Philly Cheesesteak Dip

My in-laws hosted a “Dips-mas Eve” last holiday season, where each household prepared a dip. A variety of crowd-pleasing dips—hot, cold, savory and sweet dips—all went head-to-head in a friendly family dip throwdown. My fiance and I take food challenges quite seriously, so after much consideration, we decided our contribution would be a Philly cheesesteak dip.

I come from a long line of born-and-bred Philadelphians, so my family loves cheesesteaks. To make a dip that tasted like an authentic Philly cheesesteak, I knew I had to choose the right meat. I went with thinly shaved ribeye steak. Cooked with chopped onions and green bell peppers, then mixed into a creamy base with pantry seasonings and lots of provolone, the quality of the meat really made a difference.

The dip baked until it was perfectly bubbly and golden brown. It was a smash hit with our family, who lovingly coined it “Philly Philly” after the Philadelphia Eagles’ infamous trick play. The creamy, meaty dip was great on the holiday appetizer table, but it’s also an excellent choice to pair with dippers as a Super Bowl food idea (especially when the Eagles make it to the big game!).

Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Dip

• Shaved beef ribeye: Like an actual cheesesteak, this dip is only as good as the type of steak used, and thinly shaved ribeye is the best choice for cheesesteak recipes. Look for 1-pound packages of shaved ribeye in the meat section. Better yet, visit the meat counter or a butcher and have them cut a fresh steak—ask for it shaved so it’ll be ultra-thin.
• Creamy base: Cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise form the creamy base of our dip. This trifecta creates an unbeatable balance of tanginess and richness. Be sure to soften the cream cheese so it will mix easily.
• Worcestershire sauce: A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce enhances the dip’s savory, meaty flavor.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, dried parsley flakes, salt and pepper season the dip. You can substitute two garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley if you have fresh ingredients on hand.
• Provolone cheese: Provolone is a classic choice for cheesesteaks and an excellent melting cheese—perfect for baked hot dip recipes. Look for an 8-ounce package of mild sliced provolone containing 12 slices. You can also chop a block of provolone into small cubes.
• Onion: Traditional Philly cheesesteaks feature melt-in-your-mouth onions cooked alongside the steak. Yellow onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the meatiness and cream-based ingredients.
• Green bell pepper: Some people love bell peppers on a cheesesteak, and others never order ’em. I like them, so this recipe for Philly cheesesteak dip includes chopped green bell pepper for extra flavor and texture.
• Dippables for serving: Serve this dip with your favorite dippers. Chewy baguette, crisp crostini, tortilla chips, corn chips, crackers and veggies are all excellent for scooping up dips.

Directions

Step 1: Make the creamy base

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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch pie plate and set aside.

Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a large bowl. Stir in the Worcestershire, garlic powder, parsley flakes (if desired), pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Chop seven slices of provolone cheese into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the cream cheese mixture. Set aside.

Editor’s Tip: To chop the provolone, stack the slices and cut them into strips. Then, cut the strips crosswise to create bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the steak and vegetables

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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for two to three minutes. Add the onion, green pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for another three to four minutes or until the steak is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain grease from the skillet, if necessary.

Editor’s Tip: Shaved steak tends to stick together when added to the skillet. You can use a wooden spoon or tongs to break it apart as it cooks.

Step 3: Stir it all together

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Stir the steak and vegetable mixture into the cream cheese mixture until combined. Transfer the dip to the prepared pie plate, using a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer. Arrange the remaining five slices of provolone cheese on top.

Editor’s Tip: You can chop the provolone for the cheesy topping or keep them whole. Four whole slices should cover most of a 9-inch pie plate, and you can tear the remaining slice to fill any empty spaces.

Step 4: Bake, then broil

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Bake the dip for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges start to brown. Set the oven to broil and cook for one to two minutes or until the center is golden brown.

Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Serve with various dippers, such as sliced baguette, crostini, tortilla chips, corn chips, crackers and/or raw vegetables to make a colorful crudites platter.

Editor’s Tip: If desired, sprinkle the top of the dip with freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onion for added visual interest.

Philly Cheesesteak Dip Variations

• Make chicken cheesesteak dip: Instead of steak, cook a 1-pound package of thinly sliced chicken breasts or ground chicken to create a fun riff on chicken Philly sandwiches.
• Add mushrooms: If sauteed mushrooms are a go-to on your cheesesteak order, they definitely belong in your dip! Toss 8 ounces of fresh chopped mushrooms into the skillet with the onion and peppers for added flavor and texture.
• Give it a spicy finish: For a spicy cheesesteak dip, add chopped jalapenos or Italian long hot peppers (a popular spicy sandwich topping among East Coasters). You can cook these peppers in the skillet with the steak.
• Use a different cheese: Not a fan of provolone cheese? Try white American or mild cheddar cheese. You can even use processed cheese to turn this into a Velveeta recipe and recreate the flavor of a cheese whiz-topped Philadelphia cheesesteak.

How to Store Philly Cheesesteak Dip

In the rare instance you have leftover Philly cheesesteak dip, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll last for up to four days. Reheat the dip in the microwave or the oven until the cheese melts and the internal temperature reaches 165°.

Can you make Philly cheesesteak dip ahead of time?

Philly cheesesteak dip is a fantastic make-ahead appetizer recipe. Cook the meat and vegetables, then mix them into the creamy base. Transfer the dip to a pie dish, top it with provolone cheese and cover it tightly with storage wrap. Store the unbaked dip in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to bake, set the dip on the counter while the oven preheats. Bake it as directed, increasing the cooking time as needed since the dip was chilled.

Philly Cheesesteak Dip Tips

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What is the best cheese for cheesesteak dip?

Authentic Philly cheesesteaks are topped with cheese whiz, provolone or American cheese—there are no other options. We like mild provolone cheese for this cheesesteak dip because it melts well and isn’t overpowering. You can use other melting cheeses like white American cheese, but skip sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or Parmesan cheese.

What type of beef should you use to make Philly cheesesteak dip?

I recommend ribeye steak for the most authentic Philly cheesesteak texture and flavor. Because it’s a well-marbled cut of beef, ribeye stays juicy and tender when cooked. Shaved ribeye is ideal for this dip because it cooks quickly and breaks into scoopable, bite-sized pieces. You could make this recipe with ground beef, but it’ll be more like a hot beef or cheeseburger dip than a cheesesteak dip.

Can you shave ribeye steak at home?

You can thinly slice ribeye steak at home, but I recommend having a butcher do it. It’s challenging to shave ribeye without a meat slicer. If you must do it at home, freeze the meat for 30 minutes—the firm texture will make the ribeye easier to slice. Then, use a sharp chef’s knife to slice it against the grain.

What can you serve with Philly cheesesteak dip?

Almost everything tastes good when it’s smothered with Philly cheesesteak dip! Pair this creamy, meaty dip with tortilla chips, crusty bread, crackers or raw veggies. For a true Philadelphia experience, serve cheesesteak dip with soft pretzels. If you’re not lucky enough to live near the city to pick up fresh pretzels, bake your homemade version into pretzel shapes ideal for dunking.