The Ultimate Creamy & Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Dip: Your Go-To Party Appetizer Recipe
Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with this incredible **Philly Cheesesteak Dip**! This smooth, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy dip takes all the iconic flavors of everyone’s favorite Philly cheesesteak sandwich and transforms them into a bubbling, shareable appetizer perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s game day, a festive party, or a casual get-together with friends, this dip is guaranteed to be a showstopper.
Imagine tender, savory steak pieces mingled with sweet caramelized onions and bell peppers, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it emerges from the oven hot and bubbly, ready for dipping. It’s more than just a dip; it’s an experience that captures the essence of a classic comfort food in a fun, interactive format. Forget the fuss of making individual sandwiches – this dip delivers all the authentic taste with none of the hassle, making it your new favorite party recipe!
Why This Philly Cheesesteak Dip Recipe is a Must-Try
There’s a reason hot and bubbly dippable appetizers are our absolute favorite for football parties, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. This Philly Cheesesteak Dip takes that concept and elevates it to a whole new level. It’s more than just an appetizer; it’s a flavor explosion that consistently wins over crowds. Here’s why this recipe truly shines:
- Authentic Flavor, Simplified: You get all the robust, savory taste of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich – the tender steak, the sweet and savory peppers and onions, and a generous amount of gooey, melted cheese – without the need for rolls or complicated assembly. It’s the beloved comfort food experience in a more accessible and fun dip format.
- Irresistibly Creamy & Cheesy: This dip boasts an incredible texture thanks to a thoughtful blend of cream cheese, provolone, and parmesan. The cream cheese provides a smooth, rich base, while the provolone delivers that signature Philly flavor and amazing stretchiness. A touch of parmesan adds depth and saltiness, resulting in a dip that’s wonderfully creamy and lusciously melty.
- Easy to Make Ahead & Serve: While it’s best served warm and bubbly from the oven, many components can be prepped in advance, making it a stress-free option for entertaining. Plus, a cast-iron skillet allows for both cooking on the stovetop and baking in the oven, and it keeps the dip warm for longer at your party!
- Versatile Dipping Options: From hearty bread to crisp vegetables and crunchy chips, this dip pairs beautifully with a wide array of dippers. This versatility makes it appealing to everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences or cravings.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Steak, cheese, and vegetables baked into a hot dip? It’s a combination that’s almost universally loved. This dip consistently disappears quickly from party tables, proving its popularity time and again. It’s the ultimate comfort food appetizer that never disappoints.
Key Ingredients for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Dip
To create this irresistible dip, you’ll need a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. All precise measurements, quantities, and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post. For now, let’s dive into the core components that make this dip so special.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding each ingredient and knowing how to adapt them can make your Philly Cheesesteak Dip truly phenomenal. Here’s a closer look:
STEAK: For this recipe, we’ve chosen thinly sliced bottom round steak, known for its lean texture and rich beefy flavor. It cooks quickly and provides a satisfying bite. However, the beauty of this dip is its flexibility!
- Traditional Choice: If you’re aiming for authenticity, thinly sliced ribeye steak is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak, offering incredible tenderness and flavor.
- Other Excellent Options: Flank steak or sirloin steak can also be thinly sliced against the grain for a tender result. For ultimate convenience, you can even use thinly sliced roast beef from the deli counter. Simply chop it into smaller pieces.
- Tip: For easier slicing, partially freeze your steak for about 30-45 minutes before cutting.
CHEESE: The cheese blend is crucial for achieving that signature creamy, melty texture and savory taste. We combine three powerhouses:
- Cream Cheese: This forms the creamy, rich base of the dip, ensuring a smooth and luxurious consistency that holds everything together. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Provolone Cheese: Essential for that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor. Its mild, slightly nutty taste and excellent melting qualities make it perfect for this dip.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a layer of salty, umami depth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Why Grate Your Own: We highly recommend using blocks of cheese and grating them yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a gritty or clumpy dip. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully, giving you that wonderfully gooey pull.
- Substitutions: If provolone isn’t available, or you prefer a different flavor, white American cheese (another authentic option for cheesesteaks), mozzarella, or even cheddar cheese can be used. A blend often works best!
VEGETABLES: The aromatic foundation of this dip comes from a classic trio:
- Red Bell Pepper: Provides a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Onion: When sautéed, onions caramelize beautifully, adding a depth of savory-sweet flavor that is indispensable.
- Garlic: Offers an aromatic kick that ties all the savory components together. Don’t skip fresh garlic for the best results!
- Additions & Variations: Feel free to customize! Sliced green bell pepper can add a slightly more robust flavor, while sautéed mushrooms (cremini or white button) are a fantastic addition for a heartier dip. For a spicy kick, consider adding finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the cayenne.
DAIRY: Besides the cheeses, we use:
- Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a slight tang that balances the richness of the cheese and steak. Full-fat sour cream works best for creaminess.
- Milk: Helps achieve the perfect consistency for the dip, preventing it from being too thick. Any type of milk (whole, 2%, skim) will work, but whole milk will yield a richer dip.
SEASONINGS: A touch of cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt enhances all the other flavors. The cayenne adds just a hint of warmth without making it overtly spicy, though you can adjust this to your preference.
DIPPING IDEAS: The fun part! This dip is fantastic with a variety of dippers that offer different textures:
- Crisp & Crunchy: Classic corn chips (tortilla chips), various crackers, or even sturdy potato chips.
- Soft & Chewy: Sliced and toasted baguette, garlic bread, mini bagels, or warm pita bread.
- Fresh & Healthy: Crisp bell pepper slices (any color!), crunchy celery sticks, or cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast.
- Ultimate Comfort: Try serving it with toasted slider buns or small pretzel bites for an extra special treat.
Crafting Your Irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Dip: Step-by-Step
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize exactly how to prepare this delicious recipe. For a complete printable version, including all measurements and a comprehensive ingredient list, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, dice your onion and bell pepper into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Mince or crush the garlic. Next, chop your thinly sliced steak into small, bite-sized pieces. Finally, using a cheese grater, grate your provolone and parmesan cheeses. Remember, grating fresh cheese makes a significant difference in meltiness!
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the butter in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften and become slightly translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your dip.
- Cook the Steak: Add the chopped steak to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the steak is fully browned and cooked through. Ensure there are no pink spots remaining. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to get a good sear.
- Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for just 1 minute, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. This brief cooking time releases its wonderful aroma.
- Create the Creamy Base: Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This requires continuous stirring to prevent sticking and ensure a velvety texture. Once smooth, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in three-quarters of the grated provolone cheese and three-quarters of the grated parmesan cheese into the creamy mixture. Reserve the remaining one-quarter of each cheese for topping the dip before baking. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully incorporated and begins to melt into the dip.
- Top and Bake: Spread the prepared dip mixture evenly in the cast-iron skillet. Generously sprinkle the reserved provolone and parmesan cheeses over the top. Bake uncovered for approximately 15 minutes, or until the dip is heated through, the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the top begins to turn a lovely golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once removed from the oven, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your glorious Philly Cheesesteak Dip warm, with your favorite dippers. Enjoy the compliments!
Frequently Asked Questions About Philly Cheesesteak Dip
The versatility of this dip means you have a plethora of options! For a classic crunch, we highly recommend sturdy corn chips (tortilla chips) or a variety of your favorite crackers. If you prefer something bread-based, sliced and lightly toasted baguette, garlic bread, mini bagels, or warm pita slices are excellent. For a fresher, lighter option, bell pepper slices (red, green, or yellow), celery sticks, or even cucumber slices provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the dip. Don’t be afraid to offer a diverse selection to cater to all tastes!
Traditionally, thinly sliced ribeye steak is used for authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and it works wonderfully in this dip for its tenderness and rich flavor. In this specific recipe, we utilize thinly sliced bottom round steak, which is a more economical yet still delicious choice. Other excellent alternatives include thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin steak. For a super-convenient option, you can even use good quality deli-sliced roast beef, chopped into small pieces. The key is to slice the meat thinly so it cooks quickly and blends seamlessly into the dip’s creamy texture.
Absolutely! Making this dip in a slow cooker is a fantastic option, especially for parties where you want to keep it warm. You can cook the assembled dip on low for about 6-7 hours. We recommend checking for doneness around the 6-hour mark to ensure the meat is fully cooked and the flavors have melded. If you’re concerned about the meat cooking through, you can sear the steak and sauté the vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Alternatively, using deli-sliced roast beef eliminates the need for pre-searing and can be cooked on low for 5-6 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Yes, you can definitely do some prep work in advance! You can cook the steak, onions, and bell peppers, and then mix them with the cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and seasonings. Store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. When you’re ready to serve, transfer it to your oven-safe skillet, top with the reserved cheeses, and bake as directed. This makes party day much easier!
If you happen to have any leftovers (it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until warm, stirring occasionally. For a larger amount, reheat in an oven-safe dish at 300°F (150°C) until heated through and bubbly, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, then remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to re-crisp the cheese topping.
Certainly! If you love a little heat, you can easily adjust the spice level. Increase the amount of cayenne pepper, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet with the garlic, or even mix in some finely diced fresh jalapeños with the bell peppers and onions. A dash of hot sauce stirred into the creamy base or drizzled on top before serving also works wonders.
With its tantalizing combination of savory steak, sweet peppers and onions, and an abundance of melty, gooey cheese, this bubbly Philly Cheesesteak Dip is guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it with your choice of chips, crusty bread, or fresh veggies, and watch it disappear in minutes. It’s the perfect easy appetizer that everyone will absolutely love!
More Irresistible Party Dip Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of delicious, crowd-pleasing dips, you’re in the right place! Here are some other fantastic party dip recipes that are sure to be a hit at your next gathering:
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: A spicy, creamy, and utterly addictive classic.
- Smoked Queso Dip: Rich, smoky, and unbelievably cheesy – perfect for cheese lovers.
- Crockpot Cheese Dip: An easy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful dip made right in your slow cooker.
- Hot Spinach Dip: A timeless favorite, warm, creamy, and packed with savory spinach.
- Taco Dip: Layers of classic taco flavors in a cool, refreshing dip.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Another beloved warm dip, full of rich flavors and cheesy goodness.
- Dill Pickle Dip: A unique and surprisingly delicious tangy dip for pickle enthusiasts.
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Philly Cheesesteak Dip
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
American
10
servings
40 minutes
291
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
-
2
Tablespoon
butter -
1
red bell pepper -
1
onion
diced -
1
lb
thin sliced bottom round steak
chopped into small pieces -
3
cloves
garlic
crushed -
8
oz
cream cheese -
½
cup
sour cream -
½
cup
milk -
¼
teaspoon
cayenne pepper -
¼
teaspoon
black pepper -
a pinch of salt -
8
oz
provolone cheese
grated, divided -
1
oz
parmesan cheese
finely grated -
½
Tablespoon
fresh parsley
chopped, for garnish
Things You’ll Need
-
Large cast iron skillet -
Cheese grater
Before You Begin
- Ideas for dippers include sliced baguette, garlic bread, pita, celery sticks, sliced bell peppers, crackers, mini bagels, and tortilla chips.
- You can use whatever kind of steak you prefer, some other ideas include flank steak, ribeye, or even roast beef. Sliced deli meat can also be used in this recipe.
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 425F.
-
Heat the butter in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the bell pepper and onion and cook until starting to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
-
Add the steak and cook until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
-
Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
-
Add the cream cheese, sour cream, milk, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt, and cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat.
-
Stir in 3/4 of the shredded Provolone and 3/4 of the grated Parmesan, reserving 1/4 of each for topping.
-
Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet and top with the remaining Provolone and Parmesan.
-
Bake (uncovered) until the dip is hot throughout and the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle the parsley on top.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
serving
|
Calories:
291
cal
|
Carbohydrates:
5
g
|
Protein:
19
g
|
Fat:
22
g
|
Saturated Fat:
12
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
84
mg
|
Sodium:
378
mg
|
Potassium:
305
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
3
g
|
Vitamin A:
1099
IU
|
Vitamin C:
17
mg
|
Calcium:
269
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on April 10, 2021.