Name: Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil (divided); 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced); 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced); 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced); 2 tsp minced garlic; 16 oz shaved steak or thinly sliced ribeye steak; 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp smoked paprika; 1 loaf French bread; 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 1 tsp minced garlic; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasonings; 8 slices provolone cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley

There’s something incredibly satisfying about melding two classics into one amazing bite — that’s exactly what the Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe does. Imagine juicy shaved steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey cheese piled high on crispy, buttery garlic bread. It’s comfort food at its finest and totally worth every delicious calorie.

The image shows several open-faced sandwiches on a dark baking tray placed on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has a base layer of light golden toasted bread, topped with melted white cheese that slightly drips over the edges. On top of the cheese, there is a layer of cooked brown beef pieces mixed with sautéed translucent onions and bright red bell pepper slices. Finally, fresh green chopped parsley is sprinkled over the sandwiches, adding a pop of color. The scene shows a close-up view with some melted cheese strings and herbs scattered around photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first made this fusion dish, I couldn’t believe how effortlessly the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors transformed garlic bread into a meal everyone begged for. It’s filling, flavorful, and makes an awesome party snack or weekend treat. Here’s why it’s become one of my kitchen staples.

Bold Flavor Combo: The sweetness of sautéed peppers and onions cuts through the rich steak and melted cheeses perfectly.
Easy to Customize: You can swap cheeses or veggies to suit your tastes — it’s super forgiving.
Great for Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe scales nicely and always disappears fast at parties or family dinners.
Simple Yet Impressive: It looks like you went all out, but it comes together quickly with pantry staples.

The image shows a white rectangular plate holding five slices of an open sandwich or pizza-like dish. Each slice has three main layers: a light golden baked bread base, a middle layer of melted creamy white cheese, and a top layer loaded with brown cooked meat pieces. On top of the meat, there are thin red pepper strips and chopped fresh green parsley scattered all over. The slices look warm and soft with a moist texture from the cheese and meat. The background is a white marbled surface, and a blurry yellow bowl with more green herbs is visible in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe shines thanks to classic ingredients that balance each other. The tender steak pairs beautifully with sweet peppers and onions, while the garlicky butter and melted provolone and mozzarella bring that iconic cheesesteak vibe right to your table. Here’s a quick peek at why each one is needed.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a fresh red bell pepper sliced into thin strips, a fresh green bell pepper sliced into thin strips, a large yellow onion thinly sliced with its layers visible, a small white ceramic bowl of finely minced garlic, a pile of thinly shaved raw ribeye steak with marbled fat, a small white ceramic bowl holding coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl with cracked black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl containing dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl with smoked paprika powder, a whole rustic French bread loaf with a golden crust, a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter gleaming, a small white ceramic bowl with more minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding mixed Italian seasonings, eight slices of creamy provolone cheese stacked neatly, a small heap of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly chopped vibrant green Italian parsley placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: Helps sauté the veggies and steak without overpowering flavors.
Red & Green Bell Peppers: Add crisp sweetness and vibrant color, which contrast wonderfully with the savory steak.
Yellow Onion: Its natural sugars caramelize gently, boosting the overall depth of flavor.
Minced Garlic: Used twice—for cooking and the garlic butter—garlic gives this dish its warm, aromatic backbone.
Shaved Steak: Choose ribeye if possible for marbling and tenderness, or pre-shaved steak to save time.
Kosher Salt & Spices: Salt enhances all flavors, while oregano and smoked paprika add a subtle smoky, herby touch.
French Bread: Crisp on the outside and soft inside, it’s perfect for soaking up all the juicy cheesesteak love.
Unsalted Butter: For a rich garlic butter spread that toasts the bread beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on for an extra umami kick.
Italian Seasonings: Compliment the overall savory flavor profile with herbs like basil and oregano.
Provolone Cheese: Melts gorgeously and gives you that signature cheesesteak stretch.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooeyness and a mild creaminess underneath the provolone.
Italian Parsley: Freshens and brightens every bite for balance.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of the Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe is how easily you can adapt it. I like to toss in sautéed mushrooms or swap provolone for sharp cheddar when I’m craving something a bit different. You’ll find your own favorite twists in no time!

