Get ready to dive into a plate of pure indulgence with this ultimate comfort food delight: Philly Cheesesteak Fries. This delicious creation marries the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the crispy perfection of French fries, making it a dish you won’t want to miss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor Fusion: Combines the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the crispy satisfaction of fries.
- Quick and Customizable: This recipe can be easily tailored to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game days, parties, or any casual gathering where you want to impress.
- Easy Cleanup: Serve it on a parchment-lined sheet pan for effortless post-party recovery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role in delivering that iconic Philly cheesesteak taste while ensuring the fries remain the star of the show.
- 1 pound ribeye steak: Freezing before slicing makes it easier to cut into thin strips, ensuring quick and even cooking.
- 1 bag frozen crinkle-cut fries: The perfect vessel for our cheesy, beefy topping; crinkle-cut holds the sauce beautifully.
- 8 ounces white American cheese, cubed: Melts effortlessly into a smooth sauce for that classic cheese pull.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced 1/8″ thick: Adds a crunchy, sweet bite to balance the richness of the dish.
Variations
This recipe is a playground for creativity! You can easily swap, add, or eliminate elements to tailor the flavors to your liking and needs.
- Vegetarian Version: Ditch the steak and increase the bell peppers and onions for a plant-based twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little heat.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Fries
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Place your ribeye steak in the freezer for about 20 minutes to slightly firm it up. Once firm, slice into thin, consistent 1/8-inch strips. This pre-freeze trick ensures the meat slices cleanly and cooks evenly, leading to tender, juicy bites.
Step 2: Cook the Fries
Follow the package instructions to bake those golden crinkle-cut fries until they’re crispy perfection. Their texture is crucial as it must hold up under the glorious cheese and beef toppings.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour for a quick roux. Gradually add warm milk, stirring constantly until it thickens. Slowly blend in your American and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring a creamy, lump-free sauce.
Pro Tips for Making Philly Cheesesteak Fries
- Temperature Trick: Freezing the steak slightly makes slicing easier and leads to more tender cooked beef.
- Even Sauce: Constant whisking while adding milk ensures a creamier sauce with no lumps.
- Quick Cleanup: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to make post-feast tidying simple and fast.
- Cheese Choice: White American cheese melts best, but a blend with cheddar can give you a sharper edge.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Fries
Garnishes
Top your Philly Cheesesteak Fries with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and an optional dash of hot sauce for added zest. These garnishes not only elevate the dish visually but also flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Serve with a fresh green salad or a crispy coleslaw to introduce a bit of refreshing crunch and balance to the rich, indulgent main course.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these fries in individual paper boats or parchment cones at parties. It adds a playful, festive touch that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh for up to three days, ensuring you have a quick and delicious option for later.
Freezing
You can freeze the beef and cheese sauce separately for up to a month. For best results, avoid freezing the fries as they can become soggy when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F to ensure everything crisps back up without becoming mushy, or use the air fryer for a quicker alternative.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of steak?
Absolutely! While ribeye offers great flavor and tenderness, you can also use cuts like sirloin or top round, which are more budget-friendly.
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What if I don’t have white American cheese?
No problem! Regular American cheese or a mild cheddar can work well too, though the texture and flavor might vary slightly.
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Are there vegetarian modifications?
Simply omit the steak and add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach to keep all the yumminess without the meat.
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How can I make this dish healthier?
Try baking your own sweet potato or zucchini fries as a lower-carb option, and substitute low-fat cheese in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a wonderful way to enjoy two amazing dishes in one with Philly Cheesesteak Fries. I hope you feel inspired to try this at home, and share the joy with friends and family. Happy cooking!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Fries recipe combines crispy crinkle-cut fries topped with tender, flavorful steak, sautéed peppers and onions, all smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or indulgent main dish, it brings together classic Philadelphia flavors with crispy fry goodness in one satisfying plate.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cups milk, warmed
- 8 ounces white American cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper (white or black)
Cheesesteak Fries
- 1 pound ribeye steak (see note)
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced 1/8″ thick
- 1 medium onion, sliced 1/8″ thick
- 1 bag frozen crinkle-cut fries
Instructions
- Prep the Steak: Place the steak in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to slice into thin strips. Once firm, slice into 1/8-inch thick strips. Toss the sliced steak with 1 tablespoon of oil and set aside.
- Cook Fries: Prepare the crinkle-cut fries according to the package instructions. Keep warm once cooked.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes). Reduce heat to low and add the cubed American cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: In a skillet or large pan, sear the steak strips over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside. In the same pan, sauté sliced peppers and onions until caramelized, about 6-8 minutes. Return the cooked steak to the pan, toss everything together, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread the cooked fries on a large platter or plate. Top with the beef, peppers, and onions mixture. Pour the warm cheese sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately, with extra cheese sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the steak is thoroughly chilled before slicing for clean, thin strips.
- Keep the cheese sauce warm while assembling to prevent it from hardening.
- You can substitute the ribeye for sirloin or top round for a more economical option.
- Serve on parchment-lined sheet pans for easy cleanup and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg