Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe

If you're a fan of Philly cheesesteaks and pizza, you're in for a treat! This Philly cheesesteak pizza combines the best of both worlds, delivering a mouthwatering experience that's sure to impress your family and friends. Read on to discover the perfect recipe for making this irresistible dish at home, and don't miss out on the tips and variations to customize it to your liking.

What is a Philly Cheesesteak Pizza?

A Philly cheesesteak pizza is a delightful fusion of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich and traditional pizza. It features all the essential elements of a cheesesteak, including thinly sliced steak, bell peppers, onions, and provolone cheese, arranged on a homemade pizza crust. The pizza is then topped with a creamy, flavorful sauce made from the drippings of the steak and vegetables, giving it a rich and savory taste that is simply unforgettable.

Ingredients List for the Crust

Before diving into the toppings and sauce, let's start with the foundation of any great pizza: the crust. Here's what you'll need:

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 2½ cups bread flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients List for the Toppings

Now that we have the crust covered, let's move on to the delicious toppings that make this pizza truly special:

• 1 pound flank steak, sliced into thin strips
• 2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 7 slices provolone cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon oil

Ingredients List for the Sauce

The sauce for this pizza is what sets it apart. Made from the flavorful drippings of the steak and vegetables, it adds a creamy, rich layer to the pizza. Here's what you'll need:

• Oil/drippings from meat/veggies
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama® seasoning

Substitutions and Variations

While the traditional Philly cheesesteak ingredients are delicious, feel free to experiment with substitutions and variations to suit your taste:

• Cheese: Swap out provolone for cheddar or American cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Meat: Substitute flank steak with ribeye, sirloin, or even chicken for a twist.
• Vegetables: Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or red bell peppers for extra flavor and variety.
• Sauce: For a lighter option, use a tomato-based sauce instead of the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating this delectable pizza involves several steps, but each one is straightforward and easy to follow. Here's how to make your own Philly cheesesteak pizza:

How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for the pizza.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Mix well and let it bloom for 10 minutes. Stir in the flour, olive oil, and salt until fully combined. Let the dough stand for 5 minutes.
3. Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and stretch it into a large circle. Lightly brush olive oil over the pizza crust and use a fork to poke holes in the dough.
4. Pre-Bake the Crust: Lightly flour a pizza pan and place the dough on top. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
5. Cook the Toppings: In a large pan, heat the oil and add the flank steak, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the steak is mostly cooked (it will finish cooking in the oven). Remove from the pan and set aside.
6. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, keep the oil and drippings from the steak and veggies. Add the heavy cream and milk, stirring well. Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce comes to a boil. Add the parmesan and ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted. Lower the heat to medium-low, add the seasonings, stir well, and let simmer for 4-5 minutes.
7. Assemble the Pizza: Spoon the sauce onto the pre-baked pizza crust, spreading it evenly and leaving a 1-inch border. Place the slices of provolone cheese over the sauce. Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the provolone, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, slice it into pieces, and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Philly cheesesteak pizza turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the Steak: The steak should be cooked until just tender, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Using Too Much Sauce: A heavy hand with the sauce can make the pizza soggy. Spread it thinly and evenly.
• Not Pre-Baking the Crust: Pre-baking helps the crust stay crispy and avoid becoming too doughy.
• Skipping the Drippings: The drippings add a ton of flavor to the sauce. Don't skip this step!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when it comes to making your pizza look as good as it tastes. Here are some tips to make your Philly cheesesteak pizza stand out:

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pizza

• Slice and Serve: Use a sharp pizza cutter to slice the pizza into even pieces. Serve hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Pizza

• Wooden Pizza Board: Serve the pizza on a wooden pizza board for a rustic and appealing presentation.
• Cheese Pull: Highlight the gooey, melted cheese by pulling a slice away from the pizza for that perfect cheese pull shot.

Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe Tips

For the best results, keep these additional tips in mind:

• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cheese and fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
• Thinly Slice the Steak: Thin slices of steak cook more evenly and are easier to eat.
• Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest if it feels too elastic when stretching. This makes it easier to work with.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough? A: Yes, store-bought dough can be a time-saving alternative.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q: Can I freeze the pizza? A: Yes, you can freeze the baked pizza. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of flank steak? A: Ribeye, sirloin, or even chicken can be used as a substitute for flank steak.

Q: Can I make this pizza vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Skip the steak and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.

Conclusion

There you have it – a delicious and unique Philly cheesesteak pizza recipe that combines the best of both worlds. With its flavorful sauce, tender steak, and melty cheese, this pizza is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it out, experiment with different variations, and enjoy the mouthwatering results. Happy cooking!

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