There’s something truly irresistible about combining bold flavors with the comfort of garlic bread, which is exactly why this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe quickly became one of my go-to crowd-pleasers. It’s that perfect mix of tender, savory steak, sweet peppers and onions, and melty provolone all piled high on crispy, buttery garlic bread.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can't tell you how many times friends have raved after trying this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together super simply at home, and it brings a slice of Philly right to your kitchen.
- Combine Two Classics: This recipe brilliantly blends a Philly cheesesteak with garlic bread for double the comfort and flavor.
- Loaded with Flavor: Sweet peppers and onions sautéed with tender shaved steak and melted cheese make every bite unforgettable.
- Easy to Customize: You can swap cheeses or add heat effortlessly depending on what you like or have on hand.
- Perfect for Sharing: This one’s a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day or casual dinner gatherings.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe plays its part perfectly — from the juicy steak to the melty cheeses and that buttery garlic bread base. Picking the freshest peppers and the right cut of steak makes a huge difference.
- Olive Oil: Dividing your olive oil helps sauté veggies and steak evenly without overpowering the dish.
- Red & Green Bell Peppers: They add sweetness and color — slicing thinly keeps them tender and perfectly cooked.
- Yellow Onion: Thin slices caramelize beautifully for that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Minced Garlic: Garlic is essential here for that aromatic base in both the filling and the garlic butter.
- Shaved Steak (or Thin Ribeye): Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender, lending that signature cheesesteak bite.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavors without overwhelming.
- Dried Oregano & Smoked Paprika: These spices add depth and a subtle smoky undertone that amps up the flavor profile.
- French Bread: A sturdy, crusty loaf holds all those toppings and gets perfectly crisp in the oven.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts into the garlic butter, making the bread rich and irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty contrast to the creamy melted cheeses.
- Italian Seasonings: A blend that brings a lovely herbaceous note.
- Provolone Cheese: Classic cheesesteak cheese that melts smoothly and complements the steak beautifully.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Gives a gooey, stringy texture that is pure comfort food bliss.
- Chopped Italian Parsley: Freshness and a pop of green brighten up each serving.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s a forgiving base, so you can get creative!
- Spicy Variation: Try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick — I did this last summer and loved the fiery surprise!
- Cheese Swaps: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap provolone for sharp cheddar or fontina for a different melty texture and flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in mushrooms or even some sliced cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist I’ve been enjoying lately when the market’s great.
- Make it Meatless: Use sautéed mushrooms or eggplant in place of steak, paired with the same cheeses — ideal for a vegetarian version that still satisfies.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Peppers, Onions, and Garlic
Start by heating half your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers, and yellow onions. Let them soften and caramelize slowly for about 8-10 minutes. Stir often so they cook evenly and develop that rich, sweet flavor. Toss in the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes to avoid burning it and to allow the aroma to develop beautifully—this step sets the foundation for your filling’s flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Shaved Steak to Tender Perfection
Move the veggies to one side of the pan, add the remaining olive oil, and drop in your shaved steak. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook the steak quickly over medium-high heat, breaking it up and stirring, until just browned but still juicy—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Combine it with the peppers and onions, then remove the mixture from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter and Bread Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, slice your French bread lengthwise, then place the halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Mix melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasonings. Spread this garlic butter mixture generously over both pieces of bread — this is where that buttery, garlicky goodness comes from.
Step 4: Layer the Filling and Cheeses
Pile the sautéed steak, peppers, and onions evenly over the bread. Top with those beautiful provolone slices, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over everything. The cheese melts into the meat and veggies creating an ooey-gooey, irresistible topping.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop the assembled garlic bread into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden and crisp. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning — every oven is a bit different, and you want that perfect balance of melty cheese and crispy bread.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped Italian parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Slice into generous pieces and serve warm — you’re going to love how all those flavors meld together.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned some simple tricks that really elevate this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe and make sure it turns out perfect every time.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter: The rich garlic butter is what turns ordinary bread into a flavorful base — make sure it’s spread evenly and generously.
- Use Thinly Sliced Steak: Thick cuts can take longer and dry out; shaving or using ribeye thin slices cooks quickly and stays tender.
- Layer Cheese Thoughtfully: Provolone on the bottom melts perfectly into the meat while mozzarella on top adds a bubbly, stretchy finish.
- Watch the Oven Closely: Every minute counts — once the cheese bubbles and the edges brown, it’s time out to keep the bread crisp but not burnt.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish with fresh Italian parsley because it cuts through the richness with its bright, clean flavor. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on the side for those who want a little heat—trust me, it’s a nice touch!
Side Dishes
My favorite sides with this? A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some baked sweet potato fries. The freshness and crunch balance out the hearty, cheesy garlic bread perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For game day or parties, I like slicing the garlic bread into bite-sized sliders and serving them on large platters with little dipping bowls of marinara or ranch dressing. It’s super fun and so easy to grab while mingling!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread stores nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it well to keep the bread from drying out — I usually wrap mine tightly in foil before placing it in a container.
Freezing
I’ve frozen assembled garlic bread before, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it still tastes fantastic when thawed and reheated. Just bake it a little longer to bring back that crispy edge — about 18-20 minutes at 350°F works well.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This helps keep the bread crispy and melts the cheese back perfectly without making it soggy — microwaving just doesn’t do it justice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! While French bread is ideal because of its crusty texture, you can use baguette halves or even a sturdy Italian loaf. Just make sure the bread is firm enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
Provolone is the traditional cheese for Philly cheesesteaks, providing a mild and creamy melt. Adding mozzarella brings that gooey stretch, but feel free to experiment with sharp provolone or even American cheese if you want a more classic taste.
Absolutely! Substitute the French bread with your favorite gluten-free baguette or loaf. Just keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but flavor-wise, it’s just as delicious.
To add heat, try mixing in jalapeño slices with the peppers and onions or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe has a special place in my recipe lineup because it’s one of those dishes you can make any day and instantly lift everyone’s spirits. It's satisfying, easy to prepare, and feels like a celebration on a slice of bread. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it over and over — it’s that good.
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Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread recipe combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—shaved steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted provolone and mozzarella cheeses—layered on top of a buttery, garlicky French bread loaf, creating a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer or meal perfect for sharing.
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 and Spices
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (for garlic butter)
Bread and Cheese
- 1 loaf French bread
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers and yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Cook Steak: Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic to the skillet with the vegetables and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the shaved steak, salt, black pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook until the steak is browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic (1 teaspoon), and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to mix well.
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Brush the cut sides generously with the prepared garlic butter mixture.
- Assemble the Cheesesteak Bread: Layer the cooked steak and vegetables evenly over the bottom half of the bread. Sprinkle with Italian seasonings, then layer the provolone cheese slices over the steak mixture, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Bread: Place the assembled bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is toasted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped Italian parsley on top for a fresh flavor. Slice into 8 servings and serve warm.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced ribeye if shaved steak is unavailable for an authentic texture and flavor.
- For a spicier variation, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- Make sure to slice the bread evenly to ensure each serving holds the toppings well.
- You can prepare the steak and vegetable mixture ahead of time and assemble just before baking to save time.
- To keep the bread crispy, avoid adding too much butter; just enough to coat is ideal.
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
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