Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

There are good sandwiches, and then there are Philly cheesesteaks—the kind of sandwich that makes you forget every other meal exists for a few minutes. If you’ve ever had a real Philly cheesesteak, you know exactly what I mean. That perfect combination of thinly sliced beef, melty cheese, and a toasted hoagie roll is the stuff of comfort food dreams.

But here’s the problem: not everyone has a Philly cheesesteak joint around the corner, and even if you do, it’s probably not the cheapest habit to keep up. That’s why learning how to make a Philly cheesesteak recipe at home is a game-changer. You control the quality, the portion size, and best of all—you don’t have to stand in line.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything: the best steak to use, the perfect cheese, how to cook it just right, and even a few twists if you feel like breaking tradition. So, let’s fire up the skillet and make some magic happen.

What Makes a Philly Cheesesteak So Special?

Before we get into the recipe, let’s break down what makes a cheese steak sandwich recipe truly great.

1. The Steak – It has to be thinly sliced and cooked fast. Ribeye is the gold standard, but there are a few budget-friendly options that work just as well.
2. The Cheese – Provolone? Cheez Whiz? American? The great Philly debate rages on. (Spoiler: they all taste amazing.)
3. The Roll – A proper hoagie roll should be soft inside with just the right amount of chew on the outside.
4. The Cooking Method – This isn’t a slow-roasted, fancy steak dinner. Philly cheesesteaks are all about high heat, quick cooking, and perfect layering.

A Brief History of the Philly Cheesesteak

Legend has it that the Philly cheesesteak was born in the 1930s when Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, decided to cook up some sliced beef on his grill. A taxi driver caught a whiff, asked for a sandwich, and the rest is history. Eventually, cheese was added (arguably the best decision ever), and the Philly Cheese Steak Recipe became a staple in Philadelphia and beyond.

Today, spots like Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks keep the tradition alive, with tourists and locals alike debating which joint makes the best cheesesteak. But you don’t have to book a trip to Philly—you can bring that same magic into your kitchen.

What You Need to Make a Philly Cheesesteak at Home

The Best Meat for a Philly Cheesesteak

Ribeye is king when it comes to a Philly Cheesesteak Recipe. It’s tender, flavorful, and has just the right amount of marbling to keep things juicy.

If ribeye is out of your price range, don’t worry. Sirloin or pre-shaved beef (often found in the meat section of grocery stores) can work really well, too. Just make sure the meat is thinly sliced—the thinner, the better.

Pro Tip: If you’re slicing your own steak, freeze it for 30 minutes before cutting. This makes it easier to slice razor-thin.

Choosing the Right Cheese

The cheese debate is real. Here are your options:

• Provolone – Classic, mild, and creamy. A great all-around choice.
• Cheez Whiz – The go-to for true Philly-style cheesesteaks. Salty, gooey, and indulgent.
• White American Cheese – Extra creamy with a bit more flavor than provolone.
• Swiss or Mozzarella – Not traditional, but still delicious for a melty, stretchy bite.

If you’re aiming for maximum authenticity, Cheez Whiz is the way to go. If you want something a little less processed, go with provolone or American cheese.

The Best Bread for a Philly Cheesesteak

A good hoagie roll makes all the difference. Look for rolls that are soft inside but sturdy enough to hold the steak and cheese without falling apart. Amoroso rolls are the gold standard in Philly, but any good sub roll or Italian roll will do the trick.

If you can’t find hoagie rolls:

• Use a baguette (hollowed out a little to fit the filling).
• Try a soft ciabatta for extra chewiness.

How to Cook the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak

1. Prep the Ingredients

• Slice your steak as thin as possible.
• Dice your onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers (if using).
• Get your cheese and rolls ready to go—things move fast once you start cooking.

2. Toast the Hoagie Rolls

• Butter the inside of your hoagie rolls.
• Toast them on a skillet until golden and slightly crispy. Set aside.

3. Cook the Steak

• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
• Add a little oil, then toss in the steak.
• Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spatula.

4. Sauté the Veggies (Optional, But Delicious)

• If using onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers, add them to the pan.
• Sauté until soft and slightly caramelized.

5. Melt the Cheese

• Lay slices of cheese over the hot steak and let it melt.
• If using Cheez Whiz, heat it separately and drizzle over the meat.

6. Assemble the Sandwich

• Load up the toasted hoagie rolls with steak and melted cheese.
• Serve immediately—because Philly cheesesteaks taste best fresh off the griddle.

Serving Suggestions

A Philly cheesesteak recipe isn’t complete without a killer side dish. Try these:

• French Fries – Classic and always a good choice. Try this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Ground Beef.
• Coleslaw – Adds a crunchy contrast to the rich, cheesy goodness.
• Sweet Potato Fries – A slightly healthier twist.
• Pickles – The tanginess cuts through the cheesesteak’s richness.

FAQs About Philly Cheesesteaks

What’s the best cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak?
It depends on your preference! Provolone, Cheez Whiz, and American cheese are the most popular choices.

Can I make a Philly cheesesteak with chicken?
Absolutely! Use thinly sliced chicken breast instead of beef. Check out this Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe.

Can I freeze Philly cheesesteak ingredients?
Yes! Cooked steak and sautéed vegetables freeze well and make for easy meal prep.

What’s the best way to reheat a Philly cheesesteak?
Wrap it in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the bread from getting soggy.

Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

This Philly Cheesesteak Recipe is the perfect way to recreate the classic sandwich at home. Featuring thinly sliced ribeye, melted cheese, and a toasted hoagie roll, this easy-to-make cheese steak sandwich is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Cuisine American, Philadelphia

Servings 4 large sandwiches

Ingredients

  

• For the Cheesesteak:
• 1 lb ribeye steak thinly sliced (or sirloin/pre-shaved beef)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 green bell pepper sliced (optional)
• 1 cup mushrooms sliced (optional)
• 4 slices provolone cheese or Cheez Whiz/white American
• 4 hoagie rolls sliced and lightly toasted
• 1 tbsp butter for toasting rolls

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
• If slicing the steak yourself, place it in the freezer for 30 minutes for easier slicing.
• Slice the onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper if using.
• Step 2: Toast the Hoagie Rolls
• Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Butter the inside of each hoagie roll and toast until golden brown. Set aside.
• Step 3: Cook the Steak
• Heat oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced steak, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
• Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables (If using)
• Push the steak to one side of the skillet and add onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
• Sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
• Step 5: Melt the Cheese
• Spread the steak evenly in the pan and place cheese slices on top.
• Let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes, then mix everything together. (If using Cheez Whiz, heat it separately and drizzle over the steak later.)
• Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
• Spoon the cheesy steak mixture into the toasted hoagie rolls.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Best Cheese Options: Provolone is classic, but Cheez Whiz or white American cheese are great alternatives.
• Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat for the best texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hoagie rolls for a gluten-free version.

Keyword Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

There you have it—the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Recipe to bring a taste of Philadelphia into your kitchen. Whether you go with provolone, Cheez Whiz, or add your own twist, making this classic at home is easier than you think.

If you loved this recipe, try out this Cheesy Chicken Casserole for another comforting meal.

Now, time to grab a roll, load it up, and enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!