French Dip Hawaiian Sliders

French dip sliders have become my go to party food anytime I am hosting game day or a family movie night. Their melty cheese and savory roast beef sandwiched inside soft Hawaiian rolls and dunked in rich au jus always get rave reviews. These are guaranteed to disappear quickly so I always make a double batch

I first put these out for a backyard BBQ when the weather turned cooler. Everyone kept coming back for seconds and I now get requests to bring them to every potluck

Ingredients

• Hawaiian rolls: These sweet soft rolls create the perfect mini sandwich Choose a pack with fluffy texture for best results
• Yellow onion: Caramelized slowly for deep flavor Look for onions that are firm with tight papery skin
• Salted butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions Opt for a European style for extra creaminess
• Olive oil: Prevents onions from sticking Use a mild tasting olive oil to keep it from overpowering the sweet onions
• Roast beef deli sliced: Choose freshly sliced roast beef without a lot of fat Ask for thin slices so they layer easily on the rolls
• Cheese: Swiss Provolone or White Cheddar all melt beautifully Provolone gives a lovely stretch and creaminess
• Packaged au jus: A restaurant style dipping sauce for the sliders Pick a brand with a savory beef flavor and not too much salt
• Fresh thyme: Optional for herb brightness Fresh sprigs add aroma so pick vibrant green leaves
• Flour: Optional for thickening the au jus All purpose flour will work best if you want a richer sauce

Step By Step Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:

Slice the onion thinly and add to a pan with the melted butter olive oil and a pinch of salt Set the heat to medium low and cook for 45 minutes stirring frequently to coax out deep golden color and bring out the onions natural sweetness

Prepare the Rolls:

Keep the sheet of Hawaiian rolls intact and slice horizontally through the entire pack to make even tops and bottoms This lets you layer everything and makes assembly easy

Assemble Cheese and Beef:

Cut your cheese into quarters Place two quarters onto each roll bottom Fold each slice of roast beef and layer on two pieces per sandwich covering the cheese fully

Add the Onions and Au Jus:

Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the roast beef Add a scant amount of au jus gravy just a half teaspoon per slider This brings out the signature French dip flavor

Finish with Cheese and Buns:

Place two more quarters of cheese on top of the onions and cover with the roll tops Lightly brush gravy over each top bun and sprinkle with fresh thyme if you like

Bake Until Gooey:

Place your pan in a 350 degree oven on the middle rack for about 20 to 25 minutes Until the buns are golden and the cheese bubbles all through Resist the urge to cover with foil or it will stick to the buns

Serve with Au Jus:

Transfer sliders to a platter and offer the warm au jus on the side for dipping The sliders taste best hot and gooey

Save

Melty provolone is the ingredient I look forward to most Its creamy stretch is the secret to why everyone goes back for more I remember my niece giggling as she tried to pull apart a cheese string from her slider at our last Sunday lunch

Storage Tips

To store leftovers wrap sliders tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to three days For reheating keep them in the foil and warm in a 325 degree oven until heated through This helps keep the bread from drying out and the cheese gooey If you have extra au jus keep it in a separate container and reheat on the stove or microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap roast beef for thinly sliced turkey or even leftover steak in a pinch Mozzarella works if you do not have provolone and red onions can substitute for yellow When I run out of Hawaiian rolls any soft dinner roll or potato slider bun will do For a vegetarian twist try sliced roasted mushrooms as the main filling

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crisp pickles kettle chips or a bright green salad to balance the rich flavors I love these tucked into a lunchbox with a little cup of au jus for dipping They are also perfect for game day spreads alongside wings and nachos

Save

Cultural and Historical Note

French dip sandwiches originated in Los Angeles and have been a beloved deli classic for decades The combo of tender beef melty cheese and dunkable bread inspired these mini sliders which hit all the same comforting notes in party friendly form A steaming bowl of au jus brings a bit of restaurant nostalgia right to your kitchen

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of roast beef works best?

Deli-style roast beef with minimal fat yields tender, evenly layered sliders. Ask for thin slices at the deli counter for easy folding and stacking.

→ Can I use different cheese options?

Provolone provides a classic melt, but Swiss or white cheddar melt beautifully and add a subtle nutty flavor. Choose your favorite for variety.

→ What is the key to perfect caramelized onions?

Patience—cook sliced onions slowly over medium-low heat, stirring often for about 45 minutes until deeply golden and sweetly aromatic.

→ How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Use a light brush of au jus on the rolls to add flavor but avoid soaking. Add the rest of the sauce on the side for dipping just before eating.

→ Can these sliders be prepared ahead of time?

Assemble ahead, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the freshest, meltiest results. Bake a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.

→ Is fresh thyme necessary for the topping?

Fresh thyme adds aroma and color, but the sliders will be delicious without it if you prefer to skip or substitute with another herb.