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The Ultimate Philly Cheese Steak Dip: Your Go-To Appetizer for Any Gathering

Get ready to fall head over heels for this incredibly hot and cheesy Philly Cheese Steak Dip. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this easy-to-make dip delivers all the comforting, robust flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich in a shareable format. Crafted with tender roast beef, vibrant green bell peppers, fresh onions, rich cream cheese, and gooey provolone, it’s a delightful appetizer that promises to be a showstopper at any event. Perfect for game days, holidays, or simply a cozy night in, this cheesesteak dip will quickly become your new favorite!

Why This Cheesy Steak Dip is an Absolute Must-Try

This easy Philly cheesesteak dip isn’t just an appetizer; it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday gathering, a casual weekend get-together, or simply treating yourself, this dip guarantees deliciousness and simplicity. I’ve seen it impress countless crowds, eliciting “wows” from everyone who tries it. The perfect blend of savory and robust flavors, thanks to the aromatic garlic, caramelized onions, and savory deli roast beef, makes every bite irresistible. Serve it warm with toasted baguette slices, and prepare for a chorus of compliments.

A Taste of Philadelphia in Every Bite

What truly sets this dip apart is its authentic cheesesteak essence. It masterfully recreates the iconic flavors of the beloved Philly sandwich—without the bun! The medley of sautéed vegetables, succulent beef, and two types of cheese melds together to create a harmonious and deeply satisfying flavor profile. It’s a culinary journey to the streets of Philadelphia, right in your own kitchen.

The Many Reasons You’ll Adore This Easy Philly Cheesesteak Dip Recipe

Perfect for Every Occasion: More Than Just an Appetizer
This hot cheesesteak dip is not only a fantastic starter before a main course but also a brilliant option for finger food gatherings. Its warm, comforting nature makes it ideal for holidays like New Year’s Eve, Easter, or the Fourth of July, adding a touch of gourmet flair to your spread. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparking conversations and smiles around the snack table.
The Quintessential Tailgating Companion
Whether you’re cheering from the comfort of your living room or joining the lively atmosphere at the stadium, this Philly cheesesteak dip is the ultimate game-day food. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a perfect communal snack, easily enjoyed by friends and fellow fans. Pack a batch for your favorite ballgame and watch it disappear faster than a touchdown!
A Family Favorite for All Ages
Who can resist the allure of cheesy, savory goodness? This recipe has universal appeal, delighting palates from the youngest family member to the most seasoned food critic. Its familiar flavors and creamy texture ensure that everyone will find something to love, making it a guaranteed hit for family dinners and potlucks alike.
Uncomplicated Preparation for Maximum Flavor
Don’t let the incredible taste fool you; this dip is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dip that tastes like it took hours of effort. It’s perfect for busy hosts who want to serve something impressive without the stress, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Slow Cooker Adaptable: Set It and Forget It
For those times when you prefer a hands-off approach, this recipe is wonderfully Crockpot-friendly. Prepare the ingredients as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for at least six hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the cheese to become perfectly gooey. It’s an ideal option for extended parties or when you want to keep the dip warm throughout your event.

From Idea to Irresistible: The Story Behind Our Favorite Dip

As anyone who loves to cook knows, there’s always a hope that a new recipe will be a resounding success. While not every experiment makes it to the table (the less successful ones remain in the culinary archives!), there’s a unique thrill when an appetizer, especially a dip, hits all the right notes. It feels like hitting the jackpot!

Dip recipes are truly versatile, fitting seamlessly into any social gathering. I’ve even heard of parties where dips are the sole culinary focus – a brilliant idea, if you ask me! But beyond general parties, my particular love for new dip recipes shines brightest when it comes to tailgating. So, when a new creation turns out to be a keeper, it’s always a cause for celebration. It’s a goal, a home run, a hole-in-one, a touchdown, if you will?

