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 mozzarella cheese (shredded); ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley

There’s truly nothing quite like the melty, savory goodness of Philly cheesesteak flavors combined with crispy garlic bread — and that’s exactly what makes my Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe a total game-changer. The sizzle of steak, sweet peppers, and gooey cheese all on a buttery, garlicky crust? Pure joy in every bite.

The image shows several open-faced sandwiches on a dark baking tray placed on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has three main layers: a bottom layer of crusty bread that looks soft and golden, a middle layer of melted white cheese, and a top layer made of cooked thin beef slices mixed with caramelized onions and bright red bell pepper strips. The sandwiches are sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs, giving a fresh and colorful touch. Some of the melted cheese drips off the sides, adding to the melted texture look. 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

I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has made appearances at informal get-togethers and cozy family dinners. It’s got that perfect balance of familiarity and wow-factor — easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to impress guests.

Robust Flavor Explosion: Juicy shaved steak and roasted peppers mingle with garlic butter for a depth of flavor you’ll crave again and again.
Cheesy Goodness: The melty provolone and mozzarella create a luxurious, gooey texture that’s just irresistible.
Crunch Meets Soft: Crispy, buttery French bread forms the ideal base, giving you the perfect crunch without overwhelming the toppings.
Customizable and Versatile: You can easily swap out peppers, cheese, or even bread types to fit your mood or pantry.

The image shows a close-up of three slices of sandwich pizza on a black tray, placed on a white marbled surface. Each slice has a base layer of soft bread topped with a cooked meat layer, followed by melted white cheese covering the meat. Thin slices of red bell pepper are scattered on top, along with chopped green herbs sprinkled evenly. The texture shows gooey melted cheese stretching slightly and the meat looks juicy and tender. In the blurry background, more slices of the sandwich pizza are visible on a white plate with a red rack beneath it, alongside a small yellow bowl filled with green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe pairs the richness of perfectly cooked shaved steak with aromatic peppers and onions, all lifted by fresh garlic and quality cheeses. When shopping, pick a crusty yet soft French bread, fresh peppers with vibrant color, and if you can, ask your butcher for thin ribeye slices for that authentic texture.

Flat lay of a whole loaf of crusty French bread, a small white bowl of olive oil, thinly sliced red bell pepper strips, thinly sliced green bell pepper strips, thinly sliced large yellow onion rings, a small white bowl of minced garlic, a neat pile of raw shaved ribeye steak slices, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of black pepper, a small white bowl of dried oregano, a small white bowl of smoked paprika, a small white bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of Italian seasonings, eight slices of provolone cheese stacked neatly, a small mound of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a small pile of freshly chopped 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: Dividing it helps you sauté veggies perfectly and add a touch of richness to the steak without greasiness.
Red and green bell peppers: These add sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color that brightens the dish.
Yellow onion: Caramelizes beautifully with a mild bite that complements the steak.
Minced garlic: Essential for that signature garlicky kick in both the sauté and the bread topping.
Shaved steak (or thin ribeye): Cooks quickly and delivers tender, steakhouse-worthy bites every time.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Go easy but don’t skip — they are the backbone of flavor seasoning.
Dried oregano and smoked paprika: These add subtle earthiness and smokiness that elevate the cheesesteak vibe.
French bread loaf: Your crispy, sturdy base that soaks up all the tasty juices without getting soggy.
Unsalted butter: When melted, it blends with garlic for a rich spread that keeps the bread moist and flavorful.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy provolone and mozzarella.
Italian seasonings: Bring an herby freshness that ties all the ingredients together.
Provolone cheese: Its mild, smooth melt makes it a classic choice for cheesesteaks.
Mozzarella cheese: Contributes stretchy, gooey texture for that ooey-gooey cheese pull perfection.
Chopped Italian parsley: Adds a touch of color and light herbal note as a final flourish.

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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 this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe is how adaptable it is. Over time, I’ve tinkered with different peppers and even swapped provolone for sharp cheddar to change it up. I highly encourage you to try your own fun variations!

