
Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: A Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack
These Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for parties, game day, or a quick weeknight dinner. Imagine tender, thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and caramelized onions all nestled in soft, buttery slider buns. These sliders are a guaranteed hit!
## Why You’ll Love These Sliders
* **Easy to make:** Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make these sliders a breeze to whip up.
* **Perfect for a crowd:** This recipe easily scales up or down depending on the number of people you’re serving.
* **Delicious:** The combination of savory steak, gooey cheese, and sweet caramelized onions is irresistible.
* **Versatile:** Customize the toppings to your liking – add peppers, mushrooms, or your favorite condiments.
* **Make-ahead friendly:** Prepare the steak and onion mixture ahead of time for even quicker assembly.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Slider Buns:** King’s Hawaiian rolls are a classic choice, but any sweet slider buns will work.
* **Steak:** Ribeye or sirloin are excellent choices for their flavor and tenderness. Flank steak can also be used, just be sure to slice it very thinly *against* the grain.
* **Cheese:** Provolone cheese is traditional, but you can also use mozzarella, American, or even a blend of cheeses.
* **Onion:** Yellow or white onion works well for caramelizing.
* **Bell Peppers (optional):** Green bell peppers are a common addition to Philly cheesesteaks, but feel free to use other colors.
* **Butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the buns.
* **Garlic Powder:** For extra flavor.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** Adds depth of flavor to the steak.
* **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the steak and onions.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
## Detailed Recipe with Step-by-Step Instructions
### **Prep Time:** 20 minutes
### **Cook Time:** 25 minutes
### **Total Time:** 45 minutes
### **Yields:** 12 sliders
**Ingredients:**
* 12 slider buns (e.g., King’s Hawaiian)
* 1 pound ribeye steak, thinly sliced
* 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
* 6-8 slices provolone cheese, halved or quartered
* 4 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Equipment:**
* Large skillet or cast iron pan
* Baking sheet
* Sharp knife
* Cutting board
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Steak:**
* If your steak isn’t already thinly sliced, place it in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. This will make it easier to slice thinly. Using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain into very thin strips.
* In a bowl, toss the sliced steak with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the steak is evenly coated. Set aside.
**2. Caramelize the Onions (and Peppers, if using):**
* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions (and bell peppers, if using) to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. The key to caramelizing onions is patience – don’t rush the process. Lower the heat if they start to burn.
* Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
**3. Cook the Steak:**
* In the same skillet, add the marinated steak. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the steak is browned and cooked through. This should only take a few minutes, as the steak is thinly sliced. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure the steak browns properly.
* Once the steak is cooked, add the caramelized onions (and peppers) back to the skillet and mix well to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
**4. Assemble the Sliders:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* While the oven is preheating, slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet.
* Spoon the steak and onion mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the slider buns.
* Top each slider with a piece of provolone cheese, ensuring it covers the steak and onions.
* Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the cheese.
**5. Bake the Sliders:**
* In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the garlic powder. Brush the melted garlic butter evenly over the tops of the slider buns.
* Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent the buns from browning too quickly. Bake for 10 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are golden brown.
**6. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut the sliders apart and serve warm.
* Enjoy your delicious Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders!
## Tips for the Best Sliders
* **Slice the steak thinly:** This is crucial for tender and flavorful sliders. Partially freezing the steak makes it easier to slice thinly.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** When cooking the steak, work in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly.
* **Caramelize the onions properly:** Patience is key! Don’t rush the caramelization process. Low and slow is the way to go.
* **Use good quality cheese:** Provolone is the traditional choice, but use your favorite cheese that melts well.
* **Brush with garlic butter:** This adds extra flavor and richness to the buns.
* **Adjust seasonings to your liking:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to create your perfect slider.
## Variations and Additions
* **Add mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra flavor.
* **Use different cheeses:** Try mozzarella, American, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses.
* **Add hot peppers:** For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapeños or banana peppers.
* **Drizzle with cheese sauce:** Top the sliders with a creamy cheese sauce for extra indulgence.
* **Serve with dipping sauce:** Offer a side of cheese sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
* **Use different types of meat:** While ribeye is a classic choice, you can also use sirloin, flank steak, or even ground beef.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute the steak with sliced portobello mushrooms marinated in balsamic vinegar and soy sauce.
* **Add a sprinkle of dried oregano:** Sprinkle a little bit before baking for an additional flavor.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
* You can prepare the steak and onion mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* Assemble the sliders just before baking.
## Storage Instructions
* Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
## Serving Suggestions
These Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are perfect as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Serve them with:
* French fries
* Potato chips
* Coleslaw
* Pickles
* A simple salad
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slider)
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Protein: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Enjoy these delicious and easy Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders! They are sure to be a hit with everyone.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use frozen steak?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen steak. Just make sure to thaw it completely before slicing and cooking.
**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, American, or cheddar.
**Q: Can I make these sliders ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the steak and onion mixture ahead of time and assemble the sliders just before baking.
**Q: How do I prevent the slider buns from getting soggy?**
A: To prevent the buns from getting soggy, make sure not to overfill them with the steak and onion mixture. Also, bake the sliders uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to allow the buns to crisp up.
**Q: Can I freeze these sliders?**
A: While you can freeze them, the texture of the bread may change slightly. If you do freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them completely before reheating.
**Q: What kind of slider buns should I use?**
A: King’s Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice, but any sweet slider buns will work well. You can also use regular slider buns if you prefer.
**Q: Can I make these in a larger batch?**
A: Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to make a larger batch. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
**Q: What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?**
A: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a little bit of beef broth.
**Q: Can I add a sauce before baking?**
A: You could add a very thin layer of mayo, or a cheese sauce before baking. Ensure you don’t oversaturate the bread, otherwise the buns will get soggy.
**Q: Can I use a slow cooker to cook the steak?**
A: Yes! You can slow cook a chuck roast with onions and peppers on low for 6-8 hours, then shred the meat. It will be a different consistency than thinly sliced steak, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Enjoy making these delicious sliders. They are perfect for any occasion!