When you think of comfort food, the first thing that often comes to mind is a hearty, savory dish that’s both filling and indulgent. There’s nothing more iconic than the Philly cheesesteak—a dish that brings together the rich, savory flavor of thinly sliced steak, the sweetness of sautéed onions and peppers, and of course, the melty, gooey goodness of cheese. But what if we told you there’s a way to take this classic sandwich and turn it into something even more fun and shareable? Enter Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks.
These stuffed breadsticks combine all the flavors you love in a Philly cheesesteak but in the form of a warm, cheesy, and golden breadstick that’s perfect for dipping. The crispy, golden dough holds a delicious filling of tender steak, caramelized onions and peppers, and melty provolone or mozzarella cheese, with a garlic butter topping that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a new twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak or just want a fun snack to share with friends, these stuffed cheesy breadsticks will be a hit.
In this article, we’ll not only take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make these mouthwatering Philly cheesesteak stuffed breadsticks, but we’ll also share tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you customize this dish to suit your tastes. Let’s dive into this deliciously cheesy and savory recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks. First and foremost, they’re a delicious combination of two beloved foods: the Philly cheesesteak and cheesy breadsticks. By stuffing tender ribeye steak, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and gooey cheese into a soft pizza dough, you get the best of both worlds in every bite.
Here’s why you’ll want to make this recipe:
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Flavor-packed filling: The combination of tender steak, sautéed onions, and bell peppers, seasoned with garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of salt and pepper, creates a flavor explosion that perfectly mimics the classic Philly cheesesteak filling. The provolone or mozzarella cheese pulls everything together, creating a rich and savory bite.
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Golden, crispy dough: The pizza dough is golden brown on the outside, while still soft and chewy on the inside. It’s the perfect vessel for holding the hearty steak filling, ensuring each bite is a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
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Perfect for dipping: What’s better than cheesy breadsticks? Philly cheesesteak-stuffed cheesy breadsticks that are perfect for dipping! Whether you serve them with marinara sauce, cheese sauce, or a spicy ranch dip, these breadsticks are a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal.
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Great for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, having a casual dinner with friends, or craving a snack while watching your favorite game, these breadsticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even a late-night snack.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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½ onion, thinly sliced
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½ lb thinly sliced ribeye steak or shaved beef (you can also use flank steak or any tender cut of beef)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
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1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (you can use a blend of cheeses for extra flavor)
For the Dough:
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1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade if you prefer)
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2 tbsp butter, melted
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp dried parsley (fresh parsley works too for extra flavor)
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Optional: grated Parmesan for sprinkling on top for added flavor and texture
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). The oven should be hot enough to give the dough a nice golden brown color while ensuring that the filling gets cooked perfectly inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent the breadsticks from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
The filling is the star of this recipe, so it’s important to get the right balance of flavors. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced onions and green bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3–4 minutes, or until they soften and develop a slightly caramelized color. This step is key to enhancing the sweetness of the peppers and onions, giving them a rich, savory flavor.
Next, add the thinly sliced ribeye steak or shaved beef to the skillet. The beef should be sliced as thinly as possible to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. If you like a bit of extra depth of flavor, add ½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. This ingredient adds a savory umami flavor that complements the beef beautifully. Stir the mixture frequently until the steak is no longer pink and cooked through. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly before using it to stuff the breadsticks.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
While the filling is cooling, it’s time to prepare the dough. You can use refrigerated pizza dough for convenience, but if you prefer to make your own, you can easily find a recipe for homemade pizza dough. The store-bought dough is already rolled out in a rectangular shape, which makes it perfect for this recipe.
Unroll the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle about 10×15 inches in size. If you’re making mini breadsticks, you can cut the dough into smaller sections—about 3–4 inches in width—before assembling.
Step 4: Assemble the Breadsticks
Now comes the fun part—assembling the stuffed breadsticks! Start by spooning the cooled steak filling onto one side of each rectangle of dough. Be sure to spread it out evenly, leaving a small border along the edges of the dough so you can seal the breadstick later.
