French Dip Sliders with Caramelized Onions Recipe
These French Dip Sliders with Caramelized Onions are a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, featuring tender roast beef, melted Gruyere cheese, and sweet caramelized onions layered on soft Hawaiian rolls. Served with a savory thyme-infused au jus for dipping, these sliders make a perfect appetizer or party snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian rolls (12 rolls)
- ¼ cup garlic aioli
- 1 lb deli roast beef (sliced thin)
- 6 ounces Gruyere cheese (grated)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon poppyseeds
Caramelized Onions
- 10 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 large Vidalia onion (sliced thin)
- 1 ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme (divided)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
Au Jus
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until they start to soften, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally into tops and bottoms. Place the bottom halves in the baking dish. Spread the garlic aioli evenly over the bottom halves, then layer with several layers of roast beef. Top the beef with the caramelized onions, then sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese over everything. Cover with the top halves of the rolls.
- Prepare Butter Glaze and Bake: In a microwave-safe measuring cup, melt 8 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and salt until smooth. Pour this butter glaze evenly over the top of the rolls, using a brush to coat the sides as well. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops are golden. Let the sliders cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Make the Au Jus: While the sliders are baking, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 ½ teaspoons of fresh thyme. Simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavor. Pour the au jus into a serving bowl for dipping the sliders.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced deli roast beef for the best texture and flavor.
- Caramelizing onions slowly yields a rich, sweet flavor essential for the sliders.
- Gruyere cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty taste but Swiss or provolone can be substituted.
- You can prepare the caramelized onions and au jus ahead of time to save time on serving day.
- Serve the sliders warm with the au jus for dipping to mimic the classic French dip experience.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2 days and can be reheated in the oven.
