### **Introduction**
Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are a delicious, bite-sized twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. These sliders feature tender, thinly sliced beef, melty cheese, sautéed onions and peppers, and a buttery, toasted bun, all baked to perfection. They’re perfect for parties, game day snacks, or a casual dinner. The combination of flavors in a convenient slider form makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser that’s both fun to eat and easy to make.
### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
The Philly cheesesteak sandwich originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century, typically made with thin slices of beef, sautéed onions, and cheese served on a long roll. It’s become a symbol of American street food, loved for its simplicity and rich flavors. Baked sliders are a modern adaptation that capitalizes on the beloved ingredients of the original cheesesteak but turns them into a convenient, shareable meal or appetizer. These sliders merge the classic taste of Philly cheesesteaks with the ease of preparation that appeals to home cooks today.
### **Ingredients (for 12 Sliders)**
– 1 pound thinly sliced steak (ribeye, sirloin, or deli-style roast beef)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
– 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
– 6-8 slices provolone cheese (or 1 ½ cups shredded)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional for topping)
### **Optional Additions**
– Mushrooms sautéed with onions and peppers for added texture
– A drizzle of cheese sauce or a few slices of American cheese for extra cheesiness
– Hot sauce or banana peppers for a spicy kick
– Sub in Swiss cheese or cheddar for a flavor variation
– Add horseradish mayo or garlic aioli as a spread for the buns
### **Tips for Success**
1. **Thinly slice the steak**: For the best texture, ensure the beef is thinly sliced. Partially freezing the steak before slicing can help achieve this.
2. **Pre-toast the buns**: Lightly toasting the buns before assembling the sliders helps them hold up to the juicy filling without becoming soggy.
3. **Evenly distribute the filling**: When layering the steak, onions, and peppers, spread them evenly across the buns to ensure each slider gets a full bite of flavor.
4. **Cover with foil when baking**: Covering the sliders while baking ensures that the buns stay soft and the cheese melts perfectly.
5. **Don’t overcook**: Keep an eye on the sliders while baking to avoid drying out the steak or over-toasting the buns.
### **Instructions**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Cook the Steak and Vegetables**: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and peppers, sautéing until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Push the vegetables to the side and add the thinly sliced steak, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the steak until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Mix the steak with the vegetables and set aside.
3. **Prepare the Slider Buns**: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops intact. Place the bottom halves of the buns into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. **Assemble the Sliders**: Layer half of the provolone cheese over the bottom buns. Evenly spread the steak, onion, and pepper mixture over the cheese. Top with the remaining cheese slices and place the top halves of the buns over the filling.
5. **Make the Butter Topping**: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and sesame or poppy seeds (if using). Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the sliders.
6. **Bake**: Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
7. **Serve**: Let the sliders cool slightly, then cut into individual servings. Serve hot and enjoy!
### **Description**
These Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are everything you love about a cheesesteak in a compact, handheld version. The juicy, flavorful steak is perfectly complemented by sautéed onions and peppers, and the melted provolone adds a creamy, gooey richness. The buttery slider buns provide the ideal balance of softness and crispness, making these sliders the ultimate comfort food with every bite.
### **Nutritional Information** (Per Slider, without optional additions)
– Calories: 280
– Fat: 16g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Protein: 14g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 4g
– Sodium: 450mg
– Calcium: 15% of daily value
– Iron: 10% of daily value
### **Conclusion and Recommendation**
Baked Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are the perfect combination of comfort and convenience, offering all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a fun, easy-to-serve format. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a game day snack, or simply looking for a new family-friendly dinner idea, these sliders are sure to please. The blend of savory beef, melty cheese, and sautéed vegetables nestled in soft buns makes every bite irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different cheeses, toppings, and sauces to suit your preferences.
### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
To make this indulgent dish a bit healthier, you can make a few swaps without sacrificing flavor. Opt for whole grain or low-carb slider buns to increase fiber content. Use leaner cuts of beef like flank steak or substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option. You can also reduce the cheese or use a reduced-fat version to cut down on calories. For added nutrition, pile on extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. These small changes make this delicious treat more balanced and nutritious while maintaining its rich and satisfying taste.