Your New Favorite Snack is Here: Philly Cheesesteak Bombs!
Hey there, friend! Can you smell that? It’s the warm, buttery, and impossibly savory aroma of something truly magical coming from the oven. It’s the smell of pure joy, of gathering around the kitchen island with your favorite people, and of biting into a handheld piece of cheesy, meaty heaven. If your stomach just did a little happy dance, you’re definitely in the right place.
Today, we’re taking all the iconic, mouthwatering flavors of a classic Philly Cheesesteak—the tender beef, the sweet sautéed peppers and onions, the river of melty cheese—and we’re wrapping it all up in a soft, golden, pillowy blanket of biscuit dough. I’m talking about Philly Cheesesteak Bombs, and they are about to become your go-to recipe for, well… everything.
Game day? Check. A fun and easy weeknight dinner? Double-check. A show-stopping appetizer that will have your friends begging for the recipe? You bet. The best part? You don’t need any fancy chef skills or hours of your time. We’re using simple, brilliant shortcuts (hello, deli roast beef and canned dough!) to create a from-scratch taste that feels like a hug from the inside. So, tie on your favorite apron (the messy one with all the character, of course), and let’s make some kitchen magic together!
A Touchdown of a Memory
This recipe always takes me right back to my brother’s epic Super Bowl parties. He’d host, and I’d be his co-pilot in the kitchen, tasked with creating a spread of snacks that could fuel a stadium. One year, we had a last-minute panic—we needed one more hearty, crowd-pleasing bite, and we were out of our usual wing and dip rotation. We stared into the fridge, and there it was: leftover deli roast beef, a block of provolone, a lone green pepper, and a can of biscuits hiding in the fridge door.
In a moment of pure “what if?” inspiration, we chopped, sautéed, and wrapped. What emerged from the oven 20 minutes later were these golden, puffy, cheesy parcels. They were an instant, smash-hit touchdown. The whole tray vanished in minutes, and the recipe was officially added to our family’s Hall of Fame. It reminds me that the best dishes aren’t always the most complicated—they’re the ones born from a little creativity and a whole lot of love for feeding the people around you.
Gathering Your Flavor Arsenal
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these irresistible bites. I’ve included some of my favorite chef insights and swaps to make this recipe your own!
For the Incredible Filling:
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil is perfect for sautéing our veggies to tender perfection without adding its own flavor.
- ½ small Yellow Onion, finely diced: The sweet, aromatic base of our flavor party. No yellow onion? A white or sweet onion works beautifully.
- ½ Green Bell Pepper, finely diced: This adds a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint to the rich beef and cheese. Feel free to use a red bell pepper for a sweeter note!
- 1 clove Garlic, minced: Our flavor booster! It adds a deep, savory backbone. Pro-tip: a microplane zester makes mincing garlic a breeze.
- ½ lb Sliced Deli Roast Beef, chopped: This is our brilliant shortcut! Ask your deli counter for a thicker cut if you can—it holds up better. Look for a good, seasoned roast beef without too much added sodium.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: The secret umami weapon! It adds a complex, savory, and slightly tangy depth that makes the filling taste truly authentic.
- 1 tsp Montreal Steak Seasoning: A perfect blend of spices like pepper, coriander, and garlic. It’s a flavor powerhouse in one shake! No steak seasoning? A mix of black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika is a great substitute.
- 8 oz Sliced Provolone Cheese: This gives us that classic, slightly sharp, melty cheese pull we all dream of.
- 4 oz Sliced White American Cheese: Don’t sleep on this! American cheese is the ultimate melt-master, creating an incredibly creamy, smooth, and cohesive cheese sauce inside our bombs. Trust me on this combo!
For Assembling & Baking:
- 1 can Refrigerated Biscuit or Pizza Dough: The cozy, golden blanket for our filling! I love the flaky layers of biscuit dough, but pizza dough creates a fantastic, chewy, bread-bowl-like exterior. You can’t go wrong.
- 1 Egg (for egg wash): A simple egg wash (just beat the egg with a splash of water) is the key to that beautiful, glossy, golden-brown finish.
- Optional: Sesame seeds or Garlic Butter: For the grand finale! A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, while a brush of melted garlic butter right out of the oven… well, that’s just pure decadence.
Let’s Build Some Flavor Bombs! (Step-by-Step)
Ready to get your hands a little dirty? Follow these steps, and you’ll be a Philly Cheesesteak Bomb pro in no time. I’ve packed this section with all my favorite little hacks to ensure your success.
