Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed French Bread: A Cheesy, Savory Delight

This Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed French Bread combines everything you love about the classic sandwich into one irresistible, shareable dish. Imagine crusty French bread stuffed with tender steak, sautéed peppers and onions, gooey melted cheese, and a garlicky butter sauce. It’s easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and packed with bold, savory flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, looking for an indulgent dinner, or just craving some cheesy comfort food, this stuffed bread is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. All the Philly Cheesesteak Goodness: Juicy steak, caramelized peppers and onions, and melted cheese—packed into a crusty loaf of bread.
2. Easy to Make: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
3. Perfect for Sharing: Slice it up and serve as an appetizer, party food, or main dish.
4. Customizable: Easily swap the protein or veggies to suit your taste.
5. Melty Cheese and Garlicky Butter: Need we say more?

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Stuffed Bread:

• 1 large French bread loaf: A soft but sturdy loaf works best for holding all the fillings. Italian bread or a baguette can also work.
• 1 lb thinly sliced steak: Ribeye is the classic choice, but flank steak or skirt steak works well too. Thinly slicing ensures quick cooking and tender bites.
• 1 green bell pepper and 1 yellow onion, sliced: Classic Philly cheesesteak veggies that add sweetness and crunch.

For the Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese: Provolone adds a slightly sharp flavor, while mozzarella is creamy and melty. Feel free to mix the two for the best of both worlds.

For the Garlic Butter:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Creates a rich, garlicky base for the bread.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley: Adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal note.
• 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Enhances the flavor of the butter mixture.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through—create a pocket for the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil.
2. Season the thinly sliced steak with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet for about 5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
2. Sauté the sliced bell pepper and onion for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and lightly caramelized. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter

1. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
2. Brush the inside of the bread pocket generously with the garlic butter mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Bread

1. Layer the cooked steak evenly inside the bread pocket.
2. Add the sautéed peppers and onions on top of the steak.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the filling.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Wrap the stuffed loaf in foil and place it on a baking sheet.
2. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is warm.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the top of the bread.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
2. Slice the stuffed bread into thick pieces and serve warm.
3. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli, marinara, or even ranch dressing, for an extra burst of flavor.

Chef Tips for Success

1. Use Thinly Sliced Steak: Thinly slicing ensures the steak cooks quickly and remains tender. If you’re slicing it yourself, partially freeze the meat for 15 minutes before slicing—it makes it much easier.
2. Customize the Veggies: Red bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños make excellent additions for extra flavor and texture.
3. Don’t Overstuff the Bread: While it’s tempting to pile on the fillings, leave enough room for the bread to hold everything together without falling apart.
4. Wrap the Bread Tightly in Foil: Wrapping the loaf in foil keeps it from drying out and ensures the cheese melts evenly.
5. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the boldest flavor in the garlic butter.

Customizations and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Protein Swaps:

• Chicken: Use thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter take.
• Mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, sauté sliced mushrooms as the main filling. Portobello mushrooms work especially well.
• Ground Beef: Cooked ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic makes a great substitute for sliced steak.

Cheese Options:

• Replace provolone or mozzarella with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
• Add a layer of creamy cheese sauce for an ultra-indulgent touch.

Spice It Up:

• Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicy kick.

Add More Flavor:

• Include sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
• Drizzle the steak and veggies with a little Worcestershire sauce while cooking for added depth of flavor.

What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed French Bread

This dish pairs wonderfully with sides that are fresh and crunchy or light and refreshing. Here are some ideas:

• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the bread.
• Potato Wedges: Serve with seasoned baked potato wedges for a heartier meal.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a nice crunch and complements the cheesy filling.
• Pickles or Chips: Classic Philly cheesesteak accompaniments that provide salty, tangy contrast.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an estimate for one serving of Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed French Bread (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the stuffed bread, wrap it tightly in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Wrap leftover slices in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp it back up.

3. Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed French Bread?

Yes! Wrap the unbaked stuffed bread tightly in foil, then in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

4. Can I use a different type of bread?

Of course! Italian bread, ciabatta, or even hoagie rolls work great for this recipe. Just adjust the filling amounts accordingly.

5. What if I don’t have provolone or mozzarella?

No problem! Cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack are great alternatives that will still deliver that gooey, cheesy texture.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed French Bread is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold, cheesy comfort food. With tender steak, perfectly sautéed veggies, melty cheese, and garlicky butter baked into a crusty loaf, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or indulgent dinner, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite! 🧄🥖🧀

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