October 23, 2023
Review RecipeFrench Dip Sliders
Crafted with tender roast beef, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese, French dip sliders are flavor-packed mini sandwiches that make a great addition to any gathering or meal.
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If you are craving a mouthwatering sandwich, look no further than these irresistible French dip sliders. Imagine tender roast beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all nestled between soft slider buns.
French Dip Sliders Ingredients
In this recipe, the thinly sliced yellow onions, fresh thyme leaves, grated garlic, and granulated sugar combine to create flavorful caramelized onions.
The deli roast beef should be thinly sliced and cut into 1-inch wide strips to ensure even distribution and easy eating. Swiss cheese adds a creamy and melty element to the sliders.
For the au jus dipping sauce, French onion soup, water, and an au jus mix are combined to create a savory and rich dipping sauce.
You’ll need:
For The Sliders:
- 15-ounce (12-count) package of slider buns (Martin’s brand potato rolls)
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided into 4 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons
- 3 cups of thinly sliced yellow onion (from 1 large onion)
- 3 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves, divided into 2 teaspoons and 1 teaspoon
- 2 teaspoons of grated garlic (from 2 cloves), divided in half
- ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon of salt, divided into ½ teaspoon and ¼ teaspoon
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1½ pounds of thinly sliced deli roast beef, cut into 1-inch wide strips
- ½ pound of Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
PRO TIP:
To ensure enough cheese to cover the sliders, have your deli counter person slice the cheese thinly or use a combination of different cheeses for added variety.
For The Au Jus Dipping Sauce:
- 10.5 ounce can of French onion soup (Campbell’s brand)
- 1½ cups of water
- 1-ounce packet of Au Jus mix
Substitutions And Additions
CHEESE: You can substitute the Swiss cheese with milder options like baby Swiss, not-smoked provolone, gruyere, or Havarti cheese for these easy French dip sliders.
These alternatives work well with roast beef and offer different flavor profiles.
THYME: While fresh thyme leaves are recommended, you can substitute dried thyme.
Reduce the amount to two teaspoons, divided between the onions and the melted butter topping.
SLIDER BUNS: If Martin’s brand potato rolls are not available, you can use other slider buns like brioche buns or Hawaiian sweet rolls.
These alternatives provide a slightly different taste and texture but still work well with the ingredients.
DELI ROAST BEEF: If you prefer a different deli meat or want to cater to different preferences, you can substitute the roast beef with deli turkey or chicken.
These options provide a lighter flavor profile while still maintaining the essence of the French dip sliders.
CARAMELIZED ONIONS: For an extra burst of sweetness, consider adding a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the caramelized onions.
This addition complements the onions and adds a delightful tangy note to the sliders.
GARLIC BUTTER TOPPING: You can add a sprinkle of garlic powder or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the melted butter mixture.
These additions enhance the savory notes and add depth to the sliders.
How To Make This French Dip Sliders Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to layer these sandwiches with all the delicious ingredients and bake them to cheesy perfection.
For The Sliders
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a single layer into a 9×13 glass baking dish. Reserve the tops on a separate plate.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
If your slider buns are not pre-sliced, use a serrated knife to slice them in half before assembling the sliders.
STEP TWO: In a large skillet on medium-high heat, add four tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced yellow onions
Then add two teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, one teaspoon grated garlic, granulated sugar, a half teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
PRO TIP:
If you don’t have a small zester for grating garlic, finely mince the garlic instead for a smoother texture.
STEP THREE: Allow the onions to cook and caramelize for 10 to 15 minutes or until the onions have turned a golden brown and reduced by almost half.
If your onions are browning too fast before softening, then you can turn the heat down to medium to allow the onions to caramelize evenly.
STEP FOUR: Once the onions are done, add the strips of thinly sliced roast beef.
Gently toss the sliced roast beef with the caramelized onions until evenly distributed.
Be sure to break up any large chunks of the roast beef. Remove from the heat.
STEP FIVE: Top the bottom layer of slider buns with an even layer of roast beef and onion mixture. Tongs work great for this step.
STEP SIX: Layer the sliced Swiss cheese over the entire surface of the roast beef.
STEP SEVEN: Top the Swiss cheese layer with the tops of the slider buns.
STEP EIGHT: Melt the remaining two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl for 30 to 40 seconds.
Add the remaining one teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, one teaspoon of grated garlic, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine.
STEP NINE: Using a pastry brush, brush the top of the rolls with the melted butter mixture.
STEP TEN: Bake these French dip sliders for 15 to 20 minutes or until the tops of the rolls are golden and the cheese is melted.
While your sliders are baking, you can make your au jus dipping sauce.
PRO TIP:
You can pre-cut the individual servings of the French dip sliders using a serrated knife before placing them into the oven. This is not necessary but helps for easy serving when the sliders are still hot.
For The Au Jus Dipping Sauce
STEP ONE: In the skillet used to caramelize the onions on medium heat, add the French onion soup, water, and packet of au jus mix.
STEP TWO: Whisk to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer while the French dip sliders are baking. This should take 10 to 12 minutes.
STEP THREE: Remove the sauce from the heat and pour it into a serving bowl or small individual serving bowls.
How To Serve
These French dip sliders are perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or even as a delicious lunch or dinner option.
Arrange the French dip sliders on a platter. Add a tangy kick by serving pickles or pickled vegetables on the side.
