French Dip Sliders

This French dip slider recipe transforms the classic sandwich into irresistible mini versions perfect for gatherings. The combination of tender pastrami, melty provolone, and sweet caramelized onions on soft Hawaiian rolls creates a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears quickly. Each slider comes with warm au jus for that authentic French dip experience.

I first made these for a football watch party and they've become my signature potluck contribution. The combination of tender beef and that rich dipping sauce never fails to impress guests who always assume they're much more complicated than they actually are.

Ingredients

• Deli pastrami or roast beef: Thinly sliced quality meat makes all the difference. Look for freshly sliced at the deli counter rather than prepackaged
• Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their subtle sweetness complements the savory beef perfectly. The connected rolls make preparation easier
• Provolone cheese: Mild variety provides the ideal melt without overwhelming the beef flavor
• Yellow onions: The secret star ingredient caramelized to sweet perfection
• Au jus mix: Creates the signature dipping sauce with minimal effort. Find it in the gravy section of your grocery store
• Mayonnaise: Creates a moisture barrier preventing soggy bottoms while adding richness
• Butter: Adds flavor and helps achieve golden brown tops. Use unsalted to control seasoning
• Sesame seeds: Provides texture and visual appeal to finished sliders

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a rimmed baking sheet generously. This temperature allows the rolls to toast perfectly while the cheese melts without burning the tops.

Caramelize the Onions:

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat with olive oil and butter. Add thinly sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Sprinkle with sugar and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until golden and richly caramelized. The sugar helps accelerate browning and brings out the onions natural sweetness. Watch carefully during the final minutes as they can burn quickly.

Make the Au Jus:

Using the same pan the onions were cooked in, add water and scrape up all the browned bits which adds incredible flavor to your dipping sauce. Add the au jus seasoning according to package instructions and simmer. Taste and adjust with more water if too salty. The sauce should be savory but not overpowering.

Assemble the Sliders:

Place the bottom half of rolls on your prepared baking sheet and spread with mayonnaise. Layer with folded slices of pastrami or roast beef distributed evenly. Add the caramelized onions on top of the meat then cover with overlapping slices of provolone. Place the top buns over the cheese.

Finish and Bake:

Brush the tops with melted butter and immediately sprinkle with sesame seeds so they adhere. Bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and tops are beautifully golden. Let cool slightly before cutting along the perforations of the rolls with a serrated knife.

Save This

The caramelized onions are my favorite component of these sliders. My husband actually dislikes onions in general but devours these because the cooking process transforms them into sweet umami bombs that complement the beef perfectly. I always make extra because they disappear so quickly.

Make Ahead Options

These sliders can be completely assembled up to a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Simply brush with butter and add sesame seeds right before baking. You may need to add 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. The au jus can also be made ahead and gently reheated on the stovetop or microwave just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a different flavor profile try swapping the pastrami for corned beef or even turkey for a lighter option. If Hawaiian rolls are unavailable any connected dinner rolls will work though the slight sweetness of Hawaiian variety does complement the savory fillings beautifully. Swiss cheese makes an excellent alternative to provolone offering a slightly sharper flavor that pairs well with any beef option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness of the sandwiches. For a complete game day spread pair with crispy potato chips or sweet potato fries. Individual ramekins for the au jus make dipping easier and more elegant especially for seated gatherings. These sliders also pair wonderfully with a cold beer or sparkling cider.

Common Queries

→ Can I make these French Dip Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare everything as directed but don't bake them. Cover with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, then bake as directed, possibly adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

→ Can I substitute the pastrami with another meat?

Absolutely! Traditional French dip sandwiches use roast beef, which works perfectly. You could also use sliced turkey, corned beef, or even leftover pot roast. The key is using thinly sliced meat that will warm through when baked.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover sliders?

Reheat leftover sliders in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Cover them loosely with foil to prevent the tops from burning. You can also microwave individual sliders for 20-30 seconds, though the bread won't be as crisp.

→ Can I make the au jus from scratch instead of using a mix?

Yes! For homemade au jus, simmer 2 cups beef broth with 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste for about 10 minutes until slightly reduced.

→ What sides pair well with French Dip Sliders?

French Dip Sliders pair beautifully with crispy french fries, potato chips, a simple green salad, coleslaw, or a cup of tomato soup. For a heartier meal, serve with potato salad or macaroni salad. The savory sliders also complement pickles and various vegetable crudités.

→ Can I make these sliders without the caramelized onions?

While caramelized onions add wonderful flavor, these sliders are still delicious without them. You can omit them entirely or substitute with sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or simply add extra cheese for a different but equally tasty version.