Unlock the secret to a mouthwatering, fuss-free meal with our incredible Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid recipe! This isn’t just any dinner; it’s a culinary experience packed with thinly sliced steak, vibrant green peppers, savory onions, and melted provolone cheese, all nestled within flaky, golden crescent dough. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or need a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering, this recipe promises to be a resounding success. Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with minimal effort.
The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid: An Easy & Delicious Recipe
As a huge fan of classic American comfort food, my husband John has always had a special place in his heart for the iconic Philly Cheesesteak. And for me, the joy comes from discovering and creating easy-to-prepare dinners that come together swiftly without sacrificing flavor. This recipe for a Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid perfectly merges these two desires, offering a delicious and incredibly convenient meal solution that will quickly become a household favorite.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. While there’s a small amount of prep work involved in chopping the onions and green pepper, that’s genuinely the most time-consuming part of the process. The rest is a straightforward assembly and baking, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, seasoned steak, sautéed peppers, and onions, all gooey with melted provolone, encased in a warm, buttery crescent roll crust – pure bliss in every bite!
This savory braid isn’t just for family dinners. Its impressive appearance and crowd-pleasing flavors make it an absolute showstopper for any social gathering. Picture this: a Super Bowl party, a casual get-together with friends, or even a potluck. This Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid will undoubtedly be devoured, sparking conversations and requests for the recipe. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main entree, yet easily portioned into smaller slices, perfect for appetizers. Its versatility truly knows no bounds, making it a go-to option for any occasion where delicious, easy food is a must.
Beyond its incredible taste and ease, this recipe also offers a fantastic way to enjoy the beloved flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak in a new, exciting format. The crescent roll dough provides a wonderful, flaky contrast to the rich, savory filling, creating a texture combination that is simply irresistible. Forget soggy bread or complicated preparations; this braid brings all the classic goodness to your table in a neat, portable package. It’s comfort food reimagined, designed for modern convenience without compromising on that authentic cheesesteak experience everyone loves.
Key Ingredients for Your Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid
Creating this delicious braid requires just a few simple, readily available ingredients. The quality of these components will significantly impact the final flavor, so choose wisely!
- Frozen Sandwich Steak: For ultimate convenience and authentic texture, we recommend using thinly sliced frozen sandwich steak, such as Steak-Umm. These thin slices cook incredibly fast and break apart easily, mimicking the traditional cheesesteak experience. If you prefer, you can also use very thinly sliced sirloin, ribeye, or even shaved deli roast beef.
- Green Bell Pepper: A crisp green bell pepper adds a touch of freshness and a mild, sweet crunch to the savory filling. Feel free to use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor profile and a pop of color, or a mix of all for extra vibrancy.
- Medium Onion: Sautéed onions are a cornerstone of any great cheesesteak, providing a foundational savory sweetness. A yellow or white onion, finely chopped, will caramelize beautifully.
- Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls: The star of our “braid”! These convenient rolls offer a buttery, flaky crust that perfectly encases the filling. Any brand of refrigerated crescent dough will work, but Pillsbury is a popular and reliable choice.
- Provolone Cheese: Slices of provolone cheese melt beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey texture and a mild, creamy flavor that complements the steak and vegetables. For a sharper taste, consider using a blend of provolone and mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Cheez Whiz for a truly authentic Philly experience.
- Optional Seasonings: Don’t forget a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and perhaps a dash of garlic powder or onion powder to elevate the flavors of your steak and vegetable mixture.
Essential Equipment for a Perfect Bake
Having the right tools on hand will make the preparation process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is crucial for even cooking and browning. I highly recommend using baking sheets with raised sides. This design ensures that your culinary creations, like this cheesesteak braid, stay securely on the sheet, preventing any unfortunate slips or spills inside the oven. Learn from my past experiences – it’s a small detail that makes a big difference in avoiding kitchen mishaps!
- Heat-Resistant Potholders/Oven Mitts: Safety in the kitchen is paramount. Investing in high-quality, heat-resistant silicone potholders or oven mitts is a wise decision. I learned this lesson the hard way after a minor fire scare with a cloth potholder years ago. Silicone options provide superior protection and are much safer around hot burners and ovens. They’re also easy to clean and incredibly durable, making them a kitchen essential.
- Large Skillet: A non-stick skillet is perfect for cooking your steak strips and sautéing the vegetables. A large enough surface area will ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients in the skillet and breaking up the steak as it cooks.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For safely preparing your onion and bell pepper.
Simple Steps to a Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid
Follow these easy instructions to assemble your irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid. The process is designed to be quick and fun, leading to a truly satisfying meal.
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your braid is ready.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the oven preheats, take this time to finely chop your medium onion and slice your green bell pepper into thin strips. Having these ready in advance streamlines the cooking process.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your frozen sandwich steak strips and cook them until they are no longer pink, using a spatula to break them up into smaller, bite-sized pieces as they cook. This creates the classic, shredded texture of a cheesesteak. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables and Combine: In the same skillet, add a small amount of olive oil or butter if needed. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crisp-tender and begin to slightly caramelize. This softens their texture and brings out their natural sweetness. Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables, mixing everything thoroughly to combine. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices like garlic powder or a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Unroll Crescent Dough: Lightly grease your baking sheet. Carefully unroll one can of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls onto the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the dough into a rectangular shape, pressing the seams and perforations together firmly to create a solid base.
- Layer with Cheese: Lay the slices of provolone cheese down the center third of the crescent roll dough. Ensure the cheese covers the area where your steak mixture will be placed, creating a delicious, melty layer.
- Add Steak Mixture: Spoon the heaping cups of the cooked steak, pepper, and onion mixture evenly over the provolone cheese, forming a mound down the center of the dough. Leave about an inch of dough uncovered on each side for braiding.
- Create the Braid: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully make 1-inch wide diagonal strips along both long sides of the crescent roll dough, stopping just short of the steak mixture in the center. Avoid cutting into the filling. Once the strips are cut, gently fold each strip diagonally over the top of the steak mixture, alternating from side to side, to create a braided pattern. Pinch the ends of the strips onto the dough on the opposite side to seal the braid.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the crescent dough is beautifully golden brown and the filling is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and melted. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the braid from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into individual portions. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid!
Recipe Details for Your Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid
Here’s a concise overview of the recipe, including preparation and cook times, to help you plan your meal.
Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid Recipe
An incredibly easy and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak in a convenient crescent braid format!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 5 slices Frozen Sandwich Steak (e.g., Steak-umm)
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 Medium Onion, chopped
- 1 package Refrigerated Crescent Rolls (e.g., Pillsbury)
- 6 Slices Provolone Cheese
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Optional: Garlic powder, olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare green pepper and onion by chopping and slicing.
- Cook steak strips in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking into smaller pieces. Remove steak and set aside.
- Add bell peppers and onion to the skillet; cook for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender. Return steak to skillet, mix, and season.
- Unroll 1 can of crescent dinner rolls onto a greased baking sheet. Press edges together to seal into a rectangular shape.
- Spread provolone cheese slices along the base of the crescent rolls, down the center.
- Spoon the steak and vegetable mixture evenly over the cheese in the middle of the crescent rolls.
- Carefully cut 1-inch strips into the dough along both long sides of the filling. Fold each strip diagonally over the top of the steak mixture, alternating sides, to create a braided pattern. Pinch to seal.
- Bake for 16-20 minutes until golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Cut into slices to serve warm.
Kitchen Tools
- Baking Sheet (with sides recommended)
- Large Skillet
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Heat-Resistant Potholders/Oven Mitts
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 297
Variations and Serving Suggestions
This Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid is fantastic as is, but don’t hesitate to get creative with variations and serving ideas to suit your preferences or occasion:
- Cheese Options: While provolone is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a unique twist. For an extra rich and creamy texture, a dollop of cream cheese mixed into the steak filling before braiding can be delightful.
- Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, thinly sliced jalapeños for a kick, or even a handful of spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Roasted red peppers could also offer a sweet and smoky note.
- Protein Alternatives: Not a fan of steak? This recipe can easily be adapted! Try cooked shredded chicken for a “Chicken Cheesesteak” braid, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Seasoning Swaps: Beyond salt and pepper, consider a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce in your steak mixture for deeper flavors.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve slices of the braid with a side of ketchup, sriracha mayonnaise, a tangy BBQ sauce, or even a simple ranch dressing for dipping. A classic spicy mustard or a homemade aioli would also be excellent companions.
- Complete the Meal: Pair your cheesesteak braid with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal, or some crispy sweet potato fries for a hearty, comforting dinner. It also goes wonderfully with a side of coleslaw or a light soup.
- Breakfast/Brunch Idea: Believe it or not, this braid can be adapted for breakfast or brunch! Consider adding scrambled eggs to the filling along with the steak and cheese for a savory morning treat.
Why Choose This Easy Recipe?
In a world where time is a precious commodity, finding recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort is a game-changer. This Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid is a testament to that principle. It’s the perfect solution for:
- Busy Weeknights: When you’re short on time but still want a homemade, satisfying meal, this recipe comes to the rescue.
- Family-Friendly Dinners: The classic flavors appeal to almost everyone, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Entertaining: Its impressive presentation belies its simple preparation, making you look like a gourmet chef without the stress.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers: Cut into smaller pieces, it transforms into a fantastic party snack that’s easy to eat and always popular.
- Comfort Food Cravings: When you’re in the mood for something hearty, cheesy, and utterly delicious, this braid hits all the right notes.
This recipe truly embodies the spirit of easy, delicious cooking. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to various tastes and occasions, always promising a comforting and flavorful experience. Give it a try, and watch it become a regular feature on your meal rotation!
More Great Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed the simplicity and flavor of this Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Braid, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic dinner ideas:
- Easy Lo Mein Recipe
- BLT Burger with avocado aioli
- Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Orange Chicken
- Ranch Steak Kabobs
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
Do you love recipes? Check out our copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our CrockPot Recipes for even more culinary inspiration.
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Recipe originally shared January 24, 2013, updated March 16, 2020