If you’re craving a flavorful, comforting bite that bursts with savory goodness, this French Dip Sliders Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender roast beef layered with nutty Swiss cheese and sweet caramelized onions all nestled in soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls. Brushed with a buttery mustard glaze and topped with dried onion soup mix, these sliders bake to melty perfection and come accompanied by rich au jus for dipping. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want a cozy, delicious dinner that feels special but is surprisingly simple to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing its own magic to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this French Dip Sliders Recipe. From the sweet caramelized onions to the creamy Swiss cheese, every component plays a delicious role.
- 4 Tablespoons butter: Provides a rich base for caramelizing onions and a luscious glaze for the buns.
- 2 onions (thinly sliced): Caramelize slowly to bring out their natural sweetness and depth.
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme (minced): Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the beef and onions beautifully.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- 12 Hawaiian dinner rolls: Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for slider-sized sandwiches.
- 1 pound deli sliced roast beef: Tender and flavorful, the star protein of the dish.
- 12 slices Swiss cheese: Melts wonderfully, offering creamy, nutty notes.
- 3 Tablespoons butter: Mixed with mustard to create the flavorful glaze for the rolls.
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds tangy sharpness to balance the sweetness and richness.
- 1 ½ Tablespoons dried onion soup mix: Sprinkled on top for a burst of savory umami.
- Au jus gravy mix: Prepared fresh to serve as a dipping sauce, enhancing every bite.
How to Make French Dip Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
First things first, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents the bottom of your sliders from sticking or burning, setting the stage for perfectly toasted buns later.
Step 2: Caramelize Your Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and add the thinly sliced onions. Stir frequently and cook gently for about 15 minutes until the onions become soft, golden, and caramelized. This process transforms raw onions into sweet, deeply flavorful bites. Season with minced thyme, salt, and pepper once removed from the heat.
Step 3: Slice the Rolls and Layer
Carefully slice each Hawaiian roll horizontally with a bread knife, creating a bottom and top half. Arrange the bottom halves on your lined baking sheet in a neat row, ready for the layers of delicious fillings.
Step 4: Add Beef, Cheese, and Onions
On each bottom roll, evenly layer the deli sliced roast beef—the heart of this recipe. Next, add a slice of Swiss cheese atop the beef so it will melt beautifully in the oven. Finally, spoon on the caramelized onions with all their sweet-savory goodness before placing the top halves of the buns over everything.
Step 5: Make the Mustard Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Microwave for about 10 seconds just until the butter melts, then stir well to blend. This glaze will add a tangy, buttery layer of flavor and help the dried onion soup mix stick to the buns.
Step 6: Glaze and Sprinkle
Brush the mustard butter mixture generously over the tops of your slider buns. Then evenly sprinkle 1 ½ tablespoons of dried onion soup mix across the glazed surface. This step creates a crispy, punchy topping that beautifully complements the soft buns and melty cheese.
Step 7: Bake to Melty Perfection
Cover your sliders loosely with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt into gooey goodness while heating everything through. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes if you want the buns to toast a little for added texture. The result is a perfectly baked, irresistible slider, ready to serve with warm au jus gravy for dipping.
How to Serve French Dip Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the sliders right before serving to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. A little cracked black pepper on top can also elevate the taste while keeping it simple and approachable.
Side Dishes
French Dip Sliders pair wonderfully with crispy potato chips, tangy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to balance their richness. For a cozy meal, consider serving with French fries or even a warm bowl of vegetable soup to complement the beefy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your sliders on a wooden board or rustic platter for a welcoming, shareable vibe. Accompany with small ramekins of au jus for dipping, and consider adding a spread of mustard or horseradish sauce for extra customization. These sliders also make fantastic appetizers when halved and served with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover French Dip Sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, you can wrap individual sliders in foil or plastic wrap before placing in the container.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled sliders before baking by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake them from frozen by adding extra baking time until heated through and the cheese has melted.
Reheating
For reheating, cover leftovers with foil to retain moisture and bake in a 350-degree oven until warmed thoroughly, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, use a microwave for quick reheating but expect the buns to be less crisp than when oven-warmed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of roll?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls offer a lovely sweet contrast, you can use slider buns, small kaiser rolls, or even mini baguettes depending on your texture and flavor preferences.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
You can substitute the roast beef with hearty roasted mushrooms or seasoned seitan for a vegetarian twist. Just be sure to prepare a rich vegetable-based au jus for dipping.
Can I prepare the onions ahead of time?
Yes, caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saver and allows the flavors to deepen.
What type of cheese works best besides Swiss?
Gruyère is a fantastic substitute for Swiss, offering a similar melt and slightly nuttier flavor. Provolone or mozzarella can also work if you prefer a milder cheese.
How do I make the au jus gravy mix?
Most stores carry instant au jus mix that you simply whisk into hot water according to the package instructions. If you want to make your own, combine beef broth with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and a touch of onion powder for richness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with the comforting, layered flavors of this French Dip Sliders Recipe. From the tender roast beef to the sweet caramelized onions and that irresistible mustard-butter glaze topped with onion soup mix, every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether for a party or a simple family meal, these sliders will quickly become a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dish—you won’t regret it!
Print
French Dip Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These French Dip Sliders are a savory and delicious appetizer featuring tender roast beef, Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions on soft Hawaiian rolls. Brushed with a flavorful butter and Dijon mustard mixture, then baked until golden and melty, they are perfect for parties and gatherings. Serve with warm au jus for dipping to complete the classic French Dip experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 Hawaiian dinner rolls
- 1 pound deli sliced roast beef
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- 3 Tablespoons butter (for topping)
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ Tablespoons dried onion soup mix
- Au jus gravy mix (prepare when serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes until they become soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and season with minced fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Buns: Using a bread knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half. Place the bottom halves evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Assemble Sliders: Layer the roast beef evenly over the bottom buns, then top with slices of Swiss cheese. Spoon the caramelized onions over the cheese and place the top halves of the buns back on.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Microwave for about 10 seconds until the butter melts. Stir well to combine the mixture.
- Top Sliders: Brush the prepared butter and mustard mixture evenly over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle 1 ½ tablespoons of dried onion soup mix over the buttered tops.
- Bake Sliders: Tent the baking sheet loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes if you want the buns to be toasted and slightly crispy.
- Serve with Au Jus: Prepare the au jus gravy mix according to package instructions and serve warm alongside the sliders for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute the Hawaiian rolls with any soft sandwich rolls if unavailable.
- Feel free to add caramelized mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use fresh thyme for a more robust herbal note, but dried thyme can be substituted.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add a dash of horseradish sauce inside the sliders before baking.
- Prepare the au jus gravy mix just before serving to ensure it remains warm and flavorful for dipping.
