I absolutely love this French Dip Sliders Recipe because it takes the classic French dip sandwich and turns it into a fun, appetizer-friendly slider perfect for game days, parties, or cozy family dinners. You’ll find that the blend of warm, buttery King’s Hawaiian rolls, melty cheese, tender roast beef, and crispy fried onions hits all the right savory notes. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple enough to whip up quickly but feels special enough to impress your guests.
When I first tried making these sliders, I was blown away by how the au jus gravy not only tenderizes the roast beef but also adds a flavorful dip that makes every bite juicy and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a comforting treat, this French Dip Sliders Recipe really shines. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to elevate a casual gathering or a weeknight meal without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick but impressive: Comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute guests or game day.
- Flavor-packed layers: Buttery rolls, sharp cheddar, melty mozzarella, and crispy onions create a delicious texture combo.
- Versatile party pleaser: Easy to scale up or down for any size gathering, and everyone goes crazy for them.
- Dipping au jus: Adds that authentic French dip experience without extra hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this French Dip Sliders Recipe really lies in combining just a handful of key ingredients that work together beautifully. The King’s Hawaiian rolls lend a sweet, soft base, while the cheeses add creamy layers, and those crispy fried onions? Honestly, they’re the secret to next-level texture.
- King’s Hawaiian savory butter rolls: Their soft sweetness balances the savory roast beef perfectly.
- Butter (for spreading and brushing): Adds richness and helps get the rolls golden and toasty.
- Au jus gravy mix: Gives you that classic French dip dipping sauce super easily—no slow cooking required.
- Water: Just enough to make the au jus gravy mix come alive with flavor.
- Sliced rare deli roast beef: Using thinly sliced deli beef keeps it tender and easy to dip.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a bold, tangy note that pairs perfectly with roast beef.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey satisfaction on top.
- French crispy fried onions: My favorite addition for that irresistible crunch.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Mixed into butter for brushing, these add extra flavor depth to the rolls.
Variations
I love how easy it is to customize this French Dip Sliders Recipe depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Feel free to swap cheeses or add fresh herbs to the butter mix for an exciting twist.
- Cheese swap: If you prefer a sharper bite, Swiss cheese pairs wonderfully, or try pepper jack for a little heat—I’ve done both with great results!
- Beef roast: For a heartier option, I sometimes use leftover roast beef from the deli sliced thicker, just watch the dipping time so it stays tender.
- Gluten-free rolls: You can easily use gluten-free slider buns to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
- Add fresh herbs: Mixing chopped thyme or rosemary into the butter for brushing adds an herby aroma that’s fantastic in the oven.
How to Make French Dip Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Toast the Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms, slice your King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally—careful to keep each half intact so it’s easier to assemble later. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter evenly on the bottom halves; don’t skimp here because this step is critical for that gorgeous toasty base. Pop them into an oven-safe tray and bake for about 7 minutes until they turn golden and smell like heaven. At this point, your kitchen will start smelling so inviting, your family might start hovering nearby!
Step 2: Prepare the Au Jus and Warm the Beef
While the rolls are toasting, mix the au jus gravy as the package directs—usually 1 oz gravy mix combined with 2 cups of water. Once ready, briefly dip the sliced roast beef in the hot au jus for about one minute to warm it through without toughening. If you leave it too long, the beef can firm up, so watch it closely! Then set the beef aside for assembly.
Step 3: Layer Your Sliders
Once your bottom rolls come out of the oven, it’s time to get creative! First, layer 6 slices of sharp cheddar cheese—not too thick, so it melts perfectly. Top that with your warm roast beef, then add 3 oz of those French crispy fried onions for crunch. Finish with 6 slices of mozzarella cheese to ensure a gooey, melty cap that everyone loves.
Step 4: Add the Tops and Final Bake
Place the top halves of the rolls on your stacked sliders. Now mix the remaining butter with garlic powder and onion powder, then brush this flavorful blend on the tops. Return the sliders to the oven and bake another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts and buns are perfectly toasted golden brown. Once out, slice the sliders individually—you’ll want to serve these warm with extra au jus on the side for dipping, plus a bit of creamy horseradish sauce if you like that zesty kick!
Pro Tips for Making French Dip Sliders Recipe
- Use fresh roll packages: Make sure your King’s Hawaiian rolls are fresh for the softest, sweetest bite and best toasting results.
- Don’t over-dip the beef: Leaving the beef in au jus too long can toughen the meat—warm it quickly for tender results.
- Layer cheese evenly: Distribute your cheese slices carefully to promote even melting and prevent sogginess.
- Brush the tops generously: That butter-garlic-onion powder mix makes the slider tops irresistible and golden brown.
