If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a classic Philly cheesesteak and a gooey, oven-baked stromboli, this recipe brings you the best of both worlds. The Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli captures everything you love about the iconic sandwich—tender steak, caramelized onions and peppers, and melty provolone—then tucks it all inside golden, pillowy pizza dough. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, a family dinner, or whenever you crave warm comfort that comes packed with flavor and just the right amount of nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the true joys of Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli is that it only requires a handful of everyday ingredients, yet each one plays a vital role in making the finished dish irresistible. From the savory steak to the creamy cheese and bakery-fresh dough, every element brings something to the table.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (1 lb): The foundation of your stromboli, making it easy to wrap up all the fillings in bakery-style bread without any fuss.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions and peppers for maximum flavor.
- Yellow onion, thinly sliced (1 small): Brings natural sweetness and that signature cheesesteak aroma.
- Green bell pepper, thinly sliced (1 small): Adds a pop of color and a gentle crunch that makes every bite exciting.
- Ribeye steak or deli roast beef, thinly sliced (8 oz): Choose the most flavorful cut you can find; pre-sliced deli roast beef works wonders if you’re short on time.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the natural flavor of the filling ingredients.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Gives just the right touch of warmth and contrast.
- Garlic powder (1/4 tsp): Boosts the savoriness with a subtle garlicky background note.
- Shredded provolone cheese (1 1/2 cups): The classic Philadelphia choice for gooey meltiness and rich, creamy flavor.
- Egg, beaten (1): Provides the perfect glossy, golden finish for the crust.
- Sesame seeds (1 tbsp, optional): Lends a nutty crunch and a bakery-style touch on top.
- Flour for dusting: Prevents sticking and helps you roll and shape the dough effortlessly.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli
Step 1: Sauté the Filling
Start by warming the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your thinly sliced onions and green bell pepper. Let them sizzle and soften, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect sweet caramelization that really brings the soul of a Philly cheesesteak to your kitchen. Add in the sliced steak, salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Cook, stirring gently, until the beef is just browned—about 2 to 3 minutes. Let this savory mixture cool for a few minutes so it won’t melt the dough later.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and grab your refrigerated pizza dough. Roll it out into a rough rectangle, about 10 by 14 inches. This size is perfect for getting a generous filling-to-crust ratio in every slice. If the dough springs back, give it a few moments to relax, then try again.
Step 3: Assemble the Stromboli
Spread your slightly cooled steak, onions, and peppers mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, making sure to leave a one-inch border around all the edges. Then, give it a generous snowfall of shredded provolone cheese—a crucial step for that classic Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli meltiness.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Starting from one of the long sides, gently but tightly roll the dough into a cylinder. Think of it like a giant savory jelly roll. Pinch the seam and ends to seal all those hearty fillings inside. Carefully transfer the log, seam-side down, onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Brush the entire top and sides with your beaten egg; this little extra step ensures a shimmery, bakery-worthy sheen. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you wish (they truly make it special). Use a sharp knife to cut a few vents in the top to allow steam to escape—no soggy stromboli here! Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until deeply golden and crisp. Let it rest for 5 minutes before carving into thick, tempting slices.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli
Garnishes
You can keep it classic or dress it up a little. A scattering of fresh chopped parsley adds color and freshness, while a drizzle of cheese sauce or a bowl of marinara on the side makes dipping feel downright celebratory. For heat, add a few pickled peppers right on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or a batch of oven fries turns it into a true feast. For lighter fare, try crispy roasted veggies or a tangy coleslaw to cut through the rich, cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a crowd? Slice the stromboli into bite-sized pinwheels for an instant party appetizer. For family meal nights, serve wedges alongside small bowls of sauces for dipping. Don’t be afraid to plate it on a big rustic cutting board—it looks stunning and invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The stromboli keeps its flavor remarkably well and makes for an easy next-day lunch.
Freezing
Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli freezes beautifully. Once cooled, slice or keep whole, then wrap in a double layer of plastic and pop in the freezer for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore the crispy crust and gooey cheese. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll miss some of that signature crunch a stromboli should have.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While provolone gives your Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli that classic flavor, mozzarella or even a little cheddar can be delicious. Try a combination for the ultimate cheese pull.
What’s the best steak for Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli?
Traditionalists love ribeye for its marbled tenderness, but thinly sliced sirloin or deli roast beef are great time-saving alternatives. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s sliced paper-thin to keep every bite tender and flavorful.
Can I add other veggies or toppings?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sautéed spinach, or a sprinkle of hot peppers are all tasty variations that work beautifully with the rich steak and cheese base. Mix and match to suit your preferences.
Do I need to let the dough rise?
If you’re using store-bought refrigerated pizza dough, you can typically use it straight from the fridge after a quick rest on the counter. If making dough from scratch, follow your recipe’s rising instructions for best results.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so! Kids love the cheesy, savory filling and the golden crust, and you can adjust the veggies and spices to accommodate picky eaters or introduce new flavors gradually.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to roll up your sleeves and bake up a Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli of your very own. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight or gathering into a special event, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your go-to favorites, too. Don’t wait—give it a try and share your delicious results!
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli recipe combines all the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich wrapped in a flaky, golden-brown pizza dough crust. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a game day gathering.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 lb refrigerated pizza dough
- flour for dusting
Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 small green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 8 oz thinly sliced ribeye steak or deli roast beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and green bell pepper in olive oil until softened.
- Cook the steak: Add the steak, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, cook until browned, then let cool slightly.
- Prepare the stromboli: Roll out the pizza dough, add the steak mixture and provolone, roll into a log, seal edges.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle sesame seeds, make slits, and bake until golden brown.
- Serve: Let rest, then slice and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix provolone and mozzarella cheese.
- Substitute ribeye with sirloin or pre-cooked roast beef.
- Add mushrooms for a heartier filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
