Philly-Inspired Cheesesteak Pizza

This Philadelphia-inspired cheesesteak pizza combines two comfort food favorites into one irresistible dish. The authentic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich are transformed into a pizza topping, creating a meal that satisfies multiple cravings at once. The combination of tender shaved beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and that signature cheese trio makes this an instant family pleaser.

I first created this pizza when trying to please both my pizza-loving daughter and cheesesteak-obsessed husband. What started as a compromise has become our Friday night tradition, with everyone fighting over the last slice.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: 16 ounces either store-bought or homemade for the perfect foundation
• Pizza sauce: ½ cup provides just enough tangy base without overwhelming the cheesesteak flavors
• Shaved beef steak: 6-8 ounces thinly sliced for quick cooking and authentic cheesesteak texture
• Mozzarella cheese: 6 ounces creates that classic pizza cheese pull
• Green pepper and white onion: ½ each adds authentic cheesesteak flavor and slight crunch
• Kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning: gives the perfect flavor balance
• Provolone cheese: 4 ounces adds that authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak element
• Cheez Whiz: ½ cup warmed for drizzling completes the authentic cheesesteak experience
• Fresh chives for garnish: adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven:

Preheat your oven to 500°F. This high temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and properly melted cheese. If using a pizza stone, allow it to preheat for at least 30 minutes.

Shape the dough:

Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface and carefully transfer it to a 16-inch pizza pan. Create a slight lip around the edges to contain all those delicious toppings. For extra flavor, brush the outer crust with olive oil.

Add the base layers:

Spread pizza sauce evenly across the dough surface, leaving about half an inch around the edges bare. Add more sauce if you prefer a saucier pizza, but remember that authentic cheesesteaks aren't overly saucy. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

Add the cheesesteak toppings:

Distribute the chopped green peppers and onions evenly across the pizza. Lay the shaved beef steak pieces across the surface, making sure they're separated and not clumped together. Season everything with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Initial bake:

Place the pizza in your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the edges to begin browning and the steak to look just cooked through. The high heat quickly cooks the thin steak while crisping the bottom of the crust.

Add the cheese finish:

Remove the pizza from the oven and quickly top with pieces of provolone cheese. Return to the oven until the provolone is melted and slightly blistered, and the crust is golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes more.

Final touches:

Once fully baked, drizzle the warm Cheez Whiz in a zigzag pattern across the entire pizza. Sprinkle with freshly minced chives for color and flavor. Let rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.

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The secret to this pizza's amazing flavor is in the cheese trio. While some purists might debate whether Cheez Whiz belongs on an authentic cheesesteak, the combination of mozzarella, provolone, and that distinctive processed cheese sauce creates magic. My Philadelphia born father in law gave this his seal of approval, which is the highest praise possible.

Homemade Dough Option

If you want to take this pizza to the next level, try making the dough from scratch. Combine 3 cups bread flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons active dried yeast in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1¼ cups warm water. Mix until combined, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. Punch down, shape, and use as directed above. The texture and flavor of homemade dough makes a noticeable difference in the final product.

Variations To Try

While this recipe captures the classic Philly cheesesteak experience, you can customize it to your preferences. Try mushrooms for an earthy addition that many cheesesteak shops offer as an option. Swap green peppers for sweeter red or yellow bell peppers. For heat lovers, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking. You can even try different meat options like thinly sliced chicken for a chicken cheesesteak pizza variation.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty pizza pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a true Philadelphia experience, serve with a side of potato chips and pickle spears. If serving for a party, slice into smaller squares instead of traditional triangles for easier handling as appetizers. This pizza is substantial enough to be a complete meal on its own, especially when followed by a light dessert like fresh fruit.

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This cheesesteak pizza delivers big flavors and will quickly become a family favorite! Make it your own and enjoy every slice!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of making it from scratch?

Absolutely! While the recipe includes instructions for homemade dough, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly. Look for it in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, or some pizzerias will sell their fresh dough.

→ What's the best type of beef to use for cheesesteak pizza?

Thinly shaved ribeye steak is traditional for authentic Philly flavor, but you can also use thinly sliced sirloin or pre-packaged shaved beef steak. The key is ensuring the meat is sliced very thin so it cooks quickly on the pizza.

→ Is Cheez Whiz necessary for this pizza?

While Cheez Whiz provides that authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, you can substitute with a homemade cheese sauce or simply omit it. The pizza will still be delicious with just the mozzarella and provolone cheeses.

→ Can I add other traditional cheesesteak toppings?

Definitely! Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, hot cherry peppers, or banana peppers for extra flavor. Some people also enjoy a light spread of mayonnaise or garlic aioli on the crust before adding sauce.

→ How do I prevent my pizza dough from getting soggy?

To ensure a crispy crust, don't overload with sauce, particularly in the center. You can also par-bake the crust for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings, or use a pizza stone or steel that's been preheated in the oven.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover cheesesteak pizza?

For the best texture, reheat slices on a preheated baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the crust soggy. A toaster oven on medium heat also works well for smaller portions.