If you are craving a perfect blend of juicy, savory, and melty goodness, this Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe will quickly become your new favorite comfort food. Imagine tender ground beef seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, combined with sautéed veggies and loads of provolone cheese, all piled high on crusty French bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. Every bite bursts with the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors, elevated by a crispy, cheesy bread base that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Trust me, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy a twist on a traditional cheesesteak in a handheld, shareable form that’s perfect for game days, family dinners, or any time you want to indulge in something seriously tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the table, whether it’s flavor, texture, or color. The combination of crisp veggies, seasoned beef, rich cheese, and crusty bread creates a vibrant, balanced dish that’s both hearty and indulgent.
- French bread loaf: Provides a sturdy, crusty base that holds all the delicious filling without getting soggy.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a subtle creaminess and helps keep the bread moist and flavorful on the inside.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing vegetables to enhance their natural sweetness and give a gentle richness.
- Sweet onion: Brings a tender, mildly sweet crunch that balances out the savory beef.
- Green bell pepper: Adds freshness and a slight earthiness that complements the other ingredients.
- Button mushrooms: Offer an umami punch and extra texture to the filling.
- Lean ground beef: The star protein that’s flavorful and juicy once cooked with Worcestershire sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a deep, savory complexity that elevates the meat.
- Coarse salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in every component.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the beef filling for a perfect consistency that sticks to the bread.
- Low sodium beef broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Shredded Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy perfection.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but a fantastic way to add a little spicy kick and visual interest.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread and Veggies
Start by slicing your loaf of French bread lengthwise so you have two large, sturdy halves. Spread mayonnaise evenly over the cut sides; this not only adds flavor but also helps keep the bread soft and moist under the filling. Dice your onion, green bell pepper, and button mushrooms finely—smaller pieces ensure they cook evenly and blend smoothly into the beef mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in your diced onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté them until the onions start to caramelize and the mushrooms release their juices, about 6-8 minutes. This step softens the veggies and brings out their natural sweetness, which creates a delightful contrast to the savory beef.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the cooked veggies, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, making sure the flavors meld together beautifully. The Worcestershire sauce is key here—it adds complexity reminiscent of the classic Philly cheesesteak.
Step 4: Thicken the Mixture
Mix the cornstarch with the beef broth until smooth, then pour into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes until the mixture thickens into a rich, moist filling that won’t drip off your bread. This ensures every bite is loaded with flavor that sticks perfectly to the bread base.
Step 5: Assemble and Add Cheese
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the beef and veggie mixture generously onto the mayo-coated bread halves. Sprinkle the shredded Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top. The cheese not only adds decadent gooeyness but also helps hold everything together as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on it during these last few minutes to get that perfect balance of melty cheese with a crispy top.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the hot cheesy bread to introduce a little heat and vibrant color. You can also add a light drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a scattering of fresh chopped parsley for a fresh bite and bright presentation. These simple garnishes enhance the dish’s appeal and give it a personalized touch.
Side Dishes
This cheesy bread pairs wonderfully with light sides that don’t compete with its rich flavors. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a simple bowl of tomato soup. The contrast between fresh, bright sides and the indulgent bread creates a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, slice the Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe into smaller pieces and arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or spicy ketchup. You can also turn leftover filling into a dip served with crunchy bread cubes or veggie sticks. This versatility makes the recipe a winner not only for main meals but also for appetizer spreads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld wonderfully overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day when reheated carefully.
Freezing
This Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe freezes well too! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Freeze before baking for best results, and bake from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, place the cheesy bread on a foil-lined baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and the cheese revives its melty texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use sliced steak instead of ground beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Traditional Philly cheesesteaks use thinly sliced steak, so you can swap the ground beef for thin strips of ribeye or sirloin. Just sauté the steak with the veggies until cooked through, and proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.
What kind of cheese works best for Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe?
Provolone or Monterey Jack are classic choices because they melt beautifully and have a mild, creamy flavor that complements the savory beef and veggies perfectly. You can also mix the two or try mozzarella for an extra stretchy texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily add a kick by sprinkling red pepper flakes or incorporating a dash of hot sauce either in the filling or as a garnish. It’s flexible so you can tailor the heat level to your liking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the beef with plant-based meat crumbles or a hearty mix of sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the recipe vegetarian while maintaining lots of flavor.
How do I ensure the bread stays crispy and not soggy?
Spreading mayonnaise on the cut sides of the bread acts as a moisture barrier, while baking the bread on a sheet rather than wrapping it helps keep the crust crispy. Also, don’t overload the bread with wet ingredients; cooking the beef mixture until it thickens ensures it stays just right.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe brings all the irresistible flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak tucked into a crunchy, cheesy bread experience that’s perfect for sharing or indulging solo. It’s an easy, satisfying recipe that makes any day feel like a special occasion. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a permanent fixture in your meal rotation – trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread recipe combines all the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, baked onto a crispy French bread base loaded with savory cooked ground beef, sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melted Provolone cheese. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish perfect for game days or casual dinners.
Ingredients
For the Bread and Toppings
- 1 loaf French bread, cut in half lengthwise
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 4 ounces button mushrooms, diced
- 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
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet, cut side up. Spread mayonnaise evenly over both halves to add moisture and flavor.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet onion, green bell pepper, and button mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
- Cook the beef: Add lean ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Break it apart and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add seasoning: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, coarse salt, and black pepper to the beef and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the mixture then pour in the low sodium beef broth. Stir well to combine and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the bread: Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the prepared bread halves. Top generously with shredded Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet with the assembled loaf halves in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Slice into servings and enjoy warm as a hearty appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with thinly sliced ribeye for a more traditional Philly cheesesteak texture.
- Use Provolone cheese for authentic flavor or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier melt.
- If you prefer spicier bread, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños.
- Make sure not to overload the bread with toppings to ensure even baking and a crispy crust.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