Variation: For a spicier kick, I sometimes add thinly sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey. It’s a little fire that wakes up those flavors in the best way.
Vegetarian option: Swap the steak for sautéed mushrooms and smoked tofu, seasoned with the same spices — just as satisfying!
Seasonal twist: When bell peppers aren’t at their best, I use roasted poblano peppers or even sun-dried tomatoes for different nuances.
Bread choice: French bread works best, but a good sturdy sourdough or Italian loaf will hold toppings just as well.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

Start by heating half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onions and cook them slowly until soft and just caramelized—about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so they don’t burn, and toss in the minced garlic during the last minute to gently toast it without burning.

Step 2: Cook the Shaved Steak

Push the veggies to the side of the pan, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the shaved steak. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir often and cook just a few minutes until the steak is browned but still tender. Mixing it with the veggies, let them cook together for an extra minute so those flavors marry beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Bread

Slice your French bread loaf lengthwise, but not all the way through, so you get two big halves still connected in the middle. Mix the melted butter with the garlic and Italian seasonings, then generously brush this mixture all over the cut sides of the bread. The garlic butter does magic here — it ensures your bread stays moist and adds that irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Layer the Meat, Veggies & Cheese

Spread the cooked steak and veggies evenly over the garlic buttered bread. Next, sprinkle Parmesan cheese, then lay the provolone slices on top followed by the shredded mozzarella. Don’t skimp here—the cheese is what brings it all together in the most delightful, melty way.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Melty

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the loaded bread for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, and the bread edges are golden and crisp. Watching it in the last few minutes will help you avoid burning while achieving that perfect toast.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped Italian parsley over the top for a fresh, herbaceous kick. Slice into manageable pieces and serve warm. It’s best enjoyed right away, while the cheese is luscious and gooey.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks to make it flawless every time. The balance between crispy bread and juicy toppings is key, and a little patience goes a long way.

Sear the Steak Quickly: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak; it helps it brown nicely instead of steaming.
Low and Slow for Veggies: Slow-cooked peppers and onions bring out their natural sweetness and soften perfectly.
Garlic Butter Spread: Always brush the garlic butter generously on the bread for that rich, crunchy flavor—it’s worth it!
Watch Your Oven: Keep an eye during baking so cheese melts without burning the edges. Using a middle rack usually does the trick.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe

Philly cheesesteak garlic bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with fresh Italian parsley for color and a slight herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes when I’m in the mood for a little heat — it wakes up the palate beautifully.

Side Dishes

Crisp, cool sides like a simple salad with lemon vinaigrette or classic coleslaw complement the richness nicely. I’ve also enjoyed it with oven-baked sweet potato fries for a fun twist on that comfort food vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual parties, I sometimes cut the garlic bread into bite-sized “philly slider” pieces. It’s fun to serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. For a family dinner, keeping it as halves lets everyone tear off pieces and customize with extra toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover Philly cheesesteak garlic bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for about 2 days, but to enjoy that fresh-baked crispness, I recommend reheating rather than letting it sit too long.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions after baking by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to bring back that melty, fresh-baked charm.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This method avoids soggy bread and keeps the cheese nicely melted. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While French bread is ideal for its crunch and structure, sturdy artisan loaves like sourdough or Italian bread also work wonderfully. Just ensure the bread isn’t too soft or it might become soggy under the toppings.

How do I get the steak tender and flavorful?

For tender steak, use very thinly sliced ribeye or shaved steak and cook it quickly over medium-high heat to brown without overcooking. Seasoning with kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika adds depth. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep each piece nicely seared.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the French bread with your favorite gluten-free baguette or bread loaf. Just watch the baking time as gluten-free breads can toast faster or drier, so start checking early to avoid burning.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing texture?

The oven is your friend here. Reheat at 350°F wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. This keeps the bread from drying out and the cheese evenly melted. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp and the cheese gooey.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it hits all the right notes — comforting, flavorful, and easy to share. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, and I always feel a little proud serving it because it tastes like you went the extra mile but actually took minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and maybe even put your own spin on it. Let’s bring that Philly cheesesteak magic right to your kitchen!