These French Dip Sliders layer tender roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and buttery caramelized onions inside soft Hawaiian rolls. The rolls bake together until warm and golden, then each slider is served with savory au jus for dipping.
They’re an easy choice for game day, family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Savory roast beef and melted Swiss cheese
- Sweet, caramelized onions with thyme and garlic
- Soft Hawaiian rolls with a buttery herb topping
- Warm au jus for classic French dip flavor
- Baked together in one dish for easy serving
- Easy to prepare for a crowd
Ingredients
Sliders
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme, or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ cup canned French onion soup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Butter Topping and Au Jus
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or thyme
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix, prepared according to package directions
How to Make French Dip Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, thyme, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring often, until the onions soften and turn golden.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Pour in the French onion soup and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring to lift up the flavorful browned bits from the pan. Remove from the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Rolls
Keep the Hawaiian rolls connected. Use a serrated knife to slice the whole group horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms.
Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Add the Roast Beef
Arrange the roast beef evenly over the bottom rolls. Fold or layer the slices so the meat is spread across the whole surface.
Step 5: Add the Swiss and Onions
Lay the Swiss cheese over the roast beef. Spoon the caramelized onions on top, spreading them evenly across the cheese.
Step 6: Add the Roll Tops
Place the top half of the rolls over the filling and press gently.
Step 7: Brush with Butter
Stir the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley or thyme. Brush it over the tops of the rolls.
Step 8: Bake the Sliders
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese has melted.
Step 9: Prepare the Au Jus
While the sliders bake, prepare the au jus gravy mix according to the package directions. Pour it into a small bowl for serving.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Let the sliders rest for about 5 minutes, then cut along the roll seams. Serve warm with au jus for dipping.
Tips for the Best French Dip Sliders
- Cook the onions slowly. Give them time to soften and turn golden for deeper flavor.
- Drain excess liquid from the onions before adding them to the sliders so the rolls don’t get soggy.
- Use thinly sliced roast beef so the sliders are easy to pull apart and bite.
- Cover while baking at first to warm the filling without browning the tops too quickly.
- Add the au jus at the table. Keeping it separate helps the rolls stay soft rather than soggy.
- Let the sliders rest briefly before cutting so the cheese has a chance to settle.
Easy Variations
Add Provolone
Replace some or all of the Swiss with provolone for a milder, extra-melty cheese option.
Add More Herbs
Use fresh thyme in the onions and sprinkle chopped parsley over the baked rolls.
Make the Onions Ahead
Caramelize the onions a day ahead and refrigerate them. Reheat them in a skillet before assembling the sliders.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Caramelize the onions and prepare the au jus mix in advance. Store the onions covered in the refrigerator and prepare the au jus according to its package directions when ready to serve.
For the best texture, assemble and bake the sliders shortly before serving. If assembled ahead, cover and refrigerate the dish, then brush the tops with butter just before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if the sliders are cold.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep leftover au jus in a separate container.
Reheat the sliders in a 325°F oven, loosely covered with foil, until warmed through. Reheat the au jus separately and serve for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of roll?
Yes. Soft dinner rolls or another small sandwich roll can work, though Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory beef.
Can I use another cheese?
Yes. Provolone, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can replace the Swiss.
Can I skip the canned French onion soup?
You can caramelize the onions in butter without it. The soup adds savory flavor and a little moisture; if you omit it, use a splash of beef broth instead.
How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy?
Drain the onions well, avoid adding extra liquid to the baking dish, and serve the au jus on the side.
Can I make these without au jus?
The sliders are still tasty without it, but the warm au jus gives them the classic French dip flavor.
Final Thoughts
These French Dip Sliders bring together roast beef, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and soft Hawaiian rolls, with au jus on the side for dipping. Bake a pan for an easy family meal or party snack, and serve them warm while the cheese is still melted.
