French dip sliders are a fun, handheld version of the classic sandwich. They feature savory roast beef, melted cheese, and a zesty horseradish sauce on soft rolls, with a rich jus for dipping.
This recipe comes together quickly, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or an easy party appetizer. Most of the cooking time is hands-off while the sliders bake in the oven.
Why is French Dip Sliders a Must-Try?
Using pre-cooked roast beef with an included au jus packet saves a significant amount of time and effort.
A simple mix of mayonnaise and prepared horseradish creates a flavorful sauce in just a few seconds.
Baking the assembled sliders all at once ensures the cheese is evenly melted and the buns are warmed through.
Ingredients for French Dip Sliders
• Slider Buns: Sweet Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice for their softness, but any small, soft roll like brioche or potato buns will work well.
• Roast Beef: Look for a package of fully cooked, heat-and-serve roast beef that includes an au jus packet. You can also use thinly sliced roast beef from the deli counter.
• Provolone Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the beef. Swiss or white American cheese are also good options.
• Pepper and Onion Blend: A frozen mix is a convenient shortcut. If you prefer fresh, thinly slice one small onion and one bell pepper.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make French Dip Sliders
Step 1: Prepare Buns and Sauce
First, preheat your oven and get the slider buns ready. Split the buns and lay the bottoms in a baking dish. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and prepared horseradish to make the zesty sauce, then spread it on the buns.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
In a skillet, sauté the frozen peppers and onions in olive oil until they are tender. While they cook, prepare the packaged roast beef and shred it into chunks. Add the shredded beef to the skillet and stir everything together to heat through.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake Sliders
Layer the warm beef and pepper mixture onto the bottom buns. Top each with a slice of provolone cheese and place the top buns on. Bake the sliders for just a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve right away with warm au jus for dipping.
What to Serve with French Dip Sliders
These sliders are great with a side of crispy French fries, potato chips, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Expert Tips for French Dip Sliders
Food Safety: When reheating cooked beef, it should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you can’t find a beef package with au jus, use about 1 pound of deli roast beef and a packet of au jus mix prepared according to its directions.
For a richer finish, you can brush the tops of the slider buns with a little melted butter before baking.
The amount of horseradish can be adjusted to your preference for a milder or spicier sauce.
How to Store and Freeze French Dip Sliders
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven or an air fryer until warm to help the buns crisp up. Freezing is not recommended as the buns may become soggy upon thawing.
French Dip Sliders Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Certainly. Swiss cheese is a classic pairing with French dips. White American or mozzarella would also melt well and taste great.
Can I prepare these sliders in advance?
You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate them, but wait to bake them until you are ready to serve for the best texture.
What if I can’t find pre-cooked beef with au jus?
You can use about 1 pound of thinly sliced roast beef from the deli counter. For the dipping sauce, use a packet of au jus gravy mix and prepare it according to the package instructions.
French Dip Sliders
Ingredients
- 6 sweet Hawaiian slider buns or other soft rolls
- 1 package fully cooked beef roast with au jus 15-ounce / 425 g
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 10 ounces frozen bell pepper and onion blend 280 g
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 15 ml
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise 75 g
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish 15 g
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Split the slider buns and arrange the bottom halves in a small baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and prepared horseradish until well combined. Spread the sauce on the cut sides of both the top and bottom buns.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen pepper and onion blend and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, prepare the packaged roast beef according to its instructions, making sure to reserve the au jus. Shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the shredded beef to the skillet with the cooked peppers and onions. Stir to combine everything and heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the beef on each bun.
- Place the top buns onto the sliders. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the buns are warm.
- While the sliders are in the oven, warm the reserved au jus in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Serve the sliders immediately with the warm au jus on the side for dipping.
Notes
