Description
Delicious and easy-to-make French Dip Sliders featuring tender roast beef, melted provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and a flavorful onion soup butter topping, all baked to perfection and served with a savory au jus dipping sauce. Perfect for parties, game day, or a comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Onions
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sliders
- 12 sweet rolls
- 10 slices provolone cheese
- 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef
For the Butter Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix
For the Au Jus
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 3 cups water
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and coat them evenly in the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes until the onions are soft, browned, and fragrant but not burnt.
- Season the Onions: Add the minced fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the onions. Stir to combine, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the 12 sweet rolls out of the package but keep them intact as one block. Using a large knife, carefully slice the rolls horizontally into tops and bottoms. Place the bottom halves, cut side up, in an 11x7 inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Sliders: Layer half of the provolone slices evenly over the bottom rolls. Add the sliced deli roast beef on top of the cheese, then spread the caramelized onions evenly over the beef. Place the remaining provolone cheese over the onions, then cover everything with the top halves of the rolls.
- Apply Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted 1/2 cup unsalted butter with the dried onion soup mix. Brush or pour this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls to ensure flavorful seasoning.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil, making sure the foil does not touch the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops to brown nicely.
- Prepare Au Jus: While the sliders bake, prepare the au jus gravy according to package instructions by mixing the gravy mix with 3 cups of water and heating until fully dissolved and warm.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the sliders are done baking, optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve the sliders warm with a side of au jus dipping sauce for a classic French dip experience.
Notes
- Use sweet rolls for a slightly sweet, soft texture that complements the savory ingredients.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly over medium heat develops their sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Make sure to loosely cover with foil to avoid the tops sticking while baking and to retain moisture.
- Au jus gravy can be prepared in advance and reheated if desired.
- These sliders are perfect for entertaining and can be served with a variety of sides such as fries, salad, or chips.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat butter and cheese or substitute with a lighter cheese option.