Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: The Ultimate Party Sandwich
Soft dinner rolls meet savory ribeye and creamy cheese in every irresistible bite.
Philly cheesesteak sliders are a delicious and convenient twist on the beloved classic sandwich. With layers of finely shaved ribeye steak, golden sautéed onions, and a velvety blanket of Cheez Whiz, these mini sandwiches capture everything that makes Philadelphia’s most famous hoagie special—now in a bite-sized, party-friendly form. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a game day gathering, looking for an easy dinner, or simply craving the rich flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, these sliders are sure to steal the show.
Why You’ll Love These Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
- Bite-sized and easy to serve: Perfect for any party, potluck, or casual family meal.
- Classic flavors: Ribeye steak, sautéed onions, and Cheez Whiz deliver the original cheesesteak taste.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your preferred cheese or toppings.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep most ingredients ahead of time for quick assembly before baking.
Authentic Cheesesteak Flavor—In a Slider
Cheesesteaks reign supreme in the Philadelphia food world. This slider version pays respect to the classic—a griddle-seared beef filling wrapped in a soft roll, bound together with a salty, gooey cheese sauce. Rather than fussing over individual sandwiches, all the ingredients are assembled into pull-apart sliders so no one misses a perfect bite.
What Makes the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Slider?
The secret to a mouthwatering cheesesteak slider lies in a few essential elements:
- High-quality, thinly sliced beef (preferably ribeye)
- Golden, tender onions cooked in beef fat
- Iconic Cheez Whiz, or your cheese of choice
- Soft, pillowy dinner rolls for ease of serving and sharing
What Kind of Meat is Used for Philly Cheesesteak Sliders?
The gold standard for cheesesteaks—sliders included—is boneless ribeye steak. Its rich marbling yields unmatched flavor and tenderness. For a budget-friendly substitute, skirt steak also works well, delivering similar fat content for juicy, flavorful meat. Slicing the beef as thinly as possible is crucial; freeze the meat until firm (usually 45 minutes to an hour) before slicing for razor-thin shavings that cook quickly and evenly.
| Meat Cut | Flavor | Texture | Fat Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ribeye (recommended) | Rich, beefy | Very tender | High |
| Skirt steak | Beefy, slightly robust | Tender (when sliced thin) | Medium to high |
| Bottom round | Mild | Leaner, can be tougher | Low to medium |
Tip: Always slice the beef against the grain for best texture.
What Cheese is Best for Philly Cheesesteak Sliders?
Cheese is a hotly debated topic in the world of Philly cheesesteaks. This slider recipe features Cheez Whiz, mimicking the preferred choice of many local Philly shops. Cheez Whiz delivers creamy, salty, and unmistakably American cheese flavor that coats the steak beautifully. However, you can also substitute with slices of provolone or white American cheese if you prefer a different flavor profile or a more traditional cheese melt.
- Cheez Whiz: Tangy, creamy, classic, fast-melting.
- Provolone: Milder, slightly smoky, and gooey.
- White American Cheese: Smooth, melty, and mild-flavored.
What Else Can You Add?
While the ultimate Philly cheesesteak is a model of simplicity, plenty of shops and home cooks like to get creative. You can keep these sliders traditional, or:
What others are reading
- Add grilled bell peppers for sweetness and crunch
- Toss in sautéed mushrooms for depth and earthiness
- Spoon on pickled banana peppers for zing
- Offer condiments on the side, like ketchup or hot sauce
Note: Lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise are never included on authentic Philly cheesesteaks and are best left out for purist enjoyment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless ribeye steak (or skirt steak)
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup Cheez Whiz (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (16-oz.) package dinner rolls (12 rolls, left attached)
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
- Pickled banana peppers, for serving (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Freeze the Steak for Easy Slicing
Place the steak in the freezer until firm, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This ensures clean, paper-thin slices. - Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 375°F so it’s ready for baking the sliders. - Slice the Steak
On a sturdy cutting board, use a sharp knife to slice the semi-frozen steak as thinly as possible, cutting against the grain for tenderness. - Sear the Steak and Onion
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, followed by the shaved steak, chopped onions, salt, and pepper. Let the meat sear without stirring for 5–7 minutes; then flip and cook, stirring and chopping, for another 2–3 minutes until deeply browned. - Heat the Cheese
Place Cheez Whiz in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on 50% power until pourable (1–2 minutes), stirring every 15 seconds. - Prepare the Rolls
Leaving the dinner rolls connected, slice through them horizontally with a serrated knife to create a top and bottom half. Place the bottom half, cut side up, on a baking sheet or tray. - Layer the Filling
Spread the steak and onion mixture in an even layer over the bottom rolls. Pour the melted Cheez Whiz evenly over the meat. - Add the Top Buns
Place the top half of the buns over the cheese-covered steak. - Brush with Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic salt. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the slider rolls for a golden, flavorful finish. - Bake and Serve
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are beautifully golden. Pull sliders apart to serve, and offer pickled banana peppers on the side for extra tang.
