The Ultimate Homemade Philly Cheesesteak Pizza: A Sizzling Twist on a Classic
Imagine the iconic flavors of a sizzling Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, with its tender steak, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese, all piled high on a crispy, golden pizza crust. That’s exactly what you get with our incredible Homemade Philly Cheesesteak Pizza! This recipe takes everything you adore about the classic sandwich and transforms it into a fun, shareable, and utterly delicious pizza experience. Forget complicated takeout menus; tonight, you’re bringing the authentic taste of Philadelphia’s most famous sandwich to your dinner table in an exciting new format.
While I adore a traditional Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, these days, I find myself craving them in just about any form! From quick and easy Philly Cheesesteak Sliders to a hearty homemade Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, the combination of savory steak and melted cheese is simply irresistible. This pizza rendition might not be “traditional” in the strictest sense, but it’s undeniably delicious and a fantastic way to enjoy those familiar flavors with a fun twist.
Everyone loves pizza night, but let’s be honest: homemade pizza night is always a step above delivery. There’s a special satisfaction in crafting your own masterpiece, from the perfect crust to your chosen toppings. And this Philly Cheesesteak Pizza elevates your homemade pizza game to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s a meal that brings joy to the kitchen and smiles to the dinner table, making it perfect for family nights, game days, or any time you’re craving something truly special.
The Foundation: Crafting Your Perfect Pizza Crust
The secret to any truly great pizza lies in its crust. It provides the essential texture and flavor foundation for all those incredible toppings. While making pizza dough from scratch can sometimes feel daunting, it doesn’t have to be! Many grocery stores now offer ready-to-use balls of fresh pizza dough in their deli or refrigerated sections, which is a fantastic shortcut for busy weeknights. Just grab one, let it come to room temperature, and you’re ready to roll.
For those who love the satisfaction of a homemade dough, my favorite No-Knead Pizza Dough recipe is incredibly simple and yields a wonderfully chewy and crispy crust in just minutes of active prep time. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to ask your favorite local pizzeria if they sell their fresh dough – many are happy to, often for a very affordable price. Whichever option you choose, a good quality pizza crust is your first step to an unforgettable Philly Cheesesteak Pizza.
Key Ingredients for Your Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
To embark on this delicious culinary adventure, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients that combine to create that unmistakable Philly Cheesesteak flavor profile. Here’s what to gather:
- Pizza Crust: Homemade, store-bought, or from your favorite pizzeria.
- For the Roasted Garlic White Sauce: Roasted Garlic (or garlic cloves to roast), Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Black Pepper.
- For the Toppings: Ribeye Steak (thinly sliced), Bell Pepper (thinly sliced), Onion (thinly sliced), Mushrooms (thinly sliced), Mozzarella Cheese, Salt, and Pepper.
The Creamy Base: Our Signature Roasted Garlic White Sauce
Instead of a traditional red pizza sauce, this Philly Cheesesteak Pizza features a rich and aromatic white garlic cream sauce as its base. This sauce is designed to complement, not overpower, the savory steak and vibrant vegetables. I personally love using my Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce recipe, which offers a deep, mellow garlic flavor that’s simply divine. It’s the same incredible sauce used in my popular Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza, so you know it’s a winner.
If you’re looking to expedite the process without sacrificing flavor, a good quality store-bought Alfredo sauce can serve as an excellent shortcut. The key is to select a creamy, flavorful white sauce that harmonizes with the robust cheesesteak toppings. The gentle garlic notes perfectly enhance the other ingredients, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying bite. The roasting process for the garlic mellows its sharpness, infusing the cream with a sweet, umami-rich depth that truly sets this pizza apart.
Star Toppings: Steak, Peppers, Onions, and Mushrooms
No Philly Cheesesteak, whether sandwich or pizza, is complete without its signature fillings. We’re talking about thinly sliced, perfectly cooked steak, typically ribeye, which boasts incredible tenderness and flavor. Paired with this, we add a medley of fresh vegetables: vibrant bell peppers, sweet caramelized onions, and earthy mushrooms. While some purists might argue about the “traditional” inclusion of mushrooms and peppers in a classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, on a pizza, they add wonderful texture, flavor, and a touch of color that truly makes this dish pop.