- Preheat & Prep: Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it plenty of time to get perfectly hot while we work. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this little step is a lifesaver for easy cleanup and prevents any sticking! Chef’s Tip: If you have a light-colored baking sheet, use it! Dark sheets can sometimes cause the bottoms to brown too quickly.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a medium skillet, heat your vegetable oil over medium heat. Toss in your finely diced onion and bell pepper. We’re not looking for a char here, just to soften them up and sweeten them a bit. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve lost their raw bite and are fragrant. Now, add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 more seconds. Garlic burns fast, and we want flavor, not bitterness! Chef’s Tip: A pinch of salt at this stage helps draw the moisture out of the veggies, speeding up the cooking process.
- Beef Up the Filling: Add your chopped roast beef, Worcestershire sauce, and Montreal steak seasoning to the skillet. Give it all a good stir and cook for just 2-3 minutes until the beef is heated through and coated in all those delicious flavors. Remove the skillet from the heat. Chef’s Hack: Chopping the roast beef with kitchen shears is often faster and easier than using a knife!
- The Cheesy Glue: Now for the best part! Add all of your sliced provolone and American cheese directly into the warm beef and veggie mixture. Stir continuously as the residual heat from the skillet melts the cheese into a glorious, gooey, cohesive filling. Let this cool for about 5-10 minutes. This cooling step is crucial! A hot filling will make the dough soggy and difficult to handle.
- Assembly Line Fun: Open your can of biscuit dough and separate the rounds. On a clean surface, gently flatten and stretch each biscuit into a circle about 4-5 inches in diameter. The center should be slightly thicker than the edges to prevent breakage. Place a heaping spoonful (about 2 tablespoons) of the cooled filling right in the center. Chef’s Tip: Don’t be tempted to overfill! It’s the number one reason for bombs bursting mid-bake. Now, bring the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching them tightly at the top to form a sealed pouch. Give it a little roll in your hands to make a neat ball and ensure it’s sealed.
- Top Them Off: Place your bombs seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little room to expand. In a small bowl, beat your egg with a teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush (or your fingers!) to gently brush the top of each bomb. This is what gives them that beautiful, professional-looking golden sheen. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re using them.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You’re looking for a deep, gorgeous golden brown on top and a cooked-through dough. Chef’s Insight: Ovens can vary, so start checking at the 15-minute mark. If they’re browning too quickly on top but still doughy, you can loosely tent them with foil.
- The Hardest Part: Letting Them Rest! I know, the aroma is intoxicating and you just want to dive in! But trust me, let the bombs sit on the tray for a solid 5 minutes after they come out of the oven. This allows the molten cheese filling to set slightly, so you get a glorious, gooey bite instead of a lava-hot burst.
How to Serve These Savory Stars
Presentation is part of the fun! I love piling these Philly Cheesesteak Bombs high on a rustic wooden board or in a warm basket lined with a checkered kitchen towel. They are the ultimate finger food, so serving them with small bowls of dipping sauces is a must. My crew goes wild for a side of creamy horseradish sauce, a simple marinara for dipping, or even a zesty garlic aioli. Pair them with a crisp, simple green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a completely satisfying meal that feels anything but ordinary.
Make It Your Own! Fun Recipe Twists
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Don’t be afraid to play with the flavors!
- The Chicken Philly: Swap the roast beef for shredded or diced cooked chicken. Use a smoky BBQ seasoning in place of the steak seasoning and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Mushroom Lover’s Dream: Sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions and peppers for an earthy, vegetarian-friendly version (just omit the beef and use a bit more Worcestershire or soy sauce for savoriness).
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat, kept for more!) to the veggie sauté. Use a spicy provolone or pepper jack cheese in the mix.
- Everything Bagel Vibe: Before baking, brush with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with Everything Bagel Seasoning for an incredible savory crunch.
- Pizza Bomb Swap: Change the filling entirely! Use pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, and a spoonful of pizza sauce inside for a completely different, but equally delicious, treat.
From My Kitchen to Yours: A Few Final Thoughts
This recipe has truly evolved over the years in my kitchen. I’ve learned that the cheese blend is non-negotiable for the ultimate melt, and that letting the filling cool is the secret to a stress-free assembly. One of my funniest kitchen fails was the time I got overzealous and tried to make a “mega bomb” with an entire sheet of pizza dough. It looked like a cheesy, meaty planet and erupted like a volcano in my oven! We still ate it, of course, but it taught me that smaller, well-sealed parcels are definitely the way to go.
These bombs also freeze like a dream! After assembling, place the unbaked bombs on a tray and freeze them solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When a snack emergency strikes, you can bake them straight from frozen, just add 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time. They are my secret weapon for effortless entertaining.
