Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Transport yourself to the streets of Philadelphia with these irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Sliders! This recipe transforms the iconic, savory flavors of a classic cheesesteak into a convenient, bite-sized slider format, perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner. Imagine thinly sliced, tender beef, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms, all drenched in a rich, savory sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella, and nestled inside soft, toasted slider buns. These sliders are incredibly flavorful, easy to eat, and disappear fast! They offer all the beloved components of the original sandwich in a handheld package, making them an instant crowd-pleaser and a truly special treat.

Detailed Ingredients

For the Philly Cheesesteak Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 6 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button recommended)
• 2 lbs thinly sliced beef (e.g., shaved ribeye, pre-sliced cheesesteak meat, or very thinly sliced sirloin/flank steak)
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sliders:

• 15 slider buns (King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls or similar soft dinner rolls work perfectly)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone cheese for a more traditional flavor)

Optional Topping/Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing buns)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (mixed with melted butter for garlic bread effect)
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Onions and Mushrooms:

1. Heat Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Vegetables: Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and sliced mushrooms to the hot skillet. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are softened and lightly caramelized, and the mushrooms have released their liquid and are tender. Remove the cooked onions and mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside in a bowl.

2. Cook the Cheesesteak Meat:

1. Add More Oil: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet (no need to clean it). Increase the heat to high.
2. Sear Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer to the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Sauté for only 1-2 minutes per side, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, until it is browned and fully cooked through. This type of thin meat cooks very quickly.
3. Combine with Vegetables: Once all the meat is cooked, return the sautéed onions and mushrooms to the pan with the beef.

3. Build the Flavor & Prepare Buns:

1. Add Liquids & Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld. The mixture should be moist but not overly saucy.
2. Prepare Slider Buns: While the meat mixture simmers, preheat your broiler. Slice the entire slab of slider buns horizontally through the middle, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place both halves, cut-side up, on a large baking sheet.
3. Toast Buns: Broil the buns for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden brown and toasted. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly. (Optional: For extra flavor, brush the top buns with melted butter mixed with garlic powder before toasting.)

4. Assemble and Melt Cheese:

1. Layer Filling: Spoon the hot cheesesteak meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the bottom half of the toasted slider buns.
2. Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone) over the meat mixture.
3. Top Buns: Place the top half of the toasted slider buns back over the cheese-covered filling.
4. Melt Cheese: Return the baking sheet with the assembled sliders to the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly and the top buns are slightly golden. Alternatively, you can cover the baking sheet with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

5. Serve:

1. Slice & Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven. Using a serrated knife, slice them into individual sliders along the bun seams.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Sliders!

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• Cheese Choice: While mozzarella melts beautifully, provolone (sharp or mild) is more traditional for a Philly cheesesteak. A cheese wiz type sauce can also be used for ultimate authenticity.
• Bell Peppers: For extra color and flavor, add thinly sliced green bell peppers to the skillet with the onions and mushrooms.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the meat mixture can add a nice kick.
• Different Buns: While slider buns are ideal, you can use hot dog buns or small hero rolls for a slightly larger version.
• Meat Preparation: If you’re slicing your own beef, partially freezing it for 20-30 minutes will make it much easier to slice very thinly.
• Serving Warm: Keep the sliders warm on a low oven setting (around 200°F/93°C) if serving for a party, but they are best eaten fresh.
• Make Ahead (Partial): The cheesesteak filling can be cooked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling the sliders.
• Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to prevent sogginess.

Pairings

• Sides: Crispy french fries (with or without cheese sauce!), onion rings, a simple green salad, or coleslaw.
• Beverages: Classic sodas, a cold beer (lager or IPA), or even a robust red wine.
• Sauces: Ketchup, mayonnaise, or a hot sauce on the side for dipping.

Quick Info

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 15 sliders
• Cuisine: American (Philadelphia-inspired)
• Course: Appetizer, Snack, Light Meal