Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli

Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli combines the classic flavors of a beloved Philadelphia cheesesteak with the heartiness of Italian stromboli, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a new party snack, a family dinner idea, or simply a delicious twist on familiar flavors, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction. Let’s dive into how you can make this mouth-watering dish right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed for Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli:

• Pizza Dough: 1 pound of store-bought or homemade pizza dough
• Ribeye Steak: 1 pound, thinly sliced
• Onions: 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• Bell Peppers: 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• Mushrooms: ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• Provolone Cheese: 6 slices
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Olive Oil: For cooking and brushing
• Mozzarella Cheese: ½ cup, shredded (for topping)
• Egg: 1, beaten (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, approximately 10×14 inches, on a lightly floured surface.

1. Cook the Fillings:

• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary, and sauté the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until they are soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

1. Assemble the Stromboli:

• On the rolled-out dough, lay down the slices of provolone cheese, covering the surface while leaving a 1-inch border.
• Distribute the cooked steak evenly over the cheese, followed by the onion, pepper, and mushroom mixture.
• Carefully roll up the dough like a jelly roll, starting from the long edge. Pinch the edges to seal and tuck the ends under.

1. Prepare for Baking:

• Place the stromboli seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Brush the top of the stromboli with the beaten egg and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Make a few slits on top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape during baking.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
• Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, a crisp green salad, or seasoned potato wedges for a complete meal. It’s perfect for a game day gathering, a family weekend meal, or even as a special weekday treat.

Why Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli?

This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Combining the creamy, melted provolone with the savory steak and the freshness of the vegetables, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden crust, creates a festival of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a versatile recipe that invites customization, making it easy to add your favorite ingredients and adjust to your taste preferences.

Conclusion:

Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli is a creative and delightful way to enjoy the taste of Philadelphia cheesesteaks coupled with the convenience and heartiness of stromboli. This recipe is straightforward, fun to prepare, and even more enjoyable to eat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, pleasing your family, or treating yourself, this dish promises to be a hit!

Serving and Storage Tips for Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli

Once you’ve mastered making the Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli, you’ll want to ensure it’s served at its best and any leftovers are stored properly. Here are some helpful tips for serving and storing your stromboli so it remains as delicious as when it first came out of the oven.

Serving Tips:

1. Let It Rest: After baking, allow your stromboli to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute and makes the stromboli easier to slice without the fillings spilling out.
2. Cutting: Use a serrated knife to slice the stromboli into pieces. This type of knife will help you make clean cuts without squishing the bread.
3. Serve Warm: Stromboli is best enjoyed when it’s warm, as this enhances the flavors and keeps the cheese melty. If it cools down, you can briefly reheat slices in the oven or microwave.
4. Accompaniments: Enhance your stromboli experience by serving it with sides that complement its flavors. Marinara sauce is a classic dip that pairs beautifully with the savory fillings. A light salad or some roasted vegetables can balance the meal.

Storage Tips:

1. Cool Completely: Before storing any leftover stromboli, let it cool to room temperature to prevent condensation from building up inside the container, which could make the bread soggy.
2. Refrigerating: Wrap leftover stromboli slices in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container. Stored properly, they can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Freezing: For longer storage, Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli can be frozen. Wrap each piece tightly in aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date so you can keep track of storage time.
4. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated stromboli, unwrap the slices and place them on a baking sheet. Heat them in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For frozen stromboli, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also reheat slices directly in the microwave, but this might make the crust less crispy.

By following these serving and storage tips, your Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli will remain a delightful treat even days after making it, providing you with quick and tasty meals or snacks with minimal effort.

1. Can I use different types of meat in my Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli?
Absolutely! While traditional Philly cheesesteaks typically use thinly sliced ribeye steak due to its flavor and tenderness, you can certainly use other types of meat. Alternatives like flank steak, sirloin, or even thinly sliced chicken breast are excellent choices. Just ensure the meat is thinly sliced so that it cooks quickly and integrates well with the other fillings.

2. What other types of cheese can I use if I don’t have Provolone?
Provolone cheese is a classic choice for its mild flavor and excellent melting qualities, but there are several other cheeses that can work well in a stromboli. Mozzarella is a great alternative due to its creamy texture and mild taste. Other options include American cheese for a smoother melt, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well to get that delightful cheesy pull.

3. How can I make a vegetarian version of this stromboli?
Creating a vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli is quite simple and just as delicious. Replace the steak with a mixture of hearty vegetables such as additional bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. You might also add sliced zucchini, eggplant, or artichokes for more variety. For added protein, consider incorporating slices of seitan, tofu, or tempeh.

4. What is the best way to ensure my stromboli dough doesn’t become soggy?
To prevent your stromboli dough from becoming soggy, there are a few key steps you can take:

• Pre-cook your fillings: Make sure that any vegetables like onions or bell peppers are sautéed beforehand to remove excess moisture.
• Cool the fillings: Let your cooked fillings cool before placing them on the dough. Hot fillings can start cooking the dough prematurely, making it soggy.
• Seal properly: When rolling up your stromboli, pinch the seams and ends tightly to prevent any juices from leaking out and soaking the dough during baking.
• Use thick slices of cheese: Placing cheese both under and over the fillings can act as a barrier that prevents the dough from absorbing too much moisture from the fillings.