Your Questions, Answered!
I’ve made these enough times (and received enough questions from readers!) to know what might come up. Here’s a little troubleshooting guide.
Q: My bombs burst open while baking! What did I do wrong?
A: This is almost always one of two things: 1) The filling was too hot when you assembled them, which can weaken the dough, or 2) You overstuffed them (a very tempting mistake!). Make sure your filling is cool to the touch, and resist the urge to pack in more than a heaping spoonful. A good seal is your best friend!
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A> Absolutely! You can assemble the bombs completely, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before you need to bake them. When you’re ready, just brush with the egg wash and pop them in the oven. You might need to add 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time since they’ll be going in cold.
Q: My cheese is leaking out. How can I prevent that?
A> A little cheese leakage is normal and honestly, kind of delicious! But for a tidier bomb, ensure your cheese is fully mixed into the beef and veggie filling, rather than being in large, separate slices. This integrated cheesy mixture is less likely to ooze out in one big stream.
Q: I can’t find white American cheese. What’s a good substitute?
A> No problem! You can use all provolone, though the filling will be a bit less creamy. A great alternative is a mild, melty cheese like Fontina or young Gouda. You could also use a few tablespoons of Cheez Whiz for the ultimate authentic (and gloriously gooey) Philly experience!
Easy Philly Cheesesteak Bombs : Gooey, Cheesy, and Irresistible!
Description
Philly Cheesesteak Bombs
Cheesy, meaty, handheld bites — perfect for game day or a fun dinner!
Ingredients
For the Filling
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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½ small yellow onion, finely diced
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½ green bell pepper, finely diced
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1 clove garlic, minced
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½ lb deli roast beef, chopped
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp Montreal steak seasoning (or substitute: black pepper + garlic powder + pinch of paprika)
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8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
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4 oz white American cheese, sliced
For Assembling & Baking
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1 can refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough
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1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp water (egg wash)
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Optional: sesame seeds or Everything Bagel seasoning
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Optional: melted garlic butter for brushing
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sauté Veggies
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Cook onion and bell pepper 4–5 min until soft.
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Add garlic, sauté 30 sec.
3. Add Beef & Seasoning
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Stir in chopped roast beef, Worcestershire sauce, and steak seasoning.
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Cook 2–3 min until heated through. Remove from heat.
4. Add Cheese
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Mix in provolone and American cheese until melted and gooey.
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Let the filling cool 5–10 min before assembling.
5. Assemble Bombs
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Flatten each biscuit or dough round into a 4–5 inch circle (center slightly thicker).
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Place 2 tbsp filling in the center.
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Gather edges over filling, pinch tightly, and roll into a smooth ball.
6. Egg Wash & Toppings
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Place bombs seam-side down on baking sheet.
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Brush tops with egg wash.
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Sprinkle with sesame seeds or seasoning if desired.
7. Bake
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Bake 15–18 min until golden brown.
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Let rest 5 min before eating — cheese will be very hot.
Notes
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Chicken Philly: Use cooked chicken + BBQ seasoning, cheddar/Monterey Jack.
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Mushroom Lover: Add 8 oz sautéed mushrooms, omit beef.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeño and pepper jack cheese.
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Pizza Bomb: Pepperoni, cooked sausage, mozzarella, and pizza sauce.
Quick Nutritional Info
Please note: This is a rough estimate per bomb and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
I hope you and your loved ones adore these Philly Cheesesteak Bombs as much as we do. They’re more than just a recipe; they’re a little parcel of joy, comfort, and shared moments. Happy cooking!
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Recipe is Served!
And there you have it! From a moment of kitchen panic to what I hope will become a beloved staple in your own recipe collection, these Philly Cheesesteak Bombs are proof that the most memorable meals don’t have to be complicated. They’re a little project, a lot of fun, and an absolute guarantee for happy faces around your table.
Whether you’re serving them up for a hungry game-day crowd, as a fun and interactive family dinner, or stashing a batch in the freezer for your future self, these golden, cheesy parcels deliver on every promise of flavor and comfort. They’ve saved the day in my kitchen more times than I can count, and I have a feeling they’ll do the same in yours.
So, the next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, remember this little recipe. It’s a reminder that with a few simple ingredients and a dash of creativity, you can create something truly special. I can’t wait for you to experience that first, glorious, cheesy pull.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you add a spicy kick? Try the pizza swap? Tag me in your photos or leave a comment below—seeing your kitchen creations truly makes my day.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
With love and a pinch of seasoning,
Olivia





