Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: Your Ultimate Game Day & Party Food Recipe
Get ready to discover the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering: **Philly Cheesesteak Sliders**. Imagine tender, thinly shaved steak, perfectly sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey, melted provolone cheese, all piled high on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Baked to golden perfection, these irresistible handheld sandwiches are a game-changer for game day parties, casual weeknight dinners, or any occasion that calls for easy, delicious food. Their make-ahead friendly nature makes them a stress-free option for entertaining, allowing you to enjoy your guests (or the game!) without being stuck in the kitchen.
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Quick Summary: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Feeds: makes 12 delightful sliders
Taste: A symphony of savory beef, rich melted cheese, and soft, buttery, slightly sweet rolls. Pure comfort food in miniature!
Effort: Minimal fuss! Requires a cutting board, one skillet for the filling, one small bowl for the butter topping, and a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Time: Approximately 40 minutes from start to finish, including prep and baking.
Make ahead: Absolutely! Assemble them in advance and bake later for ultimate convenience.
If you’re a fan of these savory sliders, you might also love my Hot Honey Chicken Sliders! They offer a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that even the kids will approve of, making them another fantastic option for family meals or party spreads.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Philly Cheesesteak Slider Recipe
These Philly Cheesesteak Sliders aren’t just a recipe; they’re a revelation for anyone looking for effortless yet incredibly delicious party food or a simple weeknight dinner solution. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household:
- Effortlessly Delicious: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you can create a show-stopping dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect Party Appetizer: Their handheld size makes them ideal for mingling, and the familiar, comforting flavors appeal to everyone. They disappear fast at any gathering!
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t like provolone? Swap it! Want more heat? Add some spice!
- Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the sliders in advance, refrigerate, and simply bake when you’re ready to serve. This is a lifesaver for busy hosts or meal prepping.
- Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: The combination of savory meat, melted cheese, and sweet Hawaiian rolls is a guaranteed hit with children and adults alike.
- Game Day Essential: Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or just watching a casual game, these sliders are the perfect snack to fuel your cheering.
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Watch How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Seeing is believing when it comes to how simple and satisfying these sliders are to prepare. Watch our quick video tutorial to guide you through each step, ensuring your Philly Cheesesteak Sliders come out perfectly gooey and delicious every time!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Crafting delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sliders starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that classic, mouthwatering flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for choosing the best quality items.
- Shaved Steak: This is the heart of your Philly cheesesteak experience. Look for packages of fresh, thinly shaved beef steak in the refrigerated meat section of your grocery store. The thin cut is crucial for that signature tender texture and quick cooking. While fresh is ideal, leftover steak or roast beef can also be thinly sliced and used as a convenient alternative. Avoid pre-frozen sliced steaks if possible, as they can sometimes become watery.
- Provolone Cheese Slices: Provolone is the traditional choice for a classic Philly cheesesteak, offering a mild, nutty flavor and a beautifully gooey melt. If provolone isn’t your preference, white or yellow American cheese slices are excellent substitutes, known for their superior melting capabilities. For those who swear by it, Cheez Whiz can also be used for an authentic Philadelphia street food experience, but provolone provides a more refined flavor.
- Yellow Onion and Green Bell Pepper: This classic duo forms the flavorful base of the filling. The onion caramelizes to a sweet tenderness, while the green bell pepper adds a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint and vibrant color. Make sure to slice them thinly for even cooking and to ensure they blend well with the shaved steak.
- Onion Soup Mix: A secret weapon for boosting savory depth! A packet of generic onion soup mix adds an incredible layer of umami and seasoning to the beef and veggie mixture, simplifying your spice cabinet.
- Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: These staple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables. Freshly ground black pepper will always offer the best aroma and taste.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce, like Lea & Perrins, adds a rich, tangy, and deeply savory umami kick that complements the beef perfectly. It’s a small but mighty ingredient that shouldn’t be skipped.
- Butter: Real butter is key for both sautéing the vegetables to golden perfection and creating that irresistible savory topping for the rolls. Don’t skimp on quality here; it truly makes a difference in flavor and texture.
- Sweet Hawaiian Rolls: King’s Hawaiian rolls are absolutely perfect for these sliders. Their distinctive sweetness and incredibly soft, fluffy texture beautifully balance the savory filling. They also come pre-connected in a sheet, making assembly a breeze. If you can’t find them, any soft slider buns will work. For an adventurous twist, King’s now offers a jalapeño version that would add a delightful kick!
Not pictured: You’ll also need a little cooking oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil) for sautéing, and optionally, some fresh parsley garnish for a pop of color and freshness after baking.
Refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact quantities.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Making these Philly Cheesesteak Sliders is incredibly simple, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Follow these easy steps to assemble your delicious handheld treats.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. Thinly slice your yellow onion and green bell pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and peppers to the hot skillet (1) and sauté them. Stir occasionally until the vegetables become soft, tender, and begin to caramelize slightly (2). This step is crucial for developing deep, sweet flavors.
Once the vegetables are ready, add the shaved steak to the pan (3). Incorporate the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. As the steak cooks, use two forks or a spatula to break it apart into smaller, individual pieces, preventing it from clumping together. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and is fully cooked through (4). Remove the skillet from the heat.
