Get ready for a flavor explosion with our incredibly delicious Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid recipe! This easy-to-make dish takes the classic American sandwich and transforms it into a beautiful, shareable braid, perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion that calls for comforting, cheesy goodness. Filled with savory steak, crisp green peppers, sweet onions, and gooey provolone cheese, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. It’s a quick, convenient, and utterly satisfying way to enjoy the iconic taste of a Philly Cheesesteak without the fuss of individual sandwiches.

Effortlessly Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid: The Ultimate Easy Dinner & Party Appetizer

If you’re a fan of the classic Philly Cheesesteak, get ready to experience it in a whole new, delightful way! This Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid recipe combines the beloved flavors of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and bell peppers with the convenience and flaky texture of refrigerated crescent roll dough. My husband, John, is an ardent admirer of all things cheesesteak, and like many busy home cooks, I’m constantly on the lookout for dinners that are not only delicious but also come together super quickly. This recipe hits all the right notes, making it a brilliant choice for those nights when you need something impressive yet simple.

While there’s a small bit of prep work involved in finely chopping the onion and slicing the green pepper, this is truly the most time-consuming part of the entire process. The rest is a straightforward assembly that yields a mouth-watering result. This crescent braid is incredibly versatile; it’s perfect as a hearty entree for a casual family dinner or cut into smaller pieces to serve as an irresistible appetizer at your next Super Bowl party, holiday gathering, or any get-together. Its appealing braided appearance and universally loved flavors make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

• Unbeatable Flavor: All the iconic taste of a traditional Philly Cheesesteak, packed into a convenient and shareable form.
• Effortlessly Quick: With pre-made crescent dough and thinly sliced steak, assembly is a breeze, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for parties! Cut it into slices for an impressive appetizer that disappears fast.
• Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a long list of obscure items. Most ingredients are pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store.
• Minimal Cleanup: Baked on a single sheet pan, cleanup is straightforward, letting you enjoy your meal without extra hassle.
• Visually Appealing: The braided crust gives this dish an elegant touch, making it look like you spent hours in the kitchen (we won’t tell!).

Key Ingredients for Your Crescent Braid

Creating this delicious Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. The beauty lies in their simplicity and how well they complement each other to create that classic cheesesteak profile.

• Frozen Sandwich Steak: We used “Steak-Umm” for its convenience and perfectly thin slices, which cook up quickly and tenderly. If you prefer to use fresh meat, opt for thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin. The key is thinness for that authentic chew.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint to the richness of the steak and cheese. It also provides vibrant color and a pleasant crunch.
• Medium Onion: When sautéed, onions become sweet and aromatic, adding depth of flavor that is essential to any good cheesesteak. Yellow or white onions work best here.
• Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls: This is our secret weapon for speed and convenience! These flaky rolls bake up golden and buttery, forming the perfect crust for our savory filling.
• Provolone Cheese: For an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, provolone is a must. Its mild, slightly tangy flavor and excellent melting qualities bind the filling together beautifully. You can also experiment with white American cheese or even a blend of mozzarella for a stretchier, milder option.

Essential Equipment for Braiding Success

Having the right tools can make all the difference in ensuring your Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid comes out perfectly every time. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is crucial. I highly recommend using one with raised sides to prevent any accidental spills of your precious ingredients into the oven. Trust me, learning from past kitchen mishaps, those sides are a lifesaver!
• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking your steak strips and sautéing the vegetables to perfection. A non-stick skillet can make cleanup even easier.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For safely and efficiently chopping your green pepper and onion.
• Spatula or Tongs: For handling and turning the steak and vegetables in the skillet.
• Heat-Resistant Potholders: Safety first! Always use reliable, heat-resistant potholders when handling hot baking sheets. Modern silicone options offer excellent protection.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid that everyone will rave about. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor!