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the steak for seasoned sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. I’ve tried this when friends visit, and no one missed the meat!
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or top with pickled jalapeños.
Make It Healthier: Use whole-grain bread and less cheese for a lighter version that still satisfies.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onions Until Sweet and Tender

Start by heating half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced red and green bell peppers and yellow onions, cooking them gently until they’re soft and caramelized — about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally so they develop that sweet flavor rather than burning. Once soft, set them aside while you cook the steak.

Step 2: Cook the Shaved Steak with Garlic and Spices

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the shaved steak, salt, black pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir frequently, cooking until the meat is browned but still tender — around 5-7 minutes. Combining the steak with those beautifully caramelized veggies at the end creates that classic Philly flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter and Toast the Bread

While your steak and veggies cool slightly, mix melted butter with minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Spread this luscious garlic butter generously over the sliced French bread. Toast it in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, until golden and fragrant. This step is key — you want crisp edges but a tender center to soak up all those toppings.

Step 4: Assemble and Melt the Cheese

Layer your sautéed steak and peppers evenly over the toasted bread, then add slices of provolone cheese and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finally, sprinkle with chopped Italian parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor.

Top Tip

From my experience making this recipe a bunch of times, a few little tricks make a big difference in the final result. These are the nuggets that help it come out restaurant-quality and keep your kitchen stress-free.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the steak, avoid crowding so it browns nicely instead of steaming.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh is best for both the sauté and garlic butter — powdered garlic just doesn’t give that punch.
Let the Bread Toast First: Toasting the garlic bread before adding toppings keeps it from becoming soggy under all that juicy steak and cheese.
Slice Bread Thick: A thick cut means it holds up well and you get a soft center with a crisp crust.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe

Philly cheesesteak garlic bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a little sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley for brightness and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if we want some heat. Sometimes, I add thin slices of pickled jalapeños on the side — they add a sharp zing that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and steak.

Side Dishes

Since the Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe is so hearty, I usually like to pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts. A chilled pickle plate also works wonders to cut through all that richness.

Creative Ways to Present

When I serve this for gatherings, I slice the bread into smaller portions and arrange them on a large wooden board. Adding small bowls of dipping sauces like spicy mayo or a garlicky aioli turns it into a fun, interactive appetizer everyone enjoys. You can even build a cheesesteak garlic bread “bar” with different toppings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the fresh batch, I store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days. When cooled, the bread loses a bit of crispness but the flavors remain incredible.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. They freeze okay, but I recommend reheating slowly in the oven to preserve texture, rather than microwaving, which can make the bread chewy.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftover slices into a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. This restores some crispiness to the bread and revives those delicious layers of flavor perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread for Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! While French bread gives the best balance of crusty outside and soft inside, you can also use Italian bread or a good-quality baguette. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold all the toppings without getting soggy.

What can I substitute if I don’t have shaved steak?

Thinly sliced ribeye steak is ideal, but if you can’t find it, thin-cut sirloin or flank steak works well too. Just freeze the meat for about 30 minutes beforehand to make thin slicing easier. Avoid thicker cuts, as the texture won’t replicate the classic cheesesteak feel.

Can I prepare Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the veggie and steak mixture a day ahead to save time. However, for the best texture, it’s best to assemble and bake the bread right before serving. If assembled early, the bread can get soggy and less crisp.

What cheeses work best for Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe?

Provolone is classic for Philly cheesesteaks and melts beautifully, while mozzarella adds creamy stretchiness. You can also try fontina or Monterey Jack for a bit of variety. The key is choosing cheeses that melt well and complement the savory steak and veggies.

Final Thoughts

This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe has become one of those meals I make when I want something hearty, nostalgic, and a little bit indulgent. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and something I look forward to sharing with friends and family. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own in the kitchen — you’re going to love the way all those comforting flavors come together with every cheesy, garlicky bite.