Irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: The Ultimate Easy Party Food and Quick Dinner Solution
Looking for the perfect crowd-plepleaser that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor? These Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are your answer! Imagine tender, savory shaved steak, perfectly sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey, melted provolone cheese, all nestled within soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. Baked to golden perfection, these handheld delights are an absolute sensation, making them ideal for game day gatherings, effortless party appetizers, or even a super quick and satisfying casual supper. Plus, they’re wonderfully make-ahead friendly, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
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Quick Glance: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
- Yields: 12 delicious sliders
- Flavor Profile: Rich, savory beef, irresistibly gooey cheese, and soft, buttery rolls with a hint of sweetness.
- Effort Level: Simple and straightforward prep, requiring just a cutting board, one skillet, a mixing bowl, and a baking pan (parchment paper recommended for easy cleanup!).
- Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy schedules.
- Make Ahead Option: Absolutely! Assemble in advance and bake later for ultimate convenience.
If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful sliders, be sure to also check out my Hot Honey Chicken Sliders! They offer a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
Watch How to Make Them: Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
For a visual guide to crafting these amazing Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, watch our detailed video below. It walks you through each step of the process, ensuring you achieve perfect, mouth-watering results every time.
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Crafting the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Sliders starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to bring this incredible recipe to life:
- Shaved Steak: This is the heart of your cheesesteak. Look for thinly sliced, fresh shaved steak in the refrigerated beef section of your grocery store. Its delicate texture cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. While fresh is always best, leftover steak or roast beef can also be thinly sliced and used as a convenient substitute. Avoid thicker, frozen sliced steaks, as they tend to be less tender and might require more cooking time.
- Provolone Cheese Slices: Provolone offers a wonderfully creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that melts beautifully, creating that signature gooeyness. If you prefer a sharper or milder flavor, white or yellow American cheese is a classic alternative. For those who swear by it, Cheez Whiz can also be used to achieve a truly authentic (and wonderfully messy) Philly experience – use whatever cheese you love most!
- Yellow Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These aromatic vegetables are sautéed until sweet and slightly caramelized, adding essential depth and classic Philly cheesesteak flavor to the beef mixture. Don’t skimp on these; they’re crucial for balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Onion Soup Mix: A secret weapon for an extra boost of savory, umami flavor. A generic brand works perfectly fine and adds a seasoned, almost beefy note to the butter topping, which permeates the rolls.
- Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: Your basic seasoning trio. Garlic powder enhances the overall savory profile, while salt and pepper bring out the natural deliciousness of the beef and vegetables.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, savory, and slightly tangy complexity to the beef mixture. I highly recommend Lea & Perrins for its robust flavor; a bottle lasts a long time, making it a worthwhile pantry investment. It’s key to that rich, umami depth.
- Butter: Real butter is non-negotiable for the topping. It provides the best consistency and a rich, golden flavor that crisps up the rolls and makes them utterly irresistible.
- Sweet Hawaiian Rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls are the perfect vehicle for our savory filling. Their inherent sweetness beautifully complements the beef and cheese. King’s Hawaiian rolls are the go-to, but any slider buns will work. For a zesty twist, King’s now offers a jalapeño version that would be fantastic here!
- Cooking Oil: Any neutral cooking oil, like olive oil or vegetable oil, for sautéing the vegetables and beef.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness, color, and a subtle herbaceous note, elevating the presentation.
- Parchment Paper (Optional, but highly recommended): For lining your baking sheet. It makes cleanup incredibly easy and prevents the rolls from sticking.
Refer to the full recipe card below for exact quantities.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Making these Philly Cheesesteak Sliders is surprisingly easy and comes together quickly. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time:
Begin by thinly slicing your yellow onion and green bell pepper. Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and peppers to the hot skillet and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and start to caramelize, developing a beautiful light brown color (Images 1 & 2).
Next, add the shaved steak to the pan with the vegetables. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. As the beef cooks, use two forks or a spatula to break it apart thoroughly, preventing it from clumping together (Image 3). Continue cooking until the steak is no longer pink and is fully cooked through. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat (Image 4).
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Take your sweet Hawaiian rolls and, keeping them attached as a single sheet, carefully slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves of the rolls onto your prepared baking sheet.
Evenly spread the cooked meat, sautéed onions, and peppers mixture over the entire bottom layer of the rolls (Image 5). Arrange the slices of provolone cheese generously over the top of the beef mixture, ensuring good coverage for maximum meltiness (Image 6). Gently place the top halves of the rolls back on, creating your slider sandwiches.
In a small bowl, melt the butter (you can do this in the microwave or on the stovetop). Stir in the onion soup mix until well combined (Image 7). This creates a flavorful, savory, and golden topping. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously brush or spoon this butter mixture over the tops of the assembled rolls. Ensure every roll top is coated to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust (Image 8).
Bake the sliders in your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 17-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops of the rolls are beautifully golden brown and the provolone cheese inside is completely melted and bubbling, oozing out slightly (Images 9 & 10). If desired, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley after baking adds a vibrant touch and fresh aroma. Allow them to cool for a minute or two before the next step.
