Philly Cheesesteak Dip: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer

Transform the iconic flavors of a Philadelphia cheesesteak into an irresistible hot dip that’s perfect for any gathering. This Philly Cheesesteak Dip captures everything you love about the classic sandwich—tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheese—all swirled into a rich, creamy base that’s made for scooping. Whether you’re hosting game day, throwing a party, or simply craving comfort food, this appetizer delivers bold flavor in every bite.

The beauty of this dip lies in its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal. It combines the savory satisfaction of a traditional Philly cheesesteak with the communal fun of a shareable dip. The result is a warm, bubbling masterpiece topped with golden, melted cheese that beckons everyone to dig in with their favorite dippers.

What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (1 tablespoon for vegetables, 1 tablespoon for meat)
• ¾ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion (Vidalia works beautifully)
• ¾ cup finely diced green bell pepper, seeds and veins removed
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces shaved steak beef (rib eye, top sirloin, or strip steak)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (1½ cups mixed in, 1 cup for topping)
• 6 slices deli provolone cheese, thinly sliced and non-smoked

Serving Suggestions

• Homemade or store-bought crostini
• Fresh baguette slices, toasted or plain
• Pita chips for a heartier scoop
• Your favorite sturdy crackers

Step-by-Step Preparation

Getting Started

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. This moderate temperature ensures the dip heats through completely while giving the cheese topping time to melt into a beautiful, bubbly golden layer.

While your oven reaches temperature, place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. An oven-safe skillet is essential for this recipe since you’ll be building the dip directly in the pan and transferring it straight to the oven for baking.

Building the Flavor Base

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to your hot skillet, followed by the diced sweet yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic. These aromatic vegetables form the foundation of authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become tender. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma.

Transfer the cooked vegetables to a plate and set them aside temporarily. This step prevents the vegetables from overcooking while you prepare the beef.

Cooking the Beef

Return your skillet to the heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shaved steak beef, spreading it across the pan surface. Season generously with the salt and black pepper. Cook the beef for 5-6 minutes, using a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into smaller, bite-sized pieces as it browns.

The goal is to achieve a deep golden-brown color with no pink remaining. This browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, develops rich, savory flavors that are essential to the dish. Once fully cooked, turn off the heat and add the reserved vegetables back to the skillet, stirring to combine everything evenly.

Creating the Creamy Base

While the beef mixture sits, prepare the creamy component that makes this dip so irresistible. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed. Continue beating for about 1-2 minutes until the cream cheese becomes completely smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Room temperature cream cheese is crucial here—it blends much more easily and creates a silkier texture than cold cream cheese. Add the sour cream and mayonnaise to the bowl and beat again until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is uniformly smooth.

Using a spatula or large spoon, fold in 1½ cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly throughout the cream cheese mixture. This cheese will melt into the base during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness.

Assembling the Dip

Add the prepared cream cheese mixture to the skillet containing your browned beef and vegetables. Gently stir everything together, being careful not to break apart the beef too much—you want to maintain some texture and bite-sized pieces. Spread the mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the skillet.

Now comes the cheese topping that makes this dip truly spectacular. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface. Then arrange the 6 slices of provolone cheese in a single layer, covering the entire top of the dip. As these cheeses melt together, they’ll create a beautiful blanket of melted goodness.

Baking to Perfection

Transfer your assembled skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, watching for the cheese to become melted, bubbly, and lightly browned around the edges. The dip is ready when you see small bubbles forming throughout and the cheese develops those irresistible golden spots.

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the dip to settle slightly, making it easier to scoop and preventing burns from the piping-hot cheese.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing in Advance

This dip is excellent for make-ahead entertaining. Assemble the entire dip up to the baking step, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, remove from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need to add 5 extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold.

Refrigerator Storage

After your party, allow any leftover dip to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The creamy base and cheese maintain their quality well, though the texture is best within the first couple of days.

Freezing Options

While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining the dip’s perfect creamy texture, it’s possible if needed. Cool the dip completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 1-2 months. The dairy components may separate slightly upon thawing, but stirring well during reheating can help restore the consistency.

Reheating Instructions

For the best texture, reheat the dip in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch—heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each—but be cautious not to overheat, as the cheese may become oily or separate. For stovetop reheating, warm over medium heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of cream or milk if the mixture seems too thick.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

Protein Alternatives

Sliced rare deli roast beef makes an excellent substitute for shaved steak, though it requires less cooking time—just heat it through. Browned ground beef works wonderfully and is often more budget-friendly. Leftover grilled steak, chopped into small pieces, adds a smoky depth. For a lighter twist, create a “chicken cheesesteak” version using thinly sliced chicken breast.

Vegetarian Options

Transform this into a veggie-forward dip by swapping the beef for sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or plant-based meat crumbles. The sautéed peppers and onions provide the classic cheesesteak flavor profile, making the absence of beef barely noticeable.

Heat and Spice

Add excitement with diced jalapeños stirred into the mixture, a splash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Swap regular provolone for spicy provolone to incorporate heat directly into the cheese layer.

Cheese Variations

Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavor profiles. Pepper jack adds creamy heat, while a sharp cheddar and mozzarella blend creates a richer, more intense taste. For ultimate indulgence, add a splash of heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture for an extra-smooth, luxurious texture.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 446 calories, 5g carbohydrates, 22g protein, 38g fat (17g saturated, 5g polyunsaturated, 13g monounsaturated), less than 0.01g trans fat, 99mg cholesterol, 627mg sodium, 259mg potassium, 1g fiber, 3g sugar, 851IU vitamin A, 13mg vitamin C, 330mg calcium, 1mg iron.