Philly cheesesteak pizza

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Intensity Level: Medium
Servings: 4-6 slices per pizza (2 pizzas total)

Introduction:

What could be better than combining two of the best comfort foods—Philly cheesesteaks and pizza—into one delicious meal? The Homemade Philly Cheesesteak Pizza brings together the savory flavors of thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese, all served on a crispy pizza crust. This recipe is perfect for pizza night, game day, or whenever you’re craving a hearty, cheesy dinner with a twist!

Making Philly cheesesteak pizza at home allows you to control all the ingredients and customize it to your taste, from the type of cheese to the seasoning for the steak. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover steak if you have any!

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Philly Cheesesteak Toppings:

• 1 lb ribeye steak or flank steak, thinly sliced (you can freeze the steak for 30 minutes before slicing to make it easier)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the steak)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups provolone cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Cheez Whiz or American cheese sauce (optional, but adds a classic Philly touch)

Equipment:

• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Rolling pin
• Skillet (for cooking the steak and vegetables)
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. Activate the yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. Make the dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a spoon or your hands until the dough comes together.

3. Knead the dough:
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky.

4. Let the dough rise:
   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. If you’re short on time, you can also let the dough rise in the fridge for 30 minutes to speed things up.

Step 2: Prepare the Philly Cheesesteak Toppings

1. Cook the steak:
   While the dough is rising, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Sauté the vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper slices. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

3. Mix the steak and vegetables:
   Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the onions and peppers, and toss them together. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.

2. Roll out the dough:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough in half to make two smaller pizzas. On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference and your baking sheet or pizza stone. If you want a thicker crust, roll it out smaller, and for a thinner crust, roll it out larger.

3. Add the toppings:
   Place the rolled-out dough on a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Start by spreading a thin layer of Cheez Whiz or American cheese sauce (optional but traditional). Then, evenly spread the steak, onions, and peppers mixture over the pizza dough.

4. Add the cheese:
   Sprinkle a combination of shredded provolone and shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the steak mixture.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake the pizza:
   Carefully slide the pizza (on the parchment paper if using) onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

2. Optional: If you want extra crispy cheese, you can broil the pizza for the last 1-2 minutes of baking to get the cheese lightly browned.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

1. Let the pizza cool:
   After removing the pizza from the oven, let it sit for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut.

2. Slice and serve:
   Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the pizza into 8 slices, and serve while hot. Enjoy your Homemade Philly Cheesesteak Pizza with a side of ranch dressing, marinara, or your favorite dipping sauce!

Tips for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pizza:

• Steak Selection: Ribeye steak is the best cut for this pizza because it’s tender and flavorful, but flank steak or sirloin can also work well. Make sure to slice the steak as thinly as possible to mimic the classic Philly cheesesteak texture.

• Cheese Options: Provolone cheese is the traditional choice for Philly cheesesteaks, but feel free to experiment with a mix of provolone and mozzarella for a slightly lighter cheese blend. For a truly authentic flavor, try using Cheez Whiz in addition to provolone.

• Dough Alternatives: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough or even pre-made pizza crusts to speed up the process. Alternatively, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before using.

• Customize Your Toppings: You can add extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms, banana peppers, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little heat.

Nutrition Information (per slice):

This recipe makes 2 medium pizzas (8 slices each). Nutritional values are approximate and based on the ingredients provided. Actual values may vary depending on portion sizes and substitutions.

• Calories: 290-320 kcal per slice
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 590mg
• Vitamin A: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 15% of the DV
• Calcium: 20% of the DV
• Iron: 10% of the DV

Conclusion:

This Homemade Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is the perfect way to enjoy the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor in pizza form. The combination of tender steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey melted cheese on a crispy pizza crust makes for an indulgent and satisfying meal. It’s a great choice for a family dinner or a fun twist on pizza night. Make this recipe for your next get-together, and it’s sure to be a hit!