There’s something undeniably magical about the Philly cheesesteak-a perfect harmony of tender, thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, melted cheese, and a soft hoagie roll that has captured taste buds around the world. But what if you could experience that iconic flavor in a whole new form? Enter the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza: a mouthwatering fusion where classic cheesesteak ingredients meet the irresistible allure of a golden, bubbly pizza crust.
in this article, we’ll guide you through the ultimate recipe to savor every slice of this culinary crossover, blending tradition and innovation to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Whether you’re a cheesesteak purist or a pizza enthusiast seeking a fresh twist, get ready to elevate your kitchen game with a recipe that truly delivers the best of both worlds.
Savor the Slice: Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe begins with a foundation that is nothing short of stunning – the perfect dough. Crafting the ideal crust means embracing a balance of chewiness and crispiness to hold up against bold, savory toppings while delivering that quintessential golden crunch with every bite. This unique twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak brings a vibrant fusion of texture and flavor, starting from the very base.
Prep and Cook Time
Planning: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rising)
cooking: 15-20 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 generous slices (1 pizza)
Difficulty Level
Medium – perfect for home cooks eager to elevate their pizza game with authentic Philly vibes.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour,sifted
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil,plus extra for coating
- ½ cup thinly sliced ribeye steak or high-quality sirloin
- 1 small green bell pepper,thinly sliced
- 1 small white onion,thinly sliced
- 1 cup provolone cheese,shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese,shredded
- 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
- Freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt,to taste
- Optional: pickled banana peppers for garnish
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl,stir sugar and yeast into the warm water.Allow it to sit for 5-7 minutes untill bubbly and fragrant, signaling active yeast.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine sifted flour and sea salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead to Perfection: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. To test, poke with a finger – the dough should slowly spring back.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Sauté Your Toppings: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until tender and caramelized-about 7-8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. In the same pan, quickly sear the thinly sliced ribeye, seasoning lightly with salt and cracked black pepper. Cook until just browned but tender, about 2-3 minutes. Combine steak with veggies.
- preheat the Oven: Crank your oven to 500°F (260°C), ideally with a pizza stone inside to capture intense heat for a crisp crust.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface to about 12-inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel dusted with flour/cornmeal for easy sliding.
- Layer Like a Pro: Sprinkle a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Spoon the steak and veggie mixture generously atop the cheese layer, distributing evenly to avoid sogginess.
- Bake: Slide pizza onto the preheated stone or place baking sheet in oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and crisp, cheeses are bubbling, and toppings meld beautifully.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and let rest 2 minutes. Optionally,top with pickled banana peppers for a briny contrast and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
- Slice, Serve, and Savor: Cut into thick slices and indulge in the ultimate fusion where Philly cheesesteak meets classic pizza – a true crowd pleaser.
Chef’s Notes
- Flour Varieties: For a sturdier, chewier crust, try substituting ½ cup of all-purpose flour with bread flour.
- Steak Swaps: Ribeye delivers excellent flavor and tenderness, but thinly shaved sirloin or even skirt steak work well too.
- Make Ahead: Dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated overnight for deeper flavor; just bring to room temperature before shaping.
- cheese Choices: Try mixing in a bit of sharp white cheddar for an extra kick reminiscent of classic Philly cheesesteak melts.
- Vegetable Options: For an earthier flavor, swap bell peppers with sautéed mushrooms or even banana peppers before baking.
- Oven Tip: if you don’t have a pizza stone, a preheated inverted baking sheet makes an excellent alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza truly shines fresh from the oven with a side of crisp,garlicky kale chips or a bright arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the richness. Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of hot honey or chili oil for an exciting sweet-spicy contrast. Pair with a cold crisp lager or a craft IPA to balance the bold flavors and create an unforgettable meal.
| Nutritional Info (per slice) | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 350 kcal | 22 g | 30 g | 15 g |
For those interested in diving deeper into dough secrets,visit our detailed guide on perfect homemade pizza dough here. For additional culinary inspiration, Serious Eats’ history of the Philly cheesesteak is a fantastic read.
Q&A
Q&A: Savor the Slice – Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe
Q1: What makes the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza different from a traditional pizza?
A1: This pizza is a flavorful hybrid, combining the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the comforting, cheesy goodness of pizza. Instead of classic tomato sauce and pepperoni, it features tender strips of seasoned steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and a melty blend of provolone and mozzarella cheese - all layered over a crispy crust that’s perfect for holding those big, bold flavors.
Q2: Can you describe the flavor profile of this pizza?
A2: Imagine biting into a slice where savory, juicy steak mingles with sweet caramelized onions and smoky green peppers, wrapped in a sea of gooey cheese. The provolone adds a subtle tang, balancing the richness, while a hint of garlic and seasoning gives each bite a burst of comforting warmth. The crust serves as the perfect crispy, chewy base, letting those classic Philly flavors truly shine.
Q3: What’s the secret to getting the steak just right on this pizza?
A3: The key lies in thinly slicing ribeye or sirloin steak and marinating it briefly in a punchy mix of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Then, a quick sear in a hot skillet ensures the meat is tender and juicy without overcooking-preserving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. This helps the steak stay flavorful and succulent once it hits the oven.
Q4: Is the crust prep different from a regular pizza?
A4: While you can use your favorite homemade or store-bought dough, giving the crust a light brush of garlic-infused olive oil before adding toppings enhances the savory notes. Also, parbaking the crust for 5-7 minutes ensures it holds up under the weight of the hearty toppings, preventing sogginess and delivering that coveted crispy edge.
Q5: Can this recipe be adapted for vegetarians or non-beef eaters?
A5: Absolutely! For vegetarians, swapping the steak for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based beef alternatives offers a similar umami punch. Non-beef eaters might try thinly sliced grilled chicken or turkey, seasoned similarly, to keep the spirit of the Philly cheesesteak alive but tailored to their tastes.
Q6: What sides or drinks pair well with the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza?
A6: Pair this indulgent slice with a crisp,refreshing beverage like an ice-cold lager or a zesty craft IPA to cut through the richness. On the side, a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery, acidic contrast, balancing the heaviness of the pizza for a perfectly rounded meal.
Q7: Any tips for serving and enjoying this pizza?
A7: serve it hot and fresh from the oven, ideally with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley to brighten the look and taste. Cut the pizza into hearty slices – this is one to savor slowly, letting those bold Philly flavors dance on your palate. Don’t forget napkins; this slice is deliciously messy in the best possible way!
In Summary
As the final slice disappears and the last savory bite lingers, it’s clear that this Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Pizza isn’t just a meal-it’s an experience. Blending the bold, comforting flavors of Philadelphia’s iconic sandwich with the beloved, crispy canvas of pizza, this recipe invites you to savor every moment, every mouthful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this fusion of hearty steak, melted cheese, and vibrant toppings promises a delight that’s equal parts familiar and adventurous. So next time hunger calls for something exceptional, remember: greatness is just a slice away.
