Name: Easy Beef French Dip Sliders-Savory & Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 12 slider rolls (King’s Hawaiian recommended); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp cream-style horseradish; 1/2 lb provolone or Swiss cheese (sliced); 1/2 lb deli roast beef (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup caramelized onions; 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, plus extra for garnish); 2 cups beef broth or stock (for jus); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for jus); 1 clove garlic (minced, for jus); 1.5 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for jus)

French Dip Sliders have a magical way of turning an ordinary moment into a culinary celebration. There’s something incredibly comforting and undeniably delicious about these miniature marvels that just hits all the right notes. People absolutely adore them for a multitude of reasons, chief among them being their perfect portion size, making them ideal for parties, game nights, or even just a satisfying solo indulgence. The irresistible combination of tender, savory roast beef piled high on soft, buttery slider buns, all dunked into a rich, aromatic au jus, is a flavor symphony that’s hard to resist. What truly makes these French Dip Sliders special is the delightful interplay of textures – the slight crisp of the toasted bun against the melt-in-your-mouth beef, all brought together by that intensely flavorful dipping sauce. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with this crowd-pleasing recipe!

Ingredients:

12 slider rolls (King’s Hawaiian recommended)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp cream-style horseradish
1/2 lb provolone or Swiss cheese (sliced)
1/2 lb deli roast beef (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup caramelized onions
4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
2 cups beef broth or stock (for jus)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for jus)
1 clove garlic (minced, for jus)
1.5 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for jus)

Preparing the Sliders

The Flavorful Spread

First things first, let’s get our spread ready. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp of cream-style horseradish. Give it a good stir until it’s completely blended. This horseradish mayo is going to add a lovely little kick and creaminess to our French Dip Sliders. Set this aside for now; we’ll be slathering it onto our slider rolls later.

Assembling the Sliders

Now it’s time to bring our sliders to life! Take your 12 slider rolls and carefully slice them in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom half for each roll. Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls on a baking sheet. This is where the magic begins. Generously spread the horseradish mayonnaise mixture onto the cut side of the bottom halves of the rolls. Don’t be shy; make sure you get good coverage. Next, we’ll layer on our delicious fillings. Evenly distribute the 1/2 lb of thinly sliced deli roast beef over the mayonnaise-coated bottoms. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy; that’s part of the charm. On top of the roast beef, sprinkle the 1/2 cup of pre-caramelized onions. These sweet, savory onions are a crucial flavor component. Finally, top everything with the 1/2 lb of sliced provolone or Swiss cheese. Try to cover as much of the roast beef and onions as possible to ensure maximum cheesy goodness in every bite. Now, place the top halves of the slider rolls on top, creating your mini sandwiches.

Baking to Golden Perfection

We want these sliders to be warm, melty, and irresistible. In a separate small bowl, melt the 4 tbsp of unsalted butter. To this melted butter, add 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp of onion powder, 1/4 tsp of garlic powder, and the 1/2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley. Whisk this mixture together until everything is well combined. This seasoned butter is going to give our sliders that beautiful golden-brown crust and an extra layer of flavor. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously brush this seasoned butter mixture all over the tops of the slider rolls. Make sure to coat them well for that irresistible sheen and taste.

Now, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven is preheated, carefully place the baking sheet with the assembled sliders into the oven. Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls are golden brown and toasted. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. You want them perfectly melty without being burnt.

Crafting the Au Jus

Starting the Jus Base

While the sliders are in the oven, let’s prepare our dipping jus. In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tbsp of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the 1 clove of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.

Building the Flavor and Thickness

Now, if you prefer a slightly thicker jus, this is where the optional 1.5 tbsp of all-purpose flour comes in. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed garlic and butter and whisk constantly for about 1 minute. This will cook out the raw flour taste and create a very light roux, which will help thicken our jus slightly. Next, gradually pour in the 2 cups of beef broth or stock, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the jus to reduce slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; you might want a pinch of salt or pepper, though the beef broth often has enough. The goal is a rich, savory dipping sauce that perfectly complements the sliders. Strain the jus through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving bowl or a small pitcher for easy dipping. Discard the solids. Stir in any remaining fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make these incredibly delicious French Dip Sliders! We’ve covered everything from selecting the best cut of beef to achieving that perfect au jus and assembling these bite-sized flavor bombs. These sliders are truly a crowd-pleaser, perfect for game nights, casual gatherings, or even a fun weeknight dinner. The rich, savory roast beef, melted provolone, and the essential dipping sauce create an unforgettable taste experience that’s hard to resist.

For serving, I highly recommend keeping the au jus warm and readily available for dipping. These sliders pair wonderfully with a simple side salad, crispy oven-baked fries, or even a bowl of onion soup for an extra layer of comfort. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You could try adding caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for added depth, or perhaps a touch of horseradish sauce for a little kick. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to try making these French Dip Sliders for yourself; they are surprisingly easy to whip up and the results are incredibly rewarding. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the roast beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the beef a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the sliders, simply slice the cold roast beef thinly and warm it gently in a skillet with a little of the au jus before assembling. This can save you a significant amount of time on the day you plan to serve.

What is the best type of bread to use for these sliders?

While almost any small roll will work, slider buns or Hawaiian rolls are excellent choices. They have a slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory beef and a soft texture that absorbs the au jus beautifully without becoming soggy too quickly. If you can’t find slider buns, you can also slice a regular baguette or a soft French bread into smaller portions.

Can I reheat leftover French Dip Sliders?

Yes, you can reheat leftovers, but it’s best to do so carefully to avoid drying out the beef. It’s ideal to reheat them in a covered baking dish in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) with a splash of au jus. Alternatively, you can gently warm them in a skillet on low heat, again with a little au jus. Try to avoid microwaving them, as this can make the bread tough and the beef rubbery.