After adding the steak filling, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese over the top of the beef mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully during baking, creating that cheesy, gooey goodness we all love. Once the filling and cheese are in place, carefully fold the dough over the filling, covering it completely. Press the edges of the dough together to seal it. You can use your fingers to pinch the edges, or if you like, use a fork to crimp the edges for a more decorative finish.
Step 5: Top & Bake
Before placing the breadsticks in the oven, brush the top of the dough with melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. This will give the breadsticks a beautiful golden color and an aromatic, garlicky flavor. If you want to add extra richness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dough before baking. The Parmesan will melt into the garlic butter, creating an irresistible topping.
Place the assembled breadsticks onto your prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The cheese inside should be melted and gooey, while the dough remains soft and chewy. Keep an eye on the breadsticks toward the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Step 6: Slice & Serve
Once the breadsticks are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to slice without losing any of the cheesy filling. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the breadsticks into long strips. Serve them warm with marinara sauce, cheese sauce, or a spicy ranch dip for the ultimate dipping experience.
Variation
This recipe is highly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative and add your personal touch. Here are some variations you can try:
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Cheese Options: While provolone or mozzarella is a classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks, you can experiment with other cheeses for different flavors. A blend of cheddar, Gouda, or even Swiss cheese would work beautifully in these breadsticks.
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Vegetarian Version: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of these breadsticks, you can replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables. The creamy cheese will still make the breadsticks rich and satisfying.
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Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or banana peppers to the filling. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra spicy kick.
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Chicken Philly Cheesesteak: Replace the ribeye steak with grilled or sautéed chicken breast for a lighter, yet equally delicious alternative. The seasoning and cheese will complement the chicken perfectly.
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Add Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding some crumbled cooked bacon to the filling. Bacon pairs wonderfully with the rich beef and cheese, creating a smoky and savory breadstick.
Cooking Note
If you want an even crispier crust, you can brush the dough with olive oil instead of melted butter. Olive oil will give the breadsticks a slightly different texture but still result in a golden and crispy exterior. Additionally, if you want to ensure that the cheese doesn’t ooze out during baking, make sure the dough is tightly sealed around the filling.
Serving Suggestions
These Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks are perfect for a wide variety of occasions. Here are some ideas for serving them:
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Game Day: Serve these breadsticks as part of a game day spread. Pair them with other easy-to-make snacks like buffalo wings, sliders, or loaded nachos for a fun, casual meal.
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Appetizers: These stuffed breadsticks make a great appetizer for dinner parties or family gatherings. Serve them with a selection of dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or a tangy barbecue sauce.
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Main Course: If you’re serving these as a main dish, pair them with a simple salad, such as a Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
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Party Food: These breadsticks are perfect for sharing at parties. Since they’re handheld and easy to eat, they make great finger foods that everyone will enjoy.
Tips
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For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pizza dough or a cauliflower crust for a gluten-free option.
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You can prepare the breadsticks in advance by assembling them, covering them with plastic wrap, and refrigerating them for up to 24 hours before baking.
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These stuffed breadsticks also freeze well. After assembling and baking, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 1 Breadstick)
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Calories: 300
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Protein: 15g
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Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can swap the ribeye steak for chicken breast, ground beef, or even pulled pork for a different flavor profile. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute.
Can I make these breadsticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the breadsticks ahead of time by assembling them and refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. They’ll stay fresh for up to a day in the fridge. You can also freeze the breadsticks and bake them straight from the freezer for a quick meal.
What can I dip these breadsticks in?
These stuffed breadsticks are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, cheese sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Get creative with your dips!
Conclusion
These Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks are a mouthwatering twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, bringing together tender steak, melted cheese, and savory onions and peppers—all wrapped in a soft, golden dough. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them. With their crispy exterior, gooey cheese center, and irresistible flavor, these breadsticks are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce and get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!
