This Philly Cheesesteak Dip is an indulgent culinary creation that brings the iconic flavors of the Philadelphia classic sandwich into a shareable and delightful dip format. Combining the savory richness of thinly sliced ribeye steak with the sweetness of caramelized onions and the vibrant, earthy tones of bell peppers, this dip is a hearty and satisfying treat. The creamy base of cream cheese and mayonnaise, complemented by the gooey melt of provolone and mozzarella, makes it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering, especially when served with toasted baguette slices or crispy tortilla chips.

Origin and Inspiration

The Philly Cheesesteak Legacy

The Philly cheesesteak, a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a beloved culinary icon known for its simplicity and robust flavor. Traditionally made with thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and sometimes onions and peppers, this sandwich has become a staple in American cuisine. The origins of the Philly cheesesteak date back to the early 20th century, credited to Pat and Harry Olivieri, who initially sold it from a hot dog stand before establishing Pat’s King of Steaks.

Reimagining a Classic

In the spirit of innovation and adapting classic dishes for modern tastes, the Philly Cheesesteak Dip was born. This recipe takes the beloved components of the sandwich and transforms them into a versatile and crowd-pleasing dip. The idea of turning a sandwich into a dip allows for a new way to enjoy these flavors, making them more accessible for parties, game day gatherings, or casual get-togethers. The dip form also encourages communal dining, bringing people together to share in the love of good food.

Unique Ingredients and Flavors

The Perfect Cut: Ribeye Steak

A key component of this dip is the ribeye steak, known for its marbling and rich flavor. Thinly slicing the steak allows it to cook quickly while retaining its tenderness, ensuring that each bite is infused with that unmistakable beefy taste. Alternatively, roast beef can be used as a convenient substitute, providing a similar depth of flavor with less preparation time.

Building Layers of Flavor

The combination of onions and bell peppers is essential in replicating the authentic cheesesteak experience. Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness, while the bell peppers add a pleasant crunch and a burst of color. The garlic adds a subtle aromatic depth that enhances the overall profile of the dip. These vegetables not only contribute to the flavor but also add texture, making each scoop of dip a complex and satisfying bite.

The Creamy Foundation

The creamy base of this dip is anchored by softened cream cheese and mayonnaise, which provide a smooth and luxurious texture. This foundation is crucial for balancing the robust flavors of the steak and vegetables, ensuring that the dip is both rich and cohesive. The addition of provolone and mozzarella cheeses brings an element of indulgence, with their gooey, melty quality serving as the perfect binder for the ingredients.

Cooking Techniques and Serving Suggestions

Sautéing and Baking

The cooking process begins with sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. This step is crucial in developing the foundational flavors of the dip. Once the vegetables are ready, the thinly sliced steak is added to the skillet, quickly searing it to perfection. The combination is then mixed with the creamy cheese base and transferred to a baking dish. Baking the dip allows the cheeses to melt and blend, creating a bubbly and golden crust that is enticingly aromatic.

Serving and Enjoyment

When it comes to serving, toasted baguette slices or hearty tortilla chips are ideal accompaniments, offering the perfect balance of crunch and sturdiness to hold up against the rich dip. This dish is best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to stretch delectably with every scoop. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a lively game day celebration, this Philly Cheesesteak Dip is sure to be a hit, bringing smiles and satisfaction to all who partake.

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Philly Cheesesteak Dip

Author: Chef Sagittarius Courses: GameDay

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 10 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 240 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This dip takes all the best parts of a Philly cheesesteak—savory beef, caramelized onions, peppers, and gooey cheese—and transforms them into a rich, shareable dip. Serve hot with toasted baguette slices or sturdy chips, and it’ll be gone before halftime.

Ingredients

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Servings

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ribeye steak or roast beef (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¹⁄₂ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup provolone cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper

For Serving

• toasted baguette slices or tortilla chips

Instructions

Cooking the Vegetables and Steak

1. Prepare Skillet

   Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   Ensure the oil is hot before adding the vegetables to avoid sticking.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook Vegetables

   Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 to 6 minutes.
   Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Garlic

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
   Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
   Mark as complete

4. Cook Steak

   Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper, cooking until the steak is browned.
   Ensure the steak is thinly sliced for quicker cooking and better integration into the dip.
   Mark as complete

5. Remove from Heat

   Once the steak is browned, remove the skillet from heat.
   Let the mixture cool slightly before combining with the cheese mixture.
   Mark as complete

Preparing the Cheese Mixture

1. Mix Cheeses

   In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded provolone cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
   Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing.
   Mark as complete

Combining and Baking

1. Combine Ingredients

   Stir the cooked steak and vegetable mixture into the cheese mixture until well combined.
   Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in each bite.
   Mark as complete

2. Prepare Baking Dish

   Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
   Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly across the dish.
   Mark as complete

3. Bake the Dip

   Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
   Check the dip halfway through to ensure it doesn't over-brown.
   Mark as complete

4. Serve

   Serve the dip warm with toasted baguette slices or tortilla chips.
   If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color.
   Mark as complete

Note

For an elevated flavor, consider using aged provolone for a sharper taste. If a more tender texture is desired, marinate the ribeye slices in a splash of Worcestershire sauce for 15 minutes before cooking. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for optimal blending. Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. When selecting bread, a crusty baguette works best to hold the dip's weight. If using tortilla chips, opt for thick, sturdy ones to prevent breakage. For added spice, incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the mixture. Adjust salt levels based on the saltiness of the chosen cheeses. Prepare the dip ahead of time, if necessary, and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving to enjoy it fresh and warm.

Keywords: dip, philly cheesesteak, appetizer, cheese, steak