Philly Cheesesteak Pizza: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide

Philly Cheesesteak Pizza: the ultimate fusion food you never knew you needed! Imagine the savory, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but instead of nestled in a hoagie roll, it’s generously spread across a crispy, golden pizza crust. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about it!

While the exact origins of the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza are shrouded in delicious mystery, its inspiration is clear. The original Philly Cheesesteak, born in the early 20th century in Philadelphia, is a culinary icon, a testament to simple ingredients combined in perfect harmony. This pizza takes that iconic sandwich and elevates it to a shareable, crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

People adore this dish for its incredible flavor profile. The combination of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, melted cheese (provolone or Cheez Whiz, depending on your preference!), and a perfectly baked crust is simply irresistible. It’s a textural delight, too, with the soft steak, gooey cheese, and crispy crust creating a symphony in your mouth. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love pizza? This Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is a fun and exciting way to enjoy two beloved comfort foods in one delicious bite. It’s perfect for game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family with your culinary creativity. Get ready to experience a pizza that will redefine your definition of delicious!

Ingredients:

• For the Pizza Dough:
• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• For the Cheesesteak Filling:
• 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak (or shaved steak)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 ounces provolone cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces white American cheese, shredded
• For Assembly:
• Cornmeal, for dusting the pizza peel or baking sheet
• Optional: Banana peppers, for topping

Preparing the Pizza Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This step ensures that your yeast is alive and active, which is crucial for a good rise. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the pizza its chewy texture.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The warmer the environment, the faster it will rise. I sometimes put mine in the oven with just the oven light on.
5. Punch Down and Divide: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it in half. You can make two smaller pizzas or save half the dough for another use.

Preparing the Cheesesteak Filling:

1. Sear the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the steak in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the steak. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. The caramelization adds a depth of flavor to the filling.
3. Season the Filling: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
4. Keep Warm: Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to keep the filling warm while you prepare the cheese sauce and pizza dough.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. Make a Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and golden. This is called a roux, and it’s the base for the cheese sauce. Cooking the flour removes the raw flour taste.
2. Add Milk Gradually: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded provolone cheese and white American cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

1. Preheat Oven and Pizza Stone (if using): Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This ensures that the stone is hot and will help the pizza crust cook evenly and become crispy. If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a baking sheet.
2. Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out one portion of the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle (or desired shape). You can use a rolling pin, but I prefer to stretch it by hand for a more rustic look.
3. Transfer to Pizza Peel or Baking Sheet: Sprinkle a pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal. This will prevent the pizza from sticking. Carefully transfer the shaped pizza dough to the prepared peel or baking sheet.
4. Spread the Cheese Sauce: Spread a generous layer of the cheese sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
5. Top with Cheesesteak Filling: Spoon the cheesesteak filling over the cheese sauce, distributing it evenly.
6. Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add banana peppers or other toppings of your choice.
7. Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or place the baking sheet in the oven). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
8. Cool Slightly and Slice: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
9. Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Pizza!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just pizza; it’s a culinary adventure, a fusion of two iconic comfort foods that will leave you craving more. The Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is a must-try because it’s surprisingly easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy crust topped with tender, thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, melted provolone, and a creamy cheese sauce that ties everything together. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds and have everyone asking for seconds. But the best part? It’s completely customizable! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Instead of provolone, try using a blend of mozzarella and white cheddar for a sharper flavor. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of pepper jack for a little kick. For the steak, I prefer using ribeye, but sirloin or even flank steak will work just as well. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. And don’t stop there! Consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the mix for extra veggies and flavor. A drizzle of hot sauce after baking can also elevate the experience for those who like a bit of heat. For a truly authentic Philly Cheesesteak Pizza experience, serve it with a side of pickled hot peppers or a creamy horseradish sauce. Looking for serving suggestions? This pizza is perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or even a casual weeknight dinner. It pairs well with a crisp salad, some garlic knots, or even just a cold beer. And if you happen to have any leftovers (though I highly doubt you will!), they’re just as delicious cold the next day. I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a fun and creative way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a whole new way. The combination of the savory steak, the sweet caramelized onions, and the gooey cheese on a crispy pizza crust is simply irresistible. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the streets of Philadelphia. I promise you won’t be disappointed. I’m so excited for you to try this Philly Cheesesteak Pizza recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips you have for making it even better. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! Don’t forget to tag me in your photos on social media – I’d love to see your Philly Cheesesteak Pizza masterpieces!

Print