If you’re craving something irresistibly savory and packed with layers of flavor, then you are absolutely going to love this Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe. It takes the classic comfort of crispy waffle fries and elevates it with juicy, thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, all generously smothered in melty White American cheese. Every bite delivers that perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and meaty goodness that makes this dish an instant favorite for game days, casual dinners, or whenever you want a hearty treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in bringing this dish to life. From the tender steak to the crisp waffle fries, everything comes together with simple pantry staples that add big flavor and texture.
- 1 lb steak, thinly sliced: Choose a tender cut like sirloin for juicy, flavorful strips that cook fast.
- 1 tsp garlic salt: Adds a punch of savory depth that seasons both meat and veggies beautifully.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: For a mild kick that balances the richness.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Provides a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that brightens the dish.
- 1 onion, sliced: Caramelizes when sautéed, lending natural sweetness to complement the steak.
- 8-10 slices White American cheese: Melts perfectly into silky layers of cheesy goodness.
- 20 oz bag McCain Quick Cook Waffle Cut Fries (or your favorite fries): Crispy and golden, they are the base of this indulgent meal.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for sautéing veggies and steak to savory perfection.
How to Make Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fries
Start by preparing your waffle cut fries according to the package instructions. Using a convenient option like McCain Quick Cook fries will save you time and guarantee that perfect crispy and fluffy texture beneath all the toppings.
Step 2: Sauté the Steak and Veggies
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the thinly sliced steak seasoned with garlic salt and black pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove the steak, then toss in the onions and green bell peppers to sauté until soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This creates a beautifully aromatic base that ties every bite together.
Step 3: Layer and Melt the Cheese
Once the fries are hot and crispy, spread them on a large baking dish or oven-safe platter. Layer the steak evenly over the fries, then add the sautéed peppers and onions on top. Finally, cover everything generously with the slices of White American cheese. Pop it in the oven or broiler just long enough to let the cheese melt into smooth, gooey, irresistible deliciousness.
How to Serve Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds bright color and freshness to balance the richness. If you like a little heat, drizzle some sriracha or add thinly sliced jalapeños for that extra pop of spice.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw can refresh your palate and add some welcome crunch and acidity alongside the cheesy fries.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Philly Steak Cheese Fries up in individual cast-iron skillets or rustic wooden trays for a cozy, sharable vibe. For parties, mini portions in small ramekins make great appetizers that guests can easily grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The steak and veggies keep well, but the fries might lose some of their crispiness.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze just the cooked steak and veggies separately for up to a month. Fries don’t freeze well once cooked and assembled with cheese, as they tend to get soggy upon thawing.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, reheat the steak and veggies gently in a skillet or microwave. For fries, a quick blast under the oven broiler or in an air fryer works wonders to bring back some crispiness before adding the cheese to melt on top again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While White American cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic flavor, you can experiment with provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar for different tastes and textures.
What cut of steak works best?
Look for tender, quick-cooking cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak. The key is thin slices so they cook quickly and stay juicy without drying out.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the steak with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. Just season and cook them similarly to maintain that hearty, savory essence.
How can I make these fries extra crispy?
Using waffle fries helps, but for an extra crunch, try double-frying the potatoes or crisping them up in an air fryer before assembling the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the components separately and combine them when ready to serve. Just keep the fries crispy by reheating them just before assembling with the steak, veggies, and cheese.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to comfort food that satisfies every craving for something cheesy, meaty, and totally crave-worthy. The blend of textures and flavors is simply unbeatable, and best of all, it’s straightforward enough to whip up any night of the week. So gather these simple but essential ingredients, channel that inner chef, and get ready to indulge in one of the most deliciously fun dishes around!
Print
Philly Steak Cheese Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Philly Steak Cheese Fries combine tender thinly sliced steak, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and melted white American cheese served over crispy waffle-cut fries, making a perfect indulgent snack or meal for cheese and steak lovers.
Ingredients
Steak and Vegetables
- 1 lb steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Fries and Cheese
- 20 oz bag McCain Quick Cook Waffle Cut Fries (or your favorite fries)
- 8–10 slices White American cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Steak: Thinly slice the steak and season it with garlic salt and ground black pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables and Cook Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced green bell pepper and onion, sautéing until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Push vegetables to the side and add the seasoned steak slices in the skillet, cooking until browned and just cooked through, around 3-5 minutes.
- Cook Fries and Assemble: Meanwhile, cook the waffle cut fries according to package instructions until crispy, typically in the oven or air fryer for about 15-20 minutes. Once fries are cooked, place them on a serving plate, top evenly with the cooked steak and vegetable mixture, then layer the white American cheese slices over the top. Allow the residual heat to melt the cheese before serving.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, broil the assembled fries and steak with cheese for 1-2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Substitute thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak for best tenderness and flavor.
- Use any preferred fries such as crinkle-cut or shoestring fries if waffle fries are unavailable.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or ketchup for added flavor.
