when two beloved comfort foods collide, magic happens.Enter the Philly cheesesteak pizza-a mouthwatering fusion that marries the bold, savory flavors of the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak with the cheesy, crispy goodness of a perfectly baked pizza. Whether you’re a die-hard cheesesteak fan or a pizza enthusiast looking to shake up your usual order, this recipe offers a deliciously unexpected twist that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we’ll guide you through crafting this indulgent dish step-by-step, so you can bring a slice of philly’s iconic flavour right into your kitchen.Get ready to fire up your taste buds and discover your new favorite comfort food mashup!
Philly cheesesteak pizza recipe enthusiasts will find that crafting the perfect dough is the foundation to achieving a crispy, flavorful base that complements the savory indulgence of tender steak and melty cheese. inspired by the iconic Philadelphia sandwich,this dish transforms that classic comfort into an irresistible pizza,marrying textures and tastes in a way that elevates every bite.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Dough Rising: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 hungry pizza lovers
Difficulty Level
Medium - perfect for home cooks ready to elevate their pizza game with classic Philly flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Toppings:
- 12 ounces thinly sliced ribeye steak or sirloin
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional for color and crunch)
- 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced or shredded
- 4 ounces white American cheese, torn into small pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and allow it to sit for about 5-7 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating active yeast.
- Prepare the dough: Add olive oil, salt, and gradually incorporate the flour into the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead for elasticity: Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Tip: If the dough feels sticky, lightly flour your hands instead of adding more flour to avoid a dense crust.
- Rise to perfection: Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil,place the dough inside,cover with a damp kitchen towel,and let it rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour,or until doubled in size.
- Sauté the steak and vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers (if using) and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Push veggies to the side and add steak slices. Stir occasionally, cooking until steak is just browned but still tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- preheat your oven: Heat oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside to preheat as well.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll or stretch it into a 12-inch round or rectangle, depending on your pan, about ¼-inch thick. Transfer to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet.
- Layer the cheese: Evenly distribute provolone slices over the dough, covering the surface but leaving a small border for the crust. Dot the pizza with pieces of white American cheese for that creamy melt synonymous with Philly cheesesteaks.
- Add the steak and veggies: Spoon the cooked steak, onions, and bell peppers evenly over the cheese layer. The melding of hearty steak and savory veggies will build that signature depth of flavor.
- Bake to crispy, melty perfection: Transfer the pizza onto the heated stone or directly into the oven on the middle rack. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is bubbling with slight browning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of brightness and heat. Slice and enjoy immediately for the ultimate melty, savory experience.
Tips for Success
- Meat choices: Ribeye brings rich flavor and tenderness, but sirloin or even thinly sliced flank steak are great swaps for a leaner option.
- Cheese blend: The classic combo of provolone and white American cheese offers the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess.Experiment with mozzarella for extra stretch or fontina for a nutty nuance.
- dough shortcuts: For those short on time, use store-bought pizza dough but consider brushing the crust with garlic-infused olive oil for an added layer of flavor.
- Making ahead: Dough can be prepared the day before and refrigerated overnight-bring it back to room temperature before stretching.
- Even cooking: Ensure the steak is thinly sliced to cook quickly and evenly without overcooking.
serving Suggestions
Serve your Philly cheesesteak pizza alongside a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness.A cold draft beer or a classic cola pairs beautifully with the savory intensity. Garnish slices with freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of garlic aioli for a contemporary gourmet touch. Leftovers reheat well in a hot skillet,retaining crispness better than the microwave.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| fat | 25 g |
Explore more inventive pizza creations to complement your Philly cheesesteak pizza recipe in our Best gourmet Pizza Recipes collection. For insights on the history of the Philly cheesesteak sandwich, check out this detailed feature on History.com.
Q&A
Q&A: Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe – A Savory Twist to Try
Q1: What inspired the creation of the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza?
A1: the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is a delicious fusion born from the desire to marry two iconic comfort foods: the classic Philly cheesesteak and everyone’s favorite pie-pizza. Combining tender, flavorful steak, melted cheese, and savory toppings on a crispy pizza crust adds an exciting new layer to traditional foodie favorites.
Q2: What are the key ingredients that make this pizza authentically Philly cheesesteak?
A2: The essentials include thinly sliced ribeye steak (or a good quality substitute),sautéed onions and green bell peppers,and a blend of cheeses typically used in cheesesteaks-provolone and American cheese are classic,but mozzarella works beautifully for that perfect pizza melt. Don’t forget the soft hoagie roll-inspired dough or a sturdy pizza crust to hold these robust flavors!
Q3: How do you prepare the steak for the pizza?
A3: The steak should be thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness. It’s then quickly sautéed with onions and peppers until just cooked through, ensuring the meat stays juicy and the veggies maintain a little bite. Seasoning with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder helps capture the Philly cheesesteak essence.
Q4: Can I make this pizza at home without professional equipment?
A4: Absolutely! You don’t need a wood-fired oven to enjoy this savory twist. A conventional home oven set at a high temperature (450-500°F) will crisply bake the dough and melt the cheese perfectly. Using a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet can definitely help replicate that crispy crust texture.
Q5: Are there any creative variations to try with this recipe?
A5: Definitely! Spice it up with jalapeños or banana peppers, swap out the beef for chicken or mushrooms for a vegetarian spin, or add a drizzle of creamy ranch or tangy cheese sauce after baking. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility-feel free to experiment and tailor to your cravings.
Q6: What makes this Philly Cheesesteak Pizza stand out from a regular cheesesteak or pizza?
A6: It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors-juicy steak and sautéed veggies layered over melty cheese atop a crisp, tender crust. This combination offers a bite that’s concurrently familiar and refreshingly new, delivering the best of both worlds in every slice.Q7: How should I serve this pizza for the best experience?
A7: Serve fresh out of the oven with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions to brighten it up. Pair it with a cold beer or a zesty side salad to balance the rich, savory flavors. And most importantly-enjoy it slice by flavorful slice!
The Conclusion
Whether you’re craving the hearty flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak or looking to spice up your pizza night, this Philly cheesesteak Pizza recipe delivers the best of both worlds in every savory bite. With tender steak,melted cheese,sautéed peppers,and onions piled high on a crispy crust,it’s a delicious twist that’s sure to become a new favorite. So next time you want to surprise your taste buds, give this fusion dish a try and enjoy a slice of Philly-inspired comfort right at home. Your flavor adventure awaits!