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your braid is ready.
2. Prepare Your Vegetables: While the oven heats, get your veggies ready. Finely chop the medium onion and slice the green bell pepper into thin strips. Uniform pieces will ensure they cook evenly.
3. Cook the Steak: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the frozen sandwich steak strips until they are no longer pink. Break up any larger pieces with your spatula. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers and onion to the same skillet (you might need a tiny bit of oil if the pan is dry, but usually enough residue from the steak remains). Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crisp-tender and the onions are slightly caramelized.
5. Combine Filling: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Mix everything together well, ensuring the flavors are thoroughly combined. Remove from heat.
6. Prepare the Crescent Dough Base: Lightly grease a baking sheet. Unroll one can of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls onto the center of the prepared baking sheet. Gently press the edges and perforations together to form a solid rectangular or square sheet of dough.
7. Layer the Cheese: Spread the slices of provolone cheese along the base of the crescent rolls, leaving a small border around the edges and a clear space down the center where the filling will go. This creates a delicious cheesy foundation.
8. Add the Filling: Spoon the heaping cups of the steak and vegetable mixture down the middle of the crescent roll dough, directly over the cheese. Try to form an even log shape with the filling.
9. Create the Braid: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully cut 1-inch wide strips from the long sides of the crescent roll dough up to the filling, creating “flaps” on either side. Do not cut into the filling itself. Starting at one end, fold one dough strip diagonally over the filling, then take a strip from the opposite side and fold it over, overlapping the previous strip. Continue this pattern, alternating sides, to create a braided effect. Pinch the ends of the dough together to seal the braid.
10. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet with your braided cheesesteak into the preheated oven. Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and flaky. The cheese inside should be melted and bubbly.
11. Serve Warm: Once baked, remove the braid from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual portions. This allows the filling to set slightly, making for cleaner cuts. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid

• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on the filling, overfilling can make it difficult to braid and seal the dough, potentially leading to leaks. Aim for a generous but manageable amount.
• Seal Those Seams: Make sure to firmly press together all the perforations and seams of the crescent dough when forming your base. This prevents the filling from escaping. When braiding, ensure each strip overlaps nicely and is gently pressed into place.
• Even Cooking: Chop your onions and bell peppers into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and reach the desired crisp-tender texture at the same time.
• Golden Crust: For an extra golden and slightly crispier crust, you can brush the top of the braid with a beaten egg (egg wash) before baking.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the braid to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the cheese and filling set, resulting in cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing slices.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid is how easily it can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to get creative in the kitchen:

• Cheese Choices: While provolone is classic, try a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for a nutty finish. A combination of cheeses can also be fantastic!
• Add More Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, sliced jalapeños for a kick, or even a different color of bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange) can add more flavor and visual appeal.
• Spice It Up: A dash of red pepper flakes in the filling, a sprinkle of garlic powder, or a hint of smoked paprika can elevate the flavor profile.
• Meat Alternatives: Not a beef fan? This recipe works wonderfully with thinly sliced cooked chicken breast or even turkey deli meat, creating a “Chicken Cheesesteak Braid.”
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of ketchup, sriracha mayo, a creamy ranch dressing, or even a homemade cheese sauce for an extra indulgent experience.

Serving Suggestions for Your Cheesesteak Braid

This versatile Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid can be the star of your meal or a fantastic addition to a larger spread. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

• As a Main Course: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, a side of crispy potato chips, or a warm bowl of tomato soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Party Appetizer: Cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter. It’s an ideal finger food for game nights, casual get-togethers, or potlucks.
• Lunchtime Treat: Pack leftovers for a delicious and easy lunch the next day.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid are just as delightful as the fresh bake!

• Storage: Allow any leftover braid to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust becomes crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for similar results. Microwaving is an option for quick reheating, but it may result in a softer crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making this delicious crescent braid:

• Can I use fresh steak instead of frozen sandwich steak? Absolutely! If using fresh steak (like ribeye or sirloin), slice it as thinly as possible (partially freezing it first can help) and cook it quickly in the skillet until browned, then follow the rest of the recipe.
• Can I prepare the filling ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the steak, onions, and peppers a day in advance and store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply reheat the filling slightly before assembling the braid. Assemble the braid just before baking for the best results with the crescent dough.
• What if I don’t like green peppers? You can easily omit the green peppers if they’re not to your taste, or swap them for roasted red peppers (from a jar, drained) for a sweeter flavor.
• Is this recipe spicy? This recipe is not inherently spicy. The flavor comes from the savory steak, sweet onions, and provolone cheese. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.

More Delicious Dinner Recipes to Explore

If you loved this easy and flavorful recipe, you’re in luck! We have a host of other fantastic dinner ideas that are perfect for any occasion. From quick Asian-inspired meals to hearty comfort food, there’s something for everyone:

• Easy Lo Mein Recipe
• BLT Burger with a creamy avocado aioli
• Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Takeout Style Orange Chicken
• Flavorful Ranch Steak Kabobs
• Creamy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

Don’t stop here! Discover more culinary inspiration with our extensive collection of copycat recipes, delightful dessert recipes, and convenient CrockPot Recipes. There’s always something new and exciting to try!

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Recipe originally shared January 24, 2013, updated March 16, 2020.

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