french dip sliders

These easy french dip sliders are a throwback to those chilly evenings when the best thing in the world was a warm, savory meal that didn’t take all day to make. There’s something so incredibly satisfying about pulling apart a soft, sweet Hawaiian roll piled high with tender roast beef and gooey, melted provolone cheese, especially when you have a rich au jus for dipping.

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I remember my mom making big roasts on Sundays, and the best part was always the leftover sandwiches the next day. This recipe captures that same nostalgic feeling but simplifies it for a busy weeknight. It’s my go-to when I want to serve something that feels a little special without spending hours in the kitchen.

These sliders are the definition of hearty, comforting food, but they come together in under an hour with minimal stress. My best tip is to get all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start—it makes the whole process feel effortless and fun!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

This recipe brings together simple, powerhouse ingredients to create the most flavorful french dip sliders. The magic starts with thinly sliced deli roast beef and melty provolone cheese, all tucked into soft Hawaiian sweet rolls. The full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below!

How to Make french dip sliders

Making these sliders is wonderfully simple and perfect for a weeknight. You’ll start by sautéing onions and simmering them with beef broth and seasonings to create a rich, savory au jus. Next, you’ll assemble the sliders by layering roast beef and provolone cheese on Hawaiian rolls, then brush them with a savory butter glaze. A quick bake in the oven melts everything together into gooey perfection.

Ultimate French Dip Sliders with Savory Au Jus

Tender roast beef, caramelized onions, and melted provolone cheese are piled onto soft Hawaiian rolls, then brushed with a savory butter topping and baked until golden. Served with a rich, homemade au jus for dipping, these sliders are the perfect easy dinner or party appetizer.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 sliders

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 335

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Sliders & Onions

• 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls Do not separate the rolls.
• 1 lb deli roast beef thinly sliced
• 12 slices provolone cheese or Swiss cheese
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter for onions
• 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced

For the Savory Au Jus

• 2 cups beef broth low-sodium
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground

For the Garlic Butter Topping

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp dried minced onion or poppy seeds, for garnish

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• Small Bowl
• Pastry Brush

Method

 

Prepare Onions and Au Jus

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until softened, sweet, and caramelized. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, prepare the au jus. Add the beef broth, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and keep warm while you assemble the sliders.

Assemble the Sliders

• Using a large serrated knife, carefully slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping all the rolls connected.
• Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Layer evenly with 6 slices of provolone cheese, followed by the deli roast beef, and then the caramelized onions.
• Top the onions with the remaining 6 slices of provolone cheese and place the top half of the rolls back on.

Bake and Serve

• In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder to create the butter topping.
• Using a pastry brush, evenly spread the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with the dried minced onion or poppy seeds.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the sliders are heated through.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 3-5 minutes, until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crispy. Be careful not to let them burn.
• Let the sliders rest for a few minutes before slicing them apart. Serve immediately with small bowls of the warm au jus for dipping.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the sliders (without the butter topping) up to 4 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the butter topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the covered baking time.
Cheese Variations: Swiss, Muenster, or Havarti cheese are all delicious substitutes for provolone.
Roast Beef: For the best flavor, choose a high-quality, thinly sliced roast beef from the deli counter. Leftover pot roast, shredded, also works wonderfully.

Pro Tips for Making This french dip sliders

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that take these sliders from good to great. Here are my favorite tips for making this french dip sliders recipe.

• Don’t Overstuff the Rolls: It’s tempting to pile the roast beef high, but a little restraint ensures the sliders hold together and the cheese-to-meat ratio is perfect. I find that 2-3 thin slices per slider is the sweet spot.
• Toast the Buns Lightly: Before assembling, I sometimes pop the sliced rolls under the broiler for just a minute. This creates a slight barrier that helps prevent the bottoms from getting soggy from the juicy beef.
• Let Them Rest: After baking, let the sliders sit for a couple of minutes before cutting them apart. This gives the cheese a moment to set, making them much easier to serve.
• My Secret Trick: I always add a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of thyme to the melted butter topping. It deepens the savory flavor and complements the au jus beautifully, adding a layer of flavor you just can’t get from butter alone.

Fun Variations for french dip sliders

One of the things I love most about cooking is making a recipe my own. While these french dip sliders are fantastic as is, they’re also a great canvas for a little creativity. Here are a few variations my family enjoys:

• Switch Up the Cheese: Provolone is classic, but Swiss, Gruyère, or even a sharp white cheddar can add a delicious new dimension. Swiss cheese offers a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with roast beef.
• Add Some Veggies: For extra flavor and texture, sautéed mushrooms or caramelized bell peppers make a fantastic addition. Layer them right on top of the roast beef before adding the cheese.
• Try Different Rolls: While Hawaiian rolls offer a lovely sweetness, these sliders are also delicious on pretzel rolls for a salty kick or brioche buns for a richer, buttery taste.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a layer of pepperoncini peppers or a spread of horseradish sauce on the rolls before adding the beef.

If you’re looking for another simple and satisfying meal idea that’s always a hit with my family, check out this Taco Rice Bowl.

What to Serve With french dip sliders

These savory french dip sliders are hearty enough to be the star of the show, but a few simple sides can turn them into a complete and satisfying meal.

• Classic French Fries: You can’t go wrong with crispy shoestring or crinkle-cut fries. They are perfect for dipping in any extra au jus!
• A Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh, bright contrast to the rich sliders.
• Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, crunchy texture of coleslaw is a wonderful counterpoint to the warm, cheesy sliders.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted broccoli or asparagus adds a touch of green and a dose of healthy goodness to the meal.

My personal philosophy is to keep sides simple so the main dish can shine. Choose one or two that are easy to prepare and let the sliders be the focus.

How to Store french dip sliders

Storing and reheating these french dip sliders is easy, making them great for leftovers. Just follow these simple steps to enjoy them again later.

Storing

To store leftovers, allow the sliders to cool completely. I find it’s best to store the sliders and the au jus in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The sliders will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Storing them separately prevents the rolls from becoming soggy.

Reheating

For the best results, I recommend reheating the sliders in the oven or an air fryer. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are warmed through. Gently reheat the au jus on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.

Nutritional Benefits

While these french dip sliders are definitely a comfort food, they also offer a good amount of protein from the roast beef and cheese to keep your family feeling full and satisfied. It’s a hearty meal that feels like a treat while still being wonderfully simple to prepare.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance, cover them, and refrigerate. Wait to pour the butter topping over them until just before baking. The au jus can also be made ahead and simply reheated on the stove.

What is the best kind of roast beef to use for french dip sliders?

I recommend using thinly sliced deli roast beef. It’s tender, flavorful, and easy to layer. Brands like Boar’s Head or Dietz & Watson are great choices, but your local deli’s brand will work perfectly too.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While provolone is a classic choice for its mild flavor and excellent melting quality, Swiss, Gruyère, Muenster, or even a mild white cheddar would be delicious alternatives for these french dip sliders.

My au jus seems too salty. How can I fix it?

If your au jus is a bit too salty, you can balance it out by adding a little more unsalted beef broth or a splash of water. A small squeeze of lemon juice or a tiny pinch of sugar can also help counteract the saltiness.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like gathering the family around a meal that’s both delicious and easy to make, and these french dip sliders check every box. They are warm, cheesy, savory, and incredibly comforting—perfect for any night of the week. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. For another cozy dinner idea, be sure to try my Meatballs and Gravy!

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