These French Dip Sliders are everything you love about a classic French dip sandwich, made into an easy, shareable recipe that’s perfect for game day. Soft Hawaiian rolls are layered with tender roast beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melted provolone cheese, then brushed with seasoned butter and baked until golden. Serve them with a warm, savory homemade au jus for dipping, and you’ve got a recipe everyone will be reaching for.
Whether you’re hosting a football watch party, feeding a crowd, or just looking for an easy dinner, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love These French Dip Sliders
- Perfect for entertaining: Twelve sliders bake together in one dish, making them ideal for game day, parties, or casual gatherings.
- So much flavor: Caramelized onions add a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with savory roast beef and melted provolone.
- Easy to make: Using thinly sliced deli roast beef keeps prep simple without sacrificing flavor.
- Homemade au jus: A quick dipping sauce made with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings takes these sliders to the next level.
- Great for dinner, too: Pair them with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for an easy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Caramelized Onions
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Au Jus
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A portion of the caramelized onions
Sliders
- 1 package (12-count) King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- Remaining caramelized onions
Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
How to Make French Dip Sliders
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and kosher salt.
Cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened, deeply golden, and caramelized. Reduce the heat if they begin browning too quickly.
Set aside approximately two-thirds of the caramelized onions for the sliders. Leave the remaining third in the skillet for the au jus.
Step 2: Make the Au Jus
To the skillet with the reserved portion of caramelized onions, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–8 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
For a smoother dipping sauce, strain out the onions before serving. Otherwise, leave them in for extra flavor.
Keep warm until ready to serve.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Without separating the individual rolls, use a serrated knife to slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, creating one connected top and bottom.
Place the bottom half of the rolls into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer half of the provolone cheese over the bottom rolls, followed by the thinly sliced roast beef and the reserved caramelized onions.
Top with the remaining provolone cheese, then place the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 4: Add the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of kosher salt.
Brush the mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, making sure to coat the surface.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are lightly golden.
Step 6: Serve
Allow the sliders to rest for 3–5 minutes before cutting them apart.
Serve warm with individual bowls of au jus for dipping.
Tips for the Best French Dip Sliders
Take your time caramelizing the onions. The onions are one of the most important flavor components in this recipe. Cooking them slowly allows their natural sweetness to develop without burning.
Use thinly sliced roast beef. Deli-style roast beef works best because it’s tender, easy to layer, and heats quickly in the oven.
Layer the cheese on both sides of the filling. Placing provolone below and above the roast beef helps hold everything together while creating a delicious melted cheese layer.
Don’t skip the covered baking time. Covering the sliders initially helps warm the filling and melt the cheese without overbrowning the tops.
Serve the au jus separately. Dipping each slider right before eating keeps the rolls from becoming soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking the onions over high heat: High heat can cause the onions to burn before they develop their sweet, caramelized flavor. Keep the heat at medium-low and be patient.
Using thick slices of roast beef: Thick slices can make the sliders difficult to bite through. Thinly sliced deli roast beef creates a much better texture.
Adding too much liquid to the sliders: The au jus is meant for dipping, not pouring over the assembled sandwiches before baking.
Overbaking the rolls: Hawaiian rolls brown quickly because of their sweetness. Once the cheese is melted and the tops are golden, they’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make French Dip Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can caramelize the onions and prepare the au jus up to 2 days in advance. Store both in airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat the au jus before serving.
You can also assemble the sliders a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Wait to brush on the butter topping until just before baking.
What is the best cheese for French Dip Sliders?
Provolone is my favorite because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the roast beef and caramelized onions without overpowering them.
Can I use a different type of roll?
Yes. Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory filling, but any soft, connected dinner rolls will work.
Do I need to make the au jus?
Technically, no, but I highly recommend it! The warm, savory dipping sauce is what makes these taste like a classic French dip sandwich.
Can I serve these for dinner?
Absolutely! These sliders are just as good for an easy weeknight dinner as they are for game day. Serve them alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep the au jus in a separate container.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat the sliders in a 325°F oven, loosely covered with foil, until warmed through. Uncover for the last few minutes if you’d like to crisp up the tops.
You can also reheat individual sliders in an air fryer at 325°F for a few minutes, checking frequently.
Reheat the au jus separately in a saucepan or microwave until hot.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To save time on game day, prepare the caramelized onions and au jus in advance.
When you’re ready to serve, assemble the sliders, brush with the seasoned butter, and bake.
This makes the recipe especially convenient when you’re hosting and don’t want to spend the entire time in the kitchen.
Related Links:
French Dip Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Au Jus
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Serrated knife
- small mixing bowl
- Pastry Brush
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Au Jus
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- One-third of the prepared caramelized onions
Sliders
- 1 package 12-count King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- Remaining two-thirds of the caramelized onions
Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onion and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and deeply golden. Reserve two-thirds of the onions for the sliders.
- Prepare the au jus: To the skillet with the remaining onions, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–8 minutes. Strain if desired and keep warm.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F.
- Prepare the rolls: Slice the connected Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached. Place the bottom half in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the filling: Add half the provolone cheese, followed by the roast beef, reserved caramelized onions, and remaining provolone. Replace the top half of the rolls.
- Prepare the topping: Mix 3 tablespoons melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Brush evenly over the rolls.
- Bake covered: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Finish uncovered: Remove foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let stand for 3–5 minutes, cut into individual sliders, and serve warm with au jus for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
Key Takeaways
- French Dip Sliders combine roast beef, caramelized onions, and provolone cheese in sweet Hawaiian rolls, topped with seasoned butter.
- They are perfect for game day, easy to make, and come with a homemade au jus for dipping.
- Prep consists of caramelizing onions, making au jus, and assembling the sliders before baking them until golden.
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