Once out of the oven, use a sharp knife to carefully cut along the natural divisions of the Hawaiian rolls to separate them into individual sliders. Serve them warm immediately for the best flavor and melty cheese experience. These are perfect as a grab-and-go party appetizer or a comforting family dinner!
✨ Pro Tip for Effortless Cleanup! ✨
To make post-cooking cleanup an absolute breeze, always remember to line your sheet pan with parchment paper before you begin assembling your sliders. Once all the delicious sliders have been enjoyed, simply gather the parchment paper and toss it away – your baking sheet will be practically spotless!
Get Creative: Exciting Variations for Your Sliders
While the classic Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are fantastic on their own, don’t hesitate to experiment and customize them to your liking. Here are some ideas to make them uniquely yours:
- Add a Spicy-Sweet Kick: Introduce a delightful contrast by adding pickled cherry peppers or a spoonful of pepper relish to the beef mixture. The vinegary tang and subtle heat will elevate the flavors wonderfully.
- Explore Different Buns: While Hawaiian rolls are excellent, feel free to try other slider buns. King’s now offers a jalapeño version of their slider rolls, which would introduce a fantastic spicy element without much effort. You could also try potato rolls or brioche for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Utilize What You Have: No need to run to the store for specific ingredients if you have suitable alternatives! Leftover cooked steak or roast beef can be thinly shredded or sliced to replace fresh shaved steak. Any color bell pepper (red, orange, or yellow) will work just as well as green, offering a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Provolone is traditional, but your cheese choice is a great way to personalize these sliders. Swiss cheese adds a nutty flavor, Pepper Jack brings a spicy kick, and American cheese provides a classic, ultra-melty experience.
- Mushroom Lover’s Dream: If you enjoy mushrooms, slice about a cup of your favorite variety (cremini or white button work well) and sauté them along with the peppers and onions. They add an earthy depth that complements the beef beautifully.
- Extra Flavorful Topping: Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds or poppy seeds over the buttered tops of the rolls for added texture and a gourmet touch.
- Garlic Bread Style: Instead of onion soup mix in the butter, stir in a teaspoon of garlic powder and a pinch of dried Italian herbs for a garlic bread-inspired crust.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare in Advance for Stress-Free Entertaining
These Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are fantastic for prepping ahead, which is perfect for parties or busy weeknights. Here’s how you can get a head start:
Short-Term Prep (A Few Hours Before):
- Assemble the sliders completely, including brushing the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover the assembled sliders tightly with aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- When baking, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time (or until heated through and golden brown) since they’ll be starting from a chilled state.
Longer-Term Prep (More than a Few Hours to a Day Before):
- Cook and Cool the Filling: Prepare the onions, peppers, and beef mixture as directed. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, microwave-safe container. Store in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Butter Topping: Melt the butter and stir in the onion soup mix. Transfer this mixture to a spill-proof container and refrigerate. It will solidify, which is normal.
- When Ready to Bake:
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally.
- Gently reheat the beef and pepper mixture in the microwave or a skillet until warm.
- Assemble the sliders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading the warmed meat mixture over the bottom rolls and topping with cheese slices and the roll lids.
- Gently rewarm the butter mixture (it will melt quickly).
- Brush the warmed butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake as directed in the recipe card until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Have leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your Philly Cheesesteak Sliders fresh for future enjoyment:
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, wrap them loosely in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is re-melted. You can also microwave them, but the rolls might become softer.
Freezer Storage:
- For longer storage, freeze baked and cooled sliders in an airtight, freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil. They will keep well for up to 4 months.
- To enjoy, thaw the frozen sliders overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat them wrapped in foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until thoroughly heated and the cheese is bubbly again.
Full Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
These Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are the perfect handheld meal for any occasion: featuring tender beef, flavorful peppers and onions, and deliciously melty provolone, all baked on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Incredibly easy to make and make-ahead friendly!
Author: Mary Ann
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Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 14 ounces shaved beef steak
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 1 green pepper, sliced thin
- 1 yellow onion, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon onion soup mix
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Parchment paper (optional, for baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Prepare your vegetables by slicing 1 green pepper and 1 yellow onion into thin strips.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of 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 begin to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add 14 ounces of shaved beef steak to the pan with the vegetables. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground pepper. Break the meat apart with two forks as it cooks to prevent clumping. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Keeping the 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls attached as a sheet, carefully slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves of the rolls onto your prepared baking sheet.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop.
- Evenly spread the cooked steak and veggie mixture over the entire bottom layer of the rolls. Lay 8 slices of provolone cheese over the top of the meat, ensuring good coverage. Place the top halves of the rolls back on.
- In the small bowl with the melted butter, stir in 1 tablespoon of onion soup mix until well combined. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush this butter mixture over the tops of the assembled buns.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Use a sharp knife to cut the sliders apart and serve them warm.
Notes
Baking these sliders on parchment paper makes cleanup incredibly simple, but if you don’t have any, you can bake them directly on the baking sheet.
Nutrition per serving
Calories: 255 cal
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Protein: 13 g
Fat: 15 g
Sodium: 486 mg
Fiber: 0.4 g
Sugar: 5 g
Net Carbohydrates: 17 g
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