Savory Delight: French Dip Sliders

Introduction

When it comes to easy and delicious party food, French Dip Sliders are at the top of my list. I recently made these for a casual get-together with friends, and they were a huge hit! The savory roast beef paired with gooey provolone cheese, all nestled in soft slider buns, makes for a satisfying bite. As a bonus, serving them with warm au jus for dipping adds an indulgent touch that everyone loved. My family couldn’t stop raving about them, and we’ve already added this recipe to our rotation for game days and family dinners. Here’s how you can recreate this tasty dish in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
• 1 lb deli roast beef, thinly sliced
• 12 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 1 cup water (for au jus)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Prepare the Au Jus

2. Mix the Au Jus: Prepare the au jus according to the packet instructions, typically by whisking the contents with 1 cup of water over medium heat until thickened. Keep it warm.

Assemble the Sliders

3. Slice the Buns: Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact as one large piece if possible.
4. Layer Ingredients: Place the bottom halves of the buns in the prepared baking dish. Layer the roast beef evenly across the buns, followed by the provolone cheese slices. Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese and beef.

Make the Butter Mixture

5. Whisk the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and chopped parsley.
6. Brush the Buns: Generously brush this butter mixture over the tops of the slider buns.

Bake the Sliders

7. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
8. Finish Baking: After 10 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.

Serve

9. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the sliders apart and serve them hot with the warm au jus on the side for dipping. Enjoy the savory goodness!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6 sliders
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 330 calories

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 15 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve hot with:
• Warm au jus for dipping
• A side of chips or fries
• Pickles or olives for a crunchy contrast

Additional Tips

1. Quality Meat: Use high-quality deli roast beef for the best flavor.
2. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss or cheddar for a unique twist.
3. Make-Ahead: You can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance, just cover them and refrigerate until ready to bake.
4. Extra Flavor: Add sliced onions or peppers for additional layers of flavor.
5. Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the garlic powder or mustard to suit your taste preferences.

Recipe Variations

• Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Substitute roast beef with shredded buffalo chicken for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Use grilled vegetables and a hearty cheese alternative for a meatless version.
• BBQ Sliders: Replace the au jus with BBQ sauce for a different dipping experience.
• Italian Style: Add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for an Italian twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with:
• A fresh garden salad
• Potato wedges or sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw for a crunchy side

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These sliders freeze well. Assemble and wrap tightly before baking, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen slider buns?

• Yes, just thaw them before assembling the sliders.

1. Can I make these sliders without au jus?

• Absolutely! You can serve them with BBQ sauce or ranch dressing instead.

1. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

• You can substitute with yellow mustard or omit it entirely.

1. How do I make the sliders crispy?

• Ensure to bake uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes for a crispy top.

1. Can I use leftover roast beef?

• Yes! Leftover roast beef works perfectly for this recipe.

1. What can I substitute for provolone cheese?

• Any melting cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, can be used.

1. How can I add more spice?

• Consider adding hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.

1. Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?

• Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group.

1. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

• You can replace it with soy sauce or omit it if you prefer.

1. Can I bake these sliders in advance?
   • Yes, you can assemble them and bake them later, or even reheat previously baked sliders.

Conclusion

French Dip Sliders are a fantastic choice for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating game day, or just looking for an easy family dinner. With their savory flavor and simple preparation, these sliders will surely impress your guests and leave them wanting more. The combination of warm roast beef, gooey cheese, and rich au jus creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite. Give this recipe a try, and you may find it becoming a regular feature at your gatherings!

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