Randy Chandler
Philly Cheese Steak Pizza is a unique twist on the traditional Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, which is said to have been invented in the 1930s. The pizza typically includes a garlic white sauce, sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and steak. The cheese used in this pizza is an important component, with provolone being a classic choice, and dabs of cream cheese adding a tangy flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese is often added to enhance the flavor and create a crispy texture. The type of dough and cooking method can also impact the overall taste and texture of the pizza. Some recipes call for a simple, no-knead dough, while others suggest a more complex dough-making process. Baking the pizza in a cast iron skillet can result in a crispy crust.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Parmesan, Provolone, Cream Cheese |
| Additional Toppings | Steak, Peppers, Onions, Mushrooms, Oregano |
| Dough | Homemade, Store-bought, No-knead |
| Sauce | Tomato, Garlic, Alfredo |
| Temperature | 450°F, 475°F, 500°F |
| Baking Time | 10-12 minutes, 15 minutes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Parmesan is a star ingredient in Italian cooking
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a staple in Italian cooking. It is a hard, granular cheese produced from cow's milk and aged for at least 12 months, though sometimes up to 36 months, contributing to its complex, nutty flavour and crumbly texture. The name Parmigiano-Reggiano is protected under Italian and European law, and refers to the Italian provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia, where it is produced.
The cheese is incredibly versatile and is often used in cooking to add a savoury note and a punch of umami. It is commonly grated over pasta, salads, and soups, and is used in sauces like the classic Italian Alfredo. It can also be sprinkled on roasted vegetables or mixed with other cheeses, like mozzarella, for a balance of flavours and textures.
Parmesan is a popular ingredient in many dishes, including the famous Chicken Parmesan, which is one of the most popular non-pasta dishes in Italian-American style restaurants. It is also used in Eggplant Parmesan, a classic Italian dish that transforms eggplants into a flavourful meal.
When it comes to pizza, Parmesan is often sprinkled on top to boost the flavour and add a crispy texture. It can be mixed with other cheeses, like mozzarella, or used on its own. Some recipes for Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, for example, include Parmesan as one of the cheeses, along with provolone and cream cheese. The low moisture content of Parmesan helps create a crispy texture, making it a great choice for pizza.
Domino's Cheese Sauce Pizza: A Dream Come True?
You may want to see also
The best way to cook Philly pizza
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is a delicious and indulgent meal that is surprisingly easy to make at home. The best way to cook Philly pizza involves preparing a pizza dough, layering it with a variety of toppings, and baking it to perfection. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect Philly pizza:
Prepare the Dough:
Start by making the pizza dough. You can certainly buy store-bought pizza dough, but if you have some extra time, making your own dough can elevate the taste and texture. To make the dough, combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast, letting it sit until foamy. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour, and knead the dough until it is smooth. Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour.
Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, it's time to roll it out. Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 450°F-475°F. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Create a lip or rim by thickening the dough around the edge to prevent the sauce from running over. Let the dough rest while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Sauce:
For a traditional Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, you can opt for a garlic white sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce. To make the garlic white sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until it smells like baked pie dough. Slowly add cold milk while whisking, followed by pressed garlic. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and whisk in grated Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you can use a jarred Alfredo sauce or make your own by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Toppings:
Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border. The key toppings for a Philly Cheesesteak Pizza include sautéed vegetables, such as peppers, onions, and mushrooms. You can also add pickled peppers or banana peppers for a tangy kick. Cook your beef of choice—flank steak, ribeye, or sirloin—until tender, and slice it thinly. Place the beef on top of the sauce, followed by dots of cream cheese.
Cheese:
The cheese choices for this pizza include provolone, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Sprinkle the pizza with provolone cheese, followed by Parmesan cheese, and add more provolone on top. For an extra cheesy touch, you can also mix Parmesan with mozzarella.
Bake and Serve:
Bake the pizza at 450°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For added authenticity, drizzle the pizza with melted Cheez Whiz just before serving.
There you have it! The best way to cook Philly pizza involves a combination of delicious ingredients, a well-prepared dough, and a balanced array of toppings. Enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of Philly Cheesