Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe
If you love the indulgent flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want to elevate it into a sharable, fun snack, then you are going to adore this Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe. Imagine perfectly crispy waffle fries loaded with tender, garlicky steak, sweet sautéed peppers and onions, all smothered in gooey melted American cheese—this dish brings all your favorite sandwich elements into one irresistible plate. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for game days or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role — the steak brings the savory richness, the vegetables add freshness and crunch, the fries provide the perfect base texture, and the cheese binds it all into cheesy, melty perfection.
- 1 lb thinly sliced steak: Choose a tender cut like ribeye or sirloin for juicy, flavorful bites.
- 1 tsp garlic salt: Adds a punch of garlicky seasoning to the steak, enhancing its savory depth.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: For a gentle heat and aroma that balances the richness.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Provides a subtle sweetness and vibrant green color.
- 1 onion, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and texture when sautéed to tender perfection.
- 8-10 slices White American cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that signature gooey, creamy layer.
- 20 oz bag McCain Quick Cook Waffle Cut Fries (or your favorite fries): The crispy base that holds all the layers together with crunch.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to cook the steak and veggies, lending a touch of richness without overpowering flavors.
How to Make Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by turning your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is perfect for melting the cheese evenly and crisping up the fries just right once everything is assembled. Preheating ensures everything cooks simultaneously for that ultimate combo of melty cheese and crispy fries.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Grab an oven-safe skillet and heat your olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the thinly sliced steak, sprinkle on the garlic salt and black pepper, and sauté until the meat browns on all sides and gets that perfect crust. Cooking the steak first locks in its juices and makes sure it has that deep, savory flavor. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside to rest while you prepare the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Before you move on, save about one tablespoon of the flavorful liquid left in the skillet from the steak; discard the rest. Return the pan to the stove and add your sliced green bell pepper and onions. Cook them gently in that reserved juice until they become tender but still have a slight crispness, lending a lovely contrast to the rich steak and cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Fries
Now for the fun part! Spread a layer of those golden waffle fries at the bottom of your skillet or a baking dish. Lay down around four slices of the creamy White American cheese right over the fries. Then, add a generous layer of the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables. Repeat these layers one more time, finishing with the remaining slices of cheese on top to create that irresistible cheesy crust once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your skillet into the preheated oven and let it bake for 8 to 10 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt into every nook and cranny, bubbling up delightfully and binding the steak, veggies, and fries together. When it’s done, remove it carefully, let it cool for a couple of minutes, and get ready to dive into pure cheesy heaven.
How to Serve Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish is fantastic on its own, adding fresh garnishes can take it to the next level. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives for a bright color pop and fresh herby notes. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo can add a tangy or spicy twist that perfectly complements the rich layers beneath.
Side Dishes
This Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe is hearty on its own, but if you want to offer something alongside, a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness beautifully. Pickled veggies or coleslaw also work well to introduce a crisp, acidic counterpoint that refreshes the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Philly Steak Cheese Fries on small individual plates for parties or family-style in the skillet right on the table, where everyone can dig in. You can even turn this into loaded nachos by adding jalapeños, black olives, or a sprinkle of your favorite shredded cheese blend on top before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because of the cheese and fries, reheated portions are best enjoyed within that time frame to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe due to the fries losing their crispness and the cheese texture changing upon thawing. If you want to prepare parts ahead, consider cooking the steak and veggies in advance and freezing separately without assembling the fries.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese gets melty again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the fries from getting soggy; the oven will bring back some of that original crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe?
Absolutely! While White American cheese melts perfectly and gives that classic Philly cheesesteak feel, feel free to experiment with provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist in flavor and texture.
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
The best cuts are tender and quick-cooking slices like ribeye, sirloin, or even flank steak if sliced very thinly. These choices ensure juicy and flavorful meat without needing long marinating or cooking times.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free fries and confirming your cheese and seasoning are gluten-free, you can easily adapt the Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe for a gluten-sensitive diet without sacrificing flavor.
Are there vegetarian alternatives for this dish?
For a vegetarian option, replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat crumbles, and keep all other ingredients the same. This keeps the satisfying umami and texture while making it meat-free.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by default, but if you love spice, adding sliced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper to the steak, or a drizzle of hot sauce during serving are excellent ways to kick up the heat without overwhelming the overall flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an easy, tasty dish that combines the best of a Philly cheesesteak with crispy fries, this Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe is your go-to comfort food. Perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on a cozy night in, it’s a fun, flavorful way to enjoy classic flavors with a gooey, cheesy twist. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate!
Print
Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and hearty twist on classic fries, Philly Steak Cheese Fries combine tender, seasoned steak slices, sautéed green bell peppers and onions, melted White American cheese, all layered over crispy waffle fries and baked to bubbly perfection. This recipe is perfect for a comforting snack or casual meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
Cheese and Fries
- 8–10 slices White American cheese
- 20 oz bag McCain Quick Cook Waffle Cut Fries (or your favorite fries)
Others
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for melting cheese and baking the fries to crispy gooey goodness.
- Cook the Steak: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced steak, season it evenly with garlic salt and ground black pepper, and cook until it is browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reserve 1 tablespoon of the cooking liquid (oil and meat drippings) from the skillet, discarding the rest. Return the skillet to the stove, then add the sliced green bell pepper and onion. Cook them in the reserved liquid until tender but still slightly crisp. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the vegetables aside.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread a layer of waffle fries in the same skillet or a baking dish. Place 4 slices of White American cheese over the fries, then add a layer of the cooked steak followed by the sautéed vegetables.
- Repeat and Bake: Repeat the layering process, finishing with the remaining cheese slices on top. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven, let the dish cool slightly to set, then serve hot and enjoy your Philly Steak Cheese Fries!
Notes
- You can substitute White American cheese with provolone or mozzarella for a different flavor and texture.
- Use your favorite type of fries for varied crispiness or flavor; waffle fries are recommended for their texture.
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños to the vegetable layer.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to go from stovetop to oven without transferring the contents.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
