BEST PHILLY STEAK CHEESE FRIES

Imagine biting into a pile of crispy, golden fries smothered in juicy, thinly sliced steak and rivers of melted, gooey cheese – the ultimate comfort food indulgence. These Philly Steak Cheese Fries aren’t just a snack; they’re an experience, a flavor explosion that’ll have you hooked from the very first bite. Get ready to create your own cheesy, meaty masterpiece that will impress everyone!

The A-List Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steak:

• 1 pound thinly sliced steak (Ribeye or Sirloin work great)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (green or your favorite color), thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Fries:

• 1 (20-32 ounce) bag frozen french fries (your favorite kind!)
• Salt, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 8 ounces shredded cheese (cheddar, provolone, or a blend – get creative!)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions
• Pickled jalapeños
• Ketchup
• Spicy mayo

Let’s Talk Steak: Selecting Your Cut

Choosing the right steak is crucial for achieving that authentic Philly flavor. While ribeye is a classic choice due to its rich marbling and tenderness, sirloin is a leaner option that still delivers a satisfying bite. Pre-sliced steak saves time, but if you’re buying a whole cut, make sure to slice it as thinly as possible – about 1/8 inch thick. Trust me, this makes all the difference! It’s all about that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Fries: Your Foundation for Deliciousness

Don’t underestimate the importance of good fries! While oven-baked fries work, for the best texture, I recommend either deep-frying or using an air fryer. Crispy fries are essential to hold up all those delicious toppings. Season them generously with salt right after they come out of the fryer or oven.

Crafting the Perfect Cheese Sauce

A smooth, creamy cheese sauce is the glue that holds these Philly Steak Cheese Fries together. The key is to melt the butter completely, whisk in the flour to form a roux, and then gradually whisk in the milk. Keep stirring constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat before adding the cheese, as overheating can cause the cheese to become grainy. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! A mix of cheddar and provolone gives you great flavor and melt.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Philly Perfection

Prepping the Steak:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Cooking the Steak & Veggies:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the seasoned steak to the same skillet or griddle. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Return the cooked onions and peppers to the skillet with the steak. Toss to combine and keep warm.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps.
4. Continue whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Assembling Your Masterpiece:

1. Prepare the frozen french fries according to the package directions (bake, deep fry, or air fry). Season with salt immediately after cooking.
2. Arrange the cooked french fries on a large platter or individual plates.
3. Top the fries generously with the steak and vegetable mixture.
4. Drizzle the cheese sauce over the steak and fries.
5. Add your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions or pickled jalapeños, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

Steak Too Tough? Make sure your steak is sliced incredibly thin and don’t overcook it! Overcooked steak gets tough quickly.

Cheese Sauce Too Thick? Add a splash more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Cheese Sauce Too Thin? Simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens up. You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold milk to form a slurry, then whisk that into the sauce and simmer until thickened.

Fries Getting Soggy? Serve immediately! The longer the fries sit under the steak and cheese, the soggier they’ll become. Pre-heating your serving platter in the oven can also help keep the fries warm and crispy for longer.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on these Philly Steak Cheese Fries! Here are some ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce or top with sliced jalapeños.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Gruyere, or even a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese.
• Garlic Lovers: Add minced garlic to the steak while it’s cooking for extra flavor.
• Mushroom Mania: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers.
• Pizza Fries: Add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-inspired twist.

If you are a big fan of casseroles, you might like Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole for a delicious meal! Pepper Steak Recipe is another recipe using steak that is easy to make. Also be sure to check out Chinese Beef And Broccoli! For those watching carbs, Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a delicious and healthy option. Or, try our Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups or even Philly Cheesesteak Pasta!

Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Snack

While Philly Steak Cheese Fries are perfect as a snack or appetizer, they can also be a fun and satisfying meal. Serve them alongside a crisp salad or a bowl of soup for a complete and balanced dinner. They’re also a guaranteed hit at game day parties, barbecues, and casual get-togethers.

Storing & Reheating: Making the Most of Your Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The fries will lose some of their crispiness, but you can revive them slightly by reheating them in a dry skillet or under the broiler. It’s best to reheat the steak and cheese sauce separately and then reassemble the fries just before serving. Honestly though, they’re best enjoyed fresh!

So there you have it – everything you need to create the ultimate Philly Steak Cheese Fries! I hope you enjoy making and devouring these as much as I do. Happy cooking!