French Dip Sliders

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French Dip Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic French Dip sandwich, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner. This recipe brings together tender roast beef, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled between soft slider buns and served with a flavorful au jus dipping sauce. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish that will leave your taste buds singing!

Ingredients:

  • 1 package (12-count) slider buns (Martin’s brand Potato Rolls, 15 ounces)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cups thinly sliced yellow onion (from 1 large onion)
  • 3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, divided
  • 2 teaspoons grated garlic, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced deli roast beef, cut into 1-inch wide strips
  • 1/2 pound Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
  • 1 can French onion soup (Campbell’s brand, 10.5 ounces)
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 packet Au Jus mix (1 ounce)

Directions:

Sliders:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the bottom half of the slider buns in a single layer in a 9×13 glass baking dish. Set aside the tops on a separate plate.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions, 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon of grated garlic, granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
  3. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until caramelized and golden brown. Adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning.
  4. Add the strips of thinly sliced roast beef to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Toss gently until evenly distributed. Remove from heat.
  5. Spread an even layer of the roast beef and onion mixture over the bottom layer of slider buns in the baking dish.
  6. Arrange the sliced Swiss cheese over the roast beef layer.
  7. Place the tops of the slider buns over the cheese layer.
  8. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon of grated garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
  9. Brush the tops of the slider buns with the melted butter mixture using a pastry brush.
  10. Bake the sliders for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Au Jus Dipping Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet used to caramelize the onions, combine the French onion soup, water, and Au Jus mix.
  2. Whisk to combine, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or individual serving bowls.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Presentation is Key: Arrange the French Dip Sliders on a platter, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs or parsley for a pop of color.
  2. Dipping Station: Set up a dipping station with individual bowls of au jus sauce for each guest to enjoy alongside their sliders.
  3. Accompaniments: Serve alongside your favorite sides such as crispy potato chips, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
  4. Customization: Offer additional toppings like horseradish sauce, spicy mustard, or pickles for guests to personalize their sliders according to their taste preferences.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  2. Reheating: To reheat, place the sliders on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
  3. Au Jus Sauce: Store any leftover au jus sauce in a separate container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving again.
  4. Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy these sliders fresh, you can freeze assembled sliders (without the au jus sauce) in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

With these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your French Dip Sliders remain delicious and enjoyable, whether you’re serving them fresh or savoring leftovers later on.

Variations:

  1. Cheesy Twist: Experiment with different types of cheese such as sharp cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
  2. Vegetarian Option: Replace the roast beef with thinly sliced mushrooms or roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
  3. Spice it Up: Add a kick of heat by incorporating sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha mayo onto the sliders before baking.
  4. Italian Inspired: Infuse Italian flavors by swapping the Swiss cheese with mozzarella and adding a layer of marinara sauce and sliced pepperoni or Italian sausage to the sliders.
  5. BBQ Twist: Transform the sliders into BBQ Beef Sliders by tossing the roast beef with your favorite barbecue sauce before layering it onto the buns. Top with caramelized onions and a sprinkle of shredded cheese before baking.
  6. French Onion Dip Inspired: Elevate the sliders with a French onion dip-inspired filling by mixing caramelized onions with creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce.
  7. Breakfast Sliders: Repurpose leftovers by turning them into Breakfast Sliders. Replace the roast beef with cooked breakfast sausage or crispy bacon, add scrambled eggs, and a slice of your favorite cheese for a delicious morning treat.
  8. Mini Patty Melt Sliders: Put a twist on the classic patty melt by substituting the roast beef with mini hamburger patties. Top each patty with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese before sandwiching them between the slider buns.

With these creative variations, you can customize your French Dip Sliders to suit your taste preferences and experiment with different flavor combinations for a delightful culinary experience every time.

FAQs:

  1. Can I prepare the sliders in advance? Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
  2. Can I use homemade au jus sauce instead of the packet mix? Absolutely! You can make your own au jus using beef broth, onions, garlic, and seasonings. Simply simmer the ingredients together until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. What’s the best way to caramelize onions? To caramelize onions, cook them low and slow over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and sweet. This process usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
  4. Can I use a different type of bread for the sliders? Yes, feel free to use your favorite slider buns or dinner rolls for this recipe. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up to the fillings and baking process.
  5. How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy? To prevent the sliders from getting soggy, you can lightly toast the inside of the bottom buns before assembling them with the fillings. This creates a barrier that helps keep the bread from absorbing too much moisture.
  6. Can I make these sliders gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free slider buns and ensure that all other ingredients, including the deli roast beef and Swiss cheese, are certified gluten-free.
  7. What can I serve as a side dish with these sliders? These sliders pair well with a variety of sides such as French fries, potato salad, green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables.
  8. Can I freeze the assembled sliders for later? Yes, you can freeze the assembled sliders (without the au jus sauce) in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  9. How do I reheat the sliders? To reheat the sliders, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  10. Can I make these sliders in a slow cooker? Yes, you can assemble the sliders in a slow cooker instead of baking them in the oven. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through. Serve with warm au jus sauce on the side.

Now, you’re ready to enjoy these delectable French Dip Sliders with their irresistible combination of flavors. Whether you’re serving them up for a party or simply indulging in a cozy meal at home, these sliders are sure to be a hit. Bon appétit!