Cheesy Philly Steak Bread

This philly cheesesteak cheesy bread transforms the classic sandwich into a crowd-pleasing, shareable feast. The combination of tender ribeye, caramelized vegetables, and melty provolone cheese atop crispy French bread creates an irresistible meal that disappears quickly at any gathering.

I first made this for a Sunday football gathering and it was devoured before halftime. Now my friends specifically request it whenever they come over, claiming it's better than any restaurant version they've tried.

Ingredients

• Ribeye Steak: thinly sliced for authentic Philly flavor and optimal tenderness. Look for well-marbled cuts for the best flavor
• Kosher salt and black pepper: to enhance the natural beef flavor without overpowering
• Canola oil: with its neutral taste lets the meat shine while providing a good searing surface
• Worcestershire sauce: adds that umami depth that makes the meat taste more savory
• Butter: creates a rich base for sautéing the vegetables to golden perfection
• Green bell pepper: adds a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the cheese
• Yellow onion: brings sweetness when caramelized that complements the savory steak
• Mushrooms: contribute earthiness and meaty texture even non-mushroom fans will appreciate
• French bread: provides the perfect sturdy base that stays crisp under the toppings
• Mayonnaise: creates an unexpected flavor barrier that prevents sogginess and adds richness
• Provolone cheese: melts beautifully with a mild flavor that lets the meat and vegetables shine

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. This moderate temperature ensures the bread gets crispy while allowing time for the cheese to melt perfectly without burning.

Season The Meat:

Season the steak with half the salt and pepper plus all the canola oil. This seasoning ratio ensures the meat has flavor without being overwhelmed. Spreading the oil evenly helps create an even sear.

Sear The Steak:

Heat a cast iron skillet on high heat and cook the steak for 2 minutes without stirring or flipping. This crucial step develops a beautiful crust on the meat which adds texture and seals in juices. Resist the urge to move the meat too early.

Add Flavor Boost:

Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir. The sauce will sizzle and immediately begin to caramelize around the meat creating rich flavor compounds. This quick deglazing step captures all the flavorful bits from the pan.

Cook The Vegetables:

Remove meat from pan and add butter green bell peppers onions mushrooms and remaining salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly browned. The vegetables should still have some texture left as they will continue cooking in the oven.

Prepare The Bread:

Spread mayonnaise over both halves of the bread. The mayo creates a moisture barrier between the bread and toppings while adding richness. It also helps the bread develop a beautiful golden crust during baking.

Layer The Toppings:

Cover with half the provolone cheese then add steak and vegetables along with remaining cheese on top. Starting with a cheese layer prevents the bread from becoming soggy while finishing with cheese ensures everything stays together.

Bake To Perfection:

Cook for 15 minutes on the middle rack until browned. Watch carefully during the last few minutes to achieve that perfect golden brown crust without burning the cheese.

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The Worcestershire sauce is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance after making this without it once when I ran out. The difference was immediately noticeable with several guests asking what was different. Those few drops transform ordinary steak into something truly crave-worthy.

Make-Ahead Options

Want to prepare this dish in advance? You can slice all vegetables and meat up to 24 hours ahead and store separately in airtight containers. The vegetables can even be fully cooked and refrigerated, though they may release additional moisture when reheated. For the freshest result, assemble and bake just before serving. If you must fully prepare ahead, underbake by 3 minutes initially, then finish briefly under the broiler just before serving.

Variation Ideas

While this classic version is hard to beat, feel free to customize based on your preferences. Some delicious variations include swapping green peppers for sweeter red or yellow varieties, adding hot cherry peppers for heat, or using a mixture of cheeses like American and provolone for authentic Philly flavor. For a lower-carb option, hollow out more of the bread center before adding toppings.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy bread works well as both an appetizer when cut into smaller portions or as a main dish when paired with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. For a true Philadelphia experience, serve with small ramekins of warmed Cheez Whiz for dipping. At parties, I sometimes cut this into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

The Perfect Slice

For the cleanest slices, let the bread rest for about 3 minutes after removing from the oven. Use a sharp serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to avoid compressing the bread and pushing out the toppings. For presentation, slice on a slight diagonal to showcase all the delicious layers inside.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use a different type of meat 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 in a pinch. For a budget-friendly option, ground beef works too, though the texture will differ from the classic thin-sliced steak.

→ What's the best bread to use for cheesesteak bread?

French bread as specified works perfectly for its sturdy crust and soft interior. Other good options include Italian bread, ciabatta, or a sturdy baguette. Look for bread that can hold up to the moist filling without becoming soggy.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the steak and vegetable filling up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring the filling to room temperature, assemble on the bread with mayo and cheese, then bake as directed. This saves prep time while maintaining the crispy texture.

→ What can I serve with Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread?

This hearty dish pairs well with a simple green salad, coleslaw, potato chips, french fries, or pickles. For a more substantial meal, serve with tomato soup or a light vegetable soup on the side.

→ Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ribeye with portobello mushrooms sliced thin and sautéed with the same seasonings. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives designed to mimic steak. Be sure to use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce as traditional versions contain anchovies.

→ Can I freeze leftover cheesesteak bread?

Yes, though the texture might change slightly. Wrap individual portions tightly in foil, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven (still wrapped in foil) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.