If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Easy French Dip Sliders deliver all the classic flavors of a French dip sandwich in a warm, handheld bite. These sliders combine tender roast beef, melty provolone, and a buttery onion-thyme topping—all served with a rich, savory au jus for dipping. They’re perfect for parties, game day, or a simple family-friendly dinner.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy French Dip Sliders Recipe
These sliders bring together everything people love about French dip sandwiches but with far less effort. They’re designed for busy home cooks who want something hearty, simple, and shareable. Soft sweet rolls soak up the flavors of roast beef and melted cheese, while the thyme-infused buttery topping adds depth and aroma. With a quick bake and minimal prep, they’re ideal for gatherings, weeknight meals, or anytime you want comfort food without the hassle.
Ingredients for Easy French Dip Sliders
Slider Assembly
- 12 sweet rolls or slider buns
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or leftover roast)
- 12 slices provolone cheese or similar mild melting cheese
Butter-Onion Topping
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Au Jus for Dipping
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, but family-safe)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Roast Beef: You can substitute thinly sliced turkey or chicken for a lighter slider. For a vegetarian twist, use sautéed mushrooms and onions with a splash of broth for extra flavor.
- Provolone Cheese: Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack work beautifully if you prefer a different melt or flavor profile.
- Sweet Rolls: Hawaiian rolls add sweetness, but any soft dinner roll works. Choose whole-grain rolls for a fiber-friendly version.
- Thyme: Fresh herbs add brightness, but dried thyme or rosemary can step in if needed.
- Au Jus: If you prefer a lower-sodium option, use reduced-sodium broth and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Butter-Onion Topping
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside. This aromatic topping will give your sliders their signature flavor.
Step 2 – Assemble the Sliders
Slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping the sheet intact. Place the bottom half on a baking sheet. Layer the roast beef evenly across the rolls, followed by provolone slices. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
Step 3 – Add the Butter Topping and Bake
Brush the butter-onion mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, making sure every slider gets a flavorful coating. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake 5–7 more minutes until the tops are lightly toasted and the cheese is fully melted.
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Easy French Dip Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Description
Easy French Dip Sliders bring all the classic flavors of a French dip sandwich into a warm, melty, crowd-pleasing handheld appetizer perfect for parties, game day, or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 sweet rolls or slider buns
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden, then stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Slice rolls horizontally, keeping them intact. Place the bottom half on a baking sheet. Layer roast beef evenly, then add provolone slices. Replace the top half of the rolls.
- Brush tops generously with the butter-onion mixture. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5–7 minutes more until cheese is melted and tops are lightly toasted.
- For the au jus: heat beef broth with Worcestershire, onion powder, and garlic powder until warm.
Notes
For best results, keep rolls intact during assembly, use quality thin-sliced roast beef, and serve immediately with warm au jus to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep the rolls intact for easy assembly and clean slicing after baking.
- Use quality roast beef—thin deli slices melt into the cheese for an ultra-tender bite.
- Don’t skip the topping—it infuses flavor into the buns as they bake.
- Cover with foil first to prevent over-browning while the cheese melts evenly.
- Warm the au jus just before serving so every dip is rich and steamy.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as the sliders stay soft and moist.
Flavor Variations
- Caramelized Onion Sliders: Replace sautéed onions with deeply caramelized ones for richer sweetness.
- Garlic Butter Sliders: Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic to the butter mixture for a bold flavor.
- Cheesy Swiss Version: Use Swiss cheese and add a spoonful of grainy mustard beneath the cheese.
- Mushroom Melt Sliders: Add sautéed mushrooms between the beef and cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Layer in pickled jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
Serving Suggestions
French Dip Sliders are perfect alongside:
- Baked potato wedges
- A crisp green salad
- Oven-roasted vegetables
- Classic coleslaw
- Pickles or giardiniera for a tangy contrast
For parties, set the sliders on a platter with a bowl of warm au jus in the center for dipping.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–12 minutes to re-melt the cheese and restore the texture.
- Freeze: Wrap individual sliders tightly in foil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen sliders in the oven wrapped in foil for about 20–25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbs | 22g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Values are approximate and vary by brand and ingredients used.
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FAQ About Easy French Dip Sliders
What makes French dip sliders different from regular sliders?
These sliders incorporate the classic French dip method: melted cheese, tender beef, and a warm, savory broth for dipping. While many sliders focus on toppings or sauces, French dip sliders rely on the flavorful au jus to bring everything together. Each bite offers a mix of juicy meat, melted cheese, and soft rolls infused with the buttery topping. This makes them more comforting and richer than a standard mini sandwich.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them up to a day ahead without brushing on the topping. Cover the tray and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the butter-onion mixture and pop them in the oven. This helps the bread stay fresh while still delivering a flavorful finish. Just remember to warm the au jus right before serving for the best result.
What’s the best cheese for French dip sliders?
Provolone is the most popular choice because it melts smoothly without overpowering the beef. Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack also work well. Each cheese brings a slightly different flavor—Swiss is nutty, mozzarella is stretchy and mild, and Monterey Jack offers a subtle buttery richness. Choose based on your preferred melt and flavor profile.
Can I use leftover roast beef instead of deli slices?
Absolutely. Leftover roast beef adds a more homemade, slow-roasted flavor. Slice it as thinly as possible so it heats evenly and nestles easily into the rolls. If the meat is thicker, warm it gently in broth before layering to keep it tender and moist.
How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?
Keep the rolls intact while assembling to create a sturdy base. Avoid adding extra liquid inside the sliders—save moisture for dipping in the au jus. Baking uncovered at the end helps the tops toast lightly, creating a pleasant contrast to the soft interior. If storing leftovers, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain the texture.
Final Thoughts
Easy French Dip Sliders bring together everything people love about cozy comfort food—savory beef, melty cheese, buttery rolls, and rich au jus. They’re simple, satisfying, and ideal for everything from game day spreads to relaxed weeknight dinners. If you love approachable recipes that feel special without taking much time, these sliders will quickly become a household favorite.For more inspiration, check out this Easy Pumpkin Pie Tacos — A Fun Fall Dessert or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!