Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread takes the core elements of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich—thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese—and combines them with a cheesy, garlic-infused bread base. It’s the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods, and it’s a fantastic appetizer, side dish, or even a full meal for anyone craving a savory, cheesy, and satisfying bite.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Bread Base

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the bread: Use a serrated knife to slice your baguette or Italian loaf in half lengthwise. You want to have a large, flat surface to work with, so be sure to slice evenly down the middle.
3. Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, melt the butter and olive oil together in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the minced garlic and stir well. This will coat the bread and add a delightful garlic flavor.
4. Brush the bread: Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the inside of both halves of the bread with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure every inch of the bread is covered for maximum flavor.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the buttered bread. Be generous with the cheese so that it melts into a gooey, cheesy layer.
6. Add seasoning: Sprinkle dried oregano and optional crushed red pepper flakes over the top of the cheese for an added flavor boost.
7. Bake the bread: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the bread are golden brown and slightly crispy.
8. Remove and set aside: Once the bread is perfectly toasted, remove it from the oven and set it aside. You’ll add the Philly cheesesteak filling on top after the next step.

Step 2: Make the Philly Cheesesteak Filling

1. Prepare the steak: If you haven’t done so already, slice the steak very thinly against the grain. This helps ensure it cooks quickly and is tender.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions (and bell peppers, if using) and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized.
3. Cook the steak: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the thinly sliced steak, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked through.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce: Pour the Worcestershire sauce over the cooked steak and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the mixture and add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed. Remove from heat once everything is well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread

1. Assemble the dish: Take the cheesy bread halves from Step 1 and place them on a large cutting board or serving platter. Using a spoon, evenly distribute the Philly cheesesteak mixture over the cheesy bread.
2. Add cheese slices: Lay a slice of provolone cheese over the Philly cheesesteak filling on each bread half. The provolone will melt nicely over the hot steak and vegetables.
3. Bake again: Place the assembled cheesy bread halves back into the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Slice into serving-sized pieces and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Side dishes: This cheesy bread is rich and hearty, so you may want to serve it with something light, such as a fresh salad or vegetable slaw. A simple Caesar salad or coleslaw pairs wonderfully with this indulgent dish.
• Dipping sauce: For extra flavor, serve with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Make it a full meal: If you want to turn this cheesy bread into a more substantial meal, serve with fries or onion rings for a true Philly-style feast.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread

• Choosing the right steak: The quality of the beef is important for this dish. Rib-eye is marbled with fat, which makes it juicy and flavorful, but flank steak works well too if you prefer a leaner option. Make sure to slice the beef as thinly as possible so that it cooks quickly and remains tender.
• Don’t skip the garlic butter: The garlic butter is key for adding richness and depth to the bread. If you’re not a fan of garlic, feel free to reduce the amount or substitute it with minced herbs.
• Customize your cheese: While provolone is the classic cheese used for a Philly cheesesteak, feel free to mix and match different cheeses. Sharp cheddar, gouda, or even American cheese would melt beautifully and add different flavor profiles.
• Make it spicy: If you like spice, feel free to add some jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle hot sauce over the finished dish. You could even use pepper jack cheese for an added kick.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the cheesy bread base and Philly cheesesteak filling in advance and assemble them when ready to bake. This makes it a great dish to prep for parties or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread brings together the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the indulgence of cheesy bread, creating an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for a crowd or a family meal. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or make it the centerpiece of the meal, it’s sure to be a hit. The crispy, cheesy bread combined with the savory beef, onions, and peppers will have everyone coming back for more.

Yield: 6

Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe

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Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread takes the core elements of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich—thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese—and combines them with a cheesy, garlic-infused bread base. It's the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods, and it's a fantastic appetizer, side dish, or even a full meal for anyone craving a savory, cheesy, and satisfying bite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of Italian bread or French baguette (sliced in half lengthwise)
• 1 lb thinly sliced rib-eye steak or sirloin (or pre-cooked steak if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional, for spreading)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the steak mixture:Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers (if using) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the sliced steak to the skillet and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Season with garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, then mix everything together. Remove from heat.
2. Prepare the bread:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the loaf of Italian bread or French baguette on a baking sheet, cut side up. (Optionally, you can spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the cut sides of the bread for added flavor and creaminess.)
3. Assemble the cheesy bread:Evenly distribute the cooked steak, onions, and peppers over the cut sides of the bread. Top with a generous layer of shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake:Place the bread in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. You can also broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes to get the cheese extra bubbly and slightly crispy.
5. Serve:Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Slice into pieces and serve immediately.

Notes

You can use pre-cooked steak (like leftover roast beef) for a quicker version of this recipe.

Feel free to add mushrooms or other vegetables to the steak mixture for extra flavor.

For a spicier version, you can add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

This recipe also works great with a hoagie roll or smaller individual loaves for a fun serving size.