Mediterranean Cheesesteak Garlic Bread
This Mediterranean Cheesesteak Garlic Bread is a delicious fusion of two beloved dishes: the Philly cheesesteak and classic Mediterranean ingredients. Imagine toasted garlic bread piled high with juicy, marinated steak strips, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, tangy feta, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of herbs. It’s bold, savory, slightly creamy, and perfect for dinner, game day, or entertaining guests. Serve it as an open-faced sandwich, hearty appetizer, or even slice it up for party bites.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread:
1 large French baguette or ciabatta, sliced in half lengthwise
3 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons olive oil
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Pinch of salt
For the Cheesesteak Topping:
1 lb (450g) flank steak or ribeye, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional, for warmth)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, arugula, or tzatziki drizzle
Instructions
1. Marinate the Steak:
In a bowl, toss thinly sliced steak with olive oil, oregano, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour).
2. Prepare the Garlic Bread:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
Spread garlic mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread.
Place bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until edges start to turn golden.
3. Cook the Steak and Veggies:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated steak and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté red onions and roasted peppers until softened and lightly caramelized (about 5–6 minutes).
4. Assemble the Garlic Bread:
Layer cooked steak over the toasted bread.
Top with sautéed onions and peppers, then sprinkle on mozzarella and feta.
Add olives if using.
5. Bake:
Return the assembled bread to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish & Serve:
Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley or arugula, and slice into portions.
Optional: Drizzle with tzatziki or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Tips for Success
Use Thin Steak Slices:
Cutting steak very thinly (against the grain) ensures tenderness and quick cooking.
Toast the Bread First:
Pre-toasting prevents sogginess when you add the toppings.
Customize the Cheese:
Provolone is more traditional for cheesesteaks; mozzarella adds stretch; feta adds tang. Mix and match!
Add Heat if Desired:
A pinch of crushed red pepper or sliced pepperoncini gives it a nice spicy kick.
Don’t Overload:
Too much topping can make the bread soggy or hard to eat—aim for balance.
Variations
Chicken Version:
Use thinly sliced grilled chicken breast or rotisserie chicken instead of steak.
Vegetarian Option:
Replace steak with sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or grilled halloumi.
Vegan-Friendly:
Use plant-based butter, cheese, and marinated tofu or seitan strips.
Greek Style:
Add tzatziki and cucumbers before serving for a gyro-style twist.
Pizza-Inspired:
Add tomato sauce and use a pizza cheese blend for a Mediterranean flatbread feel.
Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the garlic bread, steak, and veggies ahead and store separately. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing?
A: Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that’s delicious here.
Q: What type of bread works best?
A: A sturdy baguette, ciabatta, or rustic sourdough works best to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Yes, just skip the olives or spicy elements if needed.
Q: What should I serve with it?
A: Pair with a Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or a cucumber yogurt dip.
Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving, based on 6 servings):
Calories: 410
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 18% DV
Vitamin C: 20% DV
Note: Nutrition varies depending on cheese, bread, and toppings used.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Cheesesteak Garlic Bread is a delicious upgrade from traditional sandwiches—bursting with garlicky depth, herby Mediterranean flavors, and gooey cheese. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner, yet fancy enough to serve at a gathering. Every bite offers a satisfying combination of textures and bold ingredients that come together in a perfect harmony of comfort and freshness.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a party, or just craving something hearty and flavorful, this recipe delivers.