Pro Tip:
Double the garlic-Worcestershire butter and brush half of it on the bottom rolls before layering the meat for even more flavor.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Serving Tips
- Make-ahead: Cook the steak and onions up to a day in advance; reheat gently before assembling sliders.
- Freezing: Prep and freeze the beef-onion mixture for up to a month for fast party assembly.
- Serving: Serve sliders hot and fresh from the oven, or keep warm wrapped in foil for transport.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in oven-wrapped foil at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap ribeye for skirt steak or bottom round for a different texture.
- Substitute provolone or white American cheese for Cheez Whiz.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling.
- Use slider buns, Hawaiian rolls, or mini brioche buns as the base.
- Offer hot sauce or ketchup on the side for those who like extra heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Cheez Whiz?
A: Absolutely! While Cheez Whiz is classic, you can use sliced provolone or white American cheese for a milder yet melty alternative.
Q: Do I need ribeye steak or can I use another cut?
A: Ribeye is the most flavorful and tender, but skirt steak or even bottom round can work in a pinch—just make sure to slice very thin.
Q: How do I get my beef slices thin enough?
A: Freezing the steak until it is firm allows for precise, paper-thin slices that cook quickly and stay tender.
Q: What is the best way to keep sliders warm for a party?
A: Place baked sliders in a warm oven (about 200°F) covered with foil until ready to serve, or transport in an insulated carrier.
Q: Can these sliders be made vegetarian?
A: For a meat-free version, use sautéed mushrooms and onions as the filling and top with your choice of cheese for a satisfying alternative.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair sliders with potato chips, pickles, or coleslaw for a full party tray.
- Serve with extra Cheez Whiz or dipping sauces on the side for cheese lovers.
- Offer a toppings bar with peppers, sautéed mushrooms, and hot sauce so guests can customize their sliders.
Why This Recipe Works for Parties
- Batch cooking: Everything bakes at once and serves twelve or more.
- No fuss assembly: Prepped ahead and finished just before guests arrive.
- Maximum flavor: Every bite has steak, onions, and plenty of ultra-cheesy sauce.
Get Inspired—Try Other Slider Flavors
If you love these Philly cheesesteak sliders, try experimenting with other party sliders like cheeseburger sliders, roasted caprese sliders, or pimento cheese burger sliders for variety on your table.
More Slider Recipes Worth Exploring
- Pulled pork sliders
- Bacon cheeseburger sliders
- Roast beef and cheddar sliders
- Buffalo chicken sliders
Printable Philly Cheesesteak Sliders Recipe
Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 25 min Total Time: 45 min Servings: 12 sliders Ingredients: - 1 1/2 lb. boneless ribeye steak (or skirt steak) - 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil - 1/2 yellow onion, chopped - 1 tsp. kosher salt - 1/2 tsp. black pepper - 1 cup Cheez Whiz (homemade or store-bought) - 1 (16-oz.) package dinner rolls - 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted - 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce - 1/4 tsp. garlic salt - Pickled banana peppers (optional) Directions: 1. Freeze steak for 45-60 minutes. Thinly slice against the grain. 2. Preheat oven to 375°F. 3. Sear steak and onions in oil until browned. 4. Heat Cheez Whiz until pourable. 5. Slice rolls horizontally, layer steak-onion mixture and cheese. 6. Top with upper buns and brush with butter, Worcestershire, garlic salt. 7. Bake 10-12 min at 375°F until golden. Serve with pickled peppers.
Final Thoughts
Celebrate iconic Philadelphia flavor in a fun new form with these beefy, cheesy sliders. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply indulging a craving, this recipe brings the essence of a Philly cheesesteak to any occasion—no trip to South Street required.
References
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