Philly cheesesteak and garlic bread are two classic favorites that bring comfort and bold flavors to any meal. By combining these iconic dishes, we’ve created a Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread recipe that’s perfect for game day, casual dinners, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
To create the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread, we start with fresh and flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in delivering that perfect blend of rich, savory, and garlicky goodness.
For the Philly Cheesesteak Filling
- 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye steak (or sirloin)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a subtle smoky note)
- 6 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese for meltiness)
For the Garlic Bread Base
- 1 large baguette or Italian bread loaf, sliced lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings and Garnishes
- Sliced jalapeños for heat
- Sautéed mushrooms for earthiness
- Chopped chives or extra parsley for freshness
- Hot sauce or chipotle mayo for added kick
| Ingredient Category | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ribeye steak | 1 lb | Thinly sliced to mimic authentic cheesesteak |
| Onion and bell pepper | 1 each | Thinly sliced for even cooking and texture |
| Cheese | 6 slices | Provolone preferred for traditional flavor |
| Butter and garlic | 1/2 cup butter, 4 cloves garlic | Key for rich savory garlic bread base |
| Seasonings | Salt, pepper, paprika | Essential to bring out bold flavors |
We focus on using thinly sliced steak and fresh vegetables to capture the classic Philly cheesesteak essence while layering these flavors atop a buttery garlic bread base that elevates every bite.
Equipment Needed
To craft the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread, we rely on specific tools that help us achieve the ideal texture and flavor. Using the right equipment ensures every step runs smoothly and the final dish delivers that signature savory experience.
- Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: For sautéing thinly sliced ribeye steak, onions, and peppers. A heavy-bottomed skillet retains heat evenly, allowing us to caramelize the vegetables and cook the steak to juicy perfection.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for finely slicing the ribeye steak and chopping garlic, onions, and peppers with precision.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for safe and efficient ingredient prep.
- Baking Sheet or Oven-safe Tray: Needed to toast and melt the garlic bread loaded with cheesesteak toppings in the oven.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine butter with minced garlic, herbs, and seasonings for the garlic spread evenly.
- Spatula or Tongs: For mixing ingredients in the skillet and transferring cooked steak and veggies.
- Aluminum Foil: Useful for covering the garlic bread during baking to ensure even melting without burning.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning measurements, especially for garlic butter and optional spices.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Skillet/Cast Iron Pan | Sauté steak and vegetables |
| Chef’s Knife | Slice meat, chop vegetables |
| Cutting Board | Prepare ingredients |
| Baking Sheet | Toast and bake garlic bread |
| Mixing Bowl | Combine garlic butter spread |
| Spatula/Tongs | Stir and handle ingredients |
| Aluminum Foil | Cover bread during baking |
| Measuring Spoons | Measure seasonings accurately |
Using these tools ensures our Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread bursts with bold flavors and a satisfying texture every time. Let’s gather our equipment to streamline the cooking process and focus on creating that irresistible garlic bread base topped with classic Philly cheesesteak goodness.
Preparation
Let’s start by preparing each component carefully to ensure our Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread achieves its signature bold flavor and satisfying texture.
Preparing the Garlic Bread
- Slice a fresh baguette lengthwise to create two even halves.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) with 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for a vibrant garlic spread.
- Evenly spread this mixture over the cut sides of the baguette.
- Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Toast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden and fragrant.
- Remove from oven and set aside, keeping warm.
Slicing and Cooking the Steak
- Choose 1 pound of ribeye steak, trimmed and chilled for clean slicing.
- Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain, aiming for slices about 1/8-inch thick.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan.
- Sauté the steak slices in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 2 minutes per batch, until just browned but tender.
- Season with salt and black pepper as the steak cooks.
- Remove cooked steak from the pan and keep warm.
Preparing Vegetables and Cheese
- Peel and thinly slice 1 large onion into rings.
- Core, seed, and thinly slice 1 green bell pepper into strips.
- In the same skillet used for steak, add a little oil if needed.
- Cook onions and peppers over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized, about 7-8 minutes.
- Shred or thinly slice 8 ounces of provolone cheese.
- Once vegetables are ready, mix them gently with the cooked steak.
- Top the garlic bread halves evenly with the steak and vegetable mixture, then distribute the provolone cheese on top before baking.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation Details |
|---|---|---|
| Baguette | 1 | Sliced lengthwise |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (softened) | For garlic spread |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tablespoon | Chopped |
| Ribeye steak | 1 pound | Thinly sliced against the grain |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon | For cooking |
| Large onion | 1 | Thinly sliced |
| Green bell pepper | 1 | Thinly sliced |
| Provolone cheese | 8 ounces | Shredded or thinly sliced |
| Salt | To taste | For seasoning |
| Black pepper | To taste | For seasoning |
This preparation sets a strong foundation for assembling our Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread, ensuring every bite bursts with rich, savory flavors balanced by the perfect crisp garlic base.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these precise steps to create the bold and savory Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread that delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Cooking the Philly Cheesesteak Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan.
- Sauté 1 cup of thinly sliced onions until they become translucent and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of sliced green bell peppers and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet.
- Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak (about 1 pound) in a single layer. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Cook the steak, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes, until browned but still juicy.
- Combine the steak with the onions and peppers. Stir to mix evenly.
“Achieving that perfect tender yet well-seared steak is key to nailing the authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.”
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thinly sliced onions | 1 cup | Sauté until caramelized |
| Green bell peppers | 1 cup | Sliced and tender |
| Ribeye steak | 1 pound | Thinly sliced |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | To season steak |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | To season steak |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon | For sautéing |
Assembling the Garlic Bread
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice a fresh baguette horizontally into two halves.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- ½ cup softened butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Spread the garlic butter mixture generously and evenly over the cut sides of the baguette halves.
