Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli: just the name conjures images of gooey cheese, savory steak, and a perfectly crisp crust, doesn't it? Forget choosing between a classic cheesesteak and a comforting stromboli – with this recipe, you get the best of both worlds in one delicious, hand-held package! Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, flavorful layers of thinly sliced steak, melted provolone, and sautéed onions, all enveloped in a golden-brown, pizza-like dough.
While the exact origins of the stromboli are debated, it's widely believed to have originated in Italian-American communities in Philadelphia in the 1950s. Think of it as a close cousin to the calzone, but with its own unique character and often featuring a spiral of fillings that makes each slice a delightful surprise. The Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli takes this classic concept and elevates it with the iconic flavors of Philadelphia's most famous sandwich.
People adore this dish for its incredible flavor profile and satisfying texture. The combination of tender steak, creamy cheese, and slightly sweet onions is simply irresistible. Plus, it's incredibly convenient! Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a game-day gathering, or even a potluck, this Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli is always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
- For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ pounds thinly sliced ribeye steak (or shaved steak)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
- 4 ounces white American cheese, sliced (or cheese whiz, if you prefer!)
- For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- Optional Toppings:
- Sesame seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Preparing the Dough:
Okay, let's get started with the dough! This is the foundation of our amazing Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli, so we want to make sure we get it right. Don't be intimidated; it's easier than you think!
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it gets foamy. This means the yeast is alive and kicking! If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old, and you'll need to get a fresh packet.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the foamy yeast mixture and the olive oil into the bowl with the flour. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. You're aiming for a dough that's easy to handle and not overly sticky.
- 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. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is crucial for a light and airy stromboli!
Preparing the Philly Cheesesteak Filling:
While the dough is rising, let's get that delicious Philly Cheesesteak filling ready. This is where the magic happens, and the flavors really start to come together.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. This step is important for developing the sweetness of the vegetables.
- Cook the Steak: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the thinly sliced steak to the other side. If you're using shaved steak, it will cook very quickly. If you're using thinly sliced ribeye, make sure it's sliced as thinly as possible. Cook the steak, breaking it up with a spatula, until it's browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Mixture: Season the steak and vegetable mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Melt the Cheese (Optional): If you want to melt some of the cheese into the steak and vegetable mixture, you can add a few slices of provolone or American cheese to the skillet and stir until melted. This will make the filling extra gooey and delicious. However, this step is optional, as we'll be adding more cheese when we assemble the stromboli.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the dough for assembly. This will prevent the dough from getting soggy.
Assembling the Stromboli:
Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where your stromboli starts to take shape, and you can really see your hard work paying off.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the stromboli from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll Out the Dough: Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches. You want it to be thin enough to easily roll up, but not so thin that it tears.
- Layer the Cheese: Arrange the provolone and American cheese slices evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. If you're using cheese whiz, spread it evenly over the dough instead of the sliced cheese.
- Add the Filling: Spread the Philly Cheesesteak filling evenly over the cheese, leaving the 1-inch border clear.
- Roll Up the Stromboli: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll up the dough tightly, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Seal the Ends: Pinch the ends of the stromboli to seal them tightly. You can also tuck the ends under to create a neater appearance.
- Make Slits: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make several diagonal slits across the top of the stromboli. This will allow steam to escape while baking and prevent the stromboli from bursting.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or water.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface of the stromboli with the egg wash. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle the stromboli with sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or any other toppings you like.
Baking the Stromboli:
Almost there! Now it's time to bake our masterpiece and let those flavors meld together in the oven.
- Bake: Bake the stromboli in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it's golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Cool Slightly: Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent it from spilling out when you cut into it.
- Slice and Serve: Use a serrated knife to slice the stromboli into thick slices. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
- Meat Options: If you can't find thinly sliced ribeye, you can use other types of steak, such as sirloin or flank steak. Just make sure to slice it as thinly as possible. You can also use ground beef or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, banana peppers, or jalapeños.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve the stromboli with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to assemble the stromboli
Conclusion:
This Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli isn't just another recipe; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, if you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that's both comforting and exciting, look no further. The combination of tender steak, gooey cheese, and savory peppers and onions, all wrapped in a perfectly baked crust, is simply irresistible. It's the kind of meal that everyone will rave about, and trust me, you'll be making it again and again. But why is this particular recipe a must-try? It's all about the balance. We've carefully crafted the filling to ensure that each bite is packed with flavor, without being overly greasy or heavy. The crust is perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, providing the perfect vessel for all that deliciousness. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make! Don't let the word "stromboli" intimidate you. With our step-by-step instructions, even beginner cooks can achieve stromboli perfection. And the best part? It's incredibly versatile! While we love it as is, there are so many ways to customize this Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli to your liking. For a spicier kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. If you're a mushroom lover, sauté some sliced mushrooms with the peppers and onions. Want to make it even cheesier? Add a layer of provolone or mozzarella on top before baking. Serving suggestions are endless too! This stromboli is fantastic on its own as a hearty lunch or dinner. You can also slice it into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer at your next party. Pair it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or a simple salad for a complete meal. For a truly indulgent experience, try serving it with a side of crispy french fries or onion rings. Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing: * Pizza Stromboli: Use your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and olives. * Vegetarian Stromboli: Fill it with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. * Chicken Stromboli: Substitute the steak with shredded chicken and add some buffalo sauce for a spicy twist. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe it will become a new family favorite. The aroma alone, as it bakes in the oven, is enough to make your mouth water. And the first bite? Pure bliss! So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I'm confident that you'll love this Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli as much as I do. Once you've made it, I'd love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments below. Let's create a community of stromboli lovers! Don't forget to rate the recipe too! Your feedback helps other cooks discover this amazing dish. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli!
Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide
A delicious and easy-to-make stromboli filled with all the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak: thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and melted provolone cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Zutaten: 1 Pfund Pizzateig 1 Esslöffel Olivenöl 1/2 Teelöffel Knoblauchpulver 1/2 Teelöffel Zwiebelpulver Salz und Pfeffer nach Geschmack 1 Pfund Rinderfilet, in dünne Scheiben geschnitten 1 mittelgroße Zwiebel, in Scheiben geschnitten 1 grüne Paprika, entkernt und in Scheiben geschnitten 8 Unzen Pilze, in Scheiben geschnitten 4 Unzen Provolone-Käse, in Scheiben geschnitten 1 Ei, verquirlt (zum Bestreichen)- 1 Pfund Pizzateig
- 1 Esslöffel Olivenöl
- 1/2 Teelöffel Knoblauchpulver
- 1/2 Teelöffel Zwiebelpulver
- Salz und Pfeffer nach Geschmack
- 1 Pfund Rinderfilet, in dünne Scheiben geschnitten
- 1 mittelgroße Zwiebel, in Scheiben geschnitten
- 1 grüne Paprika, entkernt und in Scheiben geschnitten
- 8 Unzen Pilze, in Scheiben geschnitten
- 4 Unzen Provolone-Käse, in Scheiben geschnitten
- 1 Ei, verquirlt (zum Bestreichen)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onion. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in green pepper, provolone cheese, and salt and pepper.
- Roll out pizza dough into a large rectangle.
- Spread meat mixture evenly over dough.
- Roll up dough tightly and pinch seams to seal.
- Place stromboli on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a high-quality pizza dough.
- Feel free to add other toppings, such as mushrooms, peppers, or onions.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.