Experience the ultimate comfort food with Smoked French Dip Sliders – featuring thinly-sliced, smoky beef, nestled in soft slider buns, and served with a rich, savory au jus that will leave you craving more. Perfect for gatherings or a satisfying family meal, these sliders promise an explosion of flavor in every bite!
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There’s something uniquely irresistible about a French Dip sandwich: the tender, thinly-sliced roast beef, the soft bread, and that decadent, savory au jus for dipping. Now, imagine taking that classic experience and elevating it with the deep, complex flavors of smoke, all perfectly portioned into adorable, easy-to-handle sliders. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible Smoked French Dip Sliders. They’re not just a meal; they’re an experience, delivering layers of savory goodness that far surpass any deli counter offering.
Crafting these delectable sliders is truly a labor of love, but every moment spent is undeniably worth it. The key to their exceptional flavor lies in the slow smoking of the beef, a process that infuses the meat with an unparalleled richness. This isn’t a quick fix, but rather a culinary journey that rewards patience with exquisite taste. The beef needs to be smoked low-and-slow to achieve peak tenderness and absorb that signature smoky essence, then chilled to allow for perfect, paper-thin slicing. While this might sound like a significant undertaking, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility: you can handle all the intensive prep work a day or two in advance, making assembly a breeze when you’re ready to serve these show-stopping bites.
We are unashamedly huge fans of sliders, and for good reason! Their miniature size isn’t just charming; it offers a fantastic bun-to-meat ratio that makes every bite perfectly balanced. Plus, these smaller buns fit perfectly into individual ramekins, allowing each guest to have their own generous portion of that rich, beefy au jus for endless dipping. When you take the time to create that glorious jus from scratch, you truly understand the difference. It becomes more than just a dipping sauce; it’s a deeply flavorful broth, meant to be fully absorbed into the bread and beef, transforming each mouth-watering morsel into a symphony of taste.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Smoked French Dip Sliders
- Versatile Delight: These sliders are incredibly flexible, serving equally well as elegant appetizers for a party or a hearty main course for dinner. They’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!
- Effortless Entertaining: With the beef and jus prepared in advance, you can simply assemble and serve when your guests arrive, making entertaining stress-free and enjoyable.
- Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of expertly smoked beef and a rich, homemade au jus creates an explosion of robust, savory flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
What Are Sliders? The Perfect Mini Sandwich Explained
If you’re wondering, “What exactly are sliders?”, think of them as the charming, bite-sized cousins of traditional sandwiches. These miniature marvels burst onto the culinary scene some time ago and have since become a staple on menus everywhere, from casual diners to upscale bistros. While they were traditionally popularized as mini hamburgers, the world of sliders is far more expansive and versatile than just ground beef patties. You can transform virtually any of your favorite full-sized sandwiches into a delightful slider format, and the French dip is an exceptional candidate for this treatment. The smaller size makes them ideal for snacking, appetizers, or even serving a variety of options at a meal, allowing everyone to try a bit of everything.
Essential Ingredients for Your Smoked French Dip Sliders
Making these Smoked French Dip Sliders involves a few distinct stages, but the results are well worth the effort. You’ll need to focus on three main components: the smoked beef, the savory au jus, and the slider assembly. If you’ve already got some perfectly smoked and thinly sliced beef ready to go, you’re halfway there!
For the Star of the Show: The Smoked Beef
- Smoked Eye of Round: You’ll need approximately 1.5 pounds of this tender, flavorful cut to make a generous batch of hearty sliders. The eye of round is a lean and economical cut that, when smoked low and slow, becomes incredibly tender and infused with a rich, smoky flavor, making it absolutely ideal for slicing thin for sandwiches. For detailed instructions on how to perfectly smoke this cut of beef, you can find our comprehensive guide on Smoking Eye of Round here. Achieving that perfect smoky crust and juicy interior is key to these sliders’ success.
Crafting the Irresistible Au Jus
A French Dip is only as good as its au jus, and this homemade version is truly exceptional. It’s packed with rich, beefy flavor and the perfect consistency for dipping.
- Butter: We prefer using salted butter for this recipe as it adds an extra layer of flavor and helps balance the richness of the jus. It forms the base of our roux, which gives the jus a slight body without being overly thick.
- All-purpose flour: This is used to create a simple roux with the butter, providing a light thickening agent for the au jus. This helps the jus cling to the beef and buns perfectly.
- Beef broth: The foundation of your jus! Opt for a high-quality beef broth, and crucially, look for varieties that are low-sodium or have no sodium added. This allows you to control the seasoning precisely and prevents the jus from becoming overly salty, especially since beef base and Worcestershire sauce also contribute to the saltiness.
- Red wine: While optional, a splash of red wine adds incredible depth, complexity, and a sophisticated note to the au jus. It enhances the beefy flavors and introduces a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce. A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works wonderfully.
- Worcestershire sauce: This classic condiment is a secret weapon for adding a profound umami kick and a tangy, savory depth that is essential to any great beef dip.
- Garlic powder: For a mellow, aromatic garlic flavor that melds seamlessly into the broth without overpowering it.
- Onion powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder contributes a sweet, savory onion essence that complements the beef and other seasonings beautifully.
- Beef base: We highly recommend Better Than Bouillon Beef Base. This concentrated product delivers an intense, roasted beef flavor that enhances the richness of your jus significantly. You can usually find it in the soup or broth aisle of most grocery stores, or conveniently order it from Amazon.
Assembling Your Perfect Sliders
- Bakery fresh slider buns: The bun is the vehicle for all that deliciousness, so don’t skimp! Soft, slightly sweet buns work best, such as classic King’s Hawaiian sliders, or any other favorite bakery-fresh option. Their gentle sweetness complements the savory beef beautifully.
- Mayonnaise: While optional, a thin layer of mayonnaise adds creaminess and a subtle tang. To truly elevate the flavor, consider using our easy spicy garlic aioli for an extra kick!
- Onion jam: This is another optional but highly recommended addition. A spoonful of sweet and savory onion jam adds a gourmet touch and a lovely contrast to the richness of the beef. You can find pre-made jars in specialty stores or some larger supermarkets.
- Cheese: Whether or not to add cheese is a matter of personal preference for French Dips. We often enjoy them cheeseless to let the beef and jus shine. However, if you love cheese on your sliders, opt for a mild, meltable variety that won’t overpower the other flavors, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or gouda.
How To Make The Best Smoked French Dip Sliders
Creating these delightful Smoked French Dip Sliders is simpler than you might think, especially with a bit of foresight. Here’s a step-by-step guide to bring these flavorful bites to life:
For a full list of ingredients with precise measurements and detailed instructions, please scroll down to the complete recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare the Smoked Beef: The foundation of these sliders is perfectly smoked eye of round. For detailed, comprehensive instructions on how to smoke eye of round to achieve the ideal tenderness and smoky flavor – truly the best cut for these sandwiches – please follow this link: Smoked Eye of Round. Allow the beef to chill completely after smoking, as this makes it much easier to slice thinly.
- Slice the Meat: Once chilled, thinly slice the smoked beef. The thinner the slices (without being paper-thin and falling apart), the better the texture and the more easily it soaks up the jus. If you have a meat slicer, now is the time to use it for uniform, delicate slices.
- Begin the Au Jus: In a medium skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook this flour-butter mixture for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste without browning it too much. Then, turn off the heat.
- Incorporate the Broth: Gradually drizzle in the beef broth in a slow, thin stream while continuously whisking. This gradual addition and constant whisking are crucial to prevent any lumps from forming, ensuring a silky-smooth au jus.
- Add Wine and Simmer: Stir in the red wine (if using). Turn the heat back to medium, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Season the Jus: As the jus comes to a simmer, whisk in the beef base, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. These ingredients will dissolve and infuse the broth with rich, savory aromas and depth.
