Description

These Cheesy French Onion Pull-Apart Sliders are a deliciously savory treat featuring caramelized Vidalia onions, well-seasoned ground beef, and melted provolone cheese layered between buttery slider buns. Perfect for game day, parties, or a comforting meal, these sliders combine rich French onion flavors with the convenience of a pull-apart sandwich baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter

8 tablespoons Unsalted Butter

Onions

2 Vidalia Onions

Seasonings

1 teaspoon Kosher Salt, divided
1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper, divided
1 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar
2 teaspoon Onion Powder
2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
2 teaspoon Dried Thyme

Meat and Sauces

2 pounds 80/20 Lean Ground Beef
2 Onion Soup Dry Packets
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

Bread and Cheese

24 Slider Buns
8 ounces Provolone Cheese Slices

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced Vidalia onions, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Continue Caramelizing: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking the onions for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become deeply caramelized. Stir in 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, then remove from heat.
Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with two packets of dry onion soup mix, 2 teaspoons each of onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Mix well to integrate all seasonings thoroughly.
Cook the Beef: Add the beef mixture to the skillet with the caramelized onions, turn the heat back to medium, and break up the meat with a spatula while cooking. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned, then drain excess grease.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
Melt Remaining Butter: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl and set aside for brushing.
Prepare the Buns: Using a serrated knife, slice through the slider buns horizontally, taking care to keep the rolls attached so they can be pulled apart easily. Arrange the bottom halves cut side up on the prepared sheet pan. Brush the tops and sides of the bottom buns generously with the melted butter, reserving some for the tops.
Assemble the Sliders: Evenly spread the caramelized onion and beef mixture over the buttered bottom buns. Layer the provolone cheese slices evenly on top of the beef.
Finish Assembly and Bake: Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese layer. Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown on top.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm for a delicious, cheesy pull-apart slider experience.

Notes

For deeper onion flavor, use yellow onions if Vidalia are not available.
Make sure the buns remain attached when slicing so the sliders pull apart easily.
You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
To reduce fat content, consider using leaner ground beef or turkey.
Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to maintain texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: French Onion, Sliders, Pull-Apart Sandwich, Caramelized Onions, Ground Beef Sliders, Party Food, Comfort Food