A traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich consists of thinly cut beef and melted cheese served on a crusty torpedo (hoagie) roll. When ordering a cheesesteak sandwich in Philadelphia, you can opt to have your sandwich served ‘wit’ or ‘witout’ grilled onions. South Philly’s Pat’s King of Steaks is often credited with developing the first cheesesteak sandwich in the 1930s; melted cheese wasn’t added to the recipe until the 1940s. This recipe takes all the flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich and transforms it into pizza form.
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Ingredients
- Sauteed vegetables: This pizza is definitely served ‘wit’ onions. Sauteed peppers and mushrooms round out the toppings’ sweet, spicy and savory flavor.
- Cheese: Provolone, a classic cheesesteak choice, is the featured cheese on this pizza. Dabs of cream cheese add a tangy flavor, and of course, you can’t make a pizza without adding a little grated Parmesan on the very top.
- Roast beef: A cheesesteak isn’t a cheesesteak without the beef. In this recipe, we use shredded cooked roast beef. (This pizza is a delicious way to use up leftover roast beef—we recommend julienning or shredding the cooked beef for the pizza.)
- Pizza crust: For simplicity and convenience, you can use a prebaked crust for this recipe. However, if you have some extra time, you can make your own pizza dough. Just make sure you leave enough time for the dough to rise.
Directions
Step 1: Saute the vegetables
In a large skillet, saute the peppers, mushrooms and onion in oil until tender. Add the garlic and cook one minute longer.
Step 2: Top the pizza
Place the pizza crust on an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan. Spread pizza sauce over the crust.
Sprinkle with 1 cup provolone cheese.
Top with the cooked veggies, beef, pickled peppers and dots of cream cheese.
Sprinkle on the remaining provolone cheese, Parmesan cheese and oregano.
Editor’s Tip: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan.
Step 3: Bake the pizza
Bake at 450°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Editor’s Tip: For an even more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor, drizzle the pizza with melted Cheez Whiz just before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Philly cheesesteak pizza sauce: For an extra garlic-y flavor, replace traditional tomato-based pizza sauce with creamy Alfredo sauce. Use your favorite jarred sauce or make Alfredo sauce from scratch.
- Vegetarian Philly cheesesteak pizza: Replace the beef with sauteed oyster mushrooms or thinly sliced seitan marinated in soy sauce.
How to Store Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, it should be eaten within three to five days.
How do you reheat Philly cheesesteak pizza?
We prefer to reheat leftover pizza in the oven. Place a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil in the oven and preheat to 350°. Set the pizza on the preheated baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Can you make Philly cheesesteak pizza ahead of time?
The sauteed vegetables and roast beef can be made one to two days in advance. For best results, it is best to top the pizza right before baking.
Can you freeze Philly cheesesteak pizza?
Philly cheesesteak pizza can be frozen. After cooking, let the pizza cool to room temperature. Wrap individual slices in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe storage bag. Alternately, tightly wrap the entire pizza and follow with a double layer of aluminum foil and store flat in the freezer. To reheat, bake in a 450° oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Tips
What cheese works best with the Philly cheesesteak flavors on the pizza?
Traditional cheesesteak cheese choices are American cheese, provolone or processed cheese sauce. We like the mild flavor of provolone for this pizza; mozzarella is also a great option.
How do I achieve the perfect pizza crust texture for Philly cheesesteak pizza?
For an extra crispy crust that mimics the crusty texture of a Philly cheesesteak’s Italian roll, prebake the crust for five minutes before adding the toppings. Just keep an eye on the pizza when baking with the toppings on to ensure the crust doesn’t start to burn.
What type of beef should I use for Philly cheesesteak pizza?
While this recipe calls for roast beef, thinly sliced ribeye steak is primarily the cut used in a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Alternatives include flank, skirt or sirloin steak.