French Dip Sliders Recipe

Sunday afternoons at our house mean two things—family gathered ’round the TV and the smell of something irresistible coming from the kitchen. A few football seasons ago, I whipped up a tray of sliders on a whim. Just some roast beef, melty cheese, and sweet rolls. But when the crowd kept asking for seconds—and thirds—I knew I had struck game-day gold.

These football sunday food sliders have become a standing tradition. Their buttery tops, gooey cheese layers, and savory au jus dipping sauce are a total win, no matter the score. Whether you’re hosting a full-blown party or keeping it cozy with close friends, this recipe brings the delicious hustle you need for your halftime spread.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sliders hit the sweet spot between hearty and easy. They deliver maximum flavor without hours in the kitchen—just what you need on busy game days.

The combination of melty provolone, seasoned roast beef, and buttery tops makes every bite rich and satisfying. They’re great for feeding a crowd and come together with minimal prep.

Perfect as a main dish or a snackable appetizer, they hold up well even after sitting out during a long football sunday food lineup.

Ready in about an hour, they leave you with time to cheer, not just cook.

This dish also scales beautifully—double it for tailgating or halve it for a casual Sunday at home.

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Ingredient Overview

These football sunday food sliders deliver big taste with pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what brings that cozy, craveable flavor:

• Unsalted Butter: One for caramelizing onions and another melted for that golden baked top.

• Sweet Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet buns that hold everything together.

• Onions: Thinly sliced and caramelized until sweet and tender.

• Fresh Thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic depth to the onions.

• Kosher Salt & Pepper: A simple seasoning duo that boosts everything else.

• Provolone Cheese: Creamy and mild, it melts like a dream.

• Sliced Deli Roast Beef: Quick, flavorful, and just right for layering.

• Dried Onion Soup Mix: Infuses the topping with savory flair.

• Au Jus Gravy Mix: Mixed with water for the perfect dipping side.

• Chopped Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color.

Food styling tip: Brushing the tops with butter and baking uncovered for the last 5 minutes gives that beautiful golden finish.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and stir to coat. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft, golden, and full of sweet flavor. This step adds richness to your football sunday food lineup and is worth every minute.

Step 2: Season and Set Aside

Sprinkle in the fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine, then take the skillet off the heat and set it aside. This aromatic mix sets the stage for those game-winning bites.

Step 3: Prepare the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Carefully slice the rolls in half, keeping them attached as a sheet. Lay the bottom halves into a 11×7 baking dish, cut side up. These soft rolls are the ideal base for your football sunday food star.

Step 4: Start Layering

Place half the cheese over the rolls. Follow with all the roast beef, then the caramelized onions, spreading them evenly. Add the rest of the cheese, then finish with the top half of the rolls. Every layer adds bold, balanced flavor.

Step 5: Make the Butter Topping

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with dried onion soup mix. Brush this savory mixture over the tops of the rolls until every slider is glistening. Tip: Brushing instead of pouring helps the flavor cling to the buns without sogginess!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with foil (don’t let it touch the rolls). Bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake 5 more minutes until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.

Step 7: Make the Au Jus

While the sliders bake, whisk the au jus packet into 3 cups of water in a saucepan. Simmer according to package instructions. The warm, savory dip transforms this dish into top-tier football sunday food.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove sliders from the oven. Sprinkle with optional chopped parsley for a pop of color. Slice, dip, and devour!

Pro Tips

If you want the best football sunday food on your table, timing is everything. Caramelize those onions slowly—don’t rush them. Let them turn a deep golden brown for max flavor payoff.

When layering your sliders, make sure the cheese touches both sides of the bread. That helps “glue” everything together and keeps those juicy layers from sliding apart.

Instead of pouring the butter mixture, use a pastry brush. This ensures each slider top gets evenly coated and bakes to a glossy, golden finish. It’s a small touch that elevates your game day presentation.

Make your sliders ahead of time, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Just bake before kickoff. The buttery rolls stay moist and flavorful, making prep easier without sacrificing quality.

Don’t forget the au jus! It’s not just a dip—it’s the savory exclamation point at the end of each bite. Keep it hot in a small thermos if you’re tailgating. You’ll thank me later.

These sliders pair beautifully with some of the ideas shared in our football food appetizers post — think wings, dips, and more.

Variations

If you’re craving a twist on classic football sunday food, try swapping out the provolone for mozzarella or a smoked Gouda blend. You’ll get a melty surprise in every bite.

Want to go low-carb? Layer all the fillings into halved bell peppers and bake until bubbly. You still get the flavors without the bread.

Make it spicy by adding sliced pepperoncini between the beef and onions. Or drizzle a little horseradish mayo before adding the cheese for a bold kick.

If you’re hosting vegetarians, you can sub roasted portobello mushrooms for the beef. Season them well, layer with cheese, and follow the same baking steps.

We’ve got even more snack-worthy ideas over in our game day appetizers roundup. Perfect if you’re building a spread to remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

These French Dip Sliders are the kind of football sunday food that gets everyone hovering near the kitchen. I love pairing them with crispy potato wedges, classic coleslaw, or a big platter of pickles for some crunch and contrast. If you’re serving a crowd, throw in a side of queso and chips or bacon-wrapped jalapeños to keep the game-day excitement going. For drinks, a cold beer or homemade sweet tea rounds things out just right. You’ll find more tasty combos in our roundup of game day snacks football — it’s full of crowd-pleasers that pair beautifully with sliders like these.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about food that brings folks together—especially when it’s hot from the oven and made with love. These sliders are more than just football sunday food. They’re little bites of comfort, perfect for sharing with neighbors, family, or your fantasy league crew. Whether you’re hosting a big bash or keeping things cozy, this recipe turns any Sunday into a flavorful celebration. And if you’re planning dinner ideas for later in the week, our dinner collection has even more easy and satisfying options to explore.

Try these French Dip Sliders for your next game day and see why they’ve become a fan favorite. I’d love to hear how they turn out—leave a comment, share your twist on the recipe, or tag us in your creations on your favorite platform. We’re always cheering you on in the kitchen.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking, friend!

And hey, while you’re at it, join the fun over on Pinterest, Instagram, or our football-loving crew on TikTok — we’d love to see your slider style!