- Toast the bread halves on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes or until edges turn golden and crisp.
Note: Toasting the bread first creates a sturdy, crispy base for the filling.
| Garlic Butter Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter, softened | ½ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
Baking the Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread
- Spoon the hot Philly cheesesteak filling evenly over the toasted garlic bread halves.
- Layer 6-8 slices of provolone cheese on top, covering the filling completely.
- Place the assembled bread back in the oven.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden bubbly cheese crust.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for 2 minutes, slice, and serve immediately.
Tip: Adding optional toppings like jalapeños or sautéed mushrooms before adding cheese can enhance the flavors further.
| Step | Temperature/Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Toast garlic bread | 375°F / 8-10 minutes | Crisp base |
| Bake assembled bread | 375°F / 5-7 minutes | Melt cheese, warm filling |
| Optional broil | High / 1-2 minutes | Golden bubbly cheese crust |
Serving Suggestions
To elevate our Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread experience, let’s explore some perfect pairings and serving ideas that bring out the best in this hearty dish.
- Side Salads: Pair the rich and savory garlic bread with a crisp, refreshing side salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw balances the bold flavors.
- Dips and Sauces: Serve with creamy horseradish sauce, chipotle mayo, or a zesty marinara. These add layers of flavor that contrast beautifully with the melted provolone and seasoned steak.
- Soup Accompaniments: A bowl of tomato basil soup or French onion soup complements the cheesy garlic bread, creating a cozy meal perfect for cooler evenings.
- Beverage Pairings: Choose cold craft beers, such as IPAs or stouts, or a robust red wine like Zinfandel to match the intense flavors. For non-alcoholic options, spicy ginger ale or sparkling lemonade elevates the meal.
Plating Tips
To enhance presentation and enjoyment, follow these tips:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Portion Control | Cut the garlic bread into 3–4 inch segments for sharing. |
| Garnish | Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives to add color and freshness. |
| Temperature | Serve immediately after baking while cheese is melted. |
| Accompaniment Bowl | Place sauces/dips in small ramekins for easy dipping. |
“Serving our Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread with complementary sides and drinks turns a great recipe into an unforgettable meal.“
By thoughtfully selecting sides, sauces, and presentation, we ensure that every bite satisfies and every occasion shines.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To enjoy our Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread at its best any time, proper make-ahead and storage methods are essential. Here’s how we can prepare and store this flavorful dish to ensure freshness and convenience.
Make-Ahead Preparation
- Assemble in Advance: We can fully assemble the Philly cheesesteak garlic bread but hold off on baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Baking it fresh will yield optimal melted cheese and crispy bread.
- Pre-Cook Filling: Cook the steak, peppers, onions, and garlic mixture ahead of time. Store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, spread it onto the prepared garlic bread, add provolone cheese, and bake.
Baking From Refrigerated
Allow the refrigerated garlic bread to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Freezing Tips
- We can freeze uncooked assembled garlic bread by wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Avoid freezing after baking to maintain bread and cheese texture.
Storing Leftovers
| Storage Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Wrap airtight, reheat in oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes |
| Freezer (Cooked) | Not recommended | Cheese and bread texture degrades; best to consume fresh |
| Freezer (Uncooked) | Up to 1 month | Thaw overnight in fridge, then bake fresh |
Reheating Tips
To recapture the crispy garlic bread and melty cheesesteak filling when reheating, place leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle a few fresh slices of jalapeño or a pinch of freshly chopped herbs after reheating to brighten flavors and add a fresh bite.
By following these make-ahead and storage tips, we can preserve the quality and taste of our Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread while saving time for busy days or entertaining guests.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread offers a delicious twist on two classic favorites, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. With the right ingredients and simple techniques, we can create a meal that’s packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether we’re serving it fresh or prepping ahead for convenience, this recipe delivers consistently impressive results.
By experimenting with toppings and pairing it thoughtfully, we can elevate every bite into a memorable experience. This dish proves that comfort food can be both easy to make and exciting to share with friends and family. Let’s keep this recipe in our rotation for those times when we want something hearty, flavorful, and truly satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread?
Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread is a fusion dish combining the classic Philly cheesesteak filling—thinly sliced ribeye, onions, peppers, and provolone cheese—with a garlic butter baguette base, baked until bubbly and savory.
What ingredients are needed to make this recipe?
Key ingredients include ribeye steak, onions, green bell peppers, garlic, provolone cheese, a baguette, and butter. Optional toppings like jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh herbs add extra flavor.
What equipment do I need to prepare Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread?
You’ll need a skillet or cast iron pan for sautéing, a sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, baking sheet, mixing bowl, and measuring spoons to prepare and assemble the dish efficiently.
How do I cook the steak and vegetables for the filling?
Thinly slice the ribeye steak and cook it in a hot skillet until browned. Sauté onions and green bell peppers until caramelized before combining with the steak for the filling.
Can I prepare Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the garlic bread up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. The filling can be pre-cooked and stored for up to 3 days for convenience.
How should I store leftovers and reheat them?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven to preserve crispiness. Adding fresh jalapeños or herbs after reheating can enhance the flavors.
What are some good side dishes or drinks to pair with it?
Serve with crisp salads, creamy dips, or hearty soups. Cold craft beers or robust red wines pair well, complementing the rich and savory flavors of the dish.
Can I freeze the assembled Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked assembled garlic bread for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen or thaw before baking for best results.