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If you are on the hunt for the ultimate crave-worthy comfort food, Philly Steak Cheese Fries will win you over with their layers of crispy fries, juicy steak, tender onions and peppers, and a luscious cheese sauce. All the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, reimagined, and made for sharing—these are a favorite in my house for game days and relaxed gatherings.
I first made these for a family movie night and my crew still talks about them. They ask for them at every birthday and long weekend, and I love how you can tinker with the toppings to keep things interesting.
Ingredients
- Frozen French fries or waffle fries: look for golden and even pieces for best crisp texture
- Olive oil: helps fries turn extra crispy and adds flavor
- Salt: brings out flavors in both the fries and steak
- Beef sirloin or thin-sliced steak: go for good marbling for tenderness ribeye and flank are reliable picks
- Black pepper: adds warmth to the steak mixture and wakes up the dish
- Small onion: look for firm bulbs with no green sprouts for natural sweetness
- Green bell pepper: use a crisp, shiny pepper for bright flavor
- Worcestershire sauce: gives the steak mix a savory punch
- Unsalted butter: the base of a rich cheese sauce
- All-purpose flour: thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency
- Whole milk: adds creamy texture to the sauce go full-fat for richness
- Shredded provolone cheese: melts silky smooth and tastes classic
- Shredded cheddar cheese: brings a sharp, tangy bite optional
- Garlic powder: rounds out the cheese sauce with extra flavor
- Sliced jalapeños: optional for heat choose fresh bright green slices
- Chopped parsley: optional for color and freshness
- Crushed red pepper flakes: add heat and color, use sparingly
- Extra shredded cheese: for an extra-gooey topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Fries:
- Preheat oven or air fryer as your fry package directs. Spread fries in a single even layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Bake or air fry until fries are crisp and golden and smell ready—usually about twenty to twenty five minutes. Set aside and keep warm
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle on the flour, whisk until combined, and let cook for one minute this step removes the raw flour flavor. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly so no lumps form. Stay with it and whisk until the sauce thickens and coats a spoon about three to five minutes. Lower the heat and add provolone, cheddar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until smooth, melty, and glossy. Keep the sauce warm and stir now and then until you are ready to use it
- Cook the Steak and Veggies:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. When the oil shimmers, add sliced steak, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sear quickly for about two to three minutes just until browned. Remove steak and set aside so it stays juicy. Add onions and bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté for five to six minutes until soft and caramelized, stirring to pick up any flavorful browned bits. Add steak back to the skillet with the veggies, pour in Worcestershire, and toss everything together for about one minute to glaze
- Assemble the Philly Steak Cheese Fries:
- Lay hot fries out on your serving platter. Top evenly with steak and veggie mixture straight from the skillet. Drizzle generously with the creamy cheese sauce. Finish with your choice of jalapeños, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or even more cheese. For best results, serve while fries are still crisp and cheese is gooey
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My favorite part is the cheese sauce. It took some experimenting to get a sauce that is smooth but not gloopy. Watching my nephew drag his fries through extra cheese always makes me laugh. The best family moment was everyone trying to invent new topping combos at our last holiday party.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to two days in the fridge. For best texture, keep fries, cheese sauce, and steak mixture separated if you can
To reheat, spread fries and topping on a baking sheet and heat at three hundred seventy five degrees until warmed through. Gently warm cheese sauce in a small pot with a splash of milk to loosen
Ingredient Substitutions
Flank steak or even ground beef work in place of sirloin. You can swap in mozzarella for provolone for a stretchier cheese sauce or use dairy free cheese and plant based milk for a vegan version. Waffle fries and crinkle fries both hold up well to toppings so use what you love
Serving Suggestions
Serve Philly Steak Cheese Fries as an appetizer for parties with cold lemonade and a crisp salad. For a fun twist, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions. They also make a satisfying dinner when paired with a simple soup
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Cultural Context
Philly cheese steak sandwiches are a Philadelphia staple. Locals debate the best roll and cheese. Here, those classic flavors are reimagined onto fries so everyone can dig in family style. These fries always spark stories about trips to Philly and favorite sandwich shops
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different types of beef?
Yes. Flank steak, sirloin, ribeye, or even ground beef all work well for this dish, just slice thinly for quick cooking.
- → Which fries hold the toppings best?
Waffle fries, crinkle-cut, or thick steak fries offer sturdy, crisp bases perfect for loading with steak, cheese, and veggies.
- → How can I make the cheese sauce ahead?
Prepare the sauce, cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat gently, adding a little milk if needed for a smooth texture.
- → Is a dairy-free cheese sauce possible?
Yes. Substitute non-dairy butter, plant milk, and vegan cheese for the sauce to create a dairy-free alternative.
- → Can the steak be grilled instead of pan-seared?
Absolutely—grill the steak to medium, slice it thinly, and combine with the sautéed vegetables before topping the fries.