Ah, French Dip Sliders—those delightful little sandwiches that somehow manage to be both sophisticated and utterly comforting at the same time. Picture this:
tender roast beef, gooey cheese, all snug inside a toasted roll, waiting to be dunked into a rich, savory au jus. I remember the first time I made these for a casual get-together; my friends couldn’t stop raving and, honestly, neither could I.
It was like discovering a hidden gem in your own kitchen, the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you hadn’t tried it sooner—and it’s so ridiculously easy, you could practically make it in your sleep.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a rimmed baking sheet with butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Sprinkle with sugar and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add water and scrape the bottom to deglaze. Add the au jus seasoning according to your taste, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer as per the package instructions.
- Slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet and spread them with mayonnaise for moisture.
- Evenly layer the pastrami or roast beef over the mayonnaise-covered buns. Distribute the caramelized onions over the meat, then top with slices of provolone cheese.
- Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese. Brush the tops generously with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture.
- Bake the sliders uncovered in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Once baked, use a serrated knife to cut through the buns, creating individual sliders. Serve immediately with the warm au jus for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more to grease the baking sheet)
- 1 large or 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ounce au jus seasoning mix
- 3 cups water, or to taste, for the sauce
- 16 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 pound deli pastrami or roast beef, thinly sliced
- 9 slices mild provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3456 kcal | Carbs: 256g | Protein: 192g | Fat: 192g | Saturated Fat: 80g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 32g | Monounsaturated Fat: 48g | Trans Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 624mg | Sodium: 8128mg | Potassium: 1488mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 64g | Vitamin A: 2944IU | Vitamin C: 160mg | Calcium: 1472mg | Iron: 16mg
FAQ
- What are French Dip Sliders?
- French Dip Sliders are small, warm sandwiches made on soft sweet rolls. They are filled with tender deli-sliced pastrami or roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and caramelized onions, and served with an au jus dipping sauce.
- Can I make the French Dip Sliders in advance?
- Yes, French Dip Sliders can be prepared in advance. They are easy to reheat, making them a convenient option for leftovers or for preparing ahead of a party or gathering.
- What other types of cheese can be used instead of provolone?
- If you prefer a different cheese, mozzarella is a great substitute as it melts well. It’s best to avoid aged provolone as it may introduce an unexpected flavor to the sliders.
- How can I make the au jus sauce less salty?
- To make the au jus sauce less salty, you can adjust the amount of seasoning or add more water to dilute the saltiness. Alternatively, you can create your own au jus by reducing beef broth in the same pan used for caramelizing the onions.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with French Dip Sliders?
- French Dip Sliders pair well with a variety of side dishes such as potato wedges, sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, Caesar salad, or air fryer French fries. These sides complement the sliders whether served as a main course or an appetizer.
Tips
- Caramelize Onions Efficiently: Sprinkle a small amount of sugar over the onions while sautéing to help them caramelize faster and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
- Adjust Au Jus Seasoning to Taste: When preparing the au jus sauce, add the seasoning gradually and taste as you go. This helps avoid making the sauce too salty, especially since store-bought mixes can be quite potent.
- Use Everything Bagel Seasoning: If you don’t have sesame seeds, substitute with Everything Bagel seasoning for a flavorful topping on your slider buns.
- Experiment with Cheese Variations: While mild provolone is suggested, you can try using sliced mozzarella for a beautifully melted cheese effect, or adjust to your preference and pair with a cheese that fits your taste.
Equipment
- Large Skillet: Used for sautéing the onions and making the au jus sauce.
- Serrated Knife: For slicing the buns easily without squishing them.
- Rimmed Baking Sheet: Necessary for baking the sliders in the oven.
- Silicone Brush: Useful for brushing melted butter on top of the buns.
