Philly Cheesesteak Dip

A rich and creamy appetizer, this Philly Cheesesteak Dip is easy to whip up and was born to be a fan favorite. A rich cream cheese base is studded with chunks of grilled steak, sauteed green pepper and onion for a dip that makes a great appetizer, but could easily make a meal for a smaller crowd.

As Fall begins, so does that age old tradition in so many houses all over America. Another season of football’s finally underway, and with it- so are some of our favorite snacks and apps.

What is it about football that brings out such a bevvy of total comfort foods and other essential must haves to create that perfect environment for getting into the grid iron action?

There are actually two different theories I’ve found.

How Was Tailgaiting Invented?

One school of thought is that it has to do with the first officially recognized major battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Bull Run in Virginia.

Apparently the battle ended up unfolding like an event, with families traveling from far and wide, setting up shop, and in an old-school form of ‘tailgating’- picnicking while rooting for their particular ‘team’/side.

Kinda crazy to think about the Civil War being the first spectator sport. I’m gonna choose to believe that theory number 2 is actually the correct one.

So the second scholastic school of thought (because yes, there are actually people out there who’ve studied the history of everything- including tailgating), is that it comes from the Fall harvest.

Football season here in America does coincide with the changing of seasons and the end of Summer harvest. A lot of things wouldn’t have kept for Winter, so there was a big party where the whole community came together enjoying whatever surplus of food there was before bracing themselves for colder weather and a more isolated time of year.

At such a big event, before the advent of modern technology, team style games were a big attraction, and organically sprung up. A crowd would gather, with everyone enjoying good food, camaraderie, and of course rooting for whoever there people were on whichever side of the ‘line’.

Whichever school of thought is actually correct, when American football began (as we know it) in the 1920’s & 30’s, the tradition of enjoying good food while engrossed in the game certainly stayed true.

Whether we’re able to be at the field tailgating in person, or we find ourselves piled up on the couch ‘homegaiting’ the edible tradition continues in our home with plenty of comfort food for everyone to enjoy.

Typically, you’ll find some pretty hearty fare- burgers, dogs, hoagies, and the like- plus a wide array of sides. You’re also almost guaranteed to find a smorgasbord of appetizers.

There’s nothing worse than a restless crowd, and apps are a great way to get into the festivities before the main event. A solid dip recipe in these circumstances can save a friendship, especially if you’re already rooting against each other’s teams.

You won’t find a better dip for your Game Day celebration than this Philly Cheesesteak Dip.

Creamy, melted cheese dip is studded with savory chunks of grilled steak, sauteed green peppers & white onion. It’s a bit of the classic sandwich in every single bite. Making it the perfect finger food for hungry guests while you wait for the main event.

Ingredients Needed

Like the sandwich itself, this creamy cheesesteak dip has a relatively simple ingredient list.

To make it you’ll need:

• Steak – A thin cut of grilled steak, flank or strip, diced
• Oil – Olive oil preferably, for sautéing the vegetables in
• Veggies – You’ll need a blend of diced green bell pepper and diced onion
• Cheese – This creamy dip’s based is made of of a blend of rich cream cheese and provolone.
• Mayonnaise – Real mayonnaise, whatever brand you prefer.

Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, you’re ready to begin.

How To Make

Throwing this easy creamy steak dip together is pretty easy.

Start by adding the olive oil to a medium sized oven safe skillet set over medium high heat. Once the oil’s hot, it will appear shimmery, add the peppers & onions to the skillet.

Cook the veggies, stirring them occasionally, until they’ve softened and the onions are translucent. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.

Add the cream cheese and mayonnaise to a medium sized mixing bowl, and using a hand mixer whip them together until evenly combined and creamy. Stir in the steak pieces and provolone.

Add the cream cheese mixture to the skillet and stir together until evenly combined with the sauteed peppers and onions.

Bake the philly cheesesteak dip at 350F for 20-25 minutes, then remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set up.

Serve warm with a variety of dipping options.

What To Serve With Cheesesteak Dip

When serving a dip it’s always best to pair it with a variety of different dipping options.

Some of our favorites for this one include:

• Sliced Baguette
• Sliced Bell Pepper
• Crispy Potato Chips
• Radish Chips
• Crackers
• Celery Sticks
• Pretzels

Alternatively, this spread (especially any leftovers) make a great sandwich spread or even grilled cheese filling.

What Else Can I Add To This Dip?

You could sauté some chopped mushrooms with the other veggies, it would certainly make it heartier.

To spice it up, add some diced jalapenos along with the bell pepper.

Give it a smoky infusion with the addition of some crisp cooked bacon bits.

Can I Make It Ahead Of Time?

Yes. To make this dip ahead of time prepare it as instructed up to the point of baking. Let it cool, then cover the dish in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Then bake as instructed.

Storing

Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and is best used within 3-4 days.

When ready to enjoy again it can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven in an oven safe dish.

TIPS & TRICKS

• We recommend using a grilled steak in this recipe for maximum flavor; however, you could use steak that’s been cooked whatever way you prefer. It’s great for using up leftovers!
• Be sure to use fresh green peppers and onion, not the frozen variety in this recipe for best results.
• Use real mayonnaise, whatever brand you prefer, and do NOT substitute miracle whip.
• Steak can be expensive. For a cheaper alternative you can use chopped deli roast beef in it’s place.

Other Hot Dip Ideas:

Be the hero of any gathering by serving this addictive cheesesteak dip as part of your party spread.

It’s one thing that won’t divide your guests, regardless of which team you’re routing for, but bring them together with just how good it really is.

Looking for other easy hot dip recipes to enjoy on Game Days?

Try these:

• Hot Ham & Cheese Dip
• Kentucky Hot Brown Dip
• Hot Onion Dip
• Baked Pimento Cheese Dip
• The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Cheesy Pulled Pork Dip

If you’ve tried this PHILLY CHEESESTEAK DIP, or any other recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!

recipe adapted from Chef In Training

Recipe shared HERE.