Our Tailgating Tradition: Food, Family, and Football

Our family’s love for tailgating began when our oldest son started attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Every home game became an opportunity for a pre-game celebration. We’d gather with his friends from school, and I’d bring an array of homemade dishes to fuel our spirits before heading into the stadium to cheer on our team, the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Even when the team’s performance wasn’t stellar (like some seasons, ugh!), the camaraderie and the delicious food always made the experience worthwhile. These tailgates aren’t just about football; they’re about creating lasting memories, sharing laughter, and, of course, enjoying fantastic food that brings everyone together.

Crafting the Perfect Dip: Key Ingredients Explained

The secret to an exceptional Philly Cheese Steak Dip lies in selecting high-quality ingredients that harmonize to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious taste.

The Stars of Our Philly Cheesesteak Dip

Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the luxurious base of this dip, contributing a creamy texture and rich flavor that makes every scoop heavenly. It’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Sour Cream: Adding sour cream boosts the dip’s creaminess while also introducing a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheeses and meats, making the dip even more delicious and complex.
Butter: Whether salted or unsalted, butter is crucial for sautéing the vegetables, imparting a beautiful buttery flavor and helping them caramelize perfectly.
Brown Sugar: This is our secret ingredient! A touch of sweet brown sugar enhances the caramelization of the onions and adds a delightful, unexpected twist that elevates the dip’s overall flavor profile.
Onions: White or yellow onions are sautéed until fragrant and deeply caramelized, providing a foundational savory sweetness that is characteristic of an authentic cheesesteak.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is indispensable for its aromatic qualities and robust flavor. It infuses the dip with a pungent warmth that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Green Bell Pepper: A classic component of Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, fresh green bell peppers add a crisp-tender texture and a fresh, slightly peppery note that brightens the dip.
Roast Beef: Thinly sliced deli roast beef, roughly chopped, provides the hearty, meaty essence of a cheesesteak. When baked, it becomes tender and wonderfully flavorful within the creamy dip.
Provolone Cheese: This signature cheese is generously mixed throughout the dip and sprinkled on top, melting into a smooth, gooey layer that provides that quintessential Philly cheesesteak stretch and flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Dip

Creating this mouthwatering Philly Cheese Steak Dip is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly creamy, savory, and irresistible appetizer every time.

First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Prepare a medium baking dish by lightly greasing it.
In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and lump-free. Then, add the sour cream and continue beating until the mixture is fully combined and creamy. Set this aside.
Next, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves into the butter. Toss in the thinly sliced onions and sauté them, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes. The goal is for the onions to become beautifully caramelized, translucent, and fragrant. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor.
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and chopped green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the peppers begin to soften slightly and the garlic becomes aromatic. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can use your spatula to roughly chop the cooked vegetables right in the pan.
Carefully transfer the sautéed onion and pepper mixture to the cream cheese mixture you prepared earlier. Gently fold in the roughly chopped deli roast beef. Then, fold in most of the chopped provolone cheese, making sure to reserve about ½ cup for the topping.
Spread the entire creamy, meaty, and cheesy mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of chopped provolone cheese over the top, ensuring it covers the surface for a perfect golden crust.
Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly throughout, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden brown.
Carefully remove the dip from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, as it will be extremely hot.

Serving Suggestions for Your Irresistible Dip

This hot, cheesy dip is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While toasted baguette slices are a classic choice and highly recommended for scooping up every delicious bite, don’t hesitate to get creative. Sturdy crackers, pita bread, pretzel bites, or even fresh vegetable sticks like carrot and celery are fantastic dippers. For an extra flourish, consider topping it with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added color and a hint of freshness.

Expert Tips for the Best Philly Cheese Steak Dip

Elevate your Philly Cheese Steak Dip experience with these handy tips and tricks, covering everything from ingredient variations to smart storage solutions.

