Elevate your summer gatherings with these irresistible French Dip Sliders, a perfect summer dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. Packed with tender roast beef, melty provolone, caramelized onions, and a rich au jus for dipping, these mini sandwiches are made on a single baking dish for easy prep and cleanup. Ideal for game days, family dinners, or casual parties, this French Dip Sliders recipe is a fun twist on the classic sandwich. Follow our simple steps to create this delicious summer dinner that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This French Dip Sliders Recipe
These French Dip Sliders are a standout summer dinner, combining bold flavors with effortless preparation. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy summer evenings.
- Flavor-Packed: Juicy roast beef, caramelized onions, and au jus deliver a savory, irresistible taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Mini sliders are ideal for parties, game days, or family dinners, appealing to all ages.
- Versatile: Double the recipe for larger crowds or customize with your favorite toppings.
- Mess-Free: Baked in one dish, making this summer dinner as practical as it is delicious.
What Makes French Dip Sliders Special?
The French Dip Sliders transform the classic French dip sandwich into a fun, shareable summer dinner. Soft sweet rolls are layered with deli roast beef, gooey provolone cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, then baked until golden. A buttery onion soup mix topping adds extra savoriness, while a side of au jus provides the signature dipping experience. Perfect for casual summer gatherings or cozy family meals, these sliders offer big flavor with minimal effort, making them a go-to for any occasion.
Ingredients for French Dip Sliders
To prepare these delicious French Dip Sliders (serves 6, makes 12 sliders), gather these ingredients:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for onions)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 sweet rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian)
- 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
- 1 lb deli roast beef, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- 1 tbsp dried onion soup mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (prepared with 2 cups water per package instructions)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Tips:
- Sweet Rolls: King’s Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness, but any slider buns work.
- Roast Beef: Use high-quality deli roast beef or leftover pot roast for a heartier option.
- Provolone Cheese: Sliced provolone melts beautifully; mozzarella is a great substitute.
- Au Jus: Follow the packet instructions, or enhance with beef broth for richer flavor in this summer dinner.
How to Make French Dip Sliders
Follow these steps to create flavorful French Dip Sliders:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Add 1 sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until soft and golden (not burnt).
- Stir in 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Preheat and Prep Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Without separating, slice 12 sweet rolls horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.
- Place the bottom half, cut side up, in an 11×7-inch baking dish.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
- Layer half the 8 oz provolone cheese slices over the bottom rolls.
- Add 1 lb roast beef, followed by the caramelized onions, spreading evenly.
- Top with the remaining provolone slices, then place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
4. Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup melted butter with 1 tbsp dried onion soup mix.
- Brush or pour the mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.
5. Bake:
- Cover loosely with foil (avoid touching the rolls) and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the tops.
6. Prepare Au Jus and Serve:
- While baking, prepare the au jus gravy mix with 2 cups water per package instructions.
- Serve sliders hot, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional), with au jus on the side for dipping as a perfect summer dinner.
Tips for the Perfect French Dip Sliders
- Caramelize Slowly: Cook onions low and slow for sweet, golden results without burning.
- Use Sliced Cheese: Sliced provolone or mozzarella melts more evenly than shredded for this summer dinner.
- Brush Evenly: Distribute the butter-onion soup mix topping evenly for consistent flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Caramelize onions a day in advance and store in the fridge to save time.
- Keep Au Jus Warm: Serve the dipping sauce warm for the best experience with these French Dip Sliders.
Creative Variations for French Dip Sliders
Customize this French Dip Sliders recipe with these fun twists:
- Cheesy Boost: Add a layer of Swiss or pepper jack cheese for extra meltiness.
- Spicy Kick: Stir horseradish sauce into the au jus or add sliced jalapeños inside the sliders.
- Veggie Add-On: Include sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for a heartier summer dinner.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle sesame seeds or French-fried onions on the rolls before baking.
- Pot Roast Swap: Use shredded leftover pot roast instead of deli roast beef for a richer flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
These French Dip Sliders are a versatile summer dinner that shines at any gathering. Try these serving ideas:
- Serve on a platter with small cups of au jus for easy dipping at game days or parties.
- Pair with a summer salad like cucumber dill or tomato basil for a refreshing contrast.
- Offer with fries, coleslaw, or cornbread to round out the meal.
- Garnish with parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Accompany with a chilled drink summer like iced tea or a light lager to complement the savory flavors.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled sliders in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes until heated through to maintain texture.
- Store Au Jus Separately: Keep au jus in a separate container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
FAQs About French Dip Sliders
What type of roast beef is best for this summer dinner?
High-quality deli roast beef works perfectly, but leftover pot roast or shredded beef can add a heartier touch to these French Dip Sliders.
Can I use different cheese for this summer dinner?
Yes, mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack are great alternatives to provolone for a melty, flavorful result.
What rolls should I use for this summer dinner?
King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls add a hint of sweetness, but any slider buns, such as brioche or plain, work well.
Can I make this summer dinner ahead of time?
Caramelize onions and assemble sliders a day ahead, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the freshest French Dip Sliders.
How do I store leftovers of this summer dinner?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months; reheat in the oven for best results.
More summer dinner recipe ideas you’ll love
Conclusion
These French Dip Sliders are a quick, flavorful summer dinner that brings the classic sandwich to life in a fun, shareable form. Perfect for game days, family meals, or summer parties, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, mess-free meal that’s bursting with savory goodness!
French Dip Sliders
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter for onions
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 sweet rolls such as King’s Hawaiian
- 8 oz provolone cheese sliced
- 1 lb deli roast beef thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted (for topping)
- 1 tbsp dried onion soup mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix prepared with 2 cups water per package instructions
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Add 1 sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until soft and golden (not burnt).
- Stir in 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat and Prep Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Without separating, slice 12 sweet rolls horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.
- Place the bottom half, cut side up, in an 11x7-inch baking dish.
Assemble the Sliders:
- Layer half the 8 oz provolone cheese slices over the bottom rolls.
- Add 1 lb roast beef, followed by the caramelized onions, spreading evenly.
- Top with the remaining provolone slices, then place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup melted butter with 1 tbsp dried onion soup mix.
- Brush or pour the mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.
Bake:
- Cover loosely with foil (avoid touching the rolls) and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the tops.
Prepare Au Jus and Serve:
- While baking, prepare the au jus gravy mix with 2 cups water per package instructions.
- Serve sliders hot, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional), with au jus on the side for dipping as a perfect summer dinner.
Notes
- Caramelize Slowly: Cook onions low and slow for sweet, golden results without burning.
- Use Sliced Cheese: Sliced provolone or mozzarella melts more evenly than shredded for this summer dinner.
- Brush Evenly: Distribute the butter-onion soup mix topping evenly for consistent flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Caramelize onions a day in advance and store in the fridge to save time.
- Keep Au Jus Warm: Serve the dipping sauce warm for the best experience with these French Dip Sliders.
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