Philly Steak Cheese Fries

Craving the perfect mix of savory, cheesy, and crispy? Philly steak cheese fries bring together two comfort food giants—Philly cheesesteak and loaded fries—into one irresistibly delicious dish. Whether you’re making a cozy weekend dinner, planning a game day spread, or simply satisfying a late-night hunger, this recipe hits the mark.

Imagine golden waffle fries, topped with juicy thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed onions and green bell peppers, all smothered in melted white American cheese. The layers of flavor and texture in this indulgent dish create a satisfying bite every time.

Though inspired by the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak, this twist adds a new dimension with crispy fries replacing the traditional hoagie roll. Plus, with easy-to-find ingredients and a simple process, it’s an approachable recipe for even beginner home cooks. Want to learn more about waffle fries? Check out this waffle fries recipe for more inspiration.

🧄 What are Philly Steak Cheese Fries? 🍟

At its core, Philly steak cheese fries combine the iconic flavors of the Philly cheesesteak with the crispy deliciousness of loaded French fries. Instead of a sandwich, the steak and cheese are layered over golden fries, creating a fork-ready, shareable meal that’s ideal for parties, family dinners, or solo indulgence.

This dish pays homage to the original cheesesteak from Philadelphia, but it reimagines the format. While the traditional version is served on a roll with onions and melted cheese, Philly steak cheese fries are deconstructed, showcasing each ingredient in an open-faced, cheesy medley.

You’ll still find the signature elements:

• Thin-sliced ribeye or sirloin steak

• Sautéed onions and green bell peppers

• Melted white American cheese (learn more here)

• Waffle-cut fries that hold up under the toppings

For a fun twist, check out loaded fries inspiration to explore how others have creatively customized their own versions of this dish.

🥩 Ingredients breakdown 🧂

A well-balanced Philly steak cheese fries recipe comes down to using quality ingredients that complement each other in flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why it matters.

🥩 Steak selection

The foundation of this dish is tender, flavorful beef. You’ll want something that stays juicy and tender when cooked quickly.

Recommended:

• 450g of thinly sliced ribeye (ribeye steak cut)

• Optional: Thinly sliced sirloin steak (sirloin steak) as a leaner alternative

Tips:

• Slice the steak as thinly as possible, ideally against the grain

• Freeze it for 15 minutes beforehand to make slicing easier

🧀 Cheese options

Creamy, melty cheese is essential for Philly steak cheese fries. White American cheese delivers the classic flavor and texture, but you can mix in others for extra depth.

You’ll need:

• 8–10 slices of white American cheese (more about American cheese)

Alternatives:

• Provolone

• Mild cheddar

• Mozzarella for a stretchy finish

🫑 Vegetables

Vegetables add sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch.

You’ll need:

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced (green bell pepper info)

• 1 large onion, sliced (sautéed onions)

Optional additions:

• Mushrooms

• Jalapeños for heat

• Red or yellow bell peppers for color

🍟 Fries base

Waffle fries provide the perfect base—crispy, sturdy, and full of surface area to hold onto toppings.

You’ll need:

• 567g bag of frozen waffle-cut fries

Why waffle fries?

• Their lattice shape holds cheese and toppings better

• They offer a crunchier bite than regular fries

• Easy to bake and evenly distribute in a skillet

🧂 Seasonings and oils

Simple seasonings keep the focus on the ingredients.

You’ll need:

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

These staples enhance the flavor of the beef and vegetables without overpowering the dish.

🔥 Step-by-step cooking instructions 👨‍🍳

Ready to dive in? Follow this straightforward cooking process to create Philly steak cheese fries that are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

🔥 Preheat and prep

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).

2. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

🥩 Cook the steak

1. Add the 450g of thinly sliced steak to the hot skillet.

2. Season with 1 tsp garlic salt and ½ tsp black pepper.

3. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until the steak is browned and cooked through.

4. Remove steak and set aside.

🫑 Sauté the vegetables

1. Leave 1 tablespoon of the steak juices in the skillet and discard the rest.

2. Add the sliced green bell pepper and onion to the skillet.

3. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until soft but still slightly crisp.

