Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food: Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread. Imagine all the savory goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak—juicy steak, caramelized onions, melty cheese—piled high on a crispy, golden loaf of garlic bread. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, casual family dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something extra delicious. Every bite is a harmony of textures and flavors, and the best part is, it’s surprisingly easy to put together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread is how a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Each element adds its own magic, from the richness of the steak to the crunch of fresh veggies and the irresistible aroma of garlic butter.
- French bread: The perfect base—crusty outside, soft inside, and just the right size for holding all the savory toppings.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and keeps the veggies from sticking while sautéing, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Thinly sliced ribeye steak (or deli roast beef): The star of the show; ribeye brings tender, flavorful beefiness, but deli roast beef is a speedy alternative.
- Onion: When caramelized, onion lends a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese and steak.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and a fresh, slightly tangy crunch to every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in the steak and vegetables.
- Butter (softened): Blended with garlic and herbs, it seeps into the bread, creating that signature garlic bread flavor.
- Garlic cloves (minced): The aromatic backbone—don’t skimp!
- Italian seasoning: Adds a hint of herbs that perfectly complements both the steak and the bread.
- Shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese: For that signature gooey, bubbling, cheesy topping everyone craves.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Steak and Veggies
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced onions and green peppers and let them cook for about 4–5 minutes until they’re soft and just beginning to caramelize. Next, add your thinly sliced ribeye steak (or deli roast beef), season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the steak is just cooked through. The aroma at this stage is truly irresistible!
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
While the steak mixture is cooling slightly, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Mix it all together until smooth and fragrant. This is your shortcut to garlic bread heaven—the foundation for all that Philly cheesesteak goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread
Lay the halved French bread, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup. Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over each half, making sure to get all the way to the edges for maximum flavor. Then, evenly spoon the steak and veggie mixture onto the bread, distributing it so every slice is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese all over the top of your loaded bread halves. Don’t be shy! Cheese is what takes this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread from great to absolutely unforgettable. The more, the gooier.
Step 5: Bake and Broil
Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is crisp at the edges. If you want that extra golden, cheesy finish, switch on the broiler for 1–2 minutes—just keep a close eye so nothing burns. Slice and serve warm for the ultimate flavor experience.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to your Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread. For a little extra zing, try a few sliced banana peppers or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread with a crisp green salad, some oven-roasted potato wedges, or even a bowl of tomato soup for dunking. These sides balance the richness of the bread and make for a fun, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice the bread into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer platter with toothpicks. Or, for a lunchbox twist, wrap slices individually in foil to keep them warm and gooey until ready to eat. Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread is also fantastic served open-faced on a wooden cutting board for a rustic, shareable centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, wrap your Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread stays surprisingly tasty, and the flavors meld even more overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread either baked or unbaked. For best results, assemble the bread (but don’t bake), wrap in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you’ve already baked it, let it cool, wrap well, and freeze individual slices for quick lunches or snacks.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices of Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. For extra crispness, unwrap the foil for the last few minutes of baking. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the bread will be a bit softer.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread?
Absolutely! While ribeye is traditional for its tenderness and flavor, you can use sirloin, flank steak, or even thinly sliced deli roast beef for convenience. Just make sure to slice the beef as thinly as possible for that authentic cheesesteak bite.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Provolone is classic, offering a creamy melt and mild flavor, but mozzarella works beautifully for extra stretch and gooeyness. You can also try a blend or even throw in a few slices of American cheese if you like it extra rich.
Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, banana peppers, or even jalapeños make delicious additions. Just cook any extra veggies with the onions and peppers so they’re nice and tender.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the steak for sautéed mushrooms, strips of roasted red pepper, or your favorite plant-based steak alternative. The garlic bread and cheese will still deliver plenty of flavor.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Spreading the garlic butter all the way to the edges acts as a barrier, helping prevent sogginess. Also, don’t overload the bread with too much of the juicy filling—just enough for a generous layer works perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread—it’s hearty, cheesy, full of incredible flavor, and always a hit with friends and family. I hope you give this recipe a try and let it become a staple in your own kitchen. Once you take that first bite, I promise you’ll be dreaming up all sorts of reasons to make it again!
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Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread recipe that combines tender ribeye steak, sautéed peppers and onions, garlic butter, and melted provolone cheese on a crispy French bread base. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or game day snack, this recipe brings the iconic Philly cheesesteak flavors in a fun, shareable form.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 1 loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Filling
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak (or deli roast beef)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onion and green bell pepper and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the Steak: Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak to the skillet with the cooked veggies. Season with salt and black pepper, then stir and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the steak is just cooked through but still tender. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the Bread: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on the cut sides of the halved French bread. Place the bread on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up.
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly distribute the cooked steak, onions, and peppers mixture over the buttered bread halves. Sprinkle the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese generously on top of the filling. Bake the assembled bread in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Finish: For an extra golden and slightly crispy cheese topping, broil the bread for 1–2 minutes watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into servings, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Freeze the ribeye steak for about 30 minutes before slicing for easier, thinner cuts.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or banana peppers to the filling.
- Use provolone for a more authentic Philly flavor or mozzarella for a milder, creamier melt.
- Serve with a side of pickles or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
