Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread

This Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread transforms the classic sandwich into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. The combination of savory ribeye steak, caramelized vegetables, and melty provolone cheese on crispy French bread creates an irresistible flavor explosion that's perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or weeknight dinners.

I first made this recipe for a Super Bowl party, and it disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Now my friends specifically request it whenever we get together to watch sports or movies.

Ingredients

• Ribeye Steak: Thinly sliced for authentic Philly flavor and quick cooking time
• Kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper: To enhance the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables
• Canola oil: For searing the steak at high heat without burning
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and traditional cheesesteak flavor
• Butter: Creates a rich base for sautéing the vegetables
• Green bell pepper: Sliced thin provides classic flavor and slight crunch
• Yellow onion: Sliced for sweetness when caramelized
• Mushrooms: Sliced for meaty texture and earthy flavor
• French bread: Provides the perfect sturdy yet soft base
• Mayonnaise: Creates a moisture barrier preventing soggy bread while adding richness
• Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and provides authentic cheesesteak flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat The Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature allows the bread to crisp up nicely while giving the cheese time to melt perfectly without burning.

Season The Steak:

Take your thinly sliced ribeye and season it with half the salt and pepper along with all the canola oil. Make sure to distribute the seasonings evenly across all the meat for consistent flavor throughout.

Sear The Meat:

Heat a cast iron skillet until it's smoking hot. Add the seasoned meat and let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. This creates a beautiful sear on one side without overcooking the thin slices. Resist the urge to stir or flip during this time.

Add Worcestershire And Remove:

Pour the Worcestershire sauce over the meat and quickly stir to incorporate. The sauce will sizzle and create an amazing aroma. Remove the meat from the pan immediately to prevent overcooking.

Sauté The Vegetables:

In the same pan with all those lovely meat drippings, add the butter, sliced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Season with the remaining salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and beginning to brown around the edges.

Prepare The Bread:

Spread mayonnaise evenly across both cut sides of the French bread. This creates a moisture barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy while adding a creamy richness to every bite.

Layer The Ingredients:

Lay half of the provolone cheese slices on both bread halves. This first layer of cheese helps hold everything together. Next, distribute the steak pieces and sautéed vegetables evenly across the bread. Finally, top with the remaining provolone cheese.

Bake Until Golden:

Place the assembled bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. The bread will become crispy around the edges, the cheese will melt perfectly, and everything will come together in a glorious fusion of flavors.

Pin it

The secret to this recipe is the quality of your ribeye steak. I once splurged on prime grade ribeye from my local butcher, and the difference was noticeable in both flavor and tenderness. While regular grocery store ribeye works perfectly fine, if you have access to a good butcher, it's worth the small extra expense for a special occasion.

Slicing Tips For Success

Getting the right thickness for your steak is crucial for this recipe. For best results, place your ribeye in the freezer for about 20 minutes before slicing. This firms up the meat just enough to make cutting paper thin slices much easier. Use a very sharp knife and cut against the grain for the most tender result. If you're short on time, many butchers will slice the meat for you if you ask nicely.

Make It Your Own

While traditional Philly cheesesteaks typically feature green bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, feel free to customize based on your preferences. Red bell peppers add sweetness and bright color. Hot cherry peppers or banana peppers bring a spicy kick that cuts through the richness. For cheese variations, try white American cheese for an authentic South Philly experience or a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra stretch factor. Some people even enjoy a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Italian herbs to finish their cheesy bread.

Serving Suggestions

This Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread is substantial enough to serve as a main course when paired with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. For a casual gathering, cut it into smaller pieces and serve alongside other finger foods. If serving as an appetizer, slice into 2inch pieces and provide napkins as it can be deliciously messy. For a complete meal experience, serve with crispy french fries or onion rings on the side and cold beer or soda to wash it all down.

Pin it

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves Philly cheesesteaks. Whether you're hosting or just indulging at home, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cut of beef for this Philly cheesesteak bread?

Yes, while ribeye is traditional for its marbling and flavor, you can substitute sirloin, flank steak, or even deli roast beef. Just make sure to slice whatever cut you choose very thinly against the grain for tenderness.

→ How can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the steak and vegetable mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When ready to serve, assemble the bread with the mayo, cheese and filling, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if coming from refrigerated.

→ What's the best cheese to use if I don't have provolone?

Traditional alternatives include American cheese or Cheez Whiz for an authentic Philadelphia style. Other good melting cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or white American would also work well.

→ Can I make this without mayonnaise?

Absolutely. You can substitute butter, garlic butter, olive oil, or even a light layer of cream cheese. The fat helps create a moisture barrier to prevent the bread from getting soggy and adds richness.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in an air fryer at 325°F for 3-4 minutes for crispy results.

→ Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can customize with additional vegetables like hot peppers, roasted red peppers, or caramelized garlic. Just be careful not to add vegetables with high water content as they may make the bread soggy.