A quick look at what these sliders are
French Dip Sliders are small roast beef sandwiches with melted Swiss and caramelized onions, served with warm au jus for dipping. They cook fast, feed a crowd, and make a great game-day or family meal. If you want a bun twist, you can try biscuit-style sliders like in this baked French dip biscuits recipe for extra flakiness.
Why these sliders are worth making
These sliders are simple, comforting, and fast. You get rich beef flavor, gooey cheese, and a buttery top in one bite. They work for busy weeknights, parties, or a cozy weekend lunch.
Step-by-step: Make French Dip Sliders
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider buns in half and lay the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
- Layer the roast beef on top of the buns.
- Add caramelized onions and Swiss cheese on top of the beef.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the fillings.
- Melt butter and mix with salt and pepper, then brush it over the tops of the sliders. (For an extra-buttery finish, a quick read on butter techniques can help: butter tips.)
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.
- Serve hot with au jus for dipping.
What you need (Ingredients)
- Roast beef
- Slider buns
- Caramelized onions
- Swiss cheese
- Au jus (for dipping)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Butter
How to serve these sliders
Serve them hot with small bowls of warm au jus for dipping. Add toothpicks if you’re serving them as party appetizers. For a casual family meal, plate them with fries or a simple salad. For another serving idea with warm pastries, see this baking guide.
How to store leftover sliders
- Refrigerate: Place cooled sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave individual sliders for about 30–45 seconds, then crisp in a hot skillet if you want the top buttery again.
- Freeze: Wrap sliders tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a low oven until warmed through.
Quick tips for the best results
- Use thinly sliced roast beef so the meat heats quickly.
- Don’t overbake — 10–15 minutes melts the cheese without drying the beef.
- Brush the tops with butter right before baking for a golden, flavorful crust.
- Warm the au jus before serving so each dip is rich and comforting.
Small changes that make a big difference
- Meat swap: Try thinly sliced prime rib or roast pork for a twist.
- Cheese choices: Provolone or Gruyère work well instead of Swiss.
- Onion options: Use raw red onion for a sharp bite or caramelize extra onions for a sweeter flavor.
Nutritional snapshot (approximate per slider)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbs: 22 g
- Protein: 14 g
Values vary with portion sizes and specific ingredients.
Easy serving ideas for the family
- Serve with oven fries and carrot sticks for a kid-friendly dinner.
- Make a build-your-own slider platter: set out roast beef, cheeses, onions, and buns so everyone assembles their own.
- Pair with a big green salad for a lighter family meal.
What goes well with French Dip Sliders
- Drinks: Iced tea, lager, or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.
- Sides: French fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a crisp green salad.
- Sauces: Extra au jus, horseradish cream, or a mustard mayo on the side.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I use deli roast beef?
A: Yes. Deli roast beef works well and heats quickly. Use thin slices for best results.
Q: How do I make caramelized onions quickly?
A: Cook onions slowly in a little oil or butter over medium-low heat, stirring often. It takes 20–30 minutes for deep caramelization. A pinch of sugar speeds it up slightly.
Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes. Assemble them, cover, and refrigerate. Bake them about 20–25 minutes before serving if chilled, or follow the regular baking time if they’re at room temperature.
Q: Is au jus necessary?
A: It’s traditional and adds great flavor, but you can skip it or serve a light gravy or horseradish sauce instead.
Conclusion
If you want more ideas and variations, check out this Best French Dip Sliders (Quick & Tasty!) 2025 for extra tips and photos. For another home cook’s take with step-by-step notes, see French Dip Sliders – Cooking in the Midwest. If you’re looking for a hearty, homestyle version, try the Real French Dip Sliders – I Am Homesteader.

French Dip Sliders
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef Use deli roast beef for convenience.
- 8 pieces slider buns You can use regular or biscuit-style buns.
- 1 cup caramelized onions Prepared ahead or made from scratch.
- 8 slices Swiss cheese Provolone or Gruyère can be substituted.
- 1 cup au jus For dipping.
- 2 tablespoons salt To taste.
- 1 teaspoon pepper To taste.
- 4 tablespoons butter Melted for brushing on buns.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider buns in half and lay the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
- Layer the roast beef on top of the buns.
- Add caramelized onions and Swiss cheese on top of the beef.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the fillings.
- Melt butter and mix with salt and pepper, then brush it over the tops of the sliders.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.
- Serve hot with au jus for dipping.





