French Dip Sliders
French Dip Sliders are little sandwiches packed with tender, juicy beef and melted cheese, all nestled inside soft slider buns. What makes them extra special is the rich, flavorful au…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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French Dip Sliders are little sandwiches packed with tender, juicy beef and melted cheese, all nestled inside soft slider buns. What makes them extra special is the rich, flavorful au jus dipping sauce on the side — perfect for dunking every bite. These sliders bring all the classic flavors of a French dip sandwich in a fun, bite-sized form.
I love making these sliders when I want something cozy but easy to share with friends or family. They’re great for casual get-togethers or game days because everyone can grab their own and dip away. Plus, the combination of warm beef, gooey cheese, and dipping sauce always feels like a treat. I usually make extra au jus because you can never have too much for dunking!
One of my favorite things about French Dip Sliders is how simple they are to customize. You can add caramelized onions, a little horseradish sauce, or even swap the cheese to switch things up. I like to serve them with crispy fries or a fresh salad to balance all the richness. These sliders never fail to bring smiles around the table, and they’re just plain fun to eat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use brisket or a shoulder roast as an alternative—they also shred well.
Beef broth: This adds rich flavor to the au jus. If you don’t have broth on hand, beef bouillon cubes or stock work well too. Just watch the salt levels.
Provolone cheese: Provolone melts nicely and has a mild flavor that pairs well with beef. You can swap it for Swiss, mozzarella, or even fontina for a similar melt and taste.
Slider buns: Soft dinner rolls hold the juicy beef nicely without falling apart. If unavailable, small sandwich rolls or even mini brioche buns are great substitutes.
How Can I Perfectly Shred Beef for Tender French Dip Sliders?
Slow cooking the beef until it’s tender is key. Follow these simple steps for easy shredding:
- Cook the roast low and slow (around 300°F) for several hours until a fork slides in easily.
- Remove the beef from the cooking liquid and let it rest briefly to hold moisture.
- Use two forks to pull the meat apart into thin, bite-sized shreds.
- If you want, drizzle a little reserved au jus over the meat to keep it juicy before assembling your sliders.
This technique makes your beef soft and flavorful, perfect for piling into slider buns.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot – perfect for slow-cooking and searing the beef all in one pan.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice onions and buns neatly without squishing the sliders.
- Two forks – essential for shredding the tender roast evenly.
- Baking sheet – for broiling the sliders so the cheese melts and buns toast just right.
- Small bowls – handy for serving the au jus dipping sauce individually.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap provolone with Swiss or mozzarella for a slightly different cheese taste that still melts beautifully.
- Add caramelized onions on top of the beef for a sweet, rich flavor boost.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms with the shredded beef to add earthiness and extra texture.
- Spread a thin layer of horseradish sauce on the buns for a mild spicy kick that pairs well with beef.
French Dip Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 6 slices provolone cheese, halved
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time is about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Most of that is slow cooking the beef roast until tender (around 3 hours). Prep and assembly take about 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef Roast:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, about 4 minutes per side. Take the roast out and set it aside.
2. Cook Aromatics and Add Roast:
In the same pot, cook minced garlic and sliced onions for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper, stirring to mix well. Put the roast back on top of the onions, and pour in beef broth plus Worcestershire sauce.
3. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the oven. Let it cook for about 3 hours, until the beef is very tender and easy to shred with a fork.
4. Shred the Meat and Prepare Au Jus:
Take the beef out and shred it with two forks. Strain the cooking liquid to use as your delicious au jus for dipping.
5. Assemble and Broil the Sliders:
Turn your oven to broil. Slice the slider buns in half, pile the shredded beef on the bottom halves, and top with the halved provolone cheese. Place sliders on a baking sheet and broil for about 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and buns toast. Watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Put the top bun on each slider, and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you like. Serve warm with small bowls of the warm au jus for dipping. Dig in and enjoy every cheesy, juicy bite!
Can I Use a Slow Cooker Instead of the Oven?
Yes! You can cook the beef chuck roast in a slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until tender. Just sear the meat first, then add the aromatics, broth, and seasonings before slow cooking.
Can I Make French Dip Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the beef and au jus ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef gently in the au jus before assembling and broiling the sliders to serve fresh and melty.
What Can I Use Instead of Provolone Cheese?
Swiss, mozzarella, or fontina are great alternatives that melt well and pair nicely with the beef. Feel free to try different cheeses based on your taste preferences.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover shredded beef and au jus in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving with freshly toasted buns and cheese.