Best French Dip Sliders – Weight Watchers (WW) Low Point Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to a healthier twist on the classic French Dip Sliders, a beloved comfort food that often comes with a hefty calorie count. By adapting this recipe for the Weight Watchers (WW) program, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of savory beef, caramelized onions, and flavorful seasoning while keeping your SmartPoints in check. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the recipe, including detailed instructions, ingredient measurements, and nutritional information, ensuring you can make these sliders both satisfying and WW-friendly.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: (WW SmartPoints: 1)
  • 1 medium Onion: Thinly sliced (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme: (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt: (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • 1 pound Lean Beef Sirloin: Thinly sliced (WW SmartPoints: 6)
  • 8 Small Whole Wheat Slider Buns: (WW SmartPoints: 6 each)
  • 1 cup Low-Sodium Beef Broth: (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: (WW SmartPoints: 1)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • 1 cup Reduced-Fat Swiss Cheese: (WW SmartPoints: 4)

Total SmartPoints for Recipe: 18 (excluding bun SmartPoints)

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Onions:
    • Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions start to soften.
  2. Caramelizing the Onions:
    • Sprinkle the onions with fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper.
    • Continue cooking the onions for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Reduce the heat if the onions start to brown too quickly.
  3. Preparing the Beef:
    • While the onions are caramelizing, heat another skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  4. Making the Au Jus:
    • In a small saucepan, combine the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Heat over medium heat until warmed through.
    • Add garlic powder to the mixture and stir. Let it simmer gently while you prepare the sliders.
  5. Assembling the Sliders:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Slice the whole wheat slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Layer the cooked beef evenly over the bottom halves of the buns.
  6. Adding Cheese and Onions:
    • Top the beef with a generous portion of caramelized onions.
    • Place a slice of reduced-fat Swiss cheese over the onions. You may cut the cheese to fit the slider buns if needed.
  7. Baking the Sliders:
    • Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese and onions.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are slightly toasted.
  8. Serving:
    • Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
    • Serve the sliders warm with a small bowl of the au jus for dipping.

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 1 slider (1/8 of the recipe)
  • Calories: Approximately 220
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 15g

SmartPoints Breakdown

  • Whole Wheat Slider Buns: 6 SmartPoints each
  • Lean Beef Sirloin: 6 SmartPoints for 1 pound
  • Reduced-Fat Swiss Cheese: 4 SmartPoints for 1 cup
  • Olive Oil: 1 SmartPoint for 1 tablespoon
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 SmartPoint for 1 tablespoon
  • Total SmartPoints for 1 slider: 10 SmartPoints (excluding any additional side dishes or condiments)

Tips for Success

  1. Ingredient Substitutions:
    • For a lower SmartPoints version, consider using extra-lean ground beef or even a plant-based beef substitute.
    • Opt for whole wheat slider buns or low-carb alternatives to reduce SmartPoints.
  2. Cheese Options:
    • If reducing SmartPoints further, you can use a lower-fat cheese or omit the cheese altogether.
  3. Caramelizing Onions:
    • Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Low and slow cooking will yield the best results with sweet, rich flavors.
  4. Beef Cooking:
    • Slicing the beef thinly and cooking it quickly helps to keep it tender and flavorful.
  5. Meal Prep:
    • These sliders are perfect for meal prep. Assemble and bake the sliders in advance, then reheat as needed.
  6. Dipping Au Jus:
    • Serve the au jus in small bowls to keep the sliders from getting soggy. You can also reduce the au jus by simmering it longer for a more concentrated flavor.

Conclusion

This Weight Watchers-friendly version of French Dip Sliders offers a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a classic favorite while staying within your SmartPoints budget. By carefully selecting ingredients and adjusting portion sizes, you can indulge in this savory treat without compromising your health goals. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these sliders will surely become a staple in your WW meal plan.

Feel free to explore variations and adjustments to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious, lower-point version of French Dip Sliders, and share the recipe with fellow WW members or anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional comfort foods.