French Dip Sliders are a delightful and savory mini-sandwich that packs a punch of flavor and comfort in every bite. They encapsulate the essence of a classic French dip sandwich but in a size that's perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a family meal. The combination of tender roast beef, melted Swiss and provolone cheeses, sweet caramelized onions, and a rich, savory au jus for dipping creates a symphony of flavors that are hard to resist.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, divided
- 2 small onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef (approximately 12-15 slices)
- ½ cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 9 slices provolone cheese
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (optional)
Preparation
Step 1:
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the onions, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and caramelized. This process should take about 10-15 minutes.
Step 2:
Transfer most of the caramelized onions to a bowl, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Add the remaining butter to the skillet along with the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
Step 3:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4:
Layer the bottom halves of the rolls with the set-aside caramelized onions, shredded Swiss cheese, slices of roast beef, and provolone cheese. Place the top halves of the rolls on top.
Step 5:
In a small saucepan or in the microwave, melt the remaining butter with the Worcestershire sauce (if using). Brush this mixture over the tops of the sliders. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sandwiches are heated through.
Cooking Note:
To achieve the best flavor, make sure the onions are well caramelized before adding them to the sliders, as they add a deep, sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory beef and cheeses.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the sliders hot with the reduced beef broth mixture on the side as au jus for dipping. This provides the classic French dip experience in a bite-sized form.
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary into the onions while caramelizing.
- If preferred, substitute the Hawaiian rolls with any small, soft rolls of your choice for a different texture or taste.
- To make the sliders ahead of time, prepare everything up to the baking step, then refrigerate until ready to bake and serve.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 35 minutes
Total Time:
- 50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Each slider may vary in nutritional content, but here’s an approximate per serving:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
French Dip Sliders are a fantastic and crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the savory flavors of roast beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, all enhanced by the rich au jus. They’re perfect for any gathering where you want to impress with both flavor and presentation. The sliders offer a comforting and hearty meal that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to eat.
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