- Continue Simmering: Allow the au jus to simmer gently for approximately 10 minutes. This simmering time is essential for the flavors to meld and deepen, creating that signature, irresistible taste.
- Assemble the Sliders: Prepare your slider buns by spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise or the spicy garlic aioli on the cut sides. Neatly layer generous slices of the smoked beef onto the bottom halves of the buns. If desired, add a small dollop of onion jam and/or a slice of cheese. If you’re using cheese and want it melted, arrange the open-faced sliders on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for about a minute, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange your magnificent Smoked Beef French Dip Sliders on a platter. Serve them immediately with small individual ramekins or cups of the warm, flavorful au jus on the side for dipping. Get ready to dig in and savor every incredible bite!
How To Reheat Smoked Sliced Beef for French Dip Au Jus
Nobody wants cold beef on their French Dip sandwich, and there’s a brilliantly simple, flavor-infusing way to heat up your pre-sliced smoked beef: immerse it in the warm au jus. First, heat your prepared au jus until it reaches a gentle simmer. Once simmering, immediately turn off the heat. Then, carefully add your thinly sliced smoked beef directly into the hot jus. Do not boil the beef; the residual heat from the jus is more than enough to perfectly warm the meat through, ensuring it stays tender and soaks up even more of that delicious beefy flavor.
After a few minutes, simply use a pair of tongs to retrieve the warmed beef slices from the jus, pile them high onto your slider buns, and you’re good to go! This method not only reheats the beef but also significantly enhances its flavor and juiciness, making your sliders even more delicious.
Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for Perfect Smoked French Dip Sliders
- Mastering the Eye of Round: For the most economical and flavorful smoked beef, I highly recommend purchasing full-packer cryovaced eye of rounds. These cuts typically weigh between 8-10 pounds. I prefer to trim them myself, removing any excess fat or silver skin, and then smoke the entire roast. After smoking and chilling the meat, I slice it thinly and then freeze it in convenient portions. This makes it incredibly easy to pull out a ready-to-use batch for delicious meals like these Smoked French Dip Sliders, or other beefy creations, whenever the craving strikes.
- The Value of a Good Meat Slicer: If you’re serious about smoking and preparing various meats at home, investing in a high-quality meat slicer is an absolute game-changer. It transforms what can be a tedious task into quick work, allowing you to achieve perfectly uniform, delicate slices every time. This is not only essential for French Dips but also incredibly useful for preparing homemade pastrami, thinly slicing pork loin, and so much more, saving you time and ensuring professional-looking results.
- Understanding Beef Base: Many people are familiar with bouillon cubes or powders, but beef base is a superior alternative. It’s a highly concentrated paste, offering a much richer, deeper, and more authentic beef flavor compared to its saltier counterparts like Bovril or standard bouillon. Always keep beef base stored in your refrigerator to maintain its freshness and potency. It’s an incredibly versatile ingredient, perfect for enhancing the flavor of sauces, gravies, soups, stews, and, of course, a phenomenal au jus like the one in this recipe.
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Make It A Meal: Perfect Pairings for Your Sliders
While these meaty Smoked French Dip Sliders are undeniably satisfying enough to be a meal all on their own – inviting you to roll up your sleeves and truly dig in – they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes to create a more complete spread. Here are some fantastic and tasty picks to round out your meal:
- Classic Fries: You can never go wrong with a side of crispy French fries, perfect for dipping into any leftover au jus or ketchup.
- Corn Fritters: For a touch of sweet and savory crunch, homemade corn fritters offer a delightful contrast to the rich beef.
- Creamy Mac and Cheese: Indulge in ultimate comfort with a side of creamy, cheesy smoked mac and cheese. The smoky notes of the mac and cheese will complement the sliders perfectly.
- Hearty Chili: For a robust and warming accompaniment, a bowl of this delicious chili recipe provides a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Fresh Green Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter option, a crisp, leafy salad tossed with a vibrant dressing offers a refreshing balance to the rich sliders.
- Don’t Forget Dessert: And for a sweet finish, consider something delightful like maple pecan pie bars to complete your feast.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Smoked French Dip Sliders
For the best possible experience, Smoked French Dip Sliders are truly at their peak when assembled and eaten fresh. However, if you find yourself with leftovers or want to prepare components in advance, proper storage is key.
You can package the smoked beef and the au jus separately in airtight containers. These can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The slider buns are best kept fresh or can be frozen separately if you anticipate longer storage needs. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, the reheating process is simple and ensures optimal flavor:
- Bring the leftover au jus to a gentle simmer in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once simmering, immediately turn off the heat.
- Add the cold, sliced smoked beef directly into the warm jus. Allow the residual heat of the jus to gently warm the meat through. This method not only heats the beef but also helps it re-absorb moisture and flavor, preventing it from drying out.
- While the beef warms, thaw any frozen buns or lightly toast fresh ones.
- Once the beef is warmed and infused with flavor, use tongs to retrieve it from the jus.
- Assemble your sliders with the warmed beef, and any desired toppings.
- Serve immediately with additional warm jus for dipping, and savor the deliciousness all over again!
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Smoked French Dip Sliders
Course:
Appetizers, Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Keyword:
au jus, beef, eye of round, french dip, jus, sandwiches, sliders, smoked beef, smoked French Dip Sliders
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Smoking time:
3 hours
Total Time:
3 hours 20 minutes
Servings:
4 servings
Calories:
908kcal
Author:
Chef Jenn
Equipment
- Traeger pellet grill
- Hardwood pellets
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 1.5 pounds smoked eye of round sliced thinly
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise optional
- 1/2 pound sliced cheese optional
- 1/2 cup *onion jam optional
For the Jus
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups no-sodium added beef broth
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons beef base
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
To make the jus:
- Melt the butter in a skillet or saucepan and whisk in the flour. Cook the flour-butter combination for 30 seconds, then turn off the heat.
- Drizzle in the beef broth in a thin stream, whisking as you go to avoid lumps.
- Add the red wine, then turn the heat back to medium and bring the jus to a simmer.
- Whisk in the beef base, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder while waiting for the jus to simmer.
- Simmer the jus for about 10 minutes.
To assemble:
- Spread a layer of mayo or spicy garlic aioli on the cut sides of each bun, then layer them with slices of beef. Top with 2 teaspoons of *onion jam (optional) and cheese (optional). If you’re using cheese, pop the sliders open-faced under the broiler for a minute to melt the cheese.
- Serve the Smoked Beef French Dip Sliders with small cups of jus and enjoy!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- I buy the full-packer cryovaced eye of rounds. I trim them up myself, then smoke the whole thing. They come in around 8-10 pounds. I smoke and then chill the meat, then slice it and freeze it in portions to make tasty eats like these Smoked French Dip Sliders.
- If you’re going to be doing a lot of smoking, having a good slicer on hand is essential. It makes quick work of pastrami, pork, and more.
- What is beef base? Beef base is a highly concentrated, less salty Bovril or bouillon alternative. Keep it in the fridge. You can use it in sauces, gravies, soups, and more.
Detailed instructions on smoking eye of round can be found here.
*Nutritional information for onion jam is not included in the nutrition facts for this recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 908kcal |
Carbohydrates: 56g |
Protein: 61g |
Fat: 47g |
Saturated Fat: 21g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 12g |
Trans Fat: 0.5g |
Cholesterol: 198mg |
Sodium: 3775mg |
Potassium: 893mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 10g |
Vitamin A: 685IU |
Vitamin C: 78mg |
Calcium: 964mg |
Iron: 7mg
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
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Happy cooking, and enjoy exploring more delicious creations!