Philly Cheesesteak Rolls: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Philly Cheesesteak Rolls: Craving the iconic taste of a Philly Cheesesteak but looking for a fun, shareable twist? Look no further! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, golden-brown roll, bursting with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted provolone cheese. These aren’t just any appetizers; they’re a handheld explosion of flavor that will transport you straight to the streets of Philadelphia.

The original Philly Cheesesteak, a culinary icon born in the early 20th century, has a rich history rooted in the working-class neighborhoods of Philadelphia. While the exact origins are debated, it’s widely believed that the cheesesteak was first created by Pat and Harry Olivieri, who initially sold steak sandwiches without cheese. The addition of cheese, specifically provolone, revolutionized the sandwich and cemented its place in American culinary history.

But why are Philly Cheesesteak Rolls so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and comforting. The tender steak, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese create a symphony of textures and flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Plus, these rolls are incredibly convenient – perfect for parties, game days, or a quick weeknight meal. They offer all the satisfaction of a classic Philly Cheesesteak in a portable, bite-sized package. Get ready to experience a taste of Philly, rolled up and ready to enjoy!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• For the Cheesesteak Filling:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced ribeye steak (or shaved steak)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 slices provolone cheese (or cheese whiz, if you’re feeling authentic!)
• For the Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk or water
• Optional Toppings:
• Sesame seeds
• Everything bagel seasoning

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or mix by hand.
3. Knead the Dough: If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes, or until it forms a smooth, elastic ball. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The warmer the environment, the faster the dough will rise.

Preparing the Cheesesteak Filling:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: While the dough is rising, prepare the cheesesteak filling. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Cook the Steak: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak to the other side. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it will become tough. If you’re using shaved steak, it will cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on it.
3. Combine and Melt the Cheese: Once the steak is cooked, chop it into smaller pieces with your spatula. Mix the steak and vegetables together in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and top the mixture with the provolone cheese slices. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes, or until it is gooey and melted. If you’re using cheese whiz, simply dollop it over the steak and vegetables and stir to combine.

Assembling the Philly Cheesesteak Rolls:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Roll each piece of dough into an oval shape, about 6-8 inches long and 4-5 inches wide. The thickness should be about 1/4 inch.
4. Fill the Rolls: Spoon a generous amount of the cheesesteak filling onto the center of each oval of dough. Be careful not to overfill the rolls, or they will be difficult to seal.
5. Seal the Rolls: Fold one side of the dough over the filling, then fold the other side over to create a roll. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal the roll. You can also fold the ends of the roll under to create a more secure seal.
6. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the assembled rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.
7. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water) to create the egg wash.
8. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash. This will give them a golden-brown color and a shiny finish.
9. Add Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle the tops of the rolls with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning.

Baking the Philly Cheesesteak Rolls:

1. Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the dough should reach at least 200°F (93°C).
2. Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Serve: Serve the Philly cheesesteak rolls warm. They are delicious on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or a creamy horseradish sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Options: While provolone is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak, you can also use other cheeses such as mozzarella, American cheese, or even a blend of cheeses. For a truly authentic experience, try using cheese whiz!
• Steak Options: Ribeye steak is the most flavorful choice for a Philly cheesesteak, but you can also use other cuts of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak. Make sure the steak is thinly sliced for the best results. Shaved steak is also a great option and cooks very quickly.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the cheesesteak filling, such as mushrooms, jalapeños, or banana peppers.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheesesteak filling for a little extra heat.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheesesteak filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to assemble the rolls, simply reheat the filling and proceed with the recipe.
• Freezing Instructions: These rolls can be frozen for later. After baking, let them cool completely. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight, then bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may not be as crispy.
• Dough Alternatives: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough or crescent roll dough instead of making your own dough. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Enjoy your homemade Philly Cheesesteak Rolls! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Philly Cheesesteak Rolls are truly a must-try recipe, and I’m confident they’ll become a new favorite in your household. Why? Because they deliver all the iconic flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a fun, portable, and incredibly satisfying package. Forget messy sandwiches that fall apart after the first bite; these rolls are perfectly portioned and easy to eat, making them ideal for parties, game day gatherings, or even a quick and delicious weeknight meal.

But the real magic lies in the taste. The combination of thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and that creamy, melty cheese is simply irresistible. And the buttery, golden-brown roll adds the perfect textural contrast. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

These Philly Cheesesteak Rolls are fantastic on their own, but you can easily customize them to suit your preferences. For a classic experience, serve them with a side of ketchup or your favorite steak sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try dipping them in a creamy horseradish sauce or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Looking for variations? The possibilities are endless!

* Cheese Options: While provolone is the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like white American, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
* Pepper Power: Add some heat by including jalapeños or banana peppers in the filling.
* Mushroom Magic: Sautéed mushrooms are a delicious addition to the classic cheesesteak flavor profile.
* Veggie Boost: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding spinach or broccoli to the filling.
* Spicy Kick: A dash of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper will add a welcome kick of heat.
* Different Bread: While I love using classic roll dough, you could also try using crescent roll dough for a flakier texture, or even pizza dough for a larger, shareable version.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature Philly Cheesesteak Rolls.

Time to Get Cooking!

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It’s relatively simple to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or even just yourself!

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of these homemade Philly Cheesesteak Rolls. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And finally, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Sharing your feedback helps me improve the recipe and also inspires other readers to give it a try. Happy cooking!