For the steak, achieving those thin slices is crucial for tenderness and even cooking. A great trick is to slightly freeze your ribeye for 20-30 minutes before slicing; this firms it up, making it much easier to cut into super-thin pieces. As for the vegetables, you have the option to sauté them beforehand for a softer texture and richer flavor, or add them raw for a fresher bite. I prefer to lightly sauté the onions and mushrooms to bring out their sweetness and prevent them from releasing too much moisture directly onto the pizza during baking. This also helps them achieve that slightly tender-crisp texture that complements the steak so well.
Assembling Your Masterpiece: How To Make Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Crafting your own Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is a rewarding experience, and the steps are surprisingly straightforward. With a little preparation, you’ll have a gourmet pizza ready to impress in no time. Here’s a detailed guide to assembling your delicious pie:
- The first thing you need to do is prepare your roasted garlic for the sauce. You can follow all the tips and tricks on this How To Roast Garlic post for perfectly mellow, sweet garlic cloves.
- Once your garlic is roasted and mashed, make the rich cream sauce. Sauté a little butter with the mashed garlic, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to a lovely consistency. Set this aside.
- Next, prepare your pizza crust. If using my homemade recipe, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Then, combine with flour, olive oil, and salt to form a dough, and let it rest for 20 minutes. If using store-bought dough, simply allow it to come to room temperature.
- While your dough is resting or coming to temperature, prep all your toppings. Thinly slice your mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Most importantly, thinly slice your ribeye steak.
- Season your thinly sliced steak with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for about 3 minutes per side until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- For the vegetables, you have a choice: add them raw or give them a quick sauté. I recommend sautéing the onions and mushrooms for about 5 minutes beforehand. This softens them slightly, brings out their flavor, and prevents them from releasing too much liquid onto the pizza during baking. You can add bell peppers raw for a crispier bite or sauté them briefly with the other veggies.
- Once your dough is ready, divide it into two portions (if making two pizzas). Roll each portion into roughly a 12-inch circle on a greased baking sheet that has been dusted with cornmeal.
- Use a fork to poke holes all over the dough. This crucial step, known as par-baking, helps create a crispier crust and prevents the dough from puffing up excessively while baking. Bake this crust for about 5 minutes.
- After par-baking, remove the crust from the oven. Evenly spread your delicious white garlic sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Arrange the cooked steak slices and your prepared vegetables over the sauce. Finally, generously sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese.
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and golden, and the crust is perfectly crispy.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a minute or two, then slice and serve immediately to enjoy this incredible homemade Philly Cheesesteak Pizza!
I understand the instructions might seem like a lot at first glance, but this recipe is genuinely not that much work to make! You can significantly cut down on active preparation time by making the roasted garlic cream sauce ahead of time and storing it in the fridge. Moreover, if you opt for a store-bought pizza crust, that takes care of the most time-consuming part of the process, making this a fantastic option for a quick yet impressive weeknight meal.
This cheesesteak pizza is also a brilliant way to use up any leftover steak you might have from a previous dinner. All you need to do is thinly slice it and arrange it on your pizza. The heat from the oven will gently warm it through, so there’s no need to reheat it before assembly, saving you even more time and effort.
Expert Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
To ensure your Philly Cheesesteak Pizza turns out perfectly every time, keep these valuable tips in mind. They’ll help streamline your cooking process and enhance the final result, making your pizza night a resounding success:
- Embrace Smart Shortcuts: If you’re pressed for time, don’t hesitate to leverage store-bought options. Most grocery stores offer excellent pre-made pizza dough in their deli or refrigerated sections. This instantly eliminates the dough-making step, letting you focus on the fun part – assembling and baking! You can even ask your local pizzeria if they sell their fresh dough; many are happy to provide it.
