There’s just something about the melty, savory layers of steak, cheese, and buttery garlic bread that hits all the right notes. This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe brings together those classic Philly flavors in a fun, shareable way that’s perfect for casual dinners or game nights.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve been making versions of this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread for years, and every time it impresses. It combines all the goodness of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich but with a golden garlic bread twist. It’s one of those recipes that’s as satisfying as it is simple to pull together.
- Perfect flavor combo: The sautéed peppers, onions, and juicy steak mixed with garlic butter and cheese create an irresistible combo.
- Speedy prep: You can get this on the table in under 45 minutes, even on a busy night.
- Great for sharing: This recipe makes enough to serve 8, ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
- Flexible and customizable: You can easily swap cheeses or add your favorite sauces for a personal touch.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays its part in building the ultimate Philly cheesesteak experience on garlic bread. From the thinly sliced peppers to the melted provolone and mozzarella cheeses, it all melds beautifully.
- Olive oil: Helps soften and bring out the sweetness in peppers and onions without overpowering the steak.
- Red & green bell peppers: Add color, crunch, and that characteristic Philly cheesesteak freshness.
- Yellow onion: When caramelized just right, it adds a sweet, savory balance to the meaty bite.
- Minced garlic: For that punch of aromatic flavor that’s essential to garlic bread and the steak filling.
- Shaved steak (or thinly sliced ribeye): Tender and flavorful — thin cuts let the meat cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight the natural flavors without masking them.
- Dried oregano & smoked paprika: Give a subtle earthiness and smoky depth to the meat mixture.
- French bread loaf: The perfect sturdy base that crisps beautifully while remaining soft inside.
- Unsalted butter: Blended with garlic to coat the bread, it creates that irresistible golden crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty layer to the garlic butter mix for extra flavor complexity.
- Italian seasonings: A blend that brings herbs like basil and thyme, rounding out the flavor profile nicely.
- Provolone cheese slices: Classic Philly cheesesteak cheese — melts smoothly with a mild tang.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey meltiness and stretch to the topping.
- Chopped Italian parsley: Brightens the finished dish with fresh color and a pop of herbal freshness.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with toppings on this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe. Sometimes I swap in mushrooms or add hot cherry peppers for a kick. The best part? You can truly make it your own without losing any of that classic cheesesteak magic.
- Variation: One weekend, I swapped provolone for sharp cheddar and added caramelized onions—totally delicious! It’s a great way to shake things up when you want something a bit different.
- Make it veggie: Try sautéed mushrooms and extra peppers instead of steak for a meatless twist that still feels hearty.
- Spice it up: I sometimes sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking to add subtle heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Sauté your peppers and onions
Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Cook until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks or burns—that sweetness is key to balancing the savory meat.
Step 2: Cook the steak with garlic and spices
Push the peppers and onions to one side of the pan. Add the remaining olive oil and garlic, then the shaved steak. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook the steak until just browned but still tender, about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. This quick cook time preserves juiciness and prevents drying out.
Step 3: Prepare the garlic butter bread base
While the steak mixture cooks, slice your French bread loaf lengthwise. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Spread this garlicky butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread. This step ensures the bread crisps up with incredible flavor that complements the filling.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
Evenly spread the cooked steak and pepper mixture over the prepared garlic bread. Top with provolone slices, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over everything. Place assembled bread on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
After baking, sprinkle chopped Italian parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Then slice into hearty portions and dig in!
Top Tip
This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures, so pay attention to cooking times and doneness—especially the steak and veggies. Overcooked meat or mushy peppers can throw off the balance.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan: This helps the steak brown nicely instead of steam, keeping it tender and flavorful.
- Use freshly minced garlic: It gives a sharper, brighter bite than pre-minced or powdered alternatives.
- Pre-toast your bread lightly: If you have time, giving the bread a quick toast before assembly prevents sogginess once the toppings go on.
- Watch the broiler: It’s tempting to get that golden cheese quickly, but a few seconds too long and you’ll have burnt bits instead.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish with a sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley to add color and brightness. Sometimes a little drizzle of hot sauce or even a side of pickled jalapeños adds a nice tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides include simple mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette, crispy oven-baked fries, or a fresh coleslaw to cut through the richness. These keep the meal balanced and flavorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve served this cut into finger-friendly strips alongside small bowls of various dipping sauces like spicy mayo and ranch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that lets everyone customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually wrap any leftovers tightly in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheating in the oven keeps the bread from getting soggy and brings back that crispy texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, I recommend assembling but skipping the final bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 1 month, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven wrapped loosely in foil for about 10-15 minutes, then uncover and bake a few more minutes to crisp up the top. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a rush, as it tends to make the bread chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While French bread gives the best texture and holds up well under the toppings, you can experiment with Italian bread or even a sturdy baguette. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to support the filling without getting soggy.
You can often find shaved or thinly sliced ribeye at your local butcher or grocery meat counter. If you buy a thicker steak at home, freeze it for about 30 minutes until firm, then slice it thinly against the grain with a sharp knife. This makes it easier to cook quickly and keeps it tender.
Yes! Simply omit the steak and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Sauté them with the peppers and onions for a delicious, meatless version that still has great texture and flavor.
Try adding sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the pepper and onion mix. You can also serve it with spicy condiments like Sriracha mayo or hot sauce for those who love a kick.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the perfect blend of comfort food and crowd-pleaser. It turns ordinary ingredients into something really fun and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, give this one a try—you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread combines savory shaved steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted provolone and mozzarella cheeses on a crispy, buttery, garlicky French bread loaf for a deliciously comforting and shareable meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 16 oz. shaved steak (or thinly sliced ribeye steak)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
Bread and Cheese
- 1 loaf French bread
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers, and yellow onion. Sauté until softened and starting to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook steak: Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic to the skillet with the veggies and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Push the vegetables to the side, add the remaining olive oil, then add the shaved steak. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle the kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika over the steak and vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon minced garlic and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep the bread: Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both cut sides of the bread.
- Assemble the cheesesteak bread: Layer the cooked steak and vegetable mixture evenly over the bottom half of the bread. Sprinkle Italian seasonings over the mixture. Place the slices of provolone cheese evenly on top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the bread: Place both halves of the assembled bread on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is toasted.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped Italian parsley on top. Slice into 8 servings and serve warm.
Notes
- Use ribeye steak thinly sliced if shaved steak is unavailable for the best flavor and texture.
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes with the peppers and onions.
- Make sure to toast the bread well for a crunchy base that holds the fillings without becoming soggy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
- For a lower-fat version, use less butter and reduce the amount of cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 416 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 885 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 74 mg
Leave a Reply