Nothing beats the comforting, savory joy of the Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe, a delightful twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak that transforms this beloved sandwich into an irresistible, shareable loaf. This recipe brings together tender seared flank steak, sweet sautéed onions and bell peppers, all melted under a blanket of provolone cheese on a garlic-infused French bread base. It’s the perfect dish when you want something hearty, flavorful, and quick to whip up, guaranteed to get everyone around the table smiling with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing unique flavors and textures that make the Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe truly mouthwatering. From the juicy flank steak to the aromatic garlic butter and mellow provolone cheese, every element plays a starring role.
- Fresh French bread loaf: Provides a crusty yet soft canvas that holds all the savory goodness together.
- Flank steak (1 pound): Tender and lean, it delivers the hearty, meaty flavor you expect in a cheesesteak.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the bread with a fragrant and bold punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Medium onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and a slight caramelized note when sautéed.
- Bell pepper (sliced): Brings vibrant color and a mild crunch to balance the richness.
- Provolone cheese (8 ounces): Melts beautifully with a creamy texture and mild tanginess that complements the meat.
- Softened butter: A key ingredient to mix with garlic for a rich, buttery spread.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors throughout the dish for a perfect balance.
How to Make Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Garlic Butter
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, combine softened butter with the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. This garlic butter will give the bread that incredible aroma and a golden, flavorful crust once baked.
Step 2: Cook the Flank Steak
Season your flank steak simply with salt, then sear it in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes on each side. This quick sear locks in the juices while giving each slice a nice caramelized crust. Once cooked, allow the steak to rest for a few minutes—that’s the secret to keeping it tender and juicy.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in your sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for around 5 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness emerges. These vibrant veggies add great texture and balance to the robust meat and cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Bread
Split the French bread lengthwise, creating two halves ready to hold that rich filling. Generously spread the prepared garlic butter on both sides of the bread, making sure you cover every inch to guarantee that garlic flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Layer Ingredients and Bake
Start layering by adding thin slices of your rested flank steak onto the bread, then pile on the sautéed onions and bell peppers. Top everything with slices of provolone cheese, ensuring an even cover that will melt down deliciously. Place the assembled bread on a baking tray and bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the bread turn perfectly golden.
How to Serve Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe, consider topping with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of color and a mild kick. These simple garnishes brighten up the presentation and add fresh flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
This hearty bread pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or some crunchy pickles. For something warm, creamy coleslaw or a bowl of tomato soup complements the richness of the cheesy steak beautifully, making your meal feel complete and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive occasion, cut your Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe into smaller slider-sized pieces to serve as party appetizers. You can also offer an assortment of dipping sauces such as spicy mayo or a tangy horseradish sauce to add another layer of indulgence and customization for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers—though unlikely—they store well in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the bread from drying out and the flavors intact.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the assembled but unbaked loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. You can keep it in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking to preserve the freshness and texture.
Reheating
For reheating, place the bread on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the bread is crisp again. Avoid using a microwave if you want to keep that perfect garlic-buttery crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is perfect for tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with sirloin or ribeye for a richer, fattier option. Just adjust cooking times slightly to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the flank steak with hearty sautéed mushrooms or even plant-based meat substitutes to recreate the satisfying texture and flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
What kind of cheese works best besides provolone?
Mozzarella and American cheese are great alternatives that melt nicely. Swiss cheese can also add a unique nutty flavor, but provolone remains the classic and most authentic choice.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
You can slice the steak and sauté the vegetables a day in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers. Assemble and bake just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
How do I make the garlic butter if I don’t have softened butter?
If your butter is cold, briefly microwave it in short bursts until soft but not melted, then mix in the minced garlic and salt for an easy homemade garlic butter spread.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make the Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite, whether for a casual family dinner or a cozy game night snack. The combination of savory steak, melty cheese, and garlic-infused bread is undeniably delicious and super satisfying. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, crank up your oven, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this fantastic, crowd-pleasing dish!
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
This Garlic Philly Cheesesteak Bread is a delicious twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, featuring tender seared flank steak, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and melted provolone cheese on a crusty French bread loaf, all enhanced with a flavorful garlic butter spread. Perfect for a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 1 fresh French bread loaf
- Butter (softened) – about 2 tablespoons
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt (to taste)
Filling
- 1 pound flank steak
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 8 ounces provolone cheese (sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled sandwich.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic and a pinch of salt until well combined. This will add a rich garlic flavor to the bread.
- Cook the Steak: Season the flank steak with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for about 3 minutes on each side until it’s cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are softened and slightly caramelized, which will enhance their sweetness.
- Prepare the Bread: Split the French bread loaf lengthwise, creating two halves. Spread the prepared garlic butter evenly on the cut sides of both halves to infuse the bread with garlic flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwich: On one half of the bread, layer the sliced flank steak evenly. Top the steak with the sautéed onions and bell peppers, and then arrange the sliced provolone cheese over the vegetables.
- Bake: Place the assembled sandwich in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bread edges turn golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For juicier steak, let it rest covered loosely with foil after searing.
- Feel free to add hot peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use provolone or substitute with mozzarella or American cheese based on preference.
- Make sure to slice the steak thinly for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
