Philly cheesesteak sliders blend the legendary flavor of a Philly cheesesteak with the convenience of a slider-sized snack. Originating in early 20th-century Philadelphia, the original Philly cheesesteak featured thin-sliced beef, onions, and melted cheese, tucked into a crusty hoagie roll. It quickly became a local icon.

The slider version has exploded in popularity because it’s bite-sized, easy to eat, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or just looking for a quick and comforting dinner, these sliders offer maximum satisfaction with minimum effort.

They’re ideal for any casual gathering. Plus, Better Homes & Gardens suggests sliders are among the top finger foods for parties, and Real Simple backs that up with foolproof tips for perfect mini sandwiches.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

To capture the essence of a classic cheesesteak in slider form, each ingredient matters. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread: Hawaiian rolls are the favorite—soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for pull-apart servings. Dinner rolls or mini hoagies also work.
Meat: Use thinly sliced ribeye for authenticity. Sirloin or deli roast beef are suitable shortcuts.
Cheese: Traditionalists swear by provolone, while others love American cheese or Cheez Whiz for that gooey finish.
Vegetables:
- Caramelized onions are non-negotiable.
- Bell peppers and mushrooms are optional, but they add color and umami.
Toppings:
- Garlic butter brushed on top boosts flavor.
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds texture.
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce enhances meatiness.

For gourmet flair, check out how Bon Appétit and Jawns I Cooked elevate slider recipes with simple tweaks.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sliders (Step-by-Step)

Creating Philly cheesesteak sliders is quick and rewarding. Follow this easy guide:

Preparation

Sauté thinly sliced onions (and bell peppers or mushrooms, if using) until soft and caramelized.
In the same skillet, cook sliced ribeye or roast beef until just browned—don’t overcook.

Assembly

Slice the rolls in half horizontally while keeping them connected.
Layer the bottom half with:
- A blanket of cheese
- Cooked beef and veggies
- Another thin layer of cheese
Place the roll tops back on.

Baking

Brush the tops with garlic butter.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds or a touch of Italian seasoning.
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, then uncover and bake another 5–7 minutes until golden and melty.

Both Allrecipes and Real Simple feature similar recipes for failproof results every time.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Sliders

Want your sliders to stand out? Keep these pro-level tips in mind:

Slightly freeze the meat before slicing—it makes it easier to get paper-thin cuts.
Use a cheese combo (like provolone and mozzarella) for layered richness.
Make ingredients ahead of time—cook the beef and onions the day before to streamline assembly.
Keep sliders warm and gooey by wrapping them in foil if serving later.

Experts from The Kitchn and Bon Appétit swear by these techniques to deliver a mouthwatering result every time.

Creative Variations to Try

While traditional sliders are amazing, it’s fun to get creative with these crowd-pleasing spins:

Italian Twist: Use provola di Agerola cheese, Italian-seasoned beef, and pane cafone bread.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños, spicy mayo, or a splash of hot sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for sautéed portobello mushrooms or your favorite plant-based meat.
Breakfast Version: Add scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and hash browns with cheddar cheese.

For more inspiration, La Cucina Italiana offers creative Italian sandwich ideas that can be adapted into sliders, and Better Homes & Gardens provides great slider party roundups.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The beauty of Philly cheesesteak sliders is how well they fit into any spread. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or cooking for your family, here are some perfect pairings:

Sides:

Sweet potato fries for a sweet-savory combo
Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness

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Pickles for tangy contrast

Drinks:

Craft beers (a hoppy IPA or malty lager works great)
Iced tea for a refreshing non-alcoholic option
Classic soda—you can never go wrong with cola

These sliders shine at:

Game night gatherings
Potluck dinners
Weekend comfort meals

According to Better Homes & Gardens and Real Simple, sliders like these are a go-to party staple—versatile, satisfying, and incredibly easy to customize.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the biggest advantages of Philly cheesesteak sliders is their make-ahead convenience.

