Philly Steak Cheese Fries

Philly Steak Cheese Fries are a crave-worthy comfort food that brings the full flavor of a Philly cheesesteak right to your fry basket. Packed with tender steak, gooey American cheese, bell peppers, and crisp waffle fries, every bite is a medley of richness and crunch that is guaranteed to have friends and family reaching back for more. This recipe pulls together diner vibes and game-day energy for a seriously crowd-pleasing platter.

I remember making these for a backyard movie night and everyone stood around the pan scraping the last bits of cheese and fries It has become my go to whenever I need something that guarantees empty plates

Ingredients

• Thinly sliced steak: Choose a good quality cut with some marbling for the juiciest results I usually go for ribeye or sirloin if I want extra flavor
• Garlic salt: Enhances the beefiness and gives a well rounded savoriness
• Ground black pepper: Brings a gentle underlying heat
• Green bell pepper: Pick one that feels hefty and glossy for a sweet crunch
• Onion: Yellow or white onions add mellow sweetness when cooked fully
• White American cheese slices: Nothing melts smoother or creamier for true Philly cheesesteak texture Look for a deli counter batch not the processed plastic wrapped kind
• Waffle cut fries: McCain Quick Cook delivers extra surface for cheese to melt and stick Opt for straight from the freezer for the best crispness
• Olive oil: A healthy fat for browning steak and softening veggies plus it helps unite all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the fries turn out crisp and golden by the end

Sear the Steak:

Heat an oven safe skillet over medium high Add the olive oil then gently lay in the thin sliced steak Sprinkle on garlic salt and black pepper Stir to make sure every strip gets coated Cook until the steak browns but stop before it dries out Transfer steak to a plate and set aside

Sauté the Vegetables:

Keep one tablespoon of the steak juices in the skillet for extra flavor Toss in sliced green bell pepper and onions Stir well over medium heat The bell pepper should stay a little bit crisp while the onion softens and sweetens This is key for great texture When they are just tender lift them out and set aside

Layer the Fries and Toppings:

Off the heat lay half the waffle fries evenly in the skillet Cover with four cheese slices Place cooked steak and sautéed vegetables on top Repeat so you have layers ending with the cheese up top This layering anchors the toppings and ensures melty cheese throughout

Bake and Melt:

Move the loaded skillet to your hot oven Let it bake for eight to ten minutes Watch for the cheese to bubble and melt Do not walk away as this just hits perfection quickly The top should look golden with gooey edges

Serve and Enjoy:

Carefully take the skillet out Let it cool for a moment so the cheese sets slightly Serve straight from the pan for maximum drama or heap onto plates Dig in while everything is hot and cheesy

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My favorite part is the crispy edge fries that get extra golden under the skillet cheese layer My brother once confessed the secret to our family loving this is eating it straight from one pan forks in the air everyone swooping in for their favorite bite

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers scoop them into a glass or ceramic dish and cover with foil Keep in the refrigerator for up to two days When reheating use an oven or toaster oven to restore crispness Avoid microwaving unless you do not mind the fries going soft For best results warm at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for eight minutes

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Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ribeye steak for thinly sliced chicken or even mushrooms for a vegetarian spin Monterey Jack or provolone work in place of white American cheese just make sure your substitute melts smoothly Bell peppers can be red or yellow and you can go for curly fries or shoestring if you want a new base

Serving Suggestions

Pile these fries onto a platter and offer extra toppings like diced pickles or spicy ketchup Try serving alongside mini hoagie rolls so guests can build cheese fry sandwiches For a real Philly feel pair with frosty root beer or even a classic cola If you are feeding a big group double the batch in a sheet pan for easy party service

Cultural and Historical Context

Philly Cheesesteak has a cult status in Philadelphia but transforming it into cheese fries is a fun American twist that stretches back to diners and sports bars in the 1980s Fry based versions keep popping up on pub menus because there is just nothing better than combining two favorite comfort foods into something new

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Thinly sliced sirloin or ribeye are ideal for tenderness and flavor. These cuts cook quickly and stay juicy.

→ Can I use a different cheese besides White American?

Yes, provolone, cheddar, or mozzarella can also be used, though White American offers classic melt and flavor.

→ Should the fries be cooked before layering?

No, the waffle fries finish cooking in the oven under the toppings, ensuring they're crisp without overbaking.

→ How can I make the peppers and onions more flavorful?

Sauté the vegetables in a bit of the reserved steak drippings for added richness and a hint of caramelization.

→ Is an oven-safe skillet necessary?

An oven-safe skillet is best for assembling and baking. Alternatively, use a baking dish for the final step.