Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes everything you love about a traditional Philly cheesesteak and layers it onto a crusty loaf of French bread, turning it into a cheesy, savory masterpiece. It’s simple to make, ready in under 30 minutes, and easy to customize. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just want a comforting meal without the fuss of individual sandwiches, this version delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- French bread loaf (halved lengthwise)
- Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak
- Bell peppers (green and red, thinly sliced)
- Onion (thinly sliced)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Provolone cheese (slices or shredded)
- Optional: mayonnaise, mushrooms, or hot sauce
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, cook the thinly sliced steak, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until just browned and no longer pink.
- Stir the cooked onions and peppers back into the skillet with the steak and toss to combine.
- Place the halved French bread on a baking sheet, cut side up. If desired, spread a light layer of mayo on the bread.
- Evenly distribute the steak and pepper mixture over each half of the bread.
- Top generously with provolone cheese.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are crisp.
- Slice into pieces and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, cheddar, or American cheese if provolone isn’t your favorite.
- Mushroom Lover’s: Add sautéed mushrooms to the mix for a deeper umami flavor.
- Garlic Bread Base: Rub garlic on the bread and toast it before topping for added flavor.
- Mini Sandwiches: Use small baguettes or sub rolls for individual portions.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Philly Cheesesteak French Bread wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the bread’s crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin, flank steak, or even deli roast beef can be used for convenience.
What type of bread works best?
A classic French bread loaf is ideal, but Italian bread or a baguette will also work.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the meat and veggies ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes, substitute the steak with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and peppers for a hearty meatless version.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best results.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Lightly toasting the bread before adding toppings helps keep it crisp.
What kind of cheese is traditional?
Provolone is most commonly used, but American or Cheese Whiz are also traditional Philly options.
Can I use ground beef instead?
Yes, though it won’t have the same texture, ground beef makes a tasty, affordable alternative.
Should I remove the crust from the bread?
No need—the crust helps hold everything together and adds great texture.
What sides go well with this?
Serve with fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak French Bread is a fast, flavorful meal that combines the rich, savory taste of a cheesesteak with the convenience of an open-faced sandwich. Perfect for gatherings, casual dinners, or even game-day snacks, this recipe offers a fun, shareable way to enjoy a classic favorite—without needing a grill or griddle.
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak French Bread
Philly Cheesesteak French Bread transforms the classic sandwich into a cheesy, open-faced meal with tender steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted provolone on a crispy French loaf—perfect for sharing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 French bread loaf, halved lengthwise
- 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 6–8 slices provolone cheese (or 1 cup shredded)
- Optional: mayonnaise, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté sliced onions and bell peppers for 5–7 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until browned and cooked through.
- Return the cooked peppers and onions to the skillet and mix with the steak.
- Place halved French bread on a baking sheet, cut side up. Spread mayo if using.
- Top each bread half evenly with the steak and pepper mixture.
- Layer provolone cheese on top of the mixture.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bread edges are crisp.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Toast the bread before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.
- Customize with different cheeses or added mushrooms for variation.
- Make ahead by prepping the filling and assembling just before baking.
- Use deli roast beef for a shortcut version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
