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 just something so irresistible about buttery, garlicky bread loaded with tender steak, sweet peppers, and melty cheese. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share my Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe—it combines two iconic comfort foods into one seriously satisfying snack or meal.

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 first stumbled upon this idea when I wanted a fun twist on a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich without the hassle of assembling buns. The garlic bread adds so much rich flavor and a bit of crunch, making every bite unforgettable.

Flavor-packed: Combining savory shaved steak, caramelized onions, and sweet peppers on garlicky bread layered with melted cheeses creates an amazing flavor bomb.
Easy to prepare: This recipe takes about 40 minutes from start to finish and uses simple ingredients you may already have on hand.
Perfect for sharing: Made on a loaf of French bread, it’s easy to slice and pass around for casual dinners or game day.
Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or cheese to suit your taste or dietary needs.

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

Each ingredient plays an important role in building the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread. I’ll walk you through why I love picking these particular components and some tips for shopping.

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: I use this to sauté the veggies and steak because it adds a subtle fruitiness and helps everything cook evenly without sticking.
Red and green bell peppers: They bring a sweet crunch and vibrant color that brightens the dish beautifully.
Yellow onion: This caramelizes nicely and adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory steak.
Minced garlic: Double duty here—in the steak mixture and the garlic butter spread—because garlic is essential for rich flavor.
Shaved steak (or thinly sliced ribeye): Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender, giving you that classic Philly cheesesteak texture without toughness.
Kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, smoked paprika: These seasonings layer complexity and a hint of smokiness that make the steak and veggies pop.
French bread: Pick a fresh crusty loaf with a sturdy crumb to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
Unsalted butter: Mixed with garlic to create a luscious buttery spread that soaks into the bread and crisps in the oven.
Parmesan cheese: It adds a salty, nutty edge and helps create a nice crust.
Italian seasonings: A little herb blend to enhance the garlic butter flavors.
Provolone cheese: This melts smoothly and ties all the Philly flavors together.
Mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, stretchy melt everyone loves on garlic bread.
Italian parsley: A fresh sprinkle on top to brighten the whole dish before serving.

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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

I love making this recipe my own depending on what I have in the fridge. Feel free to swap out veggies or cheeses, or even add a little heat with some sliced jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous.

Variation: Sometimes I add mushrooms sautéed alongside the peppers and onions for extra umami. It’s such a game-changer.
Dietary tweak: To make it gluten-free, swap the French bread for a sturdy gluten-free loaf—just keep an eye on the baking time.
Cheese swap: If you’re not a provolone fan, sharp cheddar or a smoky gouda can also work beautifully.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies Just Right

Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced red and green peppers along with the onions. I like to stir them gently and let them soften until they’re slightly caramelized and sweet—around 8-10 minutes. Adding the minced garlic in the last 2 minutes keeps its flavor fresh and fragrant without burning.

Step 2: Cook the Steak to Tender Perfection

Push the veggies to the side of the pan and add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the shaved steak, sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook quickly, stirring frequently, until the steak is just browned but still juicy—about 4-5 minutes. Mixing the steak with the peppers and onions releases all those Philly cheesesteak vibes.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Spread

While the steak mixture cools slightly, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasonings. This combo gives the garlic bread that iconic, rich flavor that ties everything together.

Step 4: Assemble the Garlic Bread

Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and score the inside lightly. Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves. Layer the provolone cheese slices directly over the butter, then spoon on the steak and veggie mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Gooey

Place the assembled loaf on a baking sheet, and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles, and the bread edges get crispy. For a golden top, you can switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped Italian parsley on top for a fresh color pop and flavor boost. Slice into thick servings and enjoy right away!

Top Tip

From my experience making this Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe multiple times, a few keys stand out that help you nail the texture and flavor perfectly every time.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the steak in batches if needed to get a nice sear instead of steaming it.
Low and slow for peppers and onions: This unlocks their natural sweetness and avoids bitterness.
Use a sturdy French bread: A soft or stale loaf can get soggy when loaded with toppings.
Watch the broiler like a hawk: It can go from golden to burnt in seconds.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped Italian parsley on top because it adds brightness that cuts through the richness. A few red pepper flakes from the shaker on the side let guests add a little heat if they want, too.

Side Dishes

This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. I also like serving it with classic coleslaw or even some roasted sweet potato fries for a fun contrast of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, I like serving this cut-open on a wooden board with small bowls of extra cheese and pickles for everyone to customize their bites. For a party, try making mini individual garlic bread Philly bites on smaller bread slices for easy finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread tightly in foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep it whole rather than pre-sliced to maintain bread texture and freshness.

Freezing

While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep everything intact.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. If I want to crisp it back up, I remove the foil for the last 2 minutes. Using a toaster oven also works great for smaller pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?

I recommend using fresh shaved steak or thinly sliced ribeye for the best texture and flavor. If you only have frozen steak, thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid watery, steamed meat.

What’s the best bread to use for Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe?

A sturdy loaf of French bread with a crusty exterior and chewy crumb works best because it holds up well to the toppings without turning soggy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the steak and vegetable mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it separately. Assemble and bake the bread just before serving for the best taste and texture.

How spicy is the Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread?

This recipe is mild by default, focusing on savory and smoky flavors. You can easily add heat with sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you want some kick.

Final Thoughts

This Philly Cheesesteak Garlic Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings together comfort and convenience in a way that never disappoints. It’s perfect for casual nights, feeding a crowd, or anytime you want that warm, cheesy goodness. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—trust me, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!