Nothing hits the spot like a warm, savory French dip sandwich—especially when it’s served in a bite-sized form. Enter the French dip slider: a fun, easy-to-make version of the classic sandwich that packs all the flavor into a small, snackable package. Whether you’re planning a game day spread, a casual dinner, or a party, French dip sliders are sure to become a hit with your guests.
This article will guide you step-by-step through the process of making French dip sliders, from assembling the perfect ingredients to serving them in style. We’ll even show you how to customize the recipe to suit your tastes. Get ready to dive into a delightful mix of savory beef, melted cheese, and flavorful au jus—all tucked inside a perfectly toasted slider bun.
What Are French Dip Sliders?
The Origins of the French Dip Sandwich
Before we jump into the recipe, it’s worth taking a quick look at the origins of the French dip sandwich. This classic sandwich, typically made with roast beef, first made its appearance in the early 20th century. It’s widely believed to have been invented in Los Angeles, California, by either Philippe Mathieu or a French immigrant who owned a deli called Philippe the Original.
Though there’s some debate about the exact origins, the concept remains simple: tender roast beef served on a baguette, with a side of savory au jus for dipping. The French dip slider is simply a smaller, more convenient version of this iconic dish, making it perfect for gatherings and casual meals.
Why You’ll Love French Dip Sliders
There’s a lot to love about French dip sliders. Here are just a few reasons why you should try this recipe today:
- Easy to Serve: Because these sliders are smaller, they’re easy to serve at parties, game days, or family dinners. No need to slice a big sandwich into pieces—just pick up a slider and go!
- Perfect for Dipping: The rich, flavorful au jus takes these sliders to the next level. You can’t beat the experience of dipping your slider into that warm, savory broth.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your preferences. Switch up the cheese, add veggies, or experiment with different meats—French dip sliders are versatile and can be adapted to any taste.
Now that you know a bit about what French dip sliders are, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make them.
Ingredients for French Dip Sliders
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of French dip sliders lies in their simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Slider buns | 12 pieces |
| Roast beef (thinly sliced) | 1 lb |
| Swiss cheese | 6 slices |
| Beef broth (for dipping) | 2 cups |
| Butter (melted) | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Yellow mustard (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Optional Variations and Add-Ins
If you’re looking to switch things up or add your own twist to the recipe, here are a few optional variations and add-ins to consider:
- Cheese Options: While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar. Choose what you love best.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a fragrant depth of flavor to the sliders. Simply sprinkle some on top of the beef or mix it into the melted butter.
- Veggies: If you want to add a bit of extra flavor and texture, sauté some onions or mushrooms. They’ll complement the richness of the beef and cheese while enhancing the overall flavor of the sliders.
How to Make French Dip Sliders
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making French dip sliders is easier than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying these delicious sliders in no time.
- Prepare the Beef
Start by heating the beef broth in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Then, add the sliced roast beef to the broth and let it warm up for 5-7 minutes. This will ensure that the beef is tender and flavorful. - Assemble the Sliders
While the beef is heating up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish. Layer the bottom of the buns with a generous amount of the warm roast beef, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the beef. Place the top half of the buns over the cheese to complete the assembly. - Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, brush the butter mixture evenly over the top of the buns. This will give them a golden, flavorful finish once they’re baked. - Bake the Sliders
Place the assembled sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the buns are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure the buns don’t get too crispy, but they should have a nice toasted texture when they’re done. - Serve with Au Jus
While the sliders are baking, pour the reserved beef broth into small bowls for dipping. Once the sliders are out of the oven, serve them immediately with the au jus on the side.
Tips for Perfect French Dip Sliders
- Use high-quality beef: For the best flavor, choose high-quality roast beef. Thinly sliced beef will work best in this recipe.
- Don’t skip the au jus: The dipping sauce is key to the experience of eating French dip sliders. Make sure to serve it warm alongside your sliders.
- For extra crunch: If you want an even crunchier top, place the sliders under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
How to Serve French Dip Sliders
Perfect Pairings and Side Dishes
While the sliders themselves are filling and delicious, you can enhance your meal with some tasty side dishes. Here are a few ideas to serve alongside your French dip sliders:
- Salads: A fresh, crisp salad will balance out the richness of the sliders. Try a simple mixed green salad or a creamy coleslaw for added texture.
- Potatoes: Crispy fries, roasted potatoes, or even potato chips make a great accompaniment to these sliders.
- Drinks: Pair your sliders with iced tea, or sparkling water. The drink you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the vibe of the gathering.
How to Serve for Different Occasions
- Game Day: For a fun and casual spread, serve French dip sliders with a variety of dips and snacks. Chips, salsa, and guacamole make excellent sides for this dish.
- Family Dinner: If you’re serving these sliders as part of a larger meal, pair them with a hearty soup or a simple vegetable side dish. A fresh salad can also be a great addition.
- Parties: If you’re hosting a party, consider making a large batch of sliders to serve on a platter. Guests can grab a slider and dip it into the au jus as they mingle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What goes well with French Dip sliders?
French dip sliders are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options to serve alongside them:
- Crispy Fries: Classic French fries or waffle fries are a perfect pairing with the rich dipping sauce.
- Salads: A light, refreshing green salad or coleslaw balances the richness of the sliders.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts offer a savory complement to the sliders.
- Chips: Potato chips or tortilla chips can add a crunchy contrast to the soft sliders.
- Pickles: Tangy pickles help cut through the richness and add a burst of flavor.
Can I Use a Different Meat for French Dip Sliders?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different meats for French dip sliders! While traditional French dip uses roast beef, there are plenty of options to suit your tastes:
- Turkey: A leaner alternative to beef, turkey slices can provide a lighter but still flavorful sandwich.
- Chicken: Grilled or shredded chicken can make a great substitute for beef, especially for a lighter version.
- Lamb: For a more gourmet take, lamb slices can offer a rich, distinctive taste.
What is the difference between beef dip and French Dip?
The main difference between a “beef dip” and a “French dip” lies in the preparation and presentation:
- French Dip: Typically, French dip sandwiches are made with thinly sliced roast beef served on a baguette or soft roll, with a side of au jus (a beef broth-based dipping sauce). The beef is usually warm and tender, and the au jus is served for dipping.
- Beef Dip: A beef dip sandwich, while similar, may refer to a sandwich where the beef is dipped into the au jus before it is served. The beef may also be less tender, and the bread can vary (not always a baguette). Beef dip sandwiches may not have the same attention to the classic French dip sandwich’s balance of flavors and presentation.
Can I Make French Dip Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make French dip sliders ahead of time. You can assemble the sliders, cover them with foil, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve them, simply bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted. Serve them with the au jus on the side.
Conclusion
French dip sliders are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic sandwich. With tender roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and a savory dipping sauce, these sliders are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these sliders are the perfect choice. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations to make the recipe your own. Once you try these sliders, you’ll never want to go back to the regular-sized sandwich again.
Ready to make your own French dip sliders? Gather your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
Try These Extra Recipes
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe