I love this recipe because it turns simple ingredients into something rich, melty, and satisfying with very little effort. I also like how the sliders bake together in one dish, which makes serving easy and perfect for gatherings. I enjoy how the au jus adds a deep, savory flavor that takes each bite to another level.
Ingredients
Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 12 sweet rolls 10 slices provolone cheese 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 1 ½ tablespoons dried onion soup mix 1 packet au jus gravy mix 3 cups water Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
I start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat and adding the sliced onions. I cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft, golden, and caramelized, which usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes.
Next, I stir in the fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, then remove the onions from the heat and set them aside. I preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare the rolls by slicing them horizontally while keeping them attached, then placing the bottom halves in a baking dish.
I layer half of the provolone cheese over the rolls, followed by the roast beef and the caramelized onions. I top everything with the remaining cheese and place the top halves of the rolls over them.
Then I mix melted butter with onion soup mix and brush it evenly over the tops of the rolls. I cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for about 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the tops are golden.
While the sliders bake, I prepare the au jus according to package instructions using water. I serve the sliders warm with the au jus on the side for dipping, and I sometimes add parsley on top for color.
Servings And Timing
I prepare this recipe in about 1 hour total. I usually get around 12 servings, depending on how I portion the sliders and what I serve with them.
Variations
I like swapping provolone with Swiss cheese when I want a slightly sharper flavor. I sometimes add horseradish sauce for extra heat and depth. I also enjoy using different types of rolls, like Hawaiian rolls, for a sweeter twist. For a richer version, I add extra cheese layers or a little garlic butter on top before baking.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I reheat them in the oven so the bread stays soft but slightly crisp on top. I keep the au jus separate and reheat it before serving so it stays flavorful and warm.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
I like assembling them a few hours ahead, then baking them just before serving for the best texture.
What type of beef works best?
I usually use thinly sliced deli roast beef because it stays tender and absorbs flavor well.
Can I freeze French dip sliders?
I sometimes freeze them before baking, then thaw and bake when needed for fresh results.
What can I use instead of provolone cheese?
I often use Swiss or mozzarella depending on what I have available.
Do I have to use au jus?
I like serving them with au jus because it adds flavor, but I can still enjoy the sliders without it.
Conclusion
I enjoy making these French dip sliders because they are warm, cheesy, and full of rich savory flavor with minimal effort. I like how they come together in one pan and always feel like a satisfying option for family meals, parties, or casual gatherings.
A savory easy French dip sliders recipe made with roast beef, provolone, caramelized onions, and buttery rolls served with au jus for dipping.
Author:Sarah
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:12 servings
Category:Appetizer / Sandwiches
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Sliders
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tsp fresh thyme, minced
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
12 sweet rolls (slider buns, connected)
10 slices provolone cheese
14 oz sliced deli roast beef
Butter Topping
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ tbsp dried onion soup mix
Au Jus
1 packet au jus gravy mix
3 cups water
Optional Garnish
Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add sliced onions and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized.
Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice slider rolls in half horizontally while keeping them connected. Place bottom half in an 11×7 baking dish.
Layer half the provolone cheese over the bottom buns.
Add roast beef evenly over the cheese.
Spread caramelized onions on top of the beef.
Add remaining provolone cheese and place top buns over everything.
Mix melted butter with onion soup mix and brush or pour evenly over the top of the sliders.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until tops are golden.
Meanwhile, prepare au jus according to package directions using water.
Garnish sliders with parsley if desired and serve warm with au jus for dipping.
Notes
Caramelizing onions slowly gives the best flavor—don’t rush this step.
You can swap provolone with Swiss or mozzarella.
Sliders can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
For extra richness, brush tops twice with butter mixture.
