Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sliders combine the comfort of a traditional French dip sandwich with the deep, wood-fired flavor of the smoker. The gentle smoke enhances the beef while the melted cheese adds creamy richness.
They’re simple to assemble and cook all at once, making them ideal for feeding a crowd. Plus, the warm au jus for dipping takes every bite to the next level with bold, savory goodness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
slider rolls
thinly sliced roast beef
provolone cheese slices
unsalted butter, melted
garlic powder
onion powder
fresh thyme leaves
beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
salt
black pepper
Directions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls. Place the bottom half in a disposable aluminum pan or smoker-safe dish.
- Layer the sliced roast beef evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
- Place provolone cheese slices evenly on top of the beef.
- Cover with the top half of the rolls.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh thyme. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
- Place the pan on the smoker and smoke for 30–40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly golden.
- While the sliders smoke, prepare the au jus by heating beef broth with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Remove the sliders from the smoker and let rest for a few minutes.
- Slice into individual sliders and serve warm with the au jus on the side for dipping.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 sliders
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–40 minutes
Total time: 45–55 minutes
Variations
Add caramelized onions for extra sweetness and depth.
Swap provolone for Swiss or mozzarella cheese.
Use horseradish sauce inside the sliders for a spicy kick.
For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the au jus while simmering.
Brush the tops with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
Store leftover au jus separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Freezing is possible, though the bread texture may soften slightly after thawing.
FAQs
Can I make these without a smoker?
Yes, bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.
What type of roast beef works best?
Thinly sliced deli-style roast beef or leftover roasted beef both work well.
How do I keep the sliders from becoming soggy?
Avoid adding too much liquid inside the sliders and serve the au jus on the side.
Can I assemble them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then smoke or bake just before serving.
What wood works best for smoking?
Mild woods like applewood or pecan complement the beef without overpowering it.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, Swiss, mozzarella, or even white cheddar can be used.
How do I know when they’re done?
The cheese should be fully melted and the tops lightly golden.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger pan or multiple pans to accommodate more sliders.
Is the au jus necessary?
It’s traditional and adds great flavor, but the sliders are still delicious without it.
What sides pair well with these sliders?
Potato chips, coleslaw, fries, or a simple green salad are great options.
Conclusion
Smoked French Dip Sliders deliver rich, smoky flavor in a fun, shareable format. With tender roast beef, melted cheese, and savory au jus for dipping, they’re perfect for entertaining or casual family meals. Easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavor, these sliders are sure to become a repeat favorite.
PrintSmoked French Dip Sliders
Smoked French Dip Sliders feature tender roast beef and melted provolone layered on soft rolls, gently smoked for rich, savory flavor. Served with warm au jus for dipping, they are perfect for gatherings and game days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 12 slider rolls
- 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Slice slider rolls in half horizontally without separating individual rolls. Place bottom half in a smoker-safe pan.
- Layer roast beef evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
- Place provolone slices evenly over the beef.
- Cover with the top half of the rolls.
- Mix melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Brush generously over the tops.
- Smoke for 30–40 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, heat beef broth with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a saucepan. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to create au jus.
- Remove sliders from smoker and rest for a few minutes.
- Slice into individual sliders and serve warm with au jus for dipping.
Notes
- Caramelized onions add extra depth of flavor.
- Swiss or mozzarella can be substituted for provolone.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat in a 325°F oven.
- Keep au jus separate and reheat gently before serving.
- Mild woods like applewood or pecan work best for smoking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
