French Dip Sliders
French Dip Sliders are small, juicy sandwiches filled with tender roast beef and melted cheese, served on soft little rolls. What makes them special is the rich beef broth you'll…
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French Dip Sliders are small, juicy sandwiches filled with tender roast beef and melted cheese, served on soft little rolls. What makes them special is the rich beef broth you’ll dip them into, which keeps every bite flavorful and moist. They’re like mini versions of the classic French dip sandwich, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack.
I love making French Dip Sliders when friends come over because they’re easy to eat and always a crowd-pleaser. I like to add a little horseradish sauce or mustard to give them a bit of a kick, but even plain, they’re delicious and satisfying. The dipping jus is the real star, and I always make sure there’s plenty for dunking.
These sliders are perfect for game day, casual dinners, or even parties because everyone can grab one and enjoy without messing up their hands. I always find myself sneaking extra bites while cooking, and honestly, that’s part of the fun! Plus, if you have leftovers, they’re fantastic warmed up the next day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Roast Beef: Thinly sliced or shredded roast beef is the star here. I like using leftover roast or deli-style roast beef for easy prep. If beef isn’t your thing, try shredded turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls work best. They soak up the jus without falling apart. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free slider buns or small rolls.
Provolone Cheese: This melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy bite. Swiss or mozzarella can be swapped in if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Beef Broth/Au Jus: This is the dipping sauce that makes every bite juicy. If you want it richer, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder. Vegetable broth works for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly dip.
How Do I Keep the Sliders Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy sliders is soaking the buns and meat just right with buttery flavor and warm jus. Here’s how I do it:
- Brush buns inside and out with garlic butter so they soak up flavor when baked.
- Layer the meat evenly to ensure every slider gets plenty of beef.
- Bake assembled sliders so cheese melts nicely and buns get a little toasty but don’t dry out.
- Heat the beef broth well before serving, so each dip coats the slider with warmth and moisture.
These steps help the sliders stay tender and bursting with flavor, without getting soggy or dry.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish or rimmed baking sheet – perfect for holding all the sliders together and heating them evenly in the oven.
- Small bowl – for mixing the melted butter with garlic powder easily.
- Basting brush – handy for spreading the garlic butter evenly on the buns.
- Small saucepan – to warm the beef broth or au jus for dipping.
- Sharp knife – helps to slice the buns cleanly without squishing them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap provolone with Swiss or mozzarella for a milder or creamier cheese that melts nicely.
- Add caramelized onions inside the sliders for a sweet and savory boost of flavor.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter, yet tasty version.
- Stir in a little horseradish or Dijon mustard in the beef broth to give your dipping sauce a nice kick.
French Dip Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb roast beef, thinly sliced or shredded (preferably leftover roast or deli-style)
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls work great)
- 6 slices provolone cheese (halved to fit sliders)
- 1 cup beef broth or au jus
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total: 5 minutes for prep and 15 minutes to bake the sliders and melt the cheese. Heating the beef broth or au jus takes just a few minutes while the sliders bake, so everything is ready together for quick serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slider Buns and Garlic Butter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and garlic powder. Carefully slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping them connected so they open like a book. Brush the inside of the buns generously with the garlic butter mixture.
2. Assemble the Sliders:
Place the bottom half of the buns in a baking dish or tray. Spread the sliced or shredded roast beef evenly on top, then add the provolone cheese slices over the meat. Close the sliders with the top bun halves and brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter.
3. Bake and Serve:
Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the buns are warm. While baking, heat the beef broth or au jus in a small pot until warm. Once the sliders are done, cut them into individual sandwiches, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot with the warmed broth on the side for dipping. Add horseradish sauce or mustard if you like a little extra kick!
Can I Use Frozen Roast Beef for These Sliders?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the roast beef completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before assembling the sliders to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Prepare French Dip Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sliders and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they are cold.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave, and warm the beef broth separately to enjoy the perfect dip again.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Slider Buns?
You can use small sandwich rolls, mini baguettes, or even soft sandwich bread cut to size. Just choose a bread that holds up well when dipped in the au jus to avoid sogginess.
