Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread combines all the savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the irresistible appeal of cheesy bread. Imagine biting into crispy French bread loaded with tender ribeye steak, sautéed vegetables, and melted Provolone cheese. It’s a comforting, indulgent dish that satisfies your cravings for both a hearty sandwich and cheesy pizza. Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner, a game day snack, or a party appetizer, Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread is bound to be a hit.

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Ingredients: Building Layers of Flavor

The ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread are simple, yet they come together to create an incredibly flavorful dish. Let’s break down each ingredient and its role in the recipe.

1. Ribeye Steak

Amount: 8 ounces, thinly sliced
Role: Ribeye steak is the star of this dish, providing a tender, flavorful bite. Its marbling of fat ensures that the steak remains juicy and rich in flavor, even after being seared and baked.
Tip: For easy slicing, place the steak in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before cutting. This firms up the meat, allowing you to slice it more thinly and evenly.

2. Kosher Salt and Coarse Ground Black Pepper

Amount: 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
Role: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the steak and vegetables, enhancing the natural flavors of each ingredient. Kosher salt dissolves more evenly than table salt, while coarse ground black pepper adds a slightly bolder, more textured spice.
Tip: Season your steak generously to ensure every bite is flavorful. Don’t forget to divide the salt and pepper between the beef and the vegetables for balanced seasoning.

3. Canola Oil

Amount: 1 tablespoon
Role: Canola oil is used to sear the steak. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking at the high heat necessary to achieve a nice crust on the meat without burning.
Tip: Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the steak. This will help sear the beef quickly, locking in moisture and flavor.

4. Worcestershire Sauce

Amount: 1 tablespoon
Role: Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami-rich flavor to the steak, deepening the overall taste profile of the dish.
Tip: After searing the steak, add the Worcestershire sauce for just a moment, then remove the beef from the pan to prevent it from becoming too salty or overpowering.

5. Butter

Amount: 2 tablespoons
Role: Butter is used to sauté the bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, adding richness to the vegetables and helping them caramelize to a golden brown.
Tip: Use unsalted butter so that you have better control over the seasoning. You can always add more salt if needed.

6. Green Bell Pepper

Amount: 1 green bell pepper, sliced
Role: Green bell peppers bring a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch to the dish, complementing the savory steak and melted cheese.
Tip: Slice the bell peppers thinly so that they cook evenly and soften in the skillet.

7. Yellow Onion

Amount: 1 yellow onion, sliced
Role: Onions add a sweet, caramelized flavor to the Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread. As they cook down, they become tender and slightly sweet, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Tip: Cook the onions slowly to allow their natural sugars to caramelize. This brings out their sweetness and adds depth to the dish.

8. Mushrooms

Amount: 4 ounces, sliced
Role: Mushrooms add an earthy, umami flavor that complements the rich steak and cheese. They also provide a slightly chewy texture, balancing the softness of the bread and the gooey cheese.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the mushrooms. Spread them out in an even layer and let them brown before stirring to avoid steaming them.

9. French Bread

Amount: 1 loaf, cut in half lengthwise
Role: French bread serves as the base for the Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread. Its crusty exterior and soft interior are perfect for holding the flavorful toppings and melted cheese.
Tip: Use a good-quality French loaf with a sturdy crust to ensure it holds up under the weight of the steak, veggies, and cheese.

10. Mayonnaise

Amount: 1/3 cup
Role: Mayonnaise is spread on the bread before layering on the cheese and toppings. It adds a creamy, tangy element and helps the bread crisp up in the oven.
Tip: Spread the mayonnaise evenly over the entire surface of the bread to ensure every bite has a bit of creaminess.

11. Provolone Cheese

Amount: 8 ounces, sliced
Role: Provolone cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that holds all the other ingredients together. It has a mild, slightly smoky flavor that complements the steak and vegetables perfectly.
Tip: Use sliced Provolone for even melting. You can also mix in some shredded mozzarella if you want a more melty, stretchy cheese layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Bringing It All Together

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Why It’s Important: Preheating the oven ensures that the cheesy bread bakes evenly and crisps up nicely without becoming soggy.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

Season the Steak: Season the thinly sliced ribeye steak with part of the kosher salt, black pepper, and canola oil. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the beef and create a tasty crust when seared.
Sear the Steak: Heat a skillet over high heat until it’s very hot. Add the seasoned steak and sear it undisturbed for about 2 minutes on each side. This will give the steak a nice crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Add Worcestershire Sauce: Once the steak is seared, stir in the Worcestershire sauce for a burst of umami flavor. Quickly remove the beef from the skillet to prevent overcooking.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the steak. Work in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. The butter adds richness and helps caramelize the vegetables.
Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms to the skillet. Season with the remaining kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and golden brown.
Tip: Make sure to stir the vegetables occasionally to prevent them from burning, but allow them to sit undisturbed at times to get a nice golden color.

Step 4: Prepare the Bread

Cut the Bread: Take your French bread loaf and cut it in half lengthwise, creating two open-faced halves.
Spread with Mayonnaise: Evenly spread 1/3 cup of mayonnaise across the cut sides of the bread. The mayonnaise adds flavor and helps the bread crisp up during baking.
Tip: If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute it with butter or a light layer of olive oil.

Step 5: Assemble the Cheesy Bread

Layer the Cheese: Place half of the Provolone cheese slices on top of the mayonnaise-covered bread.
Add the Steak and Vegetables: Distribute the seared steak evenly over the bread, followed by the sautéed vegetables.
Top with More Cheese: Finish by layering the remaining Provolone cheese on top of the steak and vegetables. This second layer of cheese ensures a gooey, cheesy finish.

Step 6: Bake the Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread

Bake: Place the assembled bread on a baking sheet and transfer it to the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is crispy and golden brown.
Tip: If you prefer an extra-crispy top, you can switch on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and Serve: Once the Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread is out of the oven, let it cool for a minute before slicing it into pieces. Serve hot and enjoy the combination of crispy bread, savory steak, melty cheese, and flavorful vegetables.
Optional Garnishes: You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of extra color and heat.