Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could capture the irresistible flavors of a Philly cheesesteak and transform them into a shareable, cheesy, gooey snack, you’re in for a treat with this Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe. This dish takes everything you love about the classic sandwich—tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, melty cheese—and wraps it all up in a crispy, golden French bread to create the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for casual dinners, game days, or just when your cravings hit big time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Each element plays a vital role, from adding moisture and depth of flavor to lending the perfect texture and color, ensuring the final result is as delicious as it looks.
- French bread: Provides a sturdy, crispy base that holds all the savory goodness together.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy tang that keeps the bread from drying out and enhances flavor.
- Olive oil: Ideal for sautéing the veggies and keeping the beef juicy.
- Sweet onion: Brings a subtle natural sweetness that balances the savory meat.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a slight crunch and fresh, vibrant color.
- Button mushrooms: Impart an earthy depth that complements the beef beautifully.
- Lean ground beef: The hearty, flavorful protein that’s the star of the show.
- Worcestershire sauce: Boosts the umami, making the filling irresistibly savory.
- Coarse salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the beef mixture so it isn’t runny.
- Low sodium beef broth: Adds richness without overpowering the filling.
- Shredded Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, cheesy finish.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional garnish for a hint of heat and visual appeal.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté Your Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced sweet onion, green bell pepper, and button mushrooms. Cook these until they’re tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to bring out their natural sweetness and soften their textures. This veggie medley sets the flavorful foundation, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Next, add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Break it up with a spatula and cook until fully browned. Season with Worcestershire sauce, coarse salt, and black pepper. The Worcestershire sauce is your secret weapon here—it infuses the beef with mouthwatering depth. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat if needed, then sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the mixture to help thicken the filling.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the low sodium beef broth and stir well, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. As it cooks, the beef broth helps meld the flavors and ensures the filling stays juicy but not watery. Let it reduce slightly for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is thickened and cohesive.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread
While your filling is simmering, slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, and spread mayonnaise evenly over the cut sides. This keeps the bread moist and adds a lovely tang that balances all the savory elements. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, mayo side up, ready to be loaded with that delicious filling.
Step 5: Assemble and Add Cheese
Pile the warm Philly cheesesteak beef mixture generously onto both halves of the bread. Top each with a hearty layer of shredded Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese. The melty cheese is crucial—it not only seals in the savory juices but also creates that irresistible gooey texture everyone craves in a Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Melty
Pop the assembled bread into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are crisp and golden brown. This final step brings everything together with perfect harmony of texture and flavor.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle red pepper flakes lightly over the baked cheesy bread to add a touch of heat and vibrant color. If you enjoy freshness, a scattering of chopped fresh parsley or chives also brightens the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cheesy bread pairs perfectly with crisp sides like a fresh garden salad or a crunchy coleslaw, which help lighten and balance the rich, meaty flavors. A side of tangy pickles or even some roasted vegetables can also make wonderful accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cheesy bread into bite-sized squares to serve as party appetizers or slice it into hearty wedges for casual family dinners. You could even offer small bowls of extra dipping sauces, like a garlic aioli or spicy ketchup, making it interactive and extra fun for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the bread from drying out while preserving the delicious flavors.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the cheesy bread without baking, then wrap tightly in freezer-safe foil and place in a sealed freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes to bring back crispness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread offers the perfect crust-to-soft ratio, you can experiment with Italian bread or even a sturdy baguette for a slightly different texture but similarly delicious results.
What’s the best cheese to use in Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe?
Provolone and Monterey Jack are ideal choices because they melt beautifully and have mild flavors that complement the beef and veggies without overpowering them. You could also try Mozzarella or American cheese if you want a creamier bite.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes! Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin authenticates the Philly cheesesteak vibe, but ground turkey or chicken can work for a lighter twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish isn’t inherently spicy, but the optional red pepper flakes garnish adds a gentle kick. Feel free to omit or increase them to suit your heat preference.
Is mayonnaise necessary in the recipe?
Mayonnaise helps keep the bread moist and adds a subtle tang, but if you prefer, you can substitute with a thin layer of butter or olive oil to achieve a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm, cheesy, meaty goodness of this Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe to bring friends and family together around the table. It’s easy to make, full of comforting flavor, and sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for casual nights or special occasions. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how this twist on a classic sandwich elevates your snack and meal game!
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Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread is a delicious, gooey, and flavorful twist on the classic sandwich, packed with seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted provolone cheese on a crispy French bread loaf. Perfect for sharing as a hearty appetizer or meal, this recipe combines savory Worcestershire-seasoned beef with peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all topped with a cheesy crown and a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Bread and Spread
- 1 loaf French bread, cut in half lengthwise
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 4 ounces button mushrooms, diced
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup low sodium beef broth
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 & 1/2 cups shredded Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and spread mayonnaise evenly on the cut sides. Set aside to prepare the filling.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet onion, green bell pepper, and button mushrooms. Cook until vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add lean ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Break apart the meat and cook until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Season and Thicken: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, coarse salt, and black pepper. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with the low sodium beef broth to create a slurry, then pour it into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Bread: Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the mayonnaise-coated halves of the French bread. Generously sprinkle shredded Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the beef mixture.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is toasted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cheesy bread from the oven, sprinkle with red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level, slice into servings, and enjoy warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the vegetable mix.
- You can substitute Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease.
- Leftover cheesy bread can be reheated in an oven or toaster oven to maintain its crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
