French dip sliders are the perfect snack or meal to serve at any gathering. These bite-sized delights bring all the rich, savory goodness of the classic French dip sandwich, with tender roast beef, caramelized onions, melty provolone cheese, and a buttery roll base. What makes them even more irresistible is the sweet and tangy Dijon mustard-brown sugar sauce that’s brushed on top before baking, giving each slider a unique, mouthwatering twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these French dip sliders pack all the flavors of a traditional French dip sandwich into an easy-to-eat slider form. The combination of the tender roast beef, gooey provolone, sweet caramelized onions, and buttery rolls makes each bite a savory delight. And the au jus dipping sauce? It’s the perfect finishing touch that ties everything together. This recipe is also so versatile—whether you’re making them for a party, tailgate, or a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(HERE’S A TIP: CHECK OUT THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS IN THE RECIPE CARD BELOW.)

Cooking spray
1 (12-oz.) pkg. savory butter rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian)
6 tbsp. (3 oz.) unsalted butter, divided
1 large (13 oz.) sweet onion, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
1 lb. thinly sliced deli roast beef
6 (3/4-oz.) sharp provolone cheese slices
1 1/2 tsp. light brown sugar
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
2 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, divided
1 tsp. minced garlic (from 1 medium garlic clove)
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Prepare oven and baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray, and set it aside.
Slice rolls: Using a serrated bread knife, cut the rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish and set aside.
Cook onions: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and soft, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble sliders: Arrange the roast beef slices evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Top with provolone cheese and caramelized onions, then place the top half of the rolls on top.
Brush rolls with butter-brown sugar sauce: In a small saucepan, melt brown sugar and 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in mustard and salt. Brush the top and sides of the rolls with the butter mixture, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of thyme.
Bake sliders: Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Make au jus: Meanwhile, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, cooking undisturbed until it reduces slightly, about 10 minutes.
Serve: Serve the sliders hot with the au jus for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Active Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Make it spicy: Add a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to each slider for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian version: Substitute the roast beef with grilled vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a vegetarian twist.
Different cheese: Try using a different cheese like Swiss or cheddar for a unique flavor.
Add horseradish: If you like a little extra bite, spread a thin layer of horseradish on the rolls before assembling the sliders.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftover French dip sliders, wrap them tightly or place them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to a month. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat the sliders in a preheated 350°F oven, covered, or in the microwave until heated through. The au jus can be reheated in a small saucepan on the stove.

FAQs

Can I make French dip sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sliders up to two days in advance. Slice the rolls and fill them with roast beef, cheese, and caramelized onions as directed. Wrap the assembled sliders tightly, and store them at room temperature. When ready to serve, top with the butter-brown sugar sauce and bake.

Can I use a different type of bread for the sliders?

Absolutely! While savory butter rolls are a classic choice, you can use any small sandwich rolls you prefer, such as dinner rolls or hoagie buns, depending on your preference.

Can I freeze French dip sliders?

Yes, these sliders freeze very well! After assembling them, tightly wrap them and freeze for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

How do I make the au jus spicier?

To give your au jus a little more heat, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the broth mixture. Taste and adjust as you go until it reaches your desired level of spiciness.

Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes, the caramelized onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat them before adding them to the sliders.

Conclusion

French dip sliders are an easy, savory, and delicious way to bring the flavors of a classic French dip sandwich to a party or weeknight dinner. With a perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth roast beef, rich caramelized onions, and gooey provolone, each bite is pure comfort. Add the sweet and tangy brown sugar-Dijon sauce and au jus for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether served at a tailgate or as a family dinner, these sliders will be a hit every time!

French Dip Sliders