Now, for the assembly! Take your sheet of Hawaiian rolls and, keeping them attached, carefully slice them in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Place the bottom halves of the rolls onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Evenly spread the savory steak, sautéed onions, and peppers mixture over the entire bottom layer of the rolls (5). Next, arrange slices of provolone cheese over the meat and veggie filling (6). The cheese will melt beautifully, binding the ingredients together. Finally, place the top halves of the rolls back on, completing your sliders.
In a small separate bowl, melt the butter, then stir in the onion soup mix (7) until well combined. This butter mixture is the secret to a golden, flavorful top crust. Generously brush or spoon this seasoned butter over the tops of the assembled rolls (8). Ensure every roll gets a good coating for maximum flavor and a lovely golden-brown finish.
Place the baking sheet with your assembled sliders into the preheated oven. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are beautifully golden brown and the provolone cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly (9 & 10). The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the kitchen!
Once out of the oven, if you desire, sprinkle with some fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and fresh flavor. Allow them to cool for just a minute or two, then use a knife to carefully cut along the perforations of the rolls to separate the individual sliders. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
✨ Pro Tip for Easy Cleanup ✨
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper before assembling the sliders is a game-changer. Once the sliders are devoured, simply toss the parchment paper, and your cleanup is virtually done! This little trick saves you from scrubbing sticky, cheesy pans.
Customize Your Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: Creative Variations
While the classic Philly Cheesesteak Slider recipe is perfect as is, these sliders are wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit your personal tastes or what ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make them uniquely yours:
- Add a Touch of Heat: For those who love a bit of a kick, incorporate pickled cherry peppers, a spoonful of pepper relish, or a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture. You could also try King’s jalapeño slider rolls for an inherent spicy note.
- Experiment with Rolls: While sweet Hawaiian rolls are a favorite, feel free to try other types of slider buns or even small brioche rolls for a richer flavor. Mini sub rolls can also work if you’re going for a more traditional cheesesteak feel in a smaller size.
- Utilize Leftovers: Don’t have shaved steak? This recipe is fantastic for using up leftover steak or roast beef. Just ensure it’s thinly sliced or shredded so it blends well with the other ingredients and heats through evenly. Any color bell pepper works beautifully; red, orange, or yellow peppers will add a different visual appeal and a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: Provolone is classic, but many other cheeses melt wonderfully and offer distinct flavors. Try Swiss for a nuttier profile, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier melt. A blend of cheeses can also create a complex flavor.
- Mushroom Mania: If you’re a mushroom enthusiast, sauté a cup of sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button) along with the peppers and onions. They add an earthy depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- Make it a Meal: Serve these sliders with a side of crispy potato chips, a fresh green salad, or some tangy coleslaw to round out your meal.
Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Entertainment
One of the best features of these Philly Cheesesteak Sliders is their make-ahead potential, which makes entertaining or meal planning a breeze. Here’s how you can get a head start:
Short Term (a few hours before serving):
- You can fully assemble the sliders, including brushing the butter mixture on top.
- Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4-6 hours.
- When you’re ready to bake, simply place the covered baking sheet directly into the preheated oven. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since they are starting from cold. Remove the foil for the last 5-7 minutes to allow the tops to brown and crisp.
Longer Term (more than a few hours or overnight):
- Prepare the Filling: Cook and cool the onions, peppers, and beef mixture completely. Store it in an airtight, microwave-safe container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Prepare the Butter Topping: Melt the butter and stir in the onion soup mix. Refrigerate this mixture in a spill-proof container. It will solidify, but you can easily rewarm it gently before brushing.
- Assemble Just Before Baking: When you’re ready to bake, slice the rolls, gently reheat the meat and pepper mixture (microwave or skillet), and rewarm the butter mixture until brushable. Assemble the sliders with the cheese, brush the tops, and bake as directed. This method ensures the rolls stay fresh and don’t get soggy.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Have leftovers (if that ever happens!)? No problem! These Philly Cheesesteak Sliders store well, making them great for future quick meals.
Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently in the microwave (though the rolls might get a bit soft), or for best results, wrap them loosely in foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melted again.
Freezer Storage: For longer storage, individual sliders can be frozen. Once completely cooled, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. To serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat wrapped in foil in a 300°F (150°C) oven until hot, or unwrap and heat in a microwave for a quicker option (again, rolls may soften).
Recipe Card: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
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Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 standard package)
- 14 ounces shaved beef steak
- 8 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese)
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon dry onion soup mix
- fresh parsley, chopped, optional for garnish
- parchment paper, optional, for easy cleanup
Instructions
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Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Slice Vegetables: Thinly slice 1 green bell pepper and 1 yellow onion into strips.
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Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and green peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
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Cook Steak Filling: Add 14 ounces shaved beef steak to the pan along with 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Break the meat apart with two forks as it cooks to prevent clumping. Cook until no longer pink and fully browned, then remove from heat.
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Prepare Rolls: Keeping the 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls attached as a sheet, carefully slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet.
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Assemble Sliders: Evenly spread the cooked steak and veggie mixture over the bottom buns. Layer 8 slices provolone cheese over the top of the steak filling, then place the top halves of the rolls back on.
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Make Butter Topping: In a small bowl, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir in 1 tablespoon dry onion soup mix until well combined.
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Brush Rolls: Generously brush or spoon the butter mixture over the tops of the assembled rolls, ensuring even coverage.
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Bake: Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
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Serve: If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Let cool for a moment, then cut to separate the sliders and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition per serving
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