4. Remove from heat and set aside with the steak.

🧀 Assemble the layers

1. Spread your frozen waffle fries evenly in the bottom of the skillet.

2. Bake the fries in the oven for 15–18 minutes or until golden and crispy.

3. Remove from oven and begin layering:

   • Add 4 slices of white American cheese

   • Add all the cooked steak and vegetables

   • Top with the remaining 4–6 slices of cheese

🔥 Final bake

1. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

2. Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving—this helps the cheese set slightly and prevents burns.

🥄 Serving suggestions

• Serve directly from the skillet for a family-style experience.

• Pair with cool ranch, chipotle mayo, or sriracha aioli.

• Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or jalapeño slices.

🧮 Nutritional breakdown 🧠

Here’s an approximate nutritional estimate per serving (based on four servings total):

• Calories: ~620

• Protein: 29g

• Carbohydrates: 46g

• Fat: 38g

• Sodium: 870mg

Make it lighter:

• Use leaner sirloin steak

• Cut down cheese to 6 slices

• Opt for baked sweet potato waffle fries

These modifications can reduce both calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor.

🌶️ Popular variations 🌈

Want to mix things up? Here are fun and delicious takes on the original recipe.

🍖 Loaded steak cheese fries

Turn it into a fully loaded meal with extra toppings:

• Crumbled turkey bacon

• Diced tomatoes

• Ranch or chipotle drizzle

• Pickled red onions

🌶️ Spicy version

Kick it up a notch with spice lovers in mind:

• Add sliced jalapeños before baking

• Sprinkle with chili flakes

• Top with a dash of hot sauce

🌱 Vegetarian version

Skip the meat but keep the flavor:

• Use grilled portobello mushrooms

• Try meatless steak strips

• Add black beans or corn for substance

🔧 Cooking tips & hacks 💡

✅ Keep fries crispy

• Pre-bake the waffle fries before adding toppings

• Avoid overcrowding the skillet

• Use a broiler at the end for a crispy cheese top

✅ Melt cheese evenly

• Use room temperature cheese for better melt

• Cover with foil during baking to trap steam

• Shred or tear slices for better distribution

✅ Prep ahead for guests

• Cook steak and veggies ahead of time

• Assemble and refrigerate

• Bake when ready to serve

✅ Storage & reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container

• Reheat in oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes

• Avoid microwaving to keep fries crisp

🥗 What to serve with Philly steak cheese fries 🧃

Balance out the richness of the dish with light and refreshing sides or drinks:

• Dips: Ranch, chipotle mayo, spicy ketchup

• Sides: Garden salad, vinegar coleslaw, grilled corn

• Drinks: Lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water

Want more cozy ideas? Explore comfort food dinner ideas for your next night in.

🥖 Philly cheesesteak vs Philly steak cheese fries 🔍

Though they share the same flavor DNA, these dishes offer different experiences.

🧀 Philly cheesesteak

• Served in a hoagie roll

• Traditional street food in Philadelphia

• Typically includes Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese

🍟 Philly steak cheese fries

• Served open-faced over fries

• Easier to share and customize

• Perfect for parties, potlucks, and casual meals

Check out more about the origin of the Philly cheesesteak to appreciate its culinary history.

❓ FAQs: people also ask ❓

❓ What kind of cheese is used on Philly steak cheese fries?

Typically, white American cheese is the go-to for that creamy melt. Alternatives include provolone or mozzarella. Learn more about how different cheeses melt.

❓ Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, but choose something tender and quick-cooking. Alternatives include:

• Flank steak (marinated)

• Skirt steak

• Top sirloin (leaner option)

For tips, explore more on sirloin steak preparation.

❓ How do I make Philly cheese fries crispy?

• Bake or air fry your fries beforehand

• Use minimal toppings to avoid sogginess

• Broil the final layer for extra crunch

❓ Can I make Philly cheese fries ahead of time?

Yes! Cook all components separately and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when needed. Avoid assembling too early to prevent soggy fries.

❓ Are Philly steak cheese fries gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free waffle fries. Always check cheese labels and seasoning mixes for hidden gluten.

🍴 Final thoughts and serving inspiration 🎉

Philly steak cheese fries are the ultimate comfort food fusion, offering gooey cheese, crispy fries, and juicy steak all in one skillet. They’re perfect for entertaining, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to something truly indulgent.

Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe—make it spicy, make it vegetarian, or go fully loaded. Whether you’re new to the dish or a cheesesteak veteran, this twist delivers on all fronts.

Give it a try, and be sure to share your creations with friends or family. Looking for more variations? Browse loaded fries inspiration to spark new ideas!

Print