If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, savory snack or meal that radiates comfort and flavor, look no further than the Easy French Dip Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Recipe. These little sandwiches are bursting with juicy pastrami or roast beef, sweet and buttery caramelized onions, and melty provolone cheese, all tucked inside soft Hawaiian rolls. The magic comes alive when you dunk each slider into warm, savory au jus that takes every bite to another level. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or craving a satisfying dinner, this recipe brings ease and deliciousness to your table in a way that feels both special and effortlessly achievable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every fantastic dish starts with good ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. The components are simple but carefully chosen to create that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and aroma that’ll keep you coming back for more.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness, perfect for sautéing the onions to golden perfection.
- Unsalted butter: Enhances browning and lends that buttery goodness throughout the dish.
- Yellow onions: The star for caramelization, contributing sweetness and depth.
- Sugar: Just a pinch to coax the onions into caramelized bliss.
- Au jus mix: The secret to that savory dip that makes these sliders unforgettable.
- Water: To prepare the au jus sauce.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: Soft, slightly sweet buns that cradle all the flavors so perfectly.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness on the bun base.
- Deli pastrami or roast beef: The hearty, tender meat filling that defines this sandwich.
- Mild provolone cheese: Melts beautifully to unite the flavors with creamy texture.
- Sesame seeds: A nutty, crunchy topping that adds visual appeal and extra flavor.
How to Make Easy French Dip Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350ËšF. While it warms up, grease a rimmed baking sheet generously with butter. This will prevent sticking and add a subtle buttery crust to the bottoms of your sliders, which makes all the difference in texture.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Sprinkle the onions with sugar to encourage caramelization, then continue cooking uncovered for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once ready, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Au Jus Sauce
Using the same skillet, pour in about 2 1/2 cups of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those beautiful browned bits from the onions. Stir in the au jus seasoning mix and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer according to your au jus package instructions. Feel free to adjust the water to taste if the sauce comes out too salty—this au jus will be the incredible dip for your sliders.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Slice your Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. On the bottom halves, spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise to keep things moist and add richness. Then fold your deli pastrami or roast beef slices and layer them over the mayo. Add a generous amount of those luscious caramelized onions on top of the beef, and cover it all with slices of mild provolone cheese. This combination is exactly what makes the Easy French Dip Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Recipe so comforting and flavorful.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Place the top halves of the buns over the stacked ingredients. Brush each slider top with the melted butter, then sprinkle sesame seeds over them to add a nice crunch and a touch of elegance. Bake your sliders in the oven uncovered for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is perfectly melted and the tops become a dreamy golden brown.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
After baking, carefully slice through the buns with a serrated knife to separate your sliders. Serve immediately with warm au jus on the side for dipping. Watching those juicy bites soaked in flavorful broth is truly a delicious experience you’ll want to repeat.
How to Serve Easy French Dip Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, consider adding fresh parsley or thyme sprigs as a garnish on your serving platter. A side of pickled jalapeños or crispy fried onions also works wonders to contrast the richness with tangy or crunchy notes.
Side Dishes
These sliders shine when paired with light, crispy sides like classic French fries, a crisp garden salad, or even a tangy coleslaw. For something a bit heartier, roasted root vegetables or a warm potato salad complement the sliders beautifully and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Easy French Dip Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Recipe the star of your table by arranging them on a large wooden board or slate platter. Surround the sliders with small ramekins of au jus, mustard, or horseradish sauce for dipping. You can also stack sliders with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go fun during casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sliders tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or snacks. Just make sure to keep the au jus separate to maintain the bun’s texture.
Freezing
If you’re making these sliders ahead for a party, you can freeze them assembled but unbaked. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to reheat through completely.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sliders in a 350ËšF oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Serve with fresh warmed au jus for that irresistible dunking pleasure. Avoid microwaving to keep the buns delightfully soft rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mild provolone is classic for this recipe, you can swap it with mozzarella, Swiss, or even a mild cheddar. Just choose cheeses that melt well and complement the beef’s flavor.
Is there a substitute if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, any soft slider buns or dinner rolls will work nicely. Brioche buns are another fantastic choice with a slightly richer, buttery texture to mimic the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls.
How do I make the caramelized onions if I’m short on time?
While slow caramelization is best, you can speed up the process by cooking onions on medium heat with a pinch of sugar, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This method takes about 10 minutes and still gives a good depth of flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large group?
Definitely! This recipe scales beautifully, so just multiply the ingredient quantities accordingly. The good news is the assembly line approach works well, making party prep efficient and fun.
How do I store leftovers au jus?
Store au jus separately in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving to preserve its rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making Easy French Dip Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Recipe is a joy from start to finish, especially when you see how effortlessly these sliders win over friends and family. Their balanced layers of flavor and texture are comforting yet special, giving you a simple way to impress without stress. Next time you want an irresistible meal that feels homemade but looks like you went all out, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Easy French Dip Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Provolone Recipe
- Prep Time: 18 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy French Dip Sliders feature tender deli pastrami or roast beef layered with caramelized onions and melted provolone on sweet Hawaiian rolls, baked to golden perfection. Served with a flavorful homemade au jus dipping sauce, these sliders are perfect for game days, parties, or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Sauce and Onions
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large or 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1 oz au jus mix (prepared according to package instructions)
- 3 cups water (to make the sauce, or to taste)
Sliders
- 16 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 lb deli pastrami or roast beef, thinly sliced
- 9 slices mild provolone cheese (not aged)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing baking sheet)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350ËšF (175ËšC). Lightly butter a rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon sugar and continue to cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, stirring often until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. Transfer them to a plate to set aside.
- Make Au Jus Sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 1/2 cups water and scrape the pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in the prepared au jus mix, adding more water as needed to taste if the sauce is too salty. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer following package instructions to develop flavors.
- Assemble Sliders: Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on the buttered baking sheet. Spread 1/4 cup mayonnaise evenly over the bottoms. Layer the thinly sliced pastrami or roast beef on top, followed by the caramelized onions. Then cover the beef and onions with slices of provolone cheese.
- Prepare and Bake: Place the top halves of the buns on the assembled sliders. Brush the tops with 2 tablespoons melted butter and immediately sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Serve: Using a serrated knife, cut through the buns to separate into individual sliders. Serve warm with the au jus dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust the au jus water quantity to control saltiness and richness.
- Use sweet Hawaiian rolls for a soft, slightly sweet contrast to savory beef.
- Caramelizing onions adds a depth of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Brush tops with melted butter and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately for best results; sliders are delicious warm and fresh.
