If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, then this Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender roast beef, melty provolone cheese, and perfectly sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms all wrapped inside a golden, buttery crust—this dish brings the iconic Philly cheesesteak into a fun, shareable stromboli form that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a spectacular way to enjoy those classic flavors with a twist that’s as satisfying to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the first step to making an incredible Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s creating that signature savory filling, adding a burst of freshness, or giving the crust a golden, flavorful finish.
- Frozen white bread loaf (thawed): This serves as the dough foundation—soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling together.
- Mayonnaise: Mixed with garlic powder, it spreads a creamy, tangy layer that helps balance savory flavors inside the stromboli.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth and warmth to the mayonnaise and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Green bell pepper (diced): Brings a fresh, sweet crunch and vibrant color to the filling.
- Medium yellow onion (diced): Sautéed to add natural sweetness and a tender bite to the mix.
- Mushrooms (thinly sliced): Contribute an earthy richness and soften perfectly when cooked.
- Deli roast beef (thinly sliced): The star protein—tender, flavorful, and quintessential to a Philly cheesesteak.
- Provolone cheese (sliced): Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey texture.
- Unsalted butter (divided): Used for sautéing veggies and brushing the crust for a golden finish.
- Garlic salt: Sprinkled on top to enhance savory notes and add a subtle crunch.
- Sesame seeds: Add a delicate nuttiness and appealing visual contrast to the crust.
- Dried parsley: A fresh, herbal finish that brightens up the baked stromboli.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by placing your frozen white bread loaf in a greased bowl covered with plastic wrap, then set it in a warm spot. Let the dough thaw fully and rise until it doubles in size—this usually takes around 2 to 3 hours. This rising stage is crucial because it gives the dough the right texture and softness to roll and hold all those delicious fillings without tearing.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the dough is doing its thing, dice the green bell pepper and yellow onion, then thinly slice the mushrooms. Heat one tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté these vegetables until they soften and get lightly browned, around 6 minutes. This step intensifies their flavors and ensures they complement the roast beef perfectly later on.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a quick spray with cooking spray. Having your oven ready helps the stromboli go in immediately after assembly, so it keeps its shape and cooks evenly.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your risen dough into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle. The key here is to maintain an even thickness and avoid any holes—this will help you avoid any ooze-out during baking and keep the stromboli sealed tight.
Step 5: Spread the Garlic Mayo Base
Mix the mayonnaise with garlic powder in a small bowl until well combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly across the dough, leaving about a half inch border around the edges to secure the roll later. This base adds subtle richness and flavor that ties all the elements together.
Step 6: Layer the Fillings
Now it’s time for the star ingredients. Arrange your thinly sliced roast beef evenly over the mayo layer, then distribute the sautéed veggies on top. Finally, lay down the provolone slices ensuring you cover the filling generously—this will melt beautifully and hold everything together after baking.
Step 7: Roll and Seal
Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll, tucking the filling in as you go. Once rolled, pinch the seams and ends firmly to seal the stromboli—this prevents any filling from escaping during baking and keeps your stromboli looking neat.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Place your rolled stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Melt the remaining butter and brush it generously over the top for a rich golden finish. Sprinkle garlic salt, sesame seeds, and dried parsley evenly to add flavor, texture, and color to the crust.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F. This timing ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the bread crisps up with that irresistible crunch.
Step 10: Rest and Slice
Once out of the oven, let the stromboli rest for about 5 minutes. This allows everything to set, making slicing neater and easier. Use a serrated knife to cut into warm, inviting slices and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
Add a finishing touch with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully here, complementing the savoriness inside the stromboli.
Side Dishes
A crisp side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully to balance the richness of the stromboli. For a heartier meal, crispy oven-baked fries or simple roasted vegetables make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the stromboli sliced on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of mustard, pickles, and cherry tomatoes. You can also turn it into handheld pieces for a party platter, making it easy and fun for everyone to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When stored properly, the flavors stay vibrant and the crust remains fairly crisp once reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the stromboli either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen stromboli stays good for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the crust re-crisped. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen bread loaf?
Absolutely! Fresh bread dough works wonderfully and may even give you more control over thickness and texture. Just make sure to let it rise fully and handle it gently to avoid tearing.
What can I substitute for mayo in this recipe?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, a thin layer of softened cream cheese or a smear of mustard can add a delicious tangy element, although mayo brings a unique creaminess that’s classic in this recipe.
Can I swap provolone for another cheese?
Yes! While provolone melts beautifully and offers a mild flavor, mozzarella, cheddar, or even American cheese slices can be tasty alternatives based on your preference.
How do I know when the stromboli is fully cooked?
Look for a deep golden brown crust and check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. The cheese should be fully melted and the filling hot throughout.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after assembly but before baking?
Yes, assembling ahead and freezing before baking is a great timesaver. Just wrap tightly and bake straight from frozen—add an extra few minutes to the baking time to ensure it cooks through.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s hearty, flavorful, and brings the iconic taste of Philadelphia into a fun, shareable format. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, this recipe is worth making again and again. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a personal favorite that never fails to delight.
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, featuring thinly sliced roast beef, sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese wrapped inside a soft homemade bread dough. Brushed with garlic butter and baked to golden perfection, it’s an irresistible, hearty meal perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 frozen white bread loaf (thawed)
Spread
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetables
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (thinly sliced)
Filling
- 8 ounces deli roast beef (thinly sliced)
- 8 ounces provolone cheese (sliced)
For Cooking and Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Place the frozen white bread loaf in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area until the dough is fully thawed and has doubled in size, which should take approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- Sauté Vegetables: Dice the green bell pepper and yellow onion, and thinly slice the mushrooms. Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the vegetables and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray for easy removal of the stromboli.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle, keeping the thickness even and being careful not to tear the dough.
- Apply Spread: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and garlic powder until thoroughly combined. Spread this mixture evenly across the dough surface, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- Add Fillings: Arrange the sliced roast beef evenly over the mayonnaise layer. Then distribute the sautéed vegetables on top, followed by layering the provolone cheese slices to fully cover the fillings, overlapping if necessary.
- Roll Stromboli: Starting at one long edge, tightly roll the dough like a jelly roll, tucking the fillings in as needed. Pinch the seams and ends firmly to seal the roll completely.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and brush it generously over the top of the stromboli. Sprinkle garlic salt, sesame seeds, and dried parsley evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the stromboli from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set the fillings. Slice using a serrated knife and serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure the dough is completely thawed and doubled in size before rolling to ensure a soft and airy crust.
- Sautéing the vegetables beforehand enhances their flavor and prevents excess moisture from making the dough soggy.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the stromboli evenly without crushing the filling.
- You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or another mild, melty cheese if preferred.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sliced hot peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes inside.
- Ensure the stromboli is baked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee that any meats are safely cooked.
