French Dip Sliders are the perfect combination of tender roast beef, melted cheese, soft Hawaiian rolls, and savoury au jus for dipping. These easy little sandwiches are packed with flavour and come together quickly, making them perfect for family dinners, game-day gatherings, parties, or a simple weekend meal.
Why These French Dip Sliders Are A Family Favorite
These French Dip Sliders have everything you want in a comforting sandwich. The rolls are soft and buttery, the roast beef is savoury and tender, and the melted cheese adds a delicious creamy texture.
The best part is the au jus. Instead of simply serving the sliders as sandwiches, you get a warm, savoury dipping sauce that makes every bite even more flavorful.
They’re also incredibly easy to prepare. Rather than assembling individual sandwiches one at a time, the rolls are kept together as a single slab, sliced open, filled with the beef and cheese, brushed with seasoned butter, and baked until everything is warm and melted.
This makes them particularly convenient when you’re feeding a crowd.
They’re also easy to customise. You can use different cheeses, add caramelised onions or sautéed mushrooms, change the seasoning, or even use leftover roast beef.
French Dip Sliders are great for parties because they’re small enough to serve as finger food but filling enough to work as a complete meal.
Serve them with potato chips, French fries, roasted potatoes, a green salad, or a simple vegetable side.
Recipe Ingredients
The ingredient list is simple, but each component contributes something important to the finished sliders.
Hawaiian Rolls
Soft Hawaiian rolls are ideal because their slightly sweet flavour complements the savoury roast beef and au jus.
You can use another type of soft dinner roll if you prefer, but avoid very crusty bread because it won’t have the same soft texture.
Roast Beef
Thinly sliced deli roast beef is convenient and works particularly well.
You can also use leftover homemade roast beef if you have it available.
Thin slices make the sliders easier to bite into and allow the beef to warm quickly.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone is a classic choice for French Dip sandwiches because it melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly tangy flavour.
You can substitute Swiss, mozzarella, or another good melting cheese if desired.
Butter
Melted butter is brushed over the tops of the rolls before baking.
It helps the bread become golden and adds richness to every bite.
Worcestershire Sauce
A small amount of Worcestershire sauce adds a deep savoury flavour to the butter topping.
It works particularly well with roast beef.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic or garlic powder can be used to flavour the butter.
Garlic adds another layer of savoury flavour without overpowering the beef.
Onion Powder
Onion powder adds a subtle savoury sweetness and works well in the butter mixture.
Au Jus
Au jus is essential for dipping.
You can make homemade au jus using beef broth and seasonings, or use a convenient prepared au jus mix.
For a quick dinner, a packet of au jus seasoning can save time while still providing plenty of flavour.
Optional Ingredients
Caramelised onions, sautéed mushrooms, horseradish, Dijon mustard, black pepper, or fresh parsley can all be added depending on your preference.
How To Make French Dip Sliders
These sliders are simple to assemble and bake.
Prepare the Rolls
Preheat your oven to approximately 350°F (175°C).
Keep the Hawaiian rolls together and use a serrated knife to carefully slice through the entire package horizontally.
Don’t separate the individual rolls.
Place the bottom half of the rolls into a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
Keeping the rolls connected makes assembly much easier and allows the sliders to bake together.
Add the Roast Beef
Arrange the thinly sliced roast beef evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
Spread the beef into an even layer so every slider gets plenty of filling.
Don’t worry if the slices overlap slightly. This actually helps create a juicy, hearty sandwich.
Add the Cheese
Place slices of provolone cheese over the roast beef.
Make sure the cheese covers most of the surface so it can melt into the beef and rolls.
If you’re using shredded cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top.
Add Optional Fillings
If you’re adding caramelised onions, sautéed mushrooms, or other fillings, spread them evenly over the cheese.
Avoid adding too much moisture because overly wet fillings can make the rolls soggy.
Add the Top Rolls
Carefully place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the filling.
Press down gently so everything stays together.
Make the Butter Topping
Melt the butter in a small bowl.
Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, and any additional seasonings you like.
Stir until well combined.
Brush the seasoned butter generously over the tops of the rolls.
Make sure the butter reaches the edges for maximum flavour.
Bake the Sliders
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminium foil.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes.
The foil helps prevent the tops from browning too quickly while the cheese melts and the filling heats through.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is completely melted.
Keep a close eye on them during the final few minutes because the buttered rolls can brown quickly.
Prepare the Au Jus
While the sliders are baking, prepare your au jus according to the package directions if you’re using a prepared mix.
For a simple homemade version, warm beef broth with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, and black pepper.
Keep the au jus warm until the sliders are ready.
Slice and Serve
Remove the sliders from the oven and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes.
