Introduction
Craving a classic Philly cheesesteak but need an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for game day or a casual get-together? Look no further! These oven-baked Philly cheesesteak sliders with cheese whiz are the perfect solution. All the delicious flavors you love, conveniently packed into mini sandwich form and baked to golden perfection. Forget standing over the stove flipping steaks; this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing that authentic Philly taste.
Making Oven-Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. Quality ingredients make all the difference!
- Slider Buns: Hawaiian rolls work great for their sweetness and soft texture.
- Thinly Sliced Steak: Ribeye or shaved steak is ideal. Consider using beef roast sliced very thin if ribeye is too expensive.
- Onions: Yellow onions are classic, but sweet onions also work well.
- Peppers: Green bell peppers are traditional, but feel free to add red or yellow for a pop of color and flavor.
- Cheese Whiz: The iconic, creamy cheese sauce that makes it a true Philly cheesesteak.
- Provolone Cheese: This adds a nice cheesy pull and compliments the Cheese Whiz
- Butter: For brushing the rolls and enhancing their flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlicky undertone.
- Salt & Pepper: To season the steak and vegetables.
- Olive Oil: For sauteing the vegetables.
Preparing the Steak and Vegetables
This is where the magic happens. Proper preparation is key to flavorful sliders.
- Saute the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and peppers and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the thinly sliced steak in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook quickly, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Add the sauteed onions and peppers back into the skillet with the steak. Toss everything together to combine the flavors.
Assembling the Sliders
Time to put it all together! This part is quick and easy.
- Slice the Buns: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire sheet of slider buns horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected.
- Layer the Cheese Whiz: Spread a generous layer of Cheese Whiz on the bottom half of the slider buns.
- Add the Steak Mixture: Evenly distribute the steak and vegetable mixture over the Cheese Whiz.
- Add Provolone Cheese: Layer slices of provolone over the steak mixture
- Top with Buns: Carefully place the top half of the slider buns back on.
- Butter and Season: In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the garlic powder. Brush the tops of the slider buns with the garlic butter mixture.
Baking to Perfection
The final step before enjoying these delicious sliders!
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake Again: Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Variations and Tips
- Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of Cheese Whiz, you can use provolone, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the steak mixture for a spicy kick.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for added flavor.
- Meal Prep: You can prepare the steak and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Toasting Tip: For extra crispy buns, broil the sliders for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these sliders with a side of fries, coleslaw, or potato salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These oven-baked Philly cheesesteak sliders with cheese whiz are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. From game day gatherings to family dinners, these sliders will become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the taste of Philadelphia in every delicious bite!
