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+ servings
Hands pulling apart a crispy breaded cheesesteak pocket revealing melted cheese and seasoned beef filling

Crispy Cheesesteak Stuffed Pockets

These crispy cheesesteak stuffed pockets wrap a homemade cheesesteak filling and provolone in flattened bread, coat it in panko, and fry it golden and crunchy.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Cheesesteak Filling
  • 1 lb shaved beef steak
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • salt, pepper & garlic powder to taste, or your favorite steak seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Pockets
  • 10 slices large white sandwich bread
  • 10 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • oil for frying

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Rolling Pin
  • Shallow Bowls
  • Wire rack
  • Instant-Read Thermometer

Method
 

Filling & Assembly
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
  2. Add the shaved beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the beef is done and excess liquid has evaporated. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Cut the crusts off each slice of bread, then flatten each with a rolling pin. Lay a slice of provolone on the bread, spoon a generous amount of filling over the cheese, and top with another slice of provolone.
  4. Place another flattened slice of bread on top and gently press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp all the edges, creating a sealed pocket.
Bread & Fry
  1. Whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip each pocket into the egg, coating both sides, then press into the panko breadcrumbs until completely coated.
  2. Heat oil to 350°F. Carefully fry the pockets for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and deep golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  3. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, chipotle mayo, spicy aioli, marinara, or cheese sauce.

Notes

Cook Off the Liquid: Cook the filling until the skillet looks dry. Wet filling makes the pockets soggy and hard to seal.
Flatten the Bread: Roll each slice thin with a rolling pin so the pockets seal well and fry evenly.
Seal the Edges: Crimp every edge with a fork and press firmly. A loose seal opens in the hot oil and leaks cheese.
Hold 350°F: Keep the oil at 350°F so the panko browns before the bread soaks up oil.
Air Fryer Option: To air fry, cook around 375°F until golden, flipping halfway and spraying the panko with oil first.

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