Use a sharp knife to separate the individual sliders.
Serve immediately with small bowls of warm au jus for dipping.
For an extra finishing touch, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top.
Slider Variations
There are many ways to change these sliders depending on what you have available.
French Dip with Swiss Cheese
Replace the provolone with Swiss cheese.
Swiss has a slightly stronger flavour and melts beautifully over the roast beef.
Cheesy French Dip Sliders
Use a combination of provolone and mozzarella for an extra-cheesy filling.
The mozzarella provides plenty of stretch while the provolone adds classic flavour.
French Dip with Caramelised Onions
Caramelised onions add sweetness and richness to the sliders.
Cook thinly sliced onions slowly in butter until soft and deeply golden before adding them to the sandwiches.
Mushroom French Dip Sliders
Sauté sliced mushrooms with butter, garlic, and a little black pepper.
Add them alongside the roast beef for a savoury mushroom variation.
Spicy French Dip Sliders
Add sliced pepperoncini, banana peppers, or jalapeños to the filling.
You can also mix a little hot sauce into the butter topping.
Horseradish French Dip
Spread a thin layer of prepared horseradish or creamy horseradish sauce over the rolls before adding the roast beef.
The sharp flavour pairs beautifully with beef.
Dijon French Dip
Add a thin layer of Dijon mustard to the rolls.
Dijon provides a tangy contrast to the rich beef, cheese, and butter.
Turkey Dip Sliders
If you don’t have roast beef, thinly sliced turkey can be used instead.
Swiss or provolone cheese works particularly well with turkey.
Leftover Prime Rib Sliders
If you have leftover cooked prime rib, slice it very thinly and use it instead of deli roast beef.
This makes an especially indulgent version of the sliders.
BBQ Beef Sliders
Add a small amount of barbecue sauce to the roast beef before topping it with cheese.
This creates a sweeter, smoky variation.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
French Dip Sliders are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated successfully.
Allow the sliders to cool before storing them.
Place leftover sliders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminium foil.
Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Keep the au jus in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. Separating the dipping sauce helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
How to Reheat in the Oven
For the best texture, reheat the sliders in the oven.
Preheat the oven to approximately 325°F (165°C).
Place the sliders in a baking dish and cover them loosely with foil.
Heat for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted.
Remove the foil during the final few minutes if you want the tops to become slightly crisp again.
Warm the au jus separately on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How to Reheat in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is another excellent option.
Place individual sliders in the air fryer basket and heat at approximately 325°F (165°C) for a few minutes.
Check frequently because the bread can brown quickly.
For softer rolls, loosely wrap the sliders in foil while reheating.
Can You Freeze French Dip Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze assembled sliders, although they are generally best when made fresh.
If freezing, wrap the sliders tightly in aluminium foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to approximately 2–3 months for the best quality.
Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Prepare fresh au jus when serving if possible.
French Dip Sliders are the kind of easy comfort food that works for almost any occasion. Tender roast beef, melted provolone, buttery Hawaiian rolls, and warm au jus come together to create a sandwich that’s simple to make but packed with flavour.
They’re perfect for busy family dinners, weekend lunches, parties, game days, and holiday gatherings. You can keep the classic combination or customise the sliders with caramelised onions, mushrooms, spicy peppers, horseradish, or different cheeses.
For the best results, don’t skip the seasoned butter topping and always serve the sliders with plenty of warm au jus for dipping. Once you make these easy French Dip Sliders, they’re likely to become a regular favourite whenever you’re craving a warm, cheesy, savoury sandwich.
PrintFrench Dip Sliders
A fun twist on a classic sandwich, these French Dip Sliders are a deliciously easy appetizer or dinner idea for any day of the week!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Snacks
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (one package)
- 10 slices provolone cheese (divided use)
- 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ Tablespoons dried onion soup mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 1 medium onion, thinly sliced and coat in the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes until the onions are soft and browned but not burnt.
- Add 2 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper stir to combine, take off the heat.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Top the bottom half of the rolls with HALF of the 10 slices provolone cheese and all 14 ounces sliced deli roast beef. Set aside.
- Top the roast beef layer with the cooked onions, spreading them out evenly.
- Add the remaining sliced provolone cheese, then place the top half of the rolls on top.
- In a small bowl stir together ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and 1 ½ Tablespoons dried onion soup mix. I like to brush this mixture on top of the rolls to make sure it’s evenly distributed but you can just pour the butter sauce on top.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil, you want to make sure the foil is not touching the tops of the rolls and bake for 25 minutes. Take the foil off and bake an additional 5 minutes to brown the rolls.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the 1 packet au jus gravy mix per the package directions with the 3 cups water.
