Easy Philly Cheese Steak Dip: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer & Crowd-Pleaser

Get ready to elevate your snack game! This incredibly quick and satisfying Philly cheese steak dip is the ultimate appetizer for any gathering, especially game day weekend. It comes together effortlessly and is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone!

With the excitement of the big game just around the corner, it’s time to talk about the most crucial part of any Super Bowl party: the food! This week, I’m thrilled to share an extra special recipe that’s perfect for celebrating. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just in it for the commercials and snacks, this Easy Philly Cheese Steak Dip is about to become your new go-to appetizer.

My household, for one, is always ready for game day, especially my husband, a devoted Eagles fan. It’s truly a sight to behold—a Canadian who watches football with the same passion usually reserved for ice hockey! When his team made it to the Super Bowl, I knew I had to create something extraordinary in their honor. And believe me, this savory, cheesy dip outshone even the giant chocolate birthday cake I make for him annually. Why? Because it’s packed with meat and cheese, two food groups that consistently reign supreme in the hearts of many. And honestly, who can blame him when it looks and tastes this good?

What Makes This Philly Cheese Steak Dip So Irresistible?

Just one glance at that luscious, ooey-gooey layer of melted cheese on top, and you’ll understand why this dip is an absolute must-have. My mission is always to bring you recipes that are not only incredibly delicious but also straightforward to prepare and guaranteed to impress a crowd. This Philly Cheese Steak Dip ticks every single box with ease and flair.

Think of this recipe as a brilliant deconstruction of the classic Philly cheese steak sandwich. Instead of meticulously stuffing meat, cheese, peppers, and onions between two buns, we’re transforming all those incredible flavors into a warm, bubbly, and utterly dippable creation. It’s the essence of comfort food reinvented for communal enjoyment, baked until it’s golden and bursting with flavor. And those glorious cheese pulls? They’re practically legendary, making every scoop a moment of pure bliss. It’s a sophisticated take on a beloved classic, making it far more practical and shareable for a party environment.

Breaking Down This Simple & Flavorful Cheese Steak Dip

The beauty of this easy Philly cheese steak dip lies in its simplicity and the readily available ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these components transform into something so spectacular. Here’s a closer look at what goes into this mouthwatering creation:

1. Peppers and Onions: We start with one medium onion and one green bell pepper, both finely diced. Sautéing these in a little butter or oil is crucial as it softens them and brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth of flavor to the dip. Don’t forget to season them while they cook! Allowing them to cool slightly before mixing prevents them from melting the cream cheese prematurely, ensuring a smooth, consistent base for your dip. For an extra kick, consider adding a finely chopped jalapeño along with the bell pepper.
2. The Meat: The star of the show! You have excellent options here. Deli-sliced roast beef, finely chopped, works wonderfully and makes for a super quick preparation. Its thinly sliced nature blends perfectly into the creamy texture of the dip. However, if you have leftover cooked steak (such as ribeye or sirloin) that you need to use up, dicing it into small pieces will provide an even more robust and satisfying bite. Both methods yield equally delicious results, so choose what’s most convenient for you.
3. The Cheese Factor: A good dip needs great cheese! For this recipe, we utilize two types to achieve that perfect balance of creaminess and melt. Two 8-ounce blocks of full-fat cream cheese form the rich, tangy base, providing that signature indulgent texture. For the irresistible gooey topping and internal meld, we use several handfuls of shredded provolone cheese. Provolone is a fantastic choice due to its mild, slightly nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. If provolone isn’t handy, shredded mozzarella or even a blend of Monterey Jack and white cheddar would also work beautifully, as long as it melts well and has a relatively neutral flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients.
4. The Rest of the Magic: A touch of mayonnaise adds extra richness and binds the ingredients together, while a couple of tablespoons of sour cream contribute a subtle tang and lightness. A splash of red wine vinegar brightens all the flavors, cutting through the richness just perfectly. Finally, a few essential seasonings complete the profile. The secret to a lighter, airier dip texture starts with whipping the room-temperature cream cheese for about 30 seconds. This simple step incorporates air, making the dip wonderfully fluffy. After that, it’s just a matter of gently folding everything together before transferring it to your baking dish.

Baking & Serving Your Perfect Philly Cheese Steak Dip

Once all the ingredients are perfectly combined, simply spoon the mixture into a cast-iron skillet or a 9×9 inch baking dish that has been lightly coated with nonstick cooking spray. For that truly spectacular golden, bubbly crust, top the dip with a generous layer of the remaining shredded provolone cheese. Placing your dish on a baking sheet is a smart move to catch any potential spillover, making cleanup a breeze. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes at 400ºF (200ºC), or until the dip is heated through, the cheese is beautifully melted, and the edges are lightly golden. For an extra crispy, deeply browned top, you can even pop it under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes—just watch it carefully to prevent burning!

Seriously, does a homemade dip get any easier, or more delicious, than this Philly Cheese Steak Dip? It’s the kind of recipe that looks impressive but requires minimal effort, leaving you more time to enjoy the party and your company. The combination of savory meat, sweet sautéed peppers and onions, and a rich, creamy, cheesy base is absolutely divine and incredibly addictive.

I am already planning to serve this incredible dip at my own game day celebration, and everyone who has heard about it is buzzing with excitement! This isn’t just for football fans; it’s for anyone who appreciates truly satisfying comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a grand party, bringing a dish to a potluck, planning to just catch the halftime show, or even skipping the game altogether for a cozy night in watching your favorite series, you absolutely NEED this dip in your life. It’s versatile, utterly delicious, and an undeniable crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Yield: 10-12 servings

Easy Philly Cheese Steak Dip

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Total Time
35 minutes

A quick and easy dip to throw together for game day weekend! This Philly cheese steak dip comes together in a flash and serves a crowd!

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter (or oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon EACH: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, AND onion powder
• 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 2 (8 ounce) blocks full fat cream cheese, room temp
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1 lb. deli-sliced roast beef, chopped (see notes)
• 2 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese
• Prepared crostini, for serving

Instructions

1. Saute the Veggies: Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and a pinch of salt. Stir as needed and let them soften and turn translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and let them cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before adding to the dip mix.
2. Make the Dip: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Add the cream cheese to a large bowl and whip it using a hand mixer for 30 seconds to incorporate air and make the dip lighter. You can also do this with a sturdy rubber spatula. The cream cheese should still have some resistance to it. Add the mayo, sour cream, and red wine vinegar and mix it together using a rubber spatula. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Gently stir in the sauteed veggies, chopped roast beef, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese.
3. Bake: Spray a cast-iron skillet or a 9×9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; add the prepared dip. Flatten out the dip evenly and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Place the dish on a baking sheet to prevent any potential spill over in the oven. Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. For an extra golden and bubbly cheese crust, you can also pop it under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!). Serve warm with crostini, crackers, or tortilla chips!

Notes

• If you’ve got leftover cooked steak (like a grilled sirloin or ribeye), you can definitely use that in place of the sliced roast beef. Simply dice it into small, bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
• For those who enjoy a little more heat, consider adding a finely chopped jalapeño pepper along with the green bell pepper when sautéing the vegetables. It adds a wonderful subtle spice without being overpowering.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dip mixture (steps 1 and 2) up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, transfer to your baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• Serving Suggestions: While crostini are excellent, this dip is also fantastic with sturdy crackers, pretzel crisps, tortilla chips, pita bread, or even fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots for a lighter option.

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. You can also share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, I’d love to see what you made!