Before baking:

Assemble the sliders fully.
Cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Storing leftovers:

Store in airtight containers in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Reheat in the oven (not the microwave!) to preserve crispness.

Freezing tips:

Assemble sliders as usual, then freeze before baking.
When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding about 10–15 minutes to the cook time.

Bon Appétit recommends these time-saving tips for any make-ahead comfort food—especially cheesy baked sliders like these.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Adjustments

While Philly cheesesteak sliders aren’t exactly low-cal, you can make smart tweaks.

Calories:

Each slider contains 200–300 calories, depending on size and ingredients.

To reduce sodium/fat:

Choose leaner cuts of meat like sirloin.
Use low-sodium cheese or limit added salt.
Swap garlic butter for a light oil brush.

Diet-friendly adaptations:

Use gluten-free rolls if needed.
Try keto-friendly buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.

Resources like Better Homes & Gardens and Real Simple offer easy swaps for almost any dietary need while still keeping meals delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast is a lighter alternative and still absorbs flavors well.

What’s the best cheese for authentic flavor?
Provolone offers a rich, creamy melt, while Cheez Whiz gives you the classic Philly gooeyness. Either is delicious—try both and see what you like best.

Can I prepare sliders in advance?
Yes! Fully assemble the sliders and store them covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving for best results.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Drain any excess liquid from cooked vegetables and meat.
Toast the bottom rolls slightly before assembling.
Bake on parchment paper or a wire rack to allow airflow underneath.

Are there vegetarian versions?
Yes! Replace the meat with:

Portobello mushrooms
Plant-based beef crumbles
Grilled seitan or tofu strips

Bon Appétit even suggests meatless recipes that use mushrooms and umami-rich cheeses to simulate the full Philly experience.

Conclusion: Bringing It All Together

Whether you’re cooking for two or twenty, Philly cheesesteak sliders deliver on every level—flavor, fun, and flexibility. They’re simple to make, easy to adapt, and impossible to resist.

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on them. Try new cheeses, add toppings, or even experiment with vegetarian versions.

Looking for more party-ready ideas? Better Homes & Gardens is full of crowd-pleasing slider variations and creative serving inspiration.

Now it’s your turn—what’s your favorite way to serve Philly cheesesteak sliders?

Close-up of Philly Cheesesteak Sliders with shredded beef, green peppers, and melted cheese inside golden, toasted Hawaiian rolls on a baking tray.

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders combine the bold flavor of the classic Philly cheesesteak with the convenience of slider-sized sandwiches. Perfectly melty, savory, and shareable, these sliders are the ultimate party food for game nights, potlucks, and casual dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American, Party Food

Servings 12 sliders

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

Large Skillet
Sharp knife or meat slicer
Baking dish (9x13 inch)
Foil
Pastry Brush

Ingredients

1 pack 12-count Hawaiian rolls or soft dinner rolls
1 lb ribeye steak thinly sliced (or deli roast beef)
1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
1 small green bell pepper thinly sliced (optional)
1 cup mushrooms sliced (optional)
8 –10 slices provolone cheese or Cheez Whiz/American
3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
1 clove garlic minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sauté veggies: In a skillet, cook onions (plus bell peppers and mushrooms, if using) over medium heat until soft and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
Cook beef: In the same skillet, cook the thinly sliced ribeye until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat.
Prepare rolls: Slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place bottom half in a greased baking dish.
Assemble sliders: Layer cheese slices, cooked beef, veggies, then another layer of cheese. Cover with the top half of the rolls.
Add topping: Mix melted butter with minced garlic. Brush over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Bake covered with foil for 10–15 minutes, then uncover and bake 5–7 minutes more until golden and melty.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For easier slicing, freeze ribeye for 30 minutes before cutting.
Want to spice things up? Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Make sliders ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
Use plant-based meat or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
Perfect for game days, birthdays, and potluck parties!

Keyword beef sliders, cheesesteak mini sandwiches, game day food, Hawaiian roll sliders, party sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak sliders