French Dip Hawaiian Sliders

These French Dip Sliders are just the thing for casual gatherings or when I want all the comfort of a classic French dip sandwich but in hand-held, party-friendly form. They feature savory roast beef, sweet caramelized onions, gooey provolone, and buttery-soft Hawaiian rolls with a dip-worthy au jus on the side. Every bite is juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

I first put these sliders together for a football watch party because I wanted something everyone would dive into and they did not last five minutes Once people try them they always ask for the recipe

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps caramelize the onions look for high-quality butter for best flavor
• Yellow onion: thinly sliced brings sweetness to balance savory roast beef choose onions that feel heavy and firm
• Fresh thyme: gives a fresh herbal pop for extra depth use the leaves from woody stems and avoid anything wilted
• Kosher salt plus black pepper: seasons the onions and helps the flavors bloom choose salt with even texture and fresh ground pepper
• Hawaiian rolls: are soft slightly sweet and hold up to slicing and filling look for brands with a pillow-soft texture
• Provolone cheese: melts beautifully and provides a creamy finish ask at the deli counter for freshly sliced cheese if possible
• Deli roast beef: sliced thin makes prep easy and soaks up flavors well choose roast beef that looks moist and fresh not dry
• Onion soup mix: gives the topping its signature savory edge read ingredient lists to avoid excess sodium if you like
• Au jus gravy mix: builds a quick rich dipping sauce go for trusted brands with deep brown color and avoid powders that look pale
• Fresh chopped parsley: brightens up the finished sliders only use the leafy parts and chop just before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:

Melt unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat Add thinly sliced onions and cook while stirring occasionally for about twelve to fifteen minutes The onions should become soft golden and develop a caramelized sweetness Remove from heat and stir in fresh thyme kosher salt and black pepper for a burst of flavor Reserve the mixture

Prepare the Rolls:

Do not pull the Hawaiian rolls apart Take a large serrated knife and slice the whole batch in half horizontally as if you are making a giant sandwich Lay the bottom layer cut side up in a greased eleven by seven inch baking dish

Layer the Fillings:

Place half the provolone cheese over the bottom rolls then evenly spread the roast beef slices on top Spoon the caramelized onion mixture over the beef for a sweet savory layer Add the remaining provolone and crown with the top half of the rolls

Make the Buttery Topping:

In a bowl mix melted unsalted butter with onion soup mix Stir well Brush this mixture generously over the top of the rolls making sure the tops are covered for both flavor and a glossy finish

Bake the Sliders:

Cover the rolls loosely with foil to prevent browning too quickly Bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for twenty five minutes Remove the foil and bake another five minutes to crisp up the roll tops and finish melting the cheese

Prepare the Au Jus:

While sliders bake mix au jus gravy mix with three cups of water according to the package instructions Bring it just to a simmer to dissolve and develop rich beefy flavor Pour into small bowls for dipping

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the sliders into individual portions Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color Serve warm with cups of au jus for dunking

Pin

I love the combination of caramelized onions with melty provolone It reminds me of holiday get-togethers where even the pickiest eaters come back for seconds My dad once asked me to make a double batch just so he could eat the leftovers the next day

Storage Tips

Store extra sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator They reheat beautifully in the oven at a low temperature for about ten minutes You can also reheat single sliders in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel Juice from the meat and onions will help keep them moist

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap provolone with Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a different melt Beef is traditional but you can use leftover roast pork or even sliced turkey for variety If you cannot find Hawaiian rolls use any super soft dinner rolls The dip can be made from beef broth and a splash of Worcestershire in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

Serve these as a hearty appetizer with crunchy pickles potato chips or a simple green salad They also make a great main dish for a cozy family dinner with roasted veggies on the side For parties cut the sliders smaller and set out lots of napkins since everyone will reach for seconds

Cultural Context

The French dip sandwich first appeared in early twentieth century Los Angeles and became a beloved diner classic Sliders transform this big messy sandwich into something you can serve at gatherings or tailgates with no utensils required I think it is the best of both worlds classic comfort with a modern approach

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of provolone?

Yes, Swiss or mozzarella melt beautifully and offer different flavor notes for your sliders.

→ How can I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

Layer cheese directly on the bottom rolls first to create a barrier before adding roast beef and onions.

→ Is homemade au jus necessary?

Store-bought au jus mix with water creates a quick dipping sauce, but homemade adds deeper flavor if you have time.

→ Can these sliders be prepared ahead?

Assemble and refrigerate before baking. Add the butter topping just before baking for best texture.

→ What sides pair well with these sliders?

Serve with a crisp green salad, potato chips, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

→ Can I use leftover cooked beef instead of deli slices?

Absolutely. Thinly sliced leftover roast or steak works well for filling these sliders.