Imagine the perfect combo of tender shaved steak, melty cheese, and sweet peppers piled high on warm, buttery garlic bread. This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe is exactly that—a total crowd-pleaser that turns classic flavors into an irresistible, shareable snack.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can't get enough of this combo—it's like the best Philly cheesesteak you know and love, but upgraded and cozy thanks to that golden garlic bread base. I always make a big batch to impress family or friends, and it disappears fast every time.
- Flavor Explosion: Savory steak, caramelized peppers and onions, plus garlic butter bread—each bite is pure satisfaction.
- Super Shareable: Perfect for game day, casual get-togethers, or a fun dinner with the fam.
- Easy to Customize: Swap cheeses, add hot sauce, or even make it vegetarian—it’s totally flexible.
- Hands-On Cooking Fun: The skillet-sautéed veggies and steak make the kitchen smell amazing while you cook.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe is all about balancing juicy steak, sweet peppers, melty cheeses, and that buttery garlic bread that holds it all together. I always pick fresh bell peppers for their crunch and sweetness, plus good-quality shaved steak for that tender bite.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté veggies and steak while adding a subtle richness without overpowering.
- Red & green bell peppers: Add bright color, sweetness, and that classic cheesesteak crunch.
- Yellow onion: Caramelizes nicely for a sweet depth that pairs perfectly with savory steak.
- Minced garlic: Used twice—for veggies and bread—to layer that irresistible garlicky aroma.
- Shaved steak: Quick-cooking and tender, perfect for soaking up the spices and meld with veggies.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning meat and veggies properly.
- Dried oregano & smoked paprika: Add Italian and smoky warmth that elevates traditional Philly flavors.
- French bread: The sturdy yet soft base that holds all the toppings without getting soggy.
- Unsalted butter: For melting into the bread, making it irresistible and rich.
- Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, salty kick that pairs beautifully with mozzarella and provolone.
- Italian seasonings: Adds herbaceous notes for a well-rounded flavor.
- Provolone cheese: The star cheesesteak cheese—melts beautifully with mild, creamy flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey stretch and creamy texture for that dreamy melt.
- Italian parsley: Freshens and brightens the finished dish with a pop of color.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap in sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños when I want a little extra kick, and I’ve even made a version with vegan cheese for my plant-based friends.
- Variation: Once, I swapped provolone for sharp cheddar and added caramelized mushrooms—it was a total hit for a fall comfort meal.
- Dietary tweaks: Try using gluten-free bread or vegetarian seitan steak for different diets without losing flavor.
- More heat: Add crushed red pepper or hot sauce for a spicy twist that wakes up the flavors.
- Make it smaller: Use baguette slices for a great appetizer-sized version at parties.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt, then sauté, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to caramelize—about 8-10 minutes. This slow caramelizing really draws out their natural sweetness, which balances the savory steak perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Shaved Steak
Add the minced garlic and remaining olive oil to the skillet, stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the shaved steak. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook quickly, stirring often, until the steak is just browned but still tender—about 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook or the steak will get tough.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Bread Base
Cut the French bread loaf lengthwise and place it cut side up on a baking sheet. Mix melted butter with minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings, then brush generously all over the bread. Toast it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant—but don’t let it burn!
Step 4: Layer on the Filling and Cheese
Spoon the cooked steak and veggie mix evenly over the toasted garlic bread. Then, lay the provolone slices across the top, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Pop it back in the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt—about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is bubbly and melty, take it out and sprinkle with fresh chopped Italian parsley for brightness. Slice it up and serve warm—this is best enjoyed immediately so you get all the melty goodness!
Top Tip
I’ve made this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread recipe many times, and a few tricks make it shine. These tips helped me nail the perfect texture and flavor every single time.
- Cook veggies low and slow: Take the time to let the peppers and onions caramelize gently—it brings out their best flavor and helps them blend beautifully with the steak.
- Use thinly shaved steak: It cooks quickly and stays tender; thicker cuts won’t meld as nicely on the garlic bread.
- Don’t skip the garlic butter on the bread: It’s the foundation for everything delicious here, so brush it on generously and evenly.
- Watch your oven timing: Cheese melts quickly—keep a close eye so you get gooey cheese, not burned bread.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I like finishing with chopped Italian parsley for that fresh pop of color and flavor, but sometimes I sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if we want a little heat. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving also adds a lovely sheen and richness.
Side Dishes
This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread pairs really well with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. For casual dinners, I love serving it alongside some homemade sweet potato fries or oven-baked chips to keep things fun and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I’ve cut the bread into smaller “sliders” on a tray, sprinkled with extra parsley, and served with dipping sauces like spicy mayo or chipotle aioli. It’s always the first thing to disappear and makes a great appetizer vibe without much extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find the bread can get a bit soft, so reheating properly is key to keeping that crispy edge.
Freezing
I’ve frozen individual slices before by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best texture—microwaving tends to make it soggy.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop slices in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes—this crisps the bread nicely and melts the cheese back smoothly. You’ll want to keep an eye so it doesn’t dry out; covering loosely with foil helps if reheating longer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, thinly sliced ribeye works wonderfully and adds a richer beef flavor, just be sure to slice it very thinly so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
Mozzarella is a good substitute for provolone due to its melting quality and mild flavor. You could also try fontina or Monterey Jack for a similarly creamy texture.
To keep the bread from getting soggy, toast it first with the garlic butter mixture before adding the toppings. Also, avoid letting the steak mixture sit too long on the bread before eating.
You can prepare the steak and veggie filling a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Toast the bread and assemble just before baking and serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s hearty, cheesy, and totally satisfying without being complicated. I love how it brings folks together around the table, perfect for casual nights where everyone digs in and smiles. I’m sure once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your rotation too—give it a whirl and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite like you’re sharing it with a good friend.
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
A delicious fusion dish combining the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the satisfying crunch of garlic bread, topped with sautéed peppers, onions, melted provolone and mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
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 Bread
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 loaf French bread
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
Cheeses and Garnish
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow onion. Sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add 2 teaspoon minced garlic near the end and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Steak: Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the remaining olive oil. Add the shaved steak to the skillet and season with kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook until the steak is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the Oven: While the steak and vegetables cook, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise in half. Mix the melted butter with 1 teaspoon minced garlic, then brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over both cut sides of the bread. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings over the buttered bread halves.
- Assemble the Cheesesteak Bread: Evenly distribute the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables over the bottom half of the prepared bread. Layer 8 slices of provolone cheese over the steak and vegetables, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the Bread: Place the assembled bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the bread edges are slightly toasted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle chopped Italian parsley over the top for freshness and color. Slice into 8 servings and serve warm.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced ribeye steak for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes in the seasoning step.
- Fresh Italian parsley adds a bright, fresh finish but can be omitted or replaced with basil or oregano.
- For a lower fat version, substitute butter with olive oil for the bread topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
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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