Serve the sliders with a side of mixed greens or a simple tomato cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
For a complete meal, serve the sliders with a side of crispy French fries or sweet potato fries.
For a non-alcoholic drink, serve the sliders with iced tea, strawberry lemonade, or refreshing sparkling water infused with citrus or berries.
Sliders are such a great addition to any gathering since they are the perfect handheld size. Our Philly cheesesteak sliders and pizza sliders are two of our favorites!
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Storage
Let’s have a look at how to store these sandwiches so that you can enjoy the leftovers later.
MAKE AHEAD: To save time, you can prepare the caramelized onions in advance.
Allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Reheat them in a skillet on medium heat, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
IN THE FRIDGE: Leftover beef sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Reheat individual sliders in a toaster oven or microwave for 30 seconds or until warmed through.
IN THE FREEZER: It is not recommended to freeze these French dip sliders as the texture and taste may be affected.
REHEATING: For reheating, place individual sliders in a toaster oven and heat at 350°F for about five minutes or until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can microwave them for 30 seconds or until heated to your liking.
Why We Love This Recipe
FLAVORFUL: The combination of tender roast beef, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese creates a harmony of flavors that is simply irresistible.
EASY TO MAKE: These French dip sandwiches are easy to assemble and serve, making them a great addition to casual gatherings or quick meals.
MINI SIZE: With their mini, handheld size, these sliders are perfect for serving at parties.
These French dip sliders are the epitome of flavor and convenience. With their tender roast beef, caramelized onions, and melty cheese, they offer a delightful burst of taste in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a quick meal, these sliders are a delicious choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
While you can prepare the caramelized onions in advance, it is best to assemble and bake this easy recipe just before serving for the freshest and tastiest results.
Can I use deli turkey or chicken instead of roast beef?
You can substitute the roast beef with deli turkey or chicken to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Can I make these beef and cheese sliders without caramelizing the onions?
If you’re short on time, you can skip caramelizing the onions and simply layer the roast beef slices onto the slider buns. However, caramelized onions add a depth of flavor to the sliders.
Can I use different types of buns?
You can use brioche buns or Hawaiian sweet buns as alternatives to Martin’s brand potato rolls.
Can I use pre-packaged au jus instead of making the dipping sauce from scratch?
If you prefer, you can use pre-packaged au jus mix instead of making it from scratch using French onion soup and water.
Can I add extra toppings to the sliders?
You can customize your sliders by adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or horseradish sauce, among other options.
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French Dip Sliders
Crafted with tender roast beef, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese, French dip sliders are flavor-packed mini sandwiches that make a great addition to any gathering or meal.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12
Ingredients
Sliders
- 15 ounces slider buns, 12-count (Martin’s brand Potato Rolls)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 4 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons
- 3 cups thinly sliced yellow onion, from 1 large onion
- 3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, divided into 2 teaspoons and 1 teaspoon
- 2 teaspoons grated garlic, from 2 cloves (divided in half)
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided into ½ teaspoon and ¼ teaspoon
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ pounds thinly sliced deli roast beef, cut into 1-inch wide strips
- ½ pound Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
Au Jus Dipping Sauce
- 10.5 ounces French onion soup Campbell’s bran
- 1½ cups water
- 1 ounce Au Jus mix
Instructions
Sliders
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the bottom half of your slider buns in a single layer into a 9×13 glass baking dish. Reserve the tops on a separate plate.
- In a large skillet on medium-high heat, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced yellow onions, 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon grated garlic, granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
- Allow the onions to cook and caramelize for 10 to 15 minutes or until the onions have turned a golden brown and reduced by almost half. If your onions are browning too fast before softening, you can turn the heat down to medium to allow the onions to caramelize evenly.
- Once the onions are done, add the strips of thinly sliced roast beef and gently toss the sliced roast beef with the caramelized onions until evenly distributed. Be sure to break up any large chunks of the roast beef. Remove from the heat.
- Top the bottom layer of slider buns with an even layer of the roast beef and onion mixture. Tongs work great for this step.
- Layer the sliced Swiss cheese over the entire surface of the roast beef.
- Top the Swiss cheese layer with the tops of the slider buns.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl for 30 to 40 seconds. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon of grated garlic, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.
- Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the slider buns with the melted butter mixture.
- Bake these French dip sliders for 15 to 20 minutes or until the tops of the buns are golden and the cheese is melted. While your sliders are baking, you can make your au jus dipping sauce.
Au Jus Dipping Sauce
- In the skillet used to caramelize the onions on medium heat, add the French onion soup, water, and packet of au jus mix.
- Whisk to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer while the French dip sliders are baking. This should take 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and pour it into a serving bowl or small individual serving bowls.
Notes
- To ensure enough cheese to cover the sliders, have your deli counter person slice the cheese thinly or use a combination of different cheeses for added variety.
- If your slider buns are not pre-sliced, use a serrated knife to slice them in half before assembling the sliders.
- If you don’t have a small zester for grating garlic, finely mince the garlic instead for a smoother texture.
- You can pre-cut the individual servings of the French dip sliders using a serrated knife before placing them into the oven. This is not necessary but helps for easy serving when the sliders are still hot.
Nutrition
Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 1175mg | Potassium: 348mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 357IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 371mg | Iron: 2mg
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Comments
Mohsen says
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Cal says
Excellent. I used Hawaiian Rolls because that is what I had. So juicy when you dip the sliders into the beef broth. OMG.