Customize Your Dip: Variations and Enhancements

Protein Swap: For a delightful twist, use cooked, shredded chicken instead of roast beef. This creates a “Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Dip” that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sautéing vegetables or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other thinly sliced vegetables like mushrooms or red bell peppers during the sautéing stage for added flavor and texture.
Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions just before serving adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

Make Ahead and Storage Solutions

Prep Ahead: This recipe is excellent for preparing in advance. You can cook the vegetables, mix the dip ingredients (excluding the top layer of cheese), and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. When ready, simply transfer to a baking dish, top with reserved cheese, and bake.
Storing Leftovers: Any leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheating: To reheat, transfer the desired amount to an oven-safe dish and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through and bubbly, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Tailgating and Portability Hacks

On-Site Reheating: If you’ve prepared the dip ahead of time for a tailgate, simply cover the baking dish with foil and place it directly on your grill (over indirect heat if possible) to reheat.
Cast-Iron Skillet Method: This dip is a fantastic candidate for a cast-iron skillet. Prepare and bake it directly in the skillet, then use the skillet to reheat it on your tailgating grill, making it easy to serve warm.

Explore More Philly-Inspired Delights

If you’ve fallen in love with the flavors of this Philly Cheese Steak Dip, you’ll be thrilled to discover other recipes that capture the same delicious essence. From hearty main courses to creative appetizers, these dishes bring the classic taste of a Philly cheesesteak into new and exciting forms.

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers (pictured above)
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe’s
Philly Cheesesteak Soup
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

20+ Dang Delicious Dips – A WHOLE BUNCH of delicious dips right in one spot!

This incredible hot, cheesy dip perfectly captures the essence of a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. It’s packed with perfectly caramelized onions, vibrant green peppers, and savory roast beef, all baked into a creamy, dreamy cheese blend. Served warm with crusty toasted baguette bread, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for more!

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Philly Cheese Steak Dip

This hot, cheesy dip tastes just like a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. Full of caramelized onions and green peppers, combined with tender roast beef and provolone cheese, it’s served on toasted baguette bread for an unforgettable appetizer. A true crowd-pleaser!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Philly Cheese Steak Dip, Cheesy Dip, Appetizer, Tailgating Food

Servings: 10-12 servings

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1/2 stick of butter (4 Tablespoons)
1 heaping Tablespoon brown sugar
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 (8 ounce) brick cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 pound of deli roast beef, roughly chopped
2 (8 ounce) packages sliced Provolone cheese, chopped (reserve about 1/2 cup for topping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, using a stand or hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the sour cream and beat until well combined and creamy. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and brown sugar. Stir until the butter is melted and the brown sugar is dissolved. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully caramelized and translucent, about 10-15 minutes. This step builds significant flavor.
Add the minced garlic and chopped green bell pepper to the skillet with the onions. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the peppers begin to soften slightly and the garlic becomes fragrant. Use your spatula to roughly chop any larger pieces of the cooked vegetables if desired.
Transfer the sautéed vegetable mixture into the bowl with the cream cheese and sour cream. Gently fold until combined. Then, fold in the roughly chopped roast beef. Next, fold in most of the chopped Provolone cheese, reserving about 1/2 cup for the topping.
Spread the entire mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of chopped Provolone cheese over the top.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.
Carefully remove the dip from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve hot with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or your favorite dippers.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

This recipe was originally posted on October 24, 2017. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on December 27, 2021.

Join the Tailgating Fun: A Look Back at October 2017

Back in October 2017, I was thrilled to participate in National Tailgate Month, a fantastic initiative that celebrated all things game-day food. This fun event, organized by my friend Debi of Life Currents, brought together a group of blogging friends to share their best tailgating snacks. It was a wonderful opportunity to explore new recipes and connect with a community of food lovers. All month long, fellow food enthusiasts could discover an array of creative and delicious dishes perfect for any pre-game celebration. This Philly Cheese Steak Dip was one of my contributions to that exciting event, and it quickly became a fan favorite.

OCTOBER IS TAILGATING SNACKS MONTH 2017

Hosted by Life Currents

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