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This Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread turns a beloved sandwich into a mouth-watering snack or full meal. Juicy ribeye steak, softened veggies, and gooey provolone layered on crunchy French bread make a taste sensation that's great for sports events, laid-back parties, or simple family dinners.
I whipped this up for a Super Bowl gathering once, and it was gone before anything else I made. These days my buddies specifically ask for it whenever we hang out to catch a game or watch films.
Ingredients
- Ribeye Steak: Cut super thin for that real Philly taste and fast cooking
- Kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper: For bringing out the best in your meat and veggies
- Canola oil: Helps you get that nice sear without stuff getting burnt
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives that deep savory kick and authentic sandwich flavor
- Butter: Makes a tasty foundation for cooking your veggies
- Green bell pepper: Thin-sliced for traditional taste and slight snap
- Yellow onion: Sliced and cooked till sweet
- Mushrooms: Sliced to add heartiness and woodland notes
- French bread: Gives you that perfect mix of firm yet tender base
- Mayonnaise: Keeps your bread from getting mushy and adds a creamy touch
- Provolone cheese: Melts wonderfully with that classic Philly sandwich taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat The Oven:
- Warm your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temp will make your bread nicely crisp while letting the cheese melt perfectly without burning.
- Season The Steak:
- Take your thin ribeye slices and mix with half the salt and pepper plus all the canola oil. Make sure every piece gets coated for even flavor throughout.
- Sear The Meat:
- Get a cast iron pan really hot until it smokes. Throw in your seasoned meat and don't touch it for 2 minutes. This makes a nice brown crust without cooking those skinny slices too much. Don't stir yet!
- Add Worcestershire And Remove:
- Splash the Worcestershire sauce over your meat and quickly mix it in. You'll hear it sizzle and smell amazing stuff. Get the meat out of the pan right away so it doesn't overcook.
- Sauté The Vegetables:
- Using the same pan with all those tasty meat bits, drop in the butter, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Add the rest of your salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until everything softens a bit and starts browning at the edges.
- Prepare The Bread:
- Smear mayo on both cut sides of your French bread. This stops moisture from making your bread soggy while adding some rich creaminess to each bite.
- Layer The Ingredients:
- Put half your provolone slices on both bread pieces. This cheese layer helps keep everything stuck together. Then scatter your steak pieces and cooked veggies evenly on the bread. Top it all with your remaining provolone cheese.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Put your loaded bread on a baking sheet and stick it in your hot oven for 15 minutes. The bread edges will get crispy, the cheese will turn all melty, and everything will join together in a fantastic flavor party.
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The real magic in this dish comes from your ribeye quality. I once treated myself to premium ribeye from my neighborhood butcher, and you could really taste the difference in flavor and softness. While regular supermarket ribeye works just fine, if you can get to a decent butcher, it's worth spending a little extra for special occasions.
Slicing Tips For Success
Getting your steak the right thickness really matters here. For best results, pop your ribeye in the freezer for about 20 minutes before cutting it. This makes the meat just firm enough that you can slice it super thin easily. Use a really sharp knife and cut across the grain for the most tender bites. If you're rushed, many meat counters will slice it for you if you ask them nicely.
Make It Your Own
Traditional Philly sandwiches usually have green bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, but you can switch things up how you want. Red bell peppers add some sweetness and bright color. Hot cherry peppers or banana peppers bring some heat that cuts through all the richness. For cheese options, try white American for a true South Philly style or mix mozzarella with provolone for extra stretchiness. Some folks enjoy a little hot sauce drizzled on top or some Italian herbs sprinkled over everything.
Serving Suggestions
This Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread can work as your main dish when you serve it with a simple green salad with tangy dressing. For parties, cut it smaller and put it out with other finger foods. When serving as a starter, cut it into 2inch chunks and give everyone napkins since it can get messy in a good way. To make it a complete meal, add some crispy fries or onion rings on the side with cold beer or soda to wash it down.
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This dish really changes the game for Philly cheesesteak fans. Whether you're entertaining guests or just treating yourself, it'll make everyone happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cut of beef for this Philly cheesesteak bread?
Sure thing, while ribeye gives the best flavor thanks to its fat marbling, you can swap in sirloin, flank, or even pre-sliced roast beef from the deli counter. Just remember to cut any fresh meat super thin across the grain so it stays tender.
- → How can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook the meat and veggie mix a day early and keep it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just put everything together on the bread with mayo and cheese, then pop it in the oven. You might need to bake it a bit longer if the filling is cold from the fridge.
- → What's the best cheese to use if I don't have provolone?
Classic options include American cheese or Cheez Whiz if you want that authentic Philly taste. Other good melty cheeses work great too - try mozzarella, Gruyère, or white American slices for equally yummy results.
- → Can I make this without mayonnaise?
For sure. You can spread on some butter, garlic butter, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a thin layer of cream cheese instead. You just want something fatty to stop the bread from soaking up moisture and to add some richness.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Pop any extras in a sealed container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To warm it back up, stick it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until hot. For extra crispiness, you can toss single portions in an air fryer at 325°F for about 3-4 minutes.
- → Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Go for it! Try adding spicy peppers, sweet roasted red peppers, or golden garlic chunks. Just don't go overboard with watery veggies like fresh tomatoes, as they'll make your bread soggy and nobody wants that.