Introduction
Craving a Philly Cheesesteak but want a fun, shareable twist? Look no further than these oven-baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders! Tender, thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onions and peppers, and gooey melted cheese all nestled in soft slider buns, baked to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delicious and easy-to-make sliders.
Making the Perfect Oven-Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Choosing Your Ribeye Steak
The key to a great Philly Cheesesteak slider starts with high-quality ribeye steak. Look for well-marbled ribeye, as the fat content contributes to the tenderness and flavor. If possible, ask your butcher to thinly slice the steak for you, about 1/8 inch thick. This will save you time and ensure even cooking. If you’re slicing it yourself, partially freeze the steak for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly.
Preparing the Vegetables: Onions and Peppers
Caramelized onions and peppers are an essential part of a classic Philly Cheesesteak.
- Onions: Yellow onions are the traditional choice, but white onions will also work. Slice them thinly.
- Peppers: Green bell peppers are classic, but feel free to use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor and more vibrant color. Slice them thinly as well.
- Caramelizing: Slow cooking over low heat is key to caramelizing the onions and peppers. This process brings out their natural sweetness and creates a rich, savory flavor. Don’t rush it!
Selecting the Right Cheese
Provolone cheese is the traditional choice for Philly Cheesesteaks, offering a mild, creamy flavor that complements the steak and vegetables. However, other great options include:
- American Cheese: A classic choice for its meltability and creamy texture.
- White Cheddar: Adds a sharper, more pronounced flavor.
- Mozzarella: Offers a mild flavor and excellent melt.
Building the Sliders
- Prepare the buns: Slice your slider buns in half horizontally.
- Cook the steak: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the thinly sliced ribeye until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Sautรฉ the vegetables: Add the sliced onions and peppers to the skillet and cook until softened and caramelized.
- Combine the steak and vegetables: Mix the cooked steak, onions, and peppers together in the skillet.
- Add the cheese: Divide the mixture evenly among the bottom halves of the slider buns. Top with your cheese of choice.
- Bake: Place the sliders on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Top with the slider bun tops and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak: Overcrowding will lower the pan temperature and result in steamed, rather than browned, steak.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the steak: A sharp knife will make it easier to slice the steak thinly and evenly.
- Toast the slider buns for extra flavor and texture: Lightly toasting the buns will prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Experiment with different toppings: Add your favorite toppings, such as mushrooms, jalapenos, or a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
Conclusion
These oven-baked Philly Cheesesteak sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their tender ribeye steak, flavorful vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, they’re the perfect bite-sized version of a classic favorite. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!