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French Dip Sliders: The Ultimate Party Appetizer or Weeknight Dinner

French Dip Sliders

French Dip Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal that combines tender roast beef, caramelized onions, melted provolone cheese, and a savory au jus dipping sauce. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner, these sliders are packed with flavor and ready in under an hour. Follow the tips below for the best results, and enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish!

Ingredients

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(Makes 12 sliders)

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 sweet rolls (Hawaiian rolls work great)
  • 10 slices provolone cheese
  • 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix
  • 1 packet au jus gravy mix
  • 3 cups water
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions:
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
    • Add the sliced onions and coat them in the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until the onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. Be careful not to burn them.
    • Add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sliders:
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Remove the rolls from the package, keeping them intact. Slice the rolls horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms.
    • Place the bottom halves, cut side up, in an 11×7-inch baking dish.
  3. Layer the Ingredients:
    • Top the bottom halves with half of the provolone cheese slices.
    • Add the sliced roast beef evenly over the cheese.
    • Spread the caramelized onions over the roast beef.
    • Add the remaining provolone cheese slices on top.
    • Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese.
  4. Add the Butter Topping:
    • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and dried onion soup mix.
    • Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, or pour it on and spread it with a spoon.
  5. Bake the Sliders:
    • Cover the baking dish loosely with foil, making sure the foil doesn’t touch the tops of the rolls.
    • Bake for 25 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the tops of the rolls.
  6. Prepare the Au Jus:
    • While the sliders are baking, prepare the au jus gravy according to the package instructions using 3 cups of water.
  7. Serve:
    • Garnish the sliders with fresh parsley if desired.
    • Serve warm with the au jus on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Onion Caramelization: Be patient when caramelizing the onions. Low and slow cooking ensures they develop a deep, sweet flavor.
  • Cheese Options: If you don’t have provolone, Swiss or mozzarella cheese works well too.
  • Rolls: Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness, but you can use any slider buns or dinner rolls.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

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