These Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are a game-changer for your next dinner or gathering! Imagine thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, all tucked between soft Hawaiian rolls and topped with melty provolone cheese. They’re incredibly easy to make yet packed with authentic Philly cheesesteak flavors. The best part? You can have these irresistible mini sandwiches ready in just 45 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible even when you’re short on time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders disappear in minutes whenever I serve them! The combination of tender steak, sweet peppers, and melty cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile that both kids and adults love.
- Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or as an appetizer for your next party.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep components ahead of time, making assembly quick when you’re ready to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Steak: Boneless sirloin or ribeye provides the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. The marbling in ribeye adds extra juiciness, while sirloin offers a leaner option that’s still delicious.
- Bell Peppers: Green and red bell peppers add sweetness, color, and classic Philly cheesesteak authenticity.
- Onion: Yellow onion brings natural sweetness when caramelized and is traditional in this classic sandwich.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth and aromatic flavor to the filling.
- Hawaiian Rolls: These slightly sweet, pillowy rolls create the perfect vessel for your cheesesteak filling. Their softness complements the savory filling beautifully.
- Provolone Cheese: Mild, nutty, and perfectly meltable, provolone is the ideal cheese for authentic cheesesteak flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This flavor powerhouse adds umami depth and a subtle tanginess that ties all the flavors together.
- Seasonings: A blend of kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper creates perfect seasoning for the steak.
- Butter: Brushed on top of the rolls for a golden finish and added richness.
- Flaky Salt: Sprinkled on top for a texture contrast and flavor enhancement.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Want to customize your sliders? Here are some delicious options:
Different Cheeses
While provolone is traditional, try American cheese for authentic South Philly style, or use pepper jack for a spicy kick. White American or Cheez Whiz are also popular authentic options.
Mushroom Lover’s Version
Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the peppers and onions for an earthy flavor boost.
Chicken Philly
Substitute thinly sliced chicken breast for the steak for a lighter alternative that’s just as delicious.
Spicy Kick
Add more red pepper flakes or include a diced jalapeño with your bell peppers for heat lovers.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Freeze steak for 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Cut it as thinly as possible against the grain, then toss with seasonings until evenly coated. The thin slices are crucial for authentic texture and quick cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat with oil. Cook the steak in batches (about 1.5 minutes per side) to ensure proper browning without overcrowding. Transfer to a plate and reserve any juices.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add remaining oil and sauté peppers and onions until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook one more minute until fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for your sliders.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the steak and its juices to the pan. Add Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes, then stir to combine. This brings all the flavors together in one delicious mixture.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Place the bottom half of the rolls on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Layer with provolone, the steak mixture, more provolone, and the top buns. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky salt.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Tent with foil and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is melty and tops are golden. This two-stage baking ensures the filling heats through while keeping the rolls from burning.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Freeze the Steak: Pop your steak in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing for those paper-thin cuts that make authentic cheesesteaks so delicious.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook steak in batches to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than searing.
- Use the Wire Rack Method: Baking the sliders on a wire rack prevents soggy bottoms—a game-changer for texture!
- Let the Veggies Caramelize: Take your time with the peppers and onions. That slight caramelization adds incredible flavor.
- Butter the Tops: Don’t skip buttering the top buns before baking. It creates that irresistible golden finish and adds rich flavor.
How to Serve
These sliders are versatile when it comes to serving options:
Perfect Pairings
Serve with crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or potato chips for a classic combo. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
Party Style
For game day or gatherings, set up a slider bar with additional toppings like hot sauce, pickled peppers, or caramelized onions for guests to customize their own.
Complete the Meal
Round out dinner with a side of coleslaw or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness of these sliders.
Make Ahead and Storage
Prep Ahead
Slice and season the steak, and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours ahead. Store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’ll taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Reheating
For best results, wrap leftover sliders in foil and heat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds, though the rolls won’t be as crisp.
Freezing
Assemble the sliders without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of roll for these sliders?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls provide a wonderful sweet contrast to the savory filling, you can use any small dinner rolls. Brioche sliders work beautifully for a richer option, or try pretzel rolls for a fun twist. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
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What’s the best cut of beef for authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor?
Ribeye is traditionally used in authentic Philly cheesesteaks because of its marbling and flavor. However, sirloin is a great, slightly more affordable alternative that still delivers excellent results. The key is slicing it super thin against the grain for tender bites. If you’re looking to save even more, top round can work when sliced extremely thin.
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My sliders came out soggy on the bottom. How can I prevent this?
Using the wire rack method is the best prevention for soggy bottoms. If you don’t have a wire rack, try toasting the bottom buns lightly before adding the fillings. Another trick is to place a layer of cheese directly on the bottom bun before adding the filling—this creates a moisture barrier that helps keep things crisp.
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Can these be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the steak with portobello mushrooms sliced thin and sautéed until tender. You’ll want to cook them separately and at high heat to remove excess moisture. Season them exactly as you would the steak. Beyond Meat or Impossible plant-based ground products also work well when seasoned with the same spice blend and cooked like the steak.
Final Thoughts
These Philly Cheesesteak Sliders bring the beloved classic sandwich into a fun, party-ready format that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender seasoned steak, sweet peppers and onions, and gooey melted provolone nestled in soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls creates an irresistible bite every time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or entertaining friends for the big game, these sliders are guaranteed to impress with minimal effort on your part. Give them a try—I promise they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender slices of seasoned steak, sautéed bell peppers, and melty provolone cheese, all layered between soft Hawaiian rolls and baked to golden perfection—these Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil, divided
- 1–1.25 lbs boneless sirloin or ribeye
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Veggies:
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional, to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 12 oz Hawaiian rolls, cut in half lengthwise
- 8 oz provolone cheese (roughly 8 slices)
- 1/2 tbsp butter, melted
- Flaky salt, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place an oven-safe wire rack on top of a baking sheet. If you don’t have a rack, you can use a baking sheet or oven-safe dish, but note that the bottoms of the sliders may turn out slightly soggy. - Prepare the Steak
Slice the steak as thinly as possible against the grain. If needed, freeze the steak for 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Sprinkle the steak with kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. - Cook the Steak
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add ½ tbsp of oil. Cook half of the steak, spreading it evenly in the pan to prevent overlap. Sear undisturbed for 1.5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1.5 minutes. Remove the steak from the pan, repeat with the remaining steak, and set aside. - Cook the Veggies
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining ½ tbsp of oil to the pan. Add the diced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and yellow onion. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, until fragrant. - Combine Steak and Veggies
Add the cooked steak (including any juices on the plate) back into the pan with the vegetables. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes (if using) until evenly combined. Remove from heat. - Assemble the Sliders
Place the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls onto the prepared wire rack or baking sheet. Layer 4 slices of provolone cheese on the rolls, then add the steak and vegetable mixture. Top with the remaining 4 slices of provolone cheese and place the top half of the rolls on top. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired. - Bake
Loosely tent the sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Rolls: This recipe uses a 12-count package of King’s Hawaiian Rolls (12 oz). You can substitute with other brands of sweet rolls or slider buns; for a gluten-free option, try Canyon Bakehouse.
- Steak Tips: Freezing the steak briefly before slicing makes it easier to cut thinly.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat sliders in the oven for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg