If you are craving something incredibly satisfying, hearty, and perfect for sharing, let me introduce you to the Classic French Dip Sliders with Au Jus Recipe. These little sandwiches pack all the deliciousness of the traditional French dip but in a fun, bite-sized format that’s ideal for any gathering or cozy meal at home. Tender, thinly sliced roast beef nests alongside melted provolone cheese inside soft slider rolls, all served with a flavorful au jus dipping sauce that elevates every bite. It is simple to make yet impressive in taste, making it one of my absolute favorite go-to comfort foods to whip up in just about 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward but essential ingredients that work beautifully together to create layers of savory goodness. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures—from the tender roast beef and melty provolone cheese to the rich, aromatic au jus sauce.
- 1 lb roast beef, thinly sliced: The star protein providing tender, flavorful meat for the sliders.
- 8 slider rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for holding the juicy filling without overpowering it.
- 1 cup beef broth: Forms the rich, savory base of the au jus dipping sauce.
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly to add creaminess and a subtle tang.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, slightly tangy depth to the au jus.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a warm, flavorful kick that enhances the meat’s natural taste.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a mild sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring everything together perfectly.
How to Make Classic French Dip Sliders with Au Jus Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius). This temperature is ideal for warming the sliders through and melting the cheese just right, all while getting those slider tops delectably golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Au Jus Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat everything gently until warm, letting the flavors mingle. This au jus will be your dipping magic, so make sure it’s hot and savory before serving.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves snugly in a baking dish to hold the juicy fillings. Layer the thinly sliced roast beef on each roll base generously, then sprinkle the shredded provolone evenly over the beef for that melty, cheesy bliss.
Step 4: Add the Tops and Prepare for Baking
Cap the sliders with the top halves of the rolls. If you want an extra touch of buttery goodness, lightly brush melted butter on the tops—it adds a lovely golden finish and hints of richness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the sliders bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and the rolls turn golden and inviting. This step melds all the flavors and textures into one irresistible bite.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Au Jus
Remove your sliders from the oven and get ready for the best part: serving them warm alongside the hot au jus for dipping. This final pairing creates that iconic French dip experience—juicy, melty, and bursting with flavor in every dunk.
How to Serve Classic French Dip Sliders with Au Jus Recipe
Garnishes
While the sliders shine on their own, simple garnishes can elevate the presentation and flavor. Thinly sliced pickles or a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a fresh crunch or vibrant color without overpowering the rich sandwich.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy French fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad. The crispness and acidity in these sides balance the savory richness of the slider and au jus perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Classic French Dip Sliders with Au Jus Recipe on a platter with small ramekins of au jus for each guest. You can also slice the sliders in half to make them easier to share at parties or line them up on a wooden board for an irresistible appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the sliders tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the au jus separate in a sealed container to maintain its fresh flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sliders without baking, then wrap them securely with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, melting cheese and warming through.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sliders in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and cheese is melty. Warm the au jus on the stovetop, ensuring it’s hot for dipping. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for these sliders?
Absolutely! While provolone is the classic choice for its meltability and mild flavor, Swiss, mozzarella, or even fontina can work wonderfully. Choose cheeses that melt well and complement the roast beef.
Is it possible to make the au jus ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the au jus a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just reheat gently on the stovetop. This can actually deepen the flavors when allowed to rest overnight.
Can I use a different type of bread instead of slider rolls?
For sure! Small brioche buns, soft kaiser rolls, or even mini hoagie rolls make excellent alternatives. Just choose something sturdy enough to hold the beef and au jus without falling apart.
How do I make these sliders more budget-friendly?
Using leftover roast beef or deli-style roast beef from your grocery store can be a great way to save money. Also, making your own beef broth or using a good-quality store-bought version helps keep costs down without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! You’ll want to swap the slider rolls for gluten-free rolls or buns, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and delicious as ever.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong with the Classic French Dip Sliders with Au Jus Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings friends and family together over bites of juicy, cheesy, savory comfort food. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a party favorite, I wholeheartedly urge you to give this recipe a try—it’s incredibly rewarding and sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Classic French Dip Sliders with Au Jus Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Description
Classic French Dip Sliders with Au Jus are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal. Thinly sliced roast beef layered with melted provolone cheese on soft slider rolls, served warm with a flavorful au jus dipping sauce made from beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 1 lb roast beef, thinly sliced
- 8 slider rolls
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
Au Jus Ingredients
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Butter, melted, for brushing tops of rolls
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Au Jus: In a saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat until warm to develop the dipping sauce flavors.
- Assemble Sliders Base: Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally and lay the bottom halves in a baking dish to form the base for the sliders.
- Add Roast Beef: Layer the thinly sliced roast beef evenly over the bottom halves of the slider rolls.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese generously on top of the roast beef layers.
- Top Sliders: Place the top halves of the slider rolls onto each sandwich, enclosing the fillings.
- Brush Rolls (Optional): For extra flavor and golden color, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter before baking.
- Bake Sliders: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls turn golden brown.
- Serve with Au Jus: Remove the sliders from the oven and serve warm. Pour the au jus into small dipping bowls for dipping the sliders.
Notes
- Using thinly sliced roast beef ensures the sliders are tender and easy to bite.
- Provolone cheese melts well and adds a nice creamy texture and mild flavor to the sliders.
- If you prefer a richer au jus, simmer the broth mixture longer to concentrate flavors.
- Brush the rolls with butter just before baking for a crispier, golden top.
- These sliders can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
