French Dip Sliders are buttery, cheesy, and packed with tender roast beef and sweet caramelized onions. They bake up golden in just 15 minutes and come with rich au jus for dipping. Perfect for an easy, satisfying lunch.
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Why You’ll Love These French Dip Sliders
French Dip Sliders bring all the bold flavor of a classic sandwich into a fun, shareable size. Because they bake together in one dish, you save time and still get that melty, savory bite. In fact, they taste like something from your favorite deli, yet you make them right at home.
Perfect for Parties, Game Day, or Family Lunch
These French Dip Sliders shine at gatherings. You can set them out for game day, and everyone grabs one without fuss. Meanwhile, they also work beautifully for a cozy family lunch.
Since they bake as a full tray, you serve twelve at once. As a result, you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your people.
Buttery, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor
Every bite of these French Dip Sliders feels rich and satisfying. The onions turn soft and golden, while the Swiss cheese melts into the roast beef.
Then the herbed butter soaks into the tops of the buns, giving you a crisp, flavorful finish. Together with warm au jus, each slider tastes savory and comforting.
Easy Make Ahead Option
You can assemble French Dip Sliders earlier in the day. Then, when you are ready, simply bake and serve.
This makes them great for busy days. In fact, I love prepping them before guests arrive, so I can relax instead of rushing in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
French Dip Sliders use simple grocery store ingredients. However, when you combine them, the flavor feels anything but basic.
For the Sliders
You need one 15 ounce package of slider buns, such as Hawaiian or potato rolls. These soft buns hold everything together.
You also need 6 tablespoons unsalted butter. Later, you will brush part of it on top for that golden crust.
Finally, grab ½ pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese. Thin slices melt faster and cover the beef evenly.
For the Caramelized Onion and Beef Filling
Start with 3 cups thinly sliced yellow onion, about one large onion. As they cook, they turn sweet and golden.
Add 3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves and 2 teaspoons grated garlic. Then stir in ½ teaspoon sugar, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
You also need 1½ pounds thinly sliced deli roast beef, cut into strips. When mixed with the onions, the beef becomes juicy and flavorful.
For the Au Jus Dipping Sauce
To make the dipping sauce, use one 10.5 ounce can French onion soup. Then add 1½ cups water and one 1 ounce packet au jus mix.
As it simmers, it thickens slightly and develops deep, savory flavor.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
If you do not have a zester, finely mince the garlic instead. Also, you can swap Swiss for provolone if you prefer a milder melt.
However, avoid thick cheese slices because they do not melt as evenly. For best results, keep everything thin and layered well.
How to Make French Dip Sliders Step by Step
Making French Dip Sliders is simple. As long as you follow each step, you will get perfect, melty sliders every time.
Prepare the Slider Buns
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Then arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns in a single layer in a baking dish.
Set the tops aside for later. Keeping them separate now makes assembly easier.
Caramelize the Onions with Herbs and Garlic
Next, melt most of the butter in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the sliced onions, most of the thyme, grated garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Cook the onions until soft and golden brown. Meanwhile, stir occasionally so they cook evenly and do not burn.
As they caramelize, they release sweetness that balances the savory beef.
Add the Roast Beef
Once the onions turn golden, add the roast beef strips to the skillet. Stir well to distribute the onions throughout the beef.
Break up any large pieces so the mixture spreads evenly on the buns. Then remove the skillet from heat.
Assemble the Sliders with Swiss Cheese
Spread the beef and onion mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Make sure each roll gets plenty of filling.
Next, layer the Swiss cheese slices over the warm beef. Then place the top buns over the cheese.
Brush with Herbed Butter
Warm the remaining butter briefly. Stir in the remaining thyme, a little garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Then brush this butter generously over the tops of the buns. As a result, the sliders bake up golden and fragrant.
Bake Until Golden and Melty
Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake the French Dip Sliders for about 15 to 20 minutes.
The tops should look golden, and the cheese should melt completely. Keep an eye on them near the end so they do not overbrown.
Prepare the Au Jus Sauce
While the sliders bake, return the same skillet to the stove. Combine the French onion soup, water, and au jus mix.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally so it blends smoothly.
Serve with Warm Au Jus for Dipping
Once baked, remove the French Dip Sliders from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes.
Then serve them hot with the warm au jus on the side. Dip each slider into the sauce for that classic French dip flavor.
Tips for the Best French Dip Sliders
Although French Dip Sliders are simple, a few small tips make a big difference.
How to Thinly Slice Cheese for Even Melting
Ask the deli counter to slice your Swiss cheese thin. Thin slices melt quickly and cover the beef evenly.
If needed, layer extra slices so every bite gets cheese.
Preventing Soggy Bottom Buns
Do not overload the buns with sauce before baking. Instead, keep the au jus for dipping.
Also, spread the beef evenly so juices do not pool in one area.
Cutting Sliders Before or After Baking
You can cut the French Dip Sliders into individual portions before baking. This makes serving easier later.
However, you can also slice them after baking for cleaner edges.
Making Cleanup Easier
Line your baking dish with foil if you want easier cleanup. Then simply lift it out once cooled.
Meanwhile, using the same skillet for onions and au jus saves extra dishes.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
French Dip Sliders pair well with simple sides. Because they feel hearty, lighter sides balance them nicely.
What to Serve with French Dip Sliders
Serve them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Also, classic potato chips or fries make a fun addition.
For something cozy, try a small bowl of soup alongside the sliders.
Turning Sliders into a Complete Lunch Spread
If you host friends, add variety to your table. For example, you can serve Sausage Rolls easy flaky lunch pastry for a savory option.
You might also add Gourmet BLT Wraps with Secret Sauce lunch recipe for something fresh.
For lighter choices, include Low Carb Chicken Egg Salad quick keto high-protein lunch.
Storage, Reheating, and Make Ahead Instructions
French Dip Sliders store well, which makes them practical for busy weeks.
How to Store Leftover Sliders
Place leftover French Dip Sliders in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
However, do not leave them at room temperature for long.
Best Way to Reheat for Fresh Texture
Reheat individual sliders in a toaster oven for the best texture. This keeps the tops slightly crisp.
You can also microwave them, although the buns may soften more.
Can You Freeze French Dip Sliders?
Freezing is not recommended. Because of the onions and bread, the texture can change once thawed.
For best results, enjoy them fresh or within a couple of days.
This recipe makes about 12 French Dip Sliders. Prep time takes about 25 minutes, and baking takes about 15 minutes, so total time is roughly 40 minutes. Each serving has around 308 calories, 22 grams carbohydrates, 21 grams protein, 15 grams fat, 8 grams saturated fat, 2 grams fiber, 5 grams sugar, and 1175 milligrams sodium.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Dip Sliders
Can sliders be prepared the day before?
Yes, you can assemble French Dip Sliders a day ahead and refrigerate them covered. Then bake just before serving so they taste fresh and melty.
What’s a good side for French dip sliders?
A simple salad, crispy fries, or roasted vegetables pair well. Meanwhile, chips keep it casual and fun.
What cheese goes best on a French slider?
Swiss cheese works best because it melts smoothly and adds mild, nutty flavor. However, provolone also tastes great.
Does French onion dip have to be refrigerated?
Yes, always refrigerate French onion dip or any dairy based dip. Keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- French Dip Sandwiches slow-cooker style
- Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites family-friendly lunch
- Creamy Vegetable Casserole hearty cheesy lunch
Conclusion
Why These French Dip Sliders Will Become a Go To Lunch Recipe
French Dip Sliders combine tender beef, sweet onions, and melty cheese in one easy dish. Because they bake quickly and serve a crowd, they fit busy lunches perfectly.
You get bold, savory flavor with minimal effort. So whether you cook for family or friends, these sliders will quickly become a favorite in your lunch rotation.
For more easy lunch inspiration, you can also follow along at https://www.pinterest.com/elliesmicrowaverecipes/.
French Dip Sliders
Equipment
- Baking dish 9×13 inch works well
- Large skillet For onions and au jus
Ingredients
- 1 package (15 oz) slider buns
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups thinly sliced yellow onion
- 3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons grated garlic
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds thinly sliced deli roast beef, cut into strips
- ½ pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus mix
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish and set the tops aside.
- Melt most of the butter in a skillet over medium high heat. Add onions, most of the thyme, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions are soft and golden brown.
- Add roast beef strips to the skillet and stir to combine evenly with the onions. Remove from heat.
- Spread the beef and onion mixture over the bottom buns. Layer Swiss cheese evenly on top. Place the top buns over the cheese.
- Warm the remaining butter and mix in remaining thyme and a pinch of salt. Brush generously over the tops of the buns.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- While sliders bake, combine French onion soup, water, and au jus mix in the same skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Serve sliders hot with warm au jus on the side for dipping.
