are mindful of their diet, here’s an approximate breakdown of the calorie contents per slider based on the ingredients:

Calories: 350
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g

Note that these values can vary based on brand and specific ingredient choices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your French Dip Sliders turn out perfectly, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

Overcooking the onions can lead to burnt flavors instead of sweet caramelization.
Not greasing the baking dish can cause the sliders to stick, making them hard to serve.
Skipping the resting period after baking can result in messy sliders.

By keeping an eye on these details, your sliders will always impress!

In conclusion, French Dip Sliders are an excellent recipe that is sure to captivate anyone fortunate enough to take a bite. Their delicious flavors combined with an inviting presentation make them perfect for any occasion. So the next time you need a crowd-pleaser or a simple family meal, whip up these delightful sliders and watch them vanish before your eyes!