- Transform Leftover Steak: This recipe is a fantastic way to give new life to any leftover steak you might have from a previous meal. Simply slice it thinly and add it to your pizza. The time spent baking in the hot oven will gently warm the steak through, so there’s no need for any pre-heating. This makes for an incredibly efficient and delicious use of ingredients.
- The Magic of Par-Baking the Crust: This is a game-changer for homemade pizza. Par-baking involves baking your pizza crust for a few minutes *before* adding the toppings. This simple step helps create a much crispier crust and prevents it from becoming soggy, especially with richer toppings. It also provides a sturdier foundation, making it easier to handle and slice your loaded pizza.
- Achieve Perfectly Thin Steak Slices: Thinly sliced steak is key to an authentic cheesesteak experience. To make slicing easier, try slightly freezing your thawed steak for about 20-30 minutes before cutting. This firms up the meat just enough to allow you to effortlessly create super-thin, almost shaved slices. The thinner the slices, the more tender and enjoyable each bite of your pizza will be.
- Customize Your Veggies: While bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms are classic complements to steak, feel free to personalize your pizza. I use red bell pepper for its sweeter flavor, but green, yellow, or orange bell peppers work just as well. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or peppers, simply leave them off! Conversely, if you enjoy a little heat, consider adding thinly sliced jalapeños or banana peppers for an extra kick. Remember, this is your pizza!
- Go All Out with the Cheese: The cheese is crucial for that gooey, comforting cheesesteak feel. While I’ve used Mozzarella for its excellent melt, don’t limit yourself! Provolone is a traditional choice for Philly Cheesesteaks and melts beautifully. A blend of Mozzarella and sharp cheddar, or even some Monterey Jack, can add an extra layer of flavor and stretchiness. Experiment with your favorite cheeses to find your perfect combination.
Serving Suggestions for Your Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
This robust Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is truly a meal in itself, hearty and packed with flavor. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner with some complementary sides, consider pairing it with a light, crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. A refreshing coleslaw or even a warm bowl of tomato soup would also make excellent companions. For drinks, a cold beer, a crisp hard cider, or a glass of your favorite medium-bodied red wine would perfectly complement the savory steak and rich cheese.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes
- Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza
- Wet Burrito
- Chili Relleno Casserole
- Salisbury Steak
- Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Ground Beef Stroganoff
- French Dip Sliders
- Pork Green Chili
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
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Ingredients
Pizza Crust
- 1 cup warm water, 105º – 110º F
- 1 package, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Roasted Garlic White Sauce
- 8 cloves roasted garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 6 oz ribeye, thinly sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 16 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- salt and pepper
- cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
To Make Roasted Garlic Sauce
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In a small saucepan heat butter over medium heat to melt. Add roasted garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
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Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until it starts to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to assemble pizza.
To Make Pizza Crust
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Stir together yeast, sugar and 1 cup of water water. Let rest for about 5 minutes until the mixture starts to foam up.
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Whisk together flour and sugar.
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Pour in yeast mixture and olive oil and stir until it forms a dough.
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Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
Get Pizza Toppings Ready
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Thinly slice steak and season with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until it is browned and cooked. Remove and set aside.
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Thinly slice your peppers, onions, and mushrooms. If you want to sauté them for a few minutes to start them cooking, you can do this now. This is completely optional.
Make Pizza
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Preheat oven to 425º F. Grease a baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal.
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Divide dough into 2 balls. Roll each ball into a 12 inch circle. Use a fork to poke holes in the dough. Bake for 5 minutes.
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Remove from the oven and spread the sauce over the dough. Arrange the cooked steak as well as your veggies over the pizza. Sprinkle with cheese.
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Put the pizza back in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden and the crust is crispy.
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Remove and slice to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Conclusion: Your New Favorite Pizza Awaits!
Whether you’re a die-hard Philly Cheesesteak fan or just looking for an exciting new pizza to add to your repertoire, this Homemade Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that truly brings the best of both worlds together. The rich, savory steak, the creamy garlic sauce, and the perfect blend of vegetables and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Gather your ingredients, get ready for some serious flavor, and enjoy the process of creating this fantastic meal for your friends and family. Happy cooking!
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