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These French dip sliders have become my go to recipe for game days holidays or just a cozy family night in. Each mini sandwich packs so much flavor and hardly lasts five minutes out of the oven in my house.
When I first whipped these up for my daughter’s birthday party the tray disappeared before I could even bring out the second batch. Now they are a must serve for every family gathering.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Slider rolls: Soft rolls make the perfect bite sized sandwiches Go for a quality bakery option if you can
- Roast beef: Adds savory heartiness to each slider Choose deli fresh or leftover homemade roast beef for best flavor
- Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy touch Try to find a block you can slice yourself for maximum freshness
- Butter: Brings a rich golden crust to the tops Use unsalted so you can control the flavor
- Garlic powder: Provides a hint of depth and warmth Pick fresh looking powder that smells strong
- Onion powder: Rounds out the savory notes A good onion powder should be pale and fragrant
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings tangy punch and complexity Check the ingredient list and skip any brands that list added sugar
- Au jus gravy: Essential for the classic French dip experience Prepared from a packet or homemade from beef drippings
How to Make It
- Prepare the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius so it is properly heated by the time you assemble the sliders
- Build the Sliders:
- Carefully slice the slider rolls in half horizontally without separating the tops from the bottoms This keeps the sandwiches from falling apart
- Layer the Filling:
- Arrange roast beef on the bottom half of the rolls spreading it out evenly for consistent bites Top with slices of Swiss cheese making sure the cheese covers the beef fully
- Close the Sandwiches:
- Place the top half of the rolls back on to create a complete set of sliders so nothing falls out when baking
- Make the Butter Mixture:
- In a small bowl melt butter and stir in garlic powder onion powder and Worcestershire sauce Mix well until the powders are dissolved for a balanced coating
- Coat the Sliders:
- Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously spread the butter mixture over the tops of all the sliders making sure they are evenly covered for max flavor
- Bake to Perfection:
- Arrange the sliders on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden This step ensures even melting and crispy tops without overbaking
- Warm the Au Jus:
- Pour your au jus gravy into a small pot and heat gently on the stove until steaming hot Warm sauce means your sliders stay cozy and flavorful
- Serve and Dip:
- Transfer sliders to a serving platter and serve piping hot with little bowls of au jus on the side Encourage everyone to dip generously for that classic French dip taste
My favorite part of these sliders is the toasty buttery top when it comes right out of the oven It fills the kitchen with an incredible aroma that always makes my family gather around before I even finish plating
Flavor Boosters
If you do not have Swiss cheese try provolone or mozzarella instead For a gluten free option look for gluten free buns or rolls You can also use turkey or chicken slices if you want a lighter version
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders alongside crisp potato chips or a simple green salad For something extra serve with pickles coleslaw or a bowl of soup
Creative Twists
In the summer try grilling the rolls before assembling for extra crunch Add caramelized onions in the fall for a sweeter richer note Go festive in winter by brushing with butter mixed with herbs like rosemary or thyme
Every time I serve these sliders they vanish fast and everyone asks for the recipe. With just a few pantry staples you can bring people together and make any night feel special.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of bread works best for French dip sliders?
Slider rolls that hold up well when toasted and dipped are ideal, as they keep the sandwich sturdy without becoming soggy.
- → Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Assemble the sliders and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving to maintain freshness and melt the cheese perfectly.
- → What is the purpose of the butter mixture on top?
The butter combined with garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce enhances flavor and helps the rolls toast to a golden brown.
- → How should the au jus be served?
Warm the au jus separately and serve it in small bowls for dipping, complementing the rich flavors of the sliders.
- → Can different cheeses be used instead of Swiss?
Yes, cheeses like provolone or mozzarella work well and provide a smooth melt with mild flavor that complements the beef.