Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Cheesy Toast
If you’re looking for a meal that wraps you in warmth and comfort, you’ve just found your new favorite: Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Cheesy Toast. This rich and hearty soup perfectly blends tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheese in a creamy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Paired with golden, crispy cheesy toast, it’s a simple yet indulgent dish that brightens chilly evenings and satisfies those cravings for both soup and sandwich all at once.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It combines the beloved flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich into a warm, creamy soup that soothes your soul.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s beginner-friendly yet impressive enough for guests.
- Cheesy Goodness: The gooey cheese melted right into the soup and crispy on the toast delivers maximum flavor.
- Customizable: You can tweak the veggies, protein, or cheese based on what you have, making it adaptable to your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Cozy Nights: This dish is an ideal go-to when you want something hearty and satisfying after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Cheesy Toast lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role, whether adding creaminess, color, or that iconic cheesesteak flavor we all love.
- Thinly sliced beef: Ribeye or sirloin works perfectly for tender, flavorful meat.
- Bell peppers: A mix of green and red adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
- Onions: Yellow onions provide savory depth and caramelize beautifully for richness.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves elevate the flavor with aromatic warmth.
- Beef broth: Forms the hearty, savory base of the soup.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: For that luscious, velvety texture.
- Cheese: Provolone or American cheese melts right into the soup and tops the toasts perfectly.
- Butter and olive oil: For sautéing and adding a creamy finish.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika bring everything together.
- Bread: Rustic or sourdough loaves make the best canvas for cheesy toast.
Variations for Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Cheesy Toast
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily you can tailor it to fit your preferences or pantry staples. Feel free to experiment to make it yours!
- Protein swaps: Substitute beef with chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Cheese alternatives: Try sharp cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella for different cheesy flavors.
- Veggie additions: Add mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños for extra texture and spice.
- Dairy-free version: Use plant-based cream and cheese substitutes to make it vegan-friendly.
- Low-carb twist: Serve the soup with cheesy cauliflower toast instead of bread.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Cheesy Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Slice your beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness, and chop bell peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic so it releases maximum flavor during cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Beef
In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add peppers and onions and cook until softened and slightly caramelized. Toss in beef strips, stirring until browned but not fully cooked through. Garlic joins last to avoid burning.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the ingredients mingle and soften further for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Cream and Melt Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream along with small slices or shreds of provolone or American cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts, blending into a creamy, rich soup.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to taste. Adjust seasoning as you go, testing for balance between savory and creamy flavors.
Step 6: Make the Cheesy Toast
Slice your bread thickly and top with shredded cheese. Toast under a broiler or in a hot skillet until melted and golden brown. Serve alongside or float in the soup for an extra indulgent bite.
Pro Tips for Making Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Cheesy Toast
- Use quality beef: Fresh, thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin make a huge difference in flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t rush caramelization: Allow peppers and onions to soften fully for a deeper, sweeter flavor base.
- Add cheese gradually: Incorporate cheese slowly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth melt.
- Keep the broth flavorful: Use a well-seasoned beef broth or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
- Toast bread last minute: Make cheesy toast fresh to keep it crispy and melty when served.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Cheesy Toast
Garnishes
Top your soup with freshly chopped parsley or scallions to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens every spoonful.
Side Dishes
A simple side salad with tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the soup and adding textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in mini bread bowls with cheesy toast sticks on the side for a fun, interactive meal presentation that’s as delightful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place the soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep cheesy toast separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months but avoid freezing the cheesy toast; it’s best baked fresh for texture.
Reheating
Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to keep the cheese from separating. Toast fresh bread while reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Cheesy Toast vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the beef for mushrooms or extra peppers and use vegetable broth along with dairy-free cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
What kind of bread works best for cheesy toast?
Rustic breads like sourdough or a crusty Italian loaf hold up well and develop a deliciously crispy base for melted cheese toppings.
Is this soup spicy?
The classic recipe is mild, but you can easily add heat with jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce according to your taste.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but fresh shredded cheese melts more smoothly and avoids the anti-caking agents often found in pre-shredded varieties.
How thick is the soup supposed to be?
The soup is creamy and moderately thick, thick enough to coat a spoon but still easily spoonable and comfortingly soupy.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the warm, cheesy, savory delight of Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Cheesy Toast on a cold night. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or impressing friends with a comforting twist on a classic sandwich, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it out and enjoy a bowl full of happiness and hearty flavors!
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Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Cheesy Toast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Cheesy Toast is a warm, creamy, and hearty dish that combines tender beef, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and melted cheese in a rich broth. Paired with golden, crispy cheesy toast, this comforting recipe brings the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich into a cozy bowl, perfect for chilly evenings and satisfying soup and sandwich cravings all at once.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, chopped (green and red)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 to 1½ cups cheese (provolone or American), sliced or shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
Bread and Toast
- Thick slices of rustic or sourdough bread
- Additional shredded cheese for topping toast
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Chop the bell peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release maximum flavor during cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and onions, cooking until softened and slightly caramelized for a deeper sweetness. Toss in the beef strips and stir until browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. Add the garlic last to prevent burning and cook until fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the ingredients to mingle and soften for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream and Melt Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Add small slices or shreds of provolone or American cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the cheese melts smoothly and blends into the soup, creating a creamy, rich texture.
- Season to Perfection: Add salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed to balance the savory and creamy flavors perfectly.
- Make the Cheesy Toast: Slice the bread thickly and top with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Toast under a broiler or in a hot skillet until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown and crispy. Serve the cheesy toast alongside the soup or float it on top for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use quality fresh beef such as ribeye or sirloin for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Allow bell peppers and onions to caramelize slowly for added sweetness and depth.
- Add cheese gradually to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth melt into the soup.
- Use well-seasoned beef broth or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Toast the bread just before serving to keep it crispy and melty.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with 1 slice cheesy toast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: philly cheesesteak soup, cheesy toast, comfort food, beef soup, creamy soup, cheesy soup, easy soup recipe
