Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers classic cheesesteak comfort with an elevated, buttery cheddar flavor profile. It is straightforward to prepare, deeply satisfying, and easily customizable to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
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Cheddar Bay Philly Cheese Steak: A Buttery, Cheesy Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and indulgent twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, featuring tender shaved beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce inspired by Cheddar Bay flavors, all served on a toasted hoagie roll.
Ingredients
- 450 g shaved beef steak
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced onions and bell peppers, sauté until soft and lightly caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add shaved beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Return the onions and peppers to the skillet and mix with the beef.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt remaining butter, add cream cheese and milk, stirring until smooth.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring until a creamy sauce forms.
- Toast hoagie rolls lightly.
- Fill each roll with beef mixture and generously spoon cheddar sauce over the top.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute provolone for a milder flavor.
- Add mushrooms for extra texture and taste.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ribeye steak is the foundation of this sandwich, offering rich marbling that stays tender and juicy when cooked quickly over high heat.
Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, creamy melt that defines the Cheddar Bay character and pairs beautifully with beef.
Provolone cheese adds balance, softening the sharpness of the cheddar while enhancing overall meltability.
Hoagie rolls serve as the vessel for the filling, ideally soft inside with enough structure to hold the generous layers.
Butter is used both for cooking and finishing, lending richness and carrying the garlic and seasoning flavors.
Garlic infuses the sandwich with warmth and aroma, especially when mixed into melted butter for brushing the rolls.
Green bell peppers contribute mild sweetness and a subtle crunch that contrasts with the tender beef.
Onions add depth and natural sweetness once sautéed until soft and lightly caramelized.
Cheddar Bay-style seasoning, made from garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice, ties the entire dish together with a savory finish.
Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning the steak and vegetables, ensuring every component is well balanced.
Directions
Begin by placing the ribeye steak in the freezer for about 20 minutes to make slicing easier. Cut it thinly against the grain. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a portion of the butter. Once melted, add the onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened and lightly caramelized. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and cook the sliced steak in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper, cooking quickly until just browned. Return the vegetables to the pan and toss everything together.
Lower the heat and layer the cheddar and provolone cheeses over the beef mixture. Cover briefly to allow the cheese to melt evenly. Meanwhile, split the hoagie rolls and toast them lightly. Brush the insides with melted garlic butter mixed with Cheddar Bay-style seasoning. Fill each roll generously with the cheesy steak mixture and serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields four hearty sandwiches. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, while cooking requires about 20 minutes, making it a 35-minute meal from start to finish.
Storage/reheating
Leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small amount of butter to restore moisture. Toast fresh rolls before assembling for best results.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is highly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to personal preferences. For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the steak while cooking. If you prefer a smokier profile, smoked cheddar can replace part of the regular cheddar without overwhelming the dish.
For those seeking a lighter option, substitute sirloin for ribeye and reduce the butter slightly. Mushroom lovers can add sautéed mushrooms to the vegetable mix for extra umami. I also tested this recipe with chicken breast instead of beef, and it produced a surprisingly delicious result that felt lighter yet still indulgent.
Gluten-free rolls can be used without altering the filling, and dairy-free cheese alternatives work reasonably well if melted gently. These variations allow the Cheddar Bay Philly Cheese Steak to fit a wide range of dietary needs while maintaining its signature flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Perfectly Sliced Steak
Freezing the steak briefly ensures clean, thin slices that cook evenly.
Cheese Melting Technique
Lower the heat and cover the pan to melt cheese smoothly without burning.
Roll Enhancement
Brushing rolls with seasoned garlic butter adds aroma and restaurant-quality flavor.
Balanced Seasoning
Taste before serving and adjust salt carefully, as cheese and seasoning blends already contain sodium.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin or flank steak can be used, though ribeye offers the most tenderness.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
The filling reheats well, but assemble sandwiches fresh for best texture.
Can I make it less rich?
Reducing butter and using a single cheese variety will lighten the dish.
What sides pair well with this sandwich?
Simple fries, a green salad, or roasted vegetables complement it nicely.
Can I cook this on a griddle?
Yes, a flat-top griddle works very well for cooking steak and vegetables evenly.
How do I prevent soggy rolls?
Lightly toast the rolls and avoid overfilling with excess moisture.
Conclusion
The Cheddar Bay Philly Cheese Steak delivers bold flavor, comforting richness, and impressive versatility in one satisfying sandwich. With simple techniques and thoughtful seasoning, it transforms a classic into something memorable and crave-worthy, perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
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