This one merges the meaty taste of a Philly cheesesteak with the feel-good factor of garlic bread. Great as a dinner, for parties, or to share as an appetizer, this is filled with juicy ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and gooey melty cheese on a crusty, garlicky bread base.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread is the perfect marriage of two comfort-food legends. Think the robust tastes of a Philly cheesesteak, heaped on a crusty, garlicky bread foundation, then lined with molten, golden cheese. It’s great as a warming appetizer, a game-day snack or even a hearty dinner. The best part? It can be infinitely customized — throw in bell peppers for a blast of color or jalapeños for some heat. Let me assure you, this is sure to be on your menu regularly once you try it!
Key Ingredients
Italian Bread or French Baguette (not sourdough): Something sturdier works better for the heartier toppings. Italian bread offers a soft bite, and a baguette has get-a-crusty-nab in your mouth, just perfect.
Ribeye Steak: Thinly sliced ribeye is juicy, tender and loaded with flavor due to its marbled fat.
Onion: The rich-savory depth caramelized onions add balances the richness of the steak and cheese in this dish.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the bread a big, spicy aromatic kick that enhances the dish.
Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese, shredded: Delicious melted and gooey and creamy on top. The provolone lends a sharp tang, and the mozzarella, a low-key creaminess.
Olive Oil: To sauté the steak and onions, for richness and browning.
Optional Sprinkle of Toppings (bell peppers, mushrooms and centers, jalapeños): These offer both added flavor and texture, maintaining a colorful, customized garlic bread.
Full ingredients listing with measurements, plus additional method in the recipe card below
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Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Get Your Bread
Preheat the Oven:
To get the bread nice and crisp and the cheese melting, you will want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Bread:
Split your Italian bread or French baguette in half lengthwise.
Arrange the halves cut side up on a baking sheet. You will use those as a base of your garlic bread.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Heat the Skillet:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat until hot.
Cook the Steak:
In goes the ribeye steak, thinly sliced, to the frying pan.
Cook until the steak is seared and cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Stir now and then to ensure even cooking;
Set Aside:
Remove steak from pan and transfer to a plate to rest, allowing the juices to redistribute.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
Sauté the Onions:
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to same skillet.
Add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring from time to time, until they begin to caramelize (10-15 minutes).
Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Garlic Bread
Spread the Steak:
Divide the cooked steak evenly between the cut sides of the bread.
Add the Onions and Garlic:
Spread the caramelized onions and garlic over the steak evenly.
Sprinkle the Cheese:
Spoon shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese over steak and onion mixture.
Step 5: Final Stages
Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms or jalapeños for even more flavor and color.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the Oven:
Put the baking sheet with the assembled bread in the preheated oven.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese has melted, bubbled and turned golden, and the edges of the bread are crisp.
Monitor the Bread:
Watch the bread to make sure it’s not overbrowning.
Step 7: Serve
Cool and Cut:
Allow bread to cool for a few minutes.
Cut into pieces to serve individual portions.
Serve Hot:
Serve the cheesesteaks right away and dig into the marriage of crunchy bread, juicy beef, caramelized onions, and melting cheese.
Step 8: Enjoy
Savor the Flavors:
Whether it’s for a meal or an appetizer, enjoy every delicious bite of your Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread!
Serving Suggestions
The great thing about Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread is that it can be served in many different ways. Here are a few suggestions to complete your meal:
Crunchy Fries or Tater Tots: The classic comfort-food combo.
Side Salad: A small, bright arugula or mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette offsets the richness.
Beer or Soda: A crisp lager or a simple cola rounds out the flavors and accentuates the cheesy, savory yumminess.
Tomato Soup: For a playful spin, pair this with a warm, comforting soup you can dip into!
Storage Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers
Slices can be stored in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To regain the crisp, reheat for 5-7minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven.
Freezing for Later
Assemble the garlic bread (but don’t bake it) and freeze it on a baking sheet until firm.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and keep for up to 3 months.
If you’re planning to bake, simply add a few minutes to the oven time, as they will go straight from frozen.
Variations
Class Philly: For a classic Philly cheesesteak experience, toss in some sautéed green bell peppers and mushrooms into the mix.
For a Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon (or more, if you dare) of sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red chili flakes.
Cheese Swap: Cheddar or Swiss or a combination of provolone and mozzarella for a challenging flavor profile.
Vegetarian Variation: Replace the steak with large, meaty portobello mushrooms or seitan to make a plant-based version.
Garlic Butter: Spread a mixture of butter, minced garlic and parsley on the bread before you add the steak for extra garlicky goodness.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread is an epic combination that checks the boxes for flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Crispy base, juicy steak, sweet caramelized onions and melty cheese — pure comfort food magic, if you ask me. Whether you’re throwing a gathering, keeping a hungry crew fed, or just indulging yourself, it’s an impressive dish. And don’t forget to play around with toppings and variations to make it your own — because this recipe is just as adaptable as it is tasty.
Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian bread or French baguette sliced lengthwise
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- optional toppings sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place the halves cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ribeye steak and cook until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the onions over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until caramelized. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Spread the steak evenly over the bread. Top with the caramelized onions and garlic, then sprinkle with cheese.
- Customize with optional toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños, if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Keep an eye on the bread to avoid overbrowning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice into portions and serve hot.
- Savor the crispy bread, tender steak, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect as a meal or appetizer.