French Dip Sliders are tiny sandwiches filled with tender beef and melted cheese. They are served on soft rolls and come with a tasty dipping sauce that’s perfect for soaking!
These sliders are a hit at parties! I love making them for game day—everyone enjoys a mini sandwich that’s easy to grab and dunk. Just be careful, they’re super messy! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roast Beef: The star of our sliders! You can use deli roast beef for convenience or cook a chuck roast in a slow cooker for richer flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken can work as substitutes.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls make the best sliders. King’s Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice, but feel free to use any small bread like ciabatta or whole wheat buns. Gluten-free options are available for those with dietary restrictions.
Provolone Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully over the beef. If you prefer a stronger flavor, try Swiss or even cheddar! For a dairy-free option, plant-based cheeses are available and work well.
Beef Broth: A quality beef broth is crucial for the Au Jus. If you’re short on time, low-sodium store-bought versions work, or homemade broth is excellent if you have it. Vegetable broth can substitute if you’re looking for a meat-free option.
How Do You Get Perfectly Melted Cheese on Sliders?
The key to achieving ooey-gooey melted cheese is in the baking technique. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Make sure to cover the sliders with foil when you first put them in—this traps steam and helps the cheese melt without browning too soon.
- Bake covered for 15 minutes to steam the rolls and cheese.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
This two-step process ensures that your provolone becomes wonderfully melty while keeping the buns soft and delicious!
How to Make French Dip Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 1.5 lbs roast beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Au Jus Dipping Sauce:
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, totaling about 45 minutes. Once the sliders are baked, you can serve them immediately for a warm, delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Au Jus:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the beef broth, red wine (if using), sliced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Place the pan over medium heat and allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the flavors blend. If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mix and cook until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then strain the mixture and keep it warm on low heat.
2. Prepare the Beef:
If your roast beef is not already cooked, you can roast or slow cook it until it’s very tender. Once it’s done, slice or shred the beef thinly so it fits perfectly on the slider buns.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half and lay the bottom halves on a baking tray or sheet. Pile the sliced roast beef evenly on each bottom bun, making sure each slider gets a good portion. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the beef for that melty goodness!
4. Prepare the Butter Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush this buttery mixture over the tops of the slider buns for extra flavor and a lovely golden look.
5. Bake:
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese and beef. Brush the tops lightly with the garlic butter mixture. Cover the baking tray with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the tops to get a beautiful golden color and for the cheese to melt thoroughly.
6. Serve:
Garnish the sliders with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color! Serve them hot alongside the warm Au Jus dipping sauce for dunking. Enjoy every bite of these tender, cheesy French Dip Sliders!
Perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home, these sliders are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Leftover Roast Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roast beef is perfect for French Dip Sliders. Just slice or shred the beef and proceed with the recipe as directed. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!
Can I Make the Au Jus Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Au Jus a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving with the sliders.
How Do I Freeze Leftover Sliders?
To freeze, wrap the assembled (but unbaked) sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. You can freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake when ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Sliders Without Wine?
Definitely! The wine is optional in the Au Jus. You can simply use additional beef broth for a flavorful dipping sauce without any alcohol.
