A typical sandwich consists of slices of steak with salami and melted provolone cheese under grilled onions, sautéed red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and peppered shaved steak all on a grilled Hoagie roll although there are other variations that include pepperoni, sliced ham, capicola, or even bacon. It is considered an offshoot of a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich.
Many restaurants now serve the sandwich without any of the sandwich meats, even though historically the recipe had once called for a minimum of at least salami.
Another variation of the Steak Bomb is called the Fat Boy Special. It includes everything from a regular steak bomb and also includes tomato slices, sweet pickles, and hot Italian peppers or jalapenos. It is found on Coastal New England areas. It may have gotten its start from the annual Laconia Motorcycle Week rally held in Laconia and Weirs Beach, New Hampshire, as there is a popular type of Harley-Davidson motorcycle called the "Fat Boy".
New Hampshire-based punk band The Queers opening instrumental track on their 1998 album "Beat Off" is titled "Steak Bomb".
Boston-based band Guaranteed Katch also named their 2000 album "Steak Bomb".