There are few things more satisfying than pulling a pan of warm French Dip Sliders out of the oven. The tops are golden and buttery, the provolone is perfectly melted, and every bite is filled with tender roast beef tucked inside soft Hawaiian rolls.
Add a side of rich, savory au jus for dipping, and you’ve got all the comforting flavors of a classic French dip sandwich in a fun, shareable form.
Your guests will love how cheesy, buttery, and satisfying these sliders are, and you’ll love that they come together in just 30 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients.
Whether you’re making them for game day, a family dinner, or a holiday gathering, this is the kind of recipe everyone reaches for seconds of.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything you love about a French dip—made easier. You get tender roast beef, melty provolone, buttery rolls, and warm au jus in a recipe that’s simple to assemble and serve.
- Ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend lunches, or last-minute entertaining when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for sharing. One pan makes 12 sliders, making this recipe ideal for game days, potlucks, family dinners, and holiday parties.
- Loaded with rich, comforting flavor. The buttery seasoned topping, gooey cheese, juicy roast beef, and flavorful dipping sauce make every bite irresistible.
- Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Everything you need can be picked up at the grocery store, making this a reliable recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
- Always a crowd favorite. These sliders disappear fast, so don’t be surprised if everyone asks you for the recipe before the meal is over.
For the Sliders
- Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls – These soft, slightly sweet rolls are the perfect base for the sliders. Their fluffy texture pairs beautifully with the savory filling and buttery topping.
- Deli Roast Beef – Tender sliced roast beef is the star of the recipe. For the juiciest results, ask your deli for rare roast beef so it stays moist while baking.
- Provolone Cheese – Provolone melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the roast beef without overpowering it.
- Crispy Fried Onions (Optional) – These add a delicious crunch and a subtle onion flavor that takes the sliders to the next level.
- Unsalted Butter – A little butter spread in the baking dish helps prevent sticking and adds extra richness.
For the Buttery Topping
- Unsalted Butter – Melted butter creates the golden, flavorful topping that makes these sliders so irresistible.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix – Mixed into the butter and also used to prepare the dipping sauce, this ingredient gives the sliders their signature French dip flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a savory, slightly tangy depth that enhances the buttery topping.
- Sesame Seeds – Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds for a light crunch and a bakery-style finish.
- Dried Minced Garlic – Adds a mellow garlic flavor that blends perfectly into the butter.
- Onion Powder – Gives the topping another layer of savory flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
For Serving
- Prepared Au Jus – Warm au jus is the finishing touch. Serve it alongside the sliders for dipping to recreate the classic French dip sandwich experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the softened butter over the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, then line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Step 2: Slice the Rolls
Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally while keeping all of the rolls attached. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Layer the Filling
Arrange half of the provolone cheese over the rolls, followed by the sliced roast beef. If you’re using crispy fried onions, scatter them evenly over the beef. Finish with the remaining provolone slices before placing the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 4: Make the Buttery Topping
Melt the butter, then whisk in 1 tablespoon of the au jus mix, Worcestershire sauce, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, and onion powder until smooth. Brush or spoon most of the mixture over the tops and sides of the sliders, saving a little for another use if desired.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake the sliders uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the tops of the rolls are lightly golden and crisp.
Step 6: Prepare the Au Jus
While the sliders are baking, make the au jus according to the package directions using the remaining gravy mix. Simmer until slightly thickened so it’s ready for dipping.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Cut along the seams of the rolls to create individual sliders, then serve warm with the au jus on the side for dipping.
30 minutes French Dip Sliders Recipe
Notes
Ingredients
Sliders
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls (see Note 1)
- 1 pound deli roast beef (see Note 2)
- 12 slices provolone cheese, divided
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions (optional)
Butter Topping
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix, divided
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 3/4 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the softened butter over the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, then line the pan with parchment paper.
- Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, leaving the rolls connected. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking pan.
- Arrange 6 slices of provolone over the rolls. Top with the roast beef, followed by the crispy fried onions if using. Add the remaining 6 slices of provolone, then place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
- Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the au jus mix, Worcestershire sauce, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, and onion powder until fully combined. Spoon or brush about three-quarters of the mixture over the tops and sides of the rolls. Reserve the remaining butter mixture in the refrigerator for another use, such as seasoning bread or steak.
- Bake the sliders uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and the tops of the rolls are lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, prepare the au jus. In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the remaining au jus mix with the amount of cold water directed on the package. Whisk well, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened.
- Remove the sliders from the oven and cut them into individual portions following the roll seams with a sharp knife. Serve immediately with the warm au jus on the side for dipping.
Recipe Notes
Note 1:Keep the dinner rolls attached as one sheet when slicing them horizontally. This helps make assembly quicker and keeps the sliders neatly together while baking.Note 2:
Ask the deli for rare roast beef if possible. Since it will continue cooking in the oven, starting with rare meat helps keep it tender and juicy.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- To Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to help prevent the sliders from drying out.
1. Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! These sliders are great for prepping in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the sliders are going straight from the fridge to the oven.
2. Can I use leftover roast beef instead of deli roast beef?
Absolutely. Leftover thinly sliced roast beef works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure the slices are not too thick so the sliders stay easy to bite into and the filling heats evenly.
3. What is the best cheese to use for French Dip Sliders?
Provolone is the classic choice because it melts smoothly and has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with roast beef. You can also swap it for Swiss, mozzarella, or another cheese that melts well.
4. How do I keep the slider rolls from getting soggy?
The easiest way is to keep the au jus separate and serve it on the side for dipping. This keeps the Hawaiian rolls soft and buttery while still giving you that delicious French dip experience.
5. Can I freeze French Dip Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze them. For the best texture, freeze the assembled sliders before baking, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. You can also freeze baked leftovers and reheat them in the oven until warmed through.
