If you are looking for French dip sliders that satisfy a crowd and come together quickly, this recipe is your answer. I developed this version to maximize that savory, buttery flavor without turning the bread soggy, a common issue with these sandwiches. These are meaty, cheesy, and perfect for dipping into a rich, hot au jus.
Why This French dip sliders Beats the Rest
Most slider recipes rely solely on the meat for flavor, but the secret here lies in the seasoned butter glaze. I found that brushing the rolls before baking creates a barrier that keeps the bread crisp on top while staying soft inside. The combination of savory roast beef and sharp provolone creates a balance that simple cheddar just cannot match.
Jump to:
- Why This French dip sliders Beats the Rest
- Everything You Need for These French dip sliders
- How to Prepare This French dip sliders
- Top Tip
- Ways to Customize This French dip sliders Recipe
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- What to Pair With This French dip sliders
- The Story Behind This French dip sliders
- Common Questions
- You'll Also Love
- Easy French Dip Sliders
- Related
- Pairing
Everything You Need for These French dip sliders
Main Ingredients
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls These soft, slightly sweet rolls provide the perfect contrast to the salty roast beef and savory au jus.
Deli Roast Beef You want high-quality, thinly sliced roast beef that separates easily without shredding.
Provolone Cheese I prefer mild provolone slices because they melt beautifully and offer a creamy texture that binds the meat and bread.
Butter Unsalted butter serves as the base for the glaze, allowing you to control the salt level when adding seasonings.
Au Jus Mix A packet of au jus gravy mix is the standard shortcut, but I always doctor it up with a little Worcestershire for depth.
Dried Minced Onion This adds a concentrated onion flavor and a slight crunch to the tops of the buns.
Worcestershire Sauce You will need this for both the glaze and the dipping sauce to add that essential umami punch.
Optional Ingredients
Poppy Seeds These add a nutty flavor and classic visual appeal to the tops of the buns.
Garlic Powder A small amount intensifies the savory notes in the butter glaze.
Find Exact Measurements in the Recipe Card Below
How to Prepare This French dip sliders
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Ensure your oven rack is in the center position to promote even browning of the tops.
Slice the Rolls
Keep the rolls attached and use a long serrated knife to slice the entire slab horizontally in half. Place the bottom slab into your prepared baking pan, ensuring it fits snugly.
Layer the Fillings
Place half of the cheese slices over the bottom buns, followed by an even layer of roast beef, and finally the remaining cheese. Layering the cheese on both the top and bottom helps "glue" the sliders together once melted.
Close and Glaze
Place the top slab of rolls over the cheese layer. Whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, poppy seeds, and garlic powder in a small bowl until combined.
Brush the Tops
Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops and sides of the rolls. Make sure every inch is covered so the buns toast evenly and absorb that incredible flavor.
Bake Until Golden
Bake the sliders uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. You are looking for the cheese to be completely melted and the tops of the buns to be a deep golden brown.
Serve Immediately
While the sliders bake, prepare the au jus according to the package directions. Slice the warm sliders along the grid lines and serve them hot with individual bowls of dipping sauce.
Top Tip
Avoid Soggy Bottoms – If you are making French dip sliders ahead of time, toast the cut side of the bottom buns slightly under the broiler before assembling.
Layering Matters – Always sandwich the meat between two layers of cheese. This prevents the top bun from sliding off when you take a bite.
Don't Overbake – Watch the oven closely around the 15-minute mark. If the tops are browning too quickly but the cheese hasn't melted, tent the pan loosely with foil.
Doctor the Sauce – Standard au jus packets can be salty, so I like to add a splash of beef broth or red wine to balance the flavor profile.
Slice Warm – Use a sharp chef's knife to cut the sliders once they come out of the oven. A dull knife will squash the soft bread.
Ways to Customize This French dip sliders Recipe
Italian Beef Sliders
Swap the roast beef for seasoned Italian beef and add mild giardiniera peppers under the cheese. This variation adds a tangy, spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the butter.
Philly Cheese Steak Sliders Ground Beef
If you don't have deli meat, brown some ground beef with peppers and onions. Use Cheez Whiz or American cheese instead of provolone for that classic Philly taste.
Turkey Swiss Sliders
Substitute the roast beef for deli turkey and the provolone for Swiss cheese. The lighter meat pairs surprisingly well with the savory onion glaze.
Garlic Butter Lover's Version
Double the amount of garlic powder in the glaze and add fresh minced parsley. This turns the top of the sliders into something resembling garlic bread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage
These French dip sliders store surprisingly well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent the bread from drying out.
Freezer Instructions
You can freeze these baked or unbaked. Wrap the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating for Best Texture
Never reheat these in the microwave if you can avoid it, as the bread will become rubbery. Place them on a baking sheet at 350°F covered with foil for 10 minutes, then uncover for 2 minutes to crisp the top.
What to Pair With This French dip sliders
Crispy French Fries
Salty, shoestring fries are a natural companion to these savory sandwiches. The texture contrast between the soft bun and the crisp potato is classic diner food.
Creamy Coleslaw
A vinegar-based coleslaw provides a bright, acidic counterpoint to the rich meat and cheese. It clears the palate between bites of the savory dip.
Simple Green Salad
To keep things lighter, serve a salad with a sharp vinaigrette. The fresh greens help balance the heaviness of the beef and butter.
Onion Rings
Since onion is a primary flavor in the glaze, crunchy onion rings make a fantastic side dish. They also taste great dipped in the extra au jus.
The Story Behind This French dip sliders
I first attempted making French dip sliders for a Super Bowl party years ago, and honestly, the first batch was a disaster. I used too much butter, the bottom buns turned into mush, and the cheese didn't melt before the tops burned. It was embarrassing, but it taught me the importance of rack positioning and the "cheese barrier" technique I use now.
After making this French dip sliders recipe over two dozen times, I have refined the glaze ratios and baking time to perfection. My family now requests these not just for game days, but for random Tuesday nights when we need comfort food. There is something incredibly satisfying about pulling that golden, connected slab of rolls out of the oven and smelling the toasted onion and butter.
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Common Questions
Can I make French dip sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge, but do not add the butter glaze until right before you bake them to ensure the bread stays firm.
What is the best cheese for French dip sliders?
Provolone is the traditional choice because of its melting point and mild flavor. However, Gruyère or mild Swiss are excellent alternatives if you want a nuttier taste profile.
Can I use homemade roast beef?
Absolutely. Leftover pot roast or Sunday roast works incredibly well here. Just make sure you slice it as thinly as possible so it bites clean without dragging the whole filling out.
How do I keep the bottom buns from getting soggy?
The key is to not overload the meat with extra juices before baking. Also, placing a layer of cheese directly on the bottom bun protects the bread from the moisture of the meat.
Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?
While Hawaiian rolls are the standard for their sweetness and texture, you can use any slider bun or dinner roll. Potato rolls are a fantastic, less sweet alternative.
You'll Also Love
If you enjoyed these French dip sliders, you definitely need to check out my French Macarons for a challenging but rewarding dessert project. For something simpler that still feeds a crowd, try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls for a quick snack or the Strawberry Kiss Cookies for a sweet finish to your meal.
Easy French Dip Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half using a serrated knife.
- Place the bottom buns in the pan and layer with half the cheese, all the roast beef, then the remaining cheese.
- Whisk together melted butter, dried onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and poppy seeds.
- Place the top buns on the sliders and brush generously with the butter glaze.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
- Serve hot with prepared au jus on the side for dipping.
Nutrition
Notes
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with French dip sliders:
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