How to Serve French Dip Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
I always serve these sliders with a small bowl of homemade or store-bought creamy horseradish sauce. The tangy, slightly spicy flavor cuts through the richness brilliantly. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top can brighten the plate as well, and I love offering extra crispy fried onions on the side for anyone who wants even more crunch.
Side Dishes
French Dip Sliders are great on their own, but I like pairing them with some crispy sweet potato fries or a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables work nicely too if you want something hearty but healthy. These combos let the sliders remain the star but round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I arrange these sliders on a large wooden board with small au jus cups scattered throughout for easy dipping. You can also set up a slider bar with sauces, cheeses, and garnishes so your guests build their perfect French Dip Slider. When I’ve served these for family get-togethers, adding a variety of cheese options was a big hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Dip Sliders keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I find storing them whole helps keep the rolls from drying out. Just popcorn the dipping au jus separate in a jar or container so the sliders don’t get soggy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen fully assembled sliders before by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing in a freezer bag. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake in a warm oven until heated through and cheese is melty again. Just keep in mind that the rolls might lose a bit of their fresh softness after freezing.
Reheating
Reheating works best in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back crispness and melt the cheese nicely. Microwave is faster but tends to make the rolls a little soggy. Always keep the au jus warm separately for dipping after reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade au jus instead of the gravy mix?
Absolutely! Homemade au jus made from beef drippings or broth can enhance the flavor even more. Just keep it warm and ready for dipping the roast beef to maintain that tender texture and rich taste.
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What kind of roast beef works best for these sliders?
Thinly sliced deli-style rare roast beef is perfect because it warms quickly without drying out. If you want, you can also use leftover cooked roast beef sliced thinly, just avoid overcooking during dipping.
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Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them up to the final baking step and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. This makes your dinner party prep way easier while still delivering fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
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What’s the best way to serve the au jus?
Serve the au jus warm in small individual dipping bowls alongside the sliders so everyone can enjoy that rich, savory sauce with each bite. It’s the hallmark of a true French dip experience!
Final Thoughts
This French Dip Sliders Recipe has become one of my go-to crowd pleasers because it’s ridiculously easy to make but tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. I love how every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet rolls, melty cheese, savory roast beef, and that crispy onion crunch. If you want to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen, give these a try—I promise you’ll be adding this to your regular rotation just like I did!
PrintFrench Dip Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These French Dip Sliders are a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, featuring savory King’s Hawaiian rolls toasted to perfection, filled with tender roast beef soaked briefly in flavorful au jus, and layered with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and crispy fried onions. Finished with a garlic-onion butter glaze and baked until melty and golden, they make the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal served with extra au jus for dipping.
Ingredients
Rolls and Butter
- 1 (12-count) package of King’s Hawaiian savory butter rolls
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter (for spreading)
- 2 tablespoons of butter (for brushing)
Au Jus and Beef
- 1 (1 oz) package of au jus gravy mix
- 2 cups of water
- 1 lb of sliced rare deli roast beef
Cheese and Toppings
- 6 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices of mozzarella cheese
- 3 oz of French crispy fried onions
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Carefully slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Toast bottom buns: Place the buttered bottom halves in an oven-safe baking tray and bake for about 7 minutes, or until golden brown and toasty, filling your kitchen with a delicious buttery aroma.
- Prepare au jus and warm beef: While the rolls toast, prepare the au jus gravy according to package instructions using 2 cups of water and the gravy mix. Briefly dip the sliced roast beef into the warm au jus for about 1 minute to heat without toughening the meat, then remove and set aside.
- Assemble sliders: Remove the rolls from the oven, layer the toasted bottom halves with 6 slices of sharp cheddar cheese. Top the cheese with the warm au jus-soaked roast beef, followed by 3 oz of crispy fried onions, and then layer with 6 slices of mozzarella cheese.
- Top and season buns: Place the top halves of the rolls onto the assembled sliders. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons melted butter with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Brush this mixture generously over the top buns for added flavor and a golden finish.
- Final bake: Return the assembled sliders to the oven and bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheeses melt and the tops of the buns turn a rich golden brown.
- Serve: Remove sliders from the oven, slice into individual portions, and serve warm with creamy horseradish sauce and the remaining au jus gravy for dipping to complete the perfect French dip experience.
Notes
- Do not leave the roast beef in the au jus for more than a minute to avoid toughening the meat.
- Ensure the baking tray used is oven-safe for toasting the rolls.
- Use fresh deli roast beef for the best texture and taste.
- For added flavor, consider warming the horseradish sauce before serving.
- Leftover sliders can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg