Stuffed Philly Cheesesteak Breadsticks

This Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks recipe transforms the iconic sandwich into fun, portable breadsticks perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or a creative weeknight dinner. The combination of seasoned beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty cheese wrapped in warm pizza dough creates an irresistible twist on two comfort food classics.

I first made these stuffed breadsticks for a Super Bowl party, and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. My nephew now requests them for every family gathering, claiming they combine the best parts of pizza and cheesesteaks in one perfect bite.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Store-bought saves time but homemade adds extra flavor if you have a favorite recipe
• Thinly sliced beef ribeye: Offers the best flavor but flank steak or even deli roast beef works well in a pinch
• Onions and bell peppers: Traditional cheesesteak vegetables that provide sweetness and texture
• Worcestershire sauce: This umami-rich ingredient adds depth to the beef filling without overpowering
• Mozzarella and provolone cheese blend: Ensures perfect meltiness and authentic cheesesteak flavor
• Butter and Italian seasoning: Creates a golden, flavorful crust that elevates these beyond basic breadsticks
• Garlic powder: Infuses the filling with aromatic flavor without the risk of burning that fresh garlic has

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Cook the beef quickly over medium-high heat until just browned but still tender, about 2–3 minutes. The thin slices will cook rapidly so keep a close eye to prevent overcooking, which leads to tough meat. Remove the beef and set aside to prevent it from continuing to cook.

Sauté the Vegetables:

Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the same skillet to capture all the beefy flavors left behind. Cook until they become soft and slightly caramelized around the edges, about 5 minutes. The natural sweetness of properly cooked vegetables balances the savory beef.

Season and Combine:

Return the beef to the skillet and season with garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, stirring everything together. Allow the flavors to meld for just 1–2 minutes over low heat before removing from heat. Let the mixture cool slightly so it will be easier to handle during assembly.

Prepare Dough Strips:

Roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 10×14 inches. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into 8 equal strips. Make sure your surface is well-floured to prevent sticking.

Fill and Seal:

Place a portion of the beef mixture along the center of each dough strip, followed by a generous sprinkle of the cheese blend. Carefully fold the dough over lengthwise and firmly pinch the edges to create a tight seal, ensuring no filling can escape during baking.

Shape and Arrange:

Gently roll each filled strip to create an even cylindrical shape, making sure the seam side is down on your prepared baking sheet. Leave about an inch between breadsticks to allow for expansion.

Add Final Touches:

Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan, if using. This step creates a beautiful golden crust and adds another layer of flavor to the breadsticks.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake in your preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until the breadsticks are puffed and golden brown. The cheese inside will be molten and the dough should be completely cooked through.

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My absolute favorite way to enjoy these breadsticks is with a side of slightly spicy marinara sauce. The tangy tomato flavor complements the rich filling perfectly. When I make these for my family, I always double the recipe because they reheat beautifully for lunches throughout the week.

Make Ahead Options

These stuffed breadsticks are perfect for advance preparation. You can assemble them completely up to 24 hours before baking and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 3–5 minutes to the baking time when cooking from chilled. Alternatively, you can prepare just the filling up to 3 days ahead, which significantly cuts down on day-of preparation time.

Smart Substitutions

While traditional Philly cheesesteaks use ribeye, you can easily adapt this recipe for different dietary needs or preferences. Ground beef works well for a more budget-friendly option. Vegetarians can enjoy these with plant-based beef alternatives or simply double up on sautéed vegetables and mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version. Dairy-free cheese substitutes melt reasonably well in this application, though they may not stretch quite like traditional cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these breadsticks into a complete meal by serving alongside a fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the dressing helps cut through the richness of the breadsticks. For a game day spread, pair them with buffalo chicken dip, jalapeño poppers, and vegetable crudités for a crowd-pleasing selection. Consider setting up a dipping sauce bar with marinara, ranch, cheese sauce, and even buffalo sauce for guests to customize their experience.

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These breadsticks are a guaranteed hit at any gathering, combining rich flavors with an easy-to-follow recipe that works every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Breadsticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these breadsticks up to the baking stage, then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, brush with butter and bake. You may need to add 3-5 minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.

→ What's the best cut of beef to use for authentic flavor?

Ribeye is the traditional choice for authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor due to its marbling and tenderness. However, flank steak, sirloin, or even deli roast beef can work well. The key is slicing the meat very thinly against the grain.

→ Can I freeze these stuffed breadsticks?

Yes, these freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked breadsticks, place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 7-10 minutes to the baking time. For baked breadsticks, cool completely before freezing, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

→ What dipping sauces pair best with these breadsticks?

Classic options include marinara sauce, cheese sauce (particularly a sharp cheddar sauce), ranch dressing, or garlic butter. For an authentic Philadelphia experience, try serving with a small bowl of cheese sauce made with American or Cheez Whiz.

→ How can I make these breadsticks even cheesier?

For extra cheesiness, consider adding a thin slice of American or provolone cheese alongside the shredded cheese mixture. You can also prepare a cheese dipping sauce by melting 1 cup of cheese with 1/4 cup of milk in a small saucepan until smooth. Some people also enjoy sprinkling extra cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover breadsticks?

For the best texture, reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This maintains the crispy exterior while warming the filling. While microwaving is quicker (30-45 seconds), it may make the breadsticks slightly softer and less crisp.