If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines the iconic tastes of Philly cheesesteak with a garlicky, crispy bread base, this Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe is your new go-to. It’s the perfect marriage of tender, seared flank steak, savory sautéed veggies, melted provolone, and a luscious garlic butter spread all built on a crusty French bread loaf. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe delivers bold, satisfying flavors with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the unforgettable layers of taste, texture, and color that make the Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe so delicious. From the tenderness of the flank steak to the sweetness of sautéed peppers and onions, everything combines beautifully.
- French bread loaf: Provides a sturdy yet crusty base that holds all the flavorful layers together perfectly.
- Flank steak (1 pound): A lean, tender cut that’s ideal for quick cooking and absorbs seasoning beautifully.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The secret to that irresistible aromatic punch in the garlic butter spread.
- Medium onion (sliced): Adds a sweet, caramelized depth that complements the meat.
- Bell pepper (sliced): Brings a colorful crunch and mild sweetness to every bite.
- Provolone cheese (8 ounces): Melts to creamy perfection, tying all the savory components together.
- Butter (softened): Blended with garlic to create a rich, fragrant layer that enhances the bread.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the steak and garlic butter for balanced flavor.
How to Make Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This temperature is perfect for melting the cheese and crisping the bread without drying out the steak or veggies.
Step 2: Make Garlic Butter
Mix softened butter with the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. This garlic butter spread is what transforms ordinary bread into a fragrant, flavorful foundation for the cheesesteak toppings.
Step 3: Cook the Flank Steak
Season your flank steak lightly with salt, then sear it in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side. This quick but intense cooking locks in juices and flavors. Once cooked, let the steak rest briefly before slicing it thinly against the grain to ensure tender bites.
Step 4: Sauté Onions and Peppers
In the same skillet or a fresh pan, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for roughly 5 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness comes forward, without losing their vibrant color and slight crunch.
Step 5: Prepare the Bread
Carefully split your French bread loaf lengthwise, creating two long halves. Generously spread the garlic butter on each side, making sure to cover all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor absorption during baking.
Step 6: Layer Your Ingredients
Begin layering thinly sliced steak on the buttered bread, followed by the sautéed onions and peppers, and finally, pile on the provolone cheese. This order helps distribute heat evenly so the cheese melts smoothly over the warm fillings.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Gooey
Place your assembled bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. This is the magic moment where the cheese melts into creamy goodness and the edges of the bread toast to a golden, slightly crispy finish that adds delightful texture contrast.
How to Serve Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add a little color and a mild kick. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce also pairs wonderfully for those who love extra zest.
Side Dishes
Serve this bread with a crisp green salad or a bowl of classic coleslaw to balance the richness with some fresh crunch and acidity. Crispy fries or sweet potato wedges also make for a satisfying, indulgent pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bread into individual-sized portions and serve as open-faced sandwiches or sliders. For a fun twist, place smaller portions on a party platter alongside pickles and dipping sauces for an interactive appetizer experience that everyone will enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It keeps best stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, preserving the flavors and preventing the bread from becoming too dry.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled bread before baking. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 1 month—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to bake.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bread on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the bread is crisp again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess and maintain that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread works best due to its crusty exterior and soft interior, you can use Italian bread or even a sturdy baguette. Just ensure the bread is firm enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
What type of cheese substitutes provolone?
If you don’t have provolone on hand, mozzarella, cheddar, or even Monterey Jack are great alternatives. Aim for a cheese that melts well and has a mild to medium sharp flavor to keep the balance right.
Is flank steak the only beef cut to use?
Flank steak is ideal for this recipe because it’s flavorful and tender when sliced thinly. However, you could also use ribeye or sirloin steak if preferred. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the flank steak for hearty grilled mushrooms, marinated tofu, or plant-based meat substitutes to create a delicious vegetarian version full of flavor and texture.
How can I add more spice to the Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe?
Incorporate sliced jalapeños into the sautéed vegetables or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking. You could also serve with a spicy aioli or hot sauce on the side for added heat.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about the Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe that makes it a standout for dinner or game day gatherings. From the first bite of garlicky, cheesy bread to the tender steak and veggies, it’s a dish that brings joy and satisfaction every time. Don’t wait to give this incredible recipe a try; it’s sure to become one of your favorites!
Print
Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A savory and indulgent Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread combining tender seared flank steak, sautéed onions and bell peppers, melted provolone cheese, and fragrant garlic butter spread on a fresh French bread loaf, baked to golden perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 fresh French bread loaf
- 1 pound flank steak
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled sandwich.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix the softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt until well combined to create a fragrant garlic butter spread.
- Sear the Steak: Season the flank steak with salt and sear it in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes on each side until cooked to your preferred doneness, then let it rest to retain juices.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers for approximately 5 minutes until they soften and caramelize slightly.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise and spread the prepared garlic butter evenly on both halves to infuse the bread with flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Layer the sliced steak, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and provolone cheese onto the garlic buttered bread halves.
- Bake: Place the assembled sandwich on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sautéed vegetables.
- Use a cast iron skillet for searing the steak for better heat retention and flavor.
- Letting the steak rest after searing ensures juicier meat and better texture.
- Customize the cheese by substituting provolone with mozzarella or fontina if desired.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best melting texture and flavor.
