Philly Cheese Steak Dip is a rich and savory appetizer that's perfect for game day or any casual gathering. This dip is loaded with tender steak, a mix of peppers, and melted cheeses, giving you all the bold flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a creamy, dippable form. With a mix of cream cheese and provolone, this dip has the perfect balance of smoothness and sharpness, while the sautéed onions and peppers add a satisfying bite. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, with slices of toasted baguette, crackers, or even vegetables for dipping. This dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Philly Cheese Steak Dip is a mouthwatering appetizer that combines the bold flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the creamy, indulgent texture of a dip. Perfect for game day, parties, or any casual gathering, this dip is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Let’s dive into the key ingredients that make this dip so irresistible.
INGREDIENTS
- Beef Top Sirloin Steak: The main ingredient, adding a rich, meaty flavor. Sear the steak to perfection before chopping it up for the dip.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the steak, olive oil helps create a nice crust on the meat, adding flavor to the dish.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed with butter. The onions are cooked until softened and golden, enhancing the overall taste of the dip.
- Red and Green Bell Peppers: These colorful peppers provide a fresh crunch and a subtle sweetness, balancing the richness of the cheese.
- Pepperoncini and Pickled Red Peppers: These tangy peppers add a zesty kick, giving the dip an extra layer of flavor that complements the savory ingredients.
- Jalapeño Peppers: For those who like a bit of heat, the jalapeños add just the right amount of spice without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cream Cheese: The base of the dip, cream cheese makes it smooth, creamy, and indulgent.
- Provolone Cheese: Grated provolone melts beautifully into the dip, providing a sharp, cheesy bite that perfectly complements the steak and vegetables.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A small amount adds depth and umami to the dip, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle kick of spice that ties all the ingredients together.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Slice the beef top sirloin steak into thick pieces. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over high heat until it begins to smoke. Add the steak slices and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottoms are browned. Flip the steak, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until juices appear on the tops. Transfer the steak to a bowl to cool.
- Step 3:
- In the same pan, add diced onions, a pinch of salt, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring and scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, for 5 to 7 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
- Step 4:
- Dice the red and green bell peppers, pepperoncini, pickled red peppers, and jalapeños until you have about 1½ to 2 cups. Add the diced peppers to the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Step 5:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 6:
- Chop the cooled steak into small pieces and add them to the bowl with the accumulated meat juices. Mix in the onion-pepper mixture, softened cream cheese, and grated provolone cheese (reserving a little provolone for the top). Drizzle in the Worcestershire sauce and sprinkle with cayenne pepper. Stir the dip thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Step 7:
- Transfer half of the dip mixture to a small baking dish and smooth the top with a fork. Place the dish on a sheet pan for easier handling. Sprinkle the remaining provolone cheese on top.
- Step 8:
- Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until it is bubbling and heated through. For a golden-brown finish, broil the top for 1 minute more. Repeat the process with the remaining batch of dip.
- Step 9:
- Serve the dip hot with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Philly Cheese Steak Dip is best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with toasted slices of baguette, crackers, or even fresh vegetables for a delicious dipping experience. This dip is perfect for game days, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with bold, cheesy flavors.
- Storage: If you have any leftovers, store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
- Freezing: The dip can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to freeze it before baking. When ready to serve, thaw the dip in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed in the recipe.
Helpful Notes
- Cheese Options: While provolone is traditional in a Philly cheesesteak, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack if you want to add an extra kick.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dip up to the baking step ahead of time, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for parties.
- Extra Flavor: For a smoky flavor, try grilling the steak before chopping it up and adding it to the dip. You can also sprinkle the top with smoked paprika before baking for a subtle smoky taste.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Anthony suggests adding a splash of hot sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top of the dip for an unexpected burst of flavor.
- Chef Marie recommends serving the dip with toasted garlic bread for an extra layer of savory goodness that complements the richness of the dip.
- Chef Derek advises letting the dip rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly before serving.