oven baked philly cheese steak sliders best homemade version

Introduction

Craving a Philly Cheesesteak? Skip the greasy takeout and whip up the best homemade oven-baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders! These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, game day, or a quick and satisfying family meal. They’re easy to assemble, require minimal cleanup, and deliver all the classic flavors of a traditional Philly Cheesesteak in a fun, shareable format. This recipe guarantees juicy, tender beef, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly toasted slider buns. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistibly delicious sliders!

Making the Best Oven Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Selecting the Right Ingredients

The key to a great Philly Cheesesteak starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Beef: Thinly sliced ribeye steak is the gold standard. Look for it pre-sliced at your local butcher shop or grocery store. You can also partially freeze the steak and slice it thinly yourself. Flank steak or sirloin can be used as substitutes if ribeye is unavailable, but ribeye provides the most authentic flavor.
• Cheese: Provolone is the traditional choice for a reason – it melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor. White American cheese is another popular option for its creamy texture and quick melting capabilities. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains cellulose that prevents it from melting properly.
• Onions and Peppers: Yellow onions are classic, offering a sweet and savory base. Green bell peppers are most commonly used, but you can also add red or yellow bell peppers for a touch of sweetness and color.
• Slider Buns: Choose soft, slightly sweet slider buns for the perfect complement to the savory filling. Hawaiian rolls or brioche slider buns are excellent choices.
• Seasonings: Keep it simple! Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder are all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
• Oil: A high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil or vegetable oil is ideal for searing the beef.

Preparing the Filling

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and peppers and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: Add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Working in batches (to avoid overcrowding the pan), add the thinly sliced beef and cook until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Combine and Chop: Once all the beef is cooked, return the onions and peppers to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to chop the beef and vegetables into smaller, more manageable pieces. This ensures that the filling is evenly distributed in the sliders.
4. Melt the Cheese: Turn off the heat and arrange slices of provolone (or white American cheese) over the beef and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt completely, about 2-3 minutes. You can also place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Assembling and Baking the Sliders

1. Prepare the Slider Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. You can lightly toast the bottom buns for added texture, but it’s optional.
2. Assemble the Sliders: Spoon the cheesesteak filling onto the bottom buns, dividing it evenly among all the sliders.
3. Top with the Bun Tops: Place the top buns on top of the filling.
4. Optional: Garlic Butter Topping: For extra flavor and shine, brush the tops of the slider buns with melted garlic butter (melted butter mixed with minced garlic).
5. Bake: Arrange the assembled sliders on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until the buns are lightly golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the beef, work in batches to ensure that it browns properly. Overcrowding the pan will steam the beef instead of searing it, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
• Chop the Filling: Chopping the beef and vegetables into smaller pieces makes it easier to eat the sliders and ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.
• Use Freshly Sliced Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose that prevents it from melting properly. Use freshly sliced cheese for the best results.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as mushrooms, banana peppers, or a drizzle of cheese sauce.
• Serve Immediately: These sliders are best served warm, straight from the oven.

Conclusion

These oven-baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This homemade version is easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy, tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and gooey melted cheese on soft slider buns is simply irresistible. So, ditch the takeout menu and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy your perfectly portioned, flavorful Philly Cheesesteak Sliders!