There is something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, cheesy bread loaded with tender steak, sweet peppers, and caramelized onions, and that’s exactly what the Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe delivers. This dish takes the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors and transforms them into a shareable, crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal that’s perfect for game day, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. Imagine creamy provolone melted over juicy ribeye and crunchy, vibrant vegetables all nestled inside a crusty French bread—comfort food at its absolute best!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe, you’ll need simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Every component plays its role, from the rich butter and tender ribeye steak to the sweet peppers and melted cheese, bringing balance, texture, and color to the final masterpiece.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, divided): Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions and peppers perfectly.
- Boneless ribeye steak (1 ¼ pounds, thinly sliced): The star protein for that tender, juicy cheesesteak flavor.
- Kosher salt: Essential to season each component to perfection.
- Ground black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and enhances the steak’s natural taste.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds savory depth and umami to the cooked steak.
- Large white onion (1, thinly sliced): Caramelizes to bring sweetness and a soft bite.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Contributes fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Offers a sweet contrast and eye-catching hue.
- Mayonnaise (4 tablespoons): Creates a creamy base spread with a touch of richness.
- Horseradish sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, spicy zing to the mayo mixture.
- French bread loaf (1, halved lengthwise): The perfect soft-yet-crusty vehicle to hold all those delicious toppings.
- Shredded provolone cheese (10 ounces): Melts beautifully and gives that unmistakable Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Freshly chopped parsley: A bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Steak
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for baking later. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat, then add your thinly sliced ribeye steak. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, and cook until the meat is beautifully browned and juicy. To boost that incredible meaty flavor, pour in Worcestershire sauce and cook until it reduces down, coating the steak with a savory glaze. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a plate and set it aside. This step ensures your steak is perfectly tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Caramelize Onions
Using the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and caramelized. This can take a bit of time, but those sweet, soft onions are worth every minute as they add a luscious depth that complements the savory steak.
Step 3: Sauté Peppers
Wipe the skillet clean to avoid any burnt bits. Melt the remaining 1½ tablespoons of butter and add the sliced green and red bell peppers. Cook over medium heat until they soften slightly but still hold onto some bite and vibrant color. Season the peppers with a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate their natural sweetness and round out the flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and horseradish sauce, seasoning lightly with salt. Spread this creamy, tangy mixture evenly across the cut sides of the French bread. Then start layering—first the cooked steak, followed by the caramelized onions, and then the sautéed peppers. Finish by generously topping the entire assembly with shredded provolone cheese, which will melt and unite all the flavors into one perfect bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled bread halves on the prepared baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. You want to see the cheese melt completely and begin to bubble with light golden patches—this will make sure the bread crust is toasted while the inside stays irresistible and gooey.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Slice the bread into 2-inch pieces, and trust me, this is the best moment—getting to taste the cheesy, meaty, sweet, and buttery goodness in every single bite.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe with freshly chopped parsley, which adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the rich cheese and meat. You could also offer some crushed red pepper flakes for those who love a little extra heat, or even a light drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil to enhance the savory notes.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing salads like a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette or a crunchy coleslaw to contrast the cheesy richness. For something heartier, baked or roasted potato wedges make excellent companions. A tangy pickle or some tangy pickled vegetables alongside can also elevate the meal’s balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning the Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe into bite-sized appetizers by slicing the bread into small squares after baking, perfect for parties. You could also turn leftovers into sandwiches or serve alongside a hearty bowl of tomato soup for an ultimate comforting combo. Wrapping individual slices in foil keeps them warm and portable for picnics or lunchboxes too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed will help maintain the moisture and prevent the bread from becoming too dry.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled, unbaked bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This is a great way to prep in advance for gatherings or busy weeknights.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cheesy bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melting again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the bread soggy instead of crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone is the classic choice for Philly cheesesteak flavors, you can experiment with mozzarella, American cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a twist. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well to maintain that gooey texture.
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Boneless ribeye is ideal because it’s tender and flavorful, but you can substitute with top sirloin or even a well-marbled flank steak. Just make sure to slice the meat very thinly for quick cooking and easy layering.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! For a vegetarian version, you can replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of hearty vegetables like eggplant and zucchini, and still enjoy all the delicious flavors with the cheese and peppers.
How spicy is the horseradish sauce in the mayo mixture?
The horseradish sauce adds a mild, pleasant zing rather than heat, enhancing the flavor complexity. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the bread up to a few hours ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
Final Thoughts
If you love the hearty flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want something shareable and easy, this Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe is guaranteed to win your heart. It’s a perfect blend of tender, juicy steak, sweet vegetables, creamy cheese, and crispy bread that brings everyone together at the table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for entertaining or cozy nights at home. You simply must give it a try!
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Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread recipe combines tender, thinly sliced ribeye steak with caramelized onions, sautéed bell peppers, and gooey provolone cheese, all layered on a crusty French bread loaf. Finished with a tangy horseradish mayo spread and baked to perfection, this dish makes a savory and satisfying appetizer or main course perfect for gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Steak and Vegetables
- ½ cup unsalted butter, divided
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Bread and Spread
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce
- 1 loaf French bread (not baguette), cut in half lengthwise
- 10 ounces shredded provolone cheese
Garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Steak: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak, season with kosher salt and ground black pepper, and cook until the steak is browned on all sides. Pour in Worcestershire sauce and continue cooking until the liquid reduces and the steak is coated and flavorful. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced white onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized. This process should deepen their sweetness and flavor. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside with the steak.
- Sauté Peppers: Wipe the skillet clean to remove any remaining bits. Melt the remaining butter in the skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced green and red bell peppers. Cook until softened and tender, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors. Remove from heat once softened.
- Prepare the Spread and Assemble: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and horseradish sauce, then season the mixture lightly with salt to taste. Spread this horseradish mayo mixture evenly on the cut sides of the French bread halves. Layer the cooked steak evenly on both halves, followed by the caramelized onions and sautéed peppers. Generously top with shredded provolone cheese to cover the layers.
- Bake the Cheesy Bread: Place the assembled bread halves on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish the cheesy bread with freshly chopped parsley. Slice into 2-inch pieces and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ribeye steak for the best marbling and tenderness, but sirloin can be substituted if preferred.
- Make sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness.
- Caramelizing onions properly adds essential sweetness and depth to the sandwich.
- Adjust horseradish quantity in the mayo spread to suit your spice preference.
- French bread is ideal for its firm crust and soft interior; avoid using baguette as it is too narrow.
- For a vegetarian version, omit steak and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness and melted cheese.
