Description: A decadent and indulgent dish that combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with crispy, golden waffle fries. This recipe is perfect for game day, a casual gathering, or simply a satisfying treat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- Main:
- 450g steak, thinly sliced (Ribeye or sirloin are excellent choices)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 8-10 slices White American cheese (or provolone, if preferred)
- 567g bag frozen waffle-cut fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). This high temperature will ensure that the fries get crispy and the cheese melts perfectly.
Step 2: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cast iron skillets work wonderfully for this recipe, but any oven-safe skillet will do. Add the olive oil to the skillet.
Step 3: Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet. Season with garlic salt and black pepper, stirring to coat the steak evenly.
Step 4: Sauté the steak until it is browned on all sides. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the temperature and result in the steak steaming instead of browning. If necessary, cook the steak in batches. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 5: Reserve approximately 1 tablespoon of the cooking liquid (the rendered fat and juices from the steak) in the skillet. Discard the rest of the liquid. This reserved liquid will add flavor to the vegetables.
Step 6: Add the sliced green bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, but the bell pepper retains some crispness. You want them to be slightly softened but not mushy. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside with the steak.
Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat temporarily. Spread the frozen waffle-cut fries evenly in the skillet, creating a base for the toppings.
Step 8: Top the fries with four slices of White American cheese, distributing them evenly across the fries.
Step 9: Layer the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables over the cheese-covered fries. Spread them out so that each bite will have a little bit of everything.
Step 10: Repeat the process, topping the steak and vegetables with the remaining cheese slices. Make sure the cheese is distributed evenly to ensure a melted, gooey topping.
Step 11: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 12: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This will prevent anyone from burning their mouth on the molten cheese.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Philly Steak Cheese Fries recipe is a flavor explosion in every bite. The combination of savory steak, sweet onions and peppers, gooey melted cheese, and crispy waffle fries is simply irresistible. It’s a comfort food classic with a fun and unique twist. What’s not to love? It’s also surprisingly easy to make, using simple ingredients and requiring minimal prep time. This recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. The combination of textures and tastes, the satisfying heartiness, and the ease of preparation make this a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s pure indulgence, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need! Plus, you can easily customize it to your liking by adding different toppings or using different types of cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Philly Steak Cheese Fries hot, straight from the skillet. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Offer a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo. These fries are also great on their own! They’re hearty enough to be a meal on their own, but they also make a fantastic appetizer for a larger gathering. To make it a complete meal, consider serving them with a simple side salad or coleslaw. The richness of the fries pairs well with a light and refreshing side. You can also serve with ketchup, mustard, hot sauce or any other toppings.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use high-quality steak. Ribeye or sirloin are excellent choices because they are tender and flavorful. Make sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the steak. This will lower the temperature and prevent the steak from browning properly. Cook the steak in batches if necessary.
- Use a good quality White American cheese or provolone for the best meltability and flavor. Pre-sliced cheese is convenient, but you can also shred your own cheese for a fresher taste.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the fries to a baking sheet after topping them with the steak, vegetables, and cheese.
- Adjust the cooking time in the oven depending on your oven and the desired level of crispiness. Keep a close eye on the fries to prevent them from burning.
- Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add other toppings such as mushrooms, jalapenos, or bacon. You can also use different types of cheese or sauces.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try marinating the steak before cooking. A simple marinade of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic will add depth and complexity to the flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: The following is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 700-900 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1200mg per serving
Conclusion:
These Philly Steak Cheese Fries are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a fun and unique format. The combination of crispy fries, savory steak, tender vegetables, and gooey melted cheese is simply irresistible. This recipe is easy to make, customizable to your liking, and perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in this ultimate comfort food!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can definitely use a different type of steak. Ribeye or sirloin are recommended because they are tender and flavorful, but you can also use flank steak, skirt steak, or even pre-cooked shaved steak. Just make sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! White American cheese is traditional for Philly cheesesteaks, but you can use provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, or any other cheese that melts well. Provolone is a popular alternative and adds a slightly sharper flavor.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: While it’s best to serve these fries fresh and hot, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time. You can slice the steak, chop the vegetables, and even cook the steak and vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the fries just before baking.
Q4: Can I use regular fries instead of waffle fries?
A4: Yes, you can use regular fries if you prefer. Waffle fries add a fun texture and hold the toppings well, but any type of frozen fries will work. Just adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they are crispy and heated through.
Q5: Can I add other toppings to these fries?
A5: Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add other toppings such as mushrooms, jalapenos, bacon, or different sauces. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite version. A drizzle of sriracha mayo or a sprinkle of chopped green onions can add a final touch of flavor and visual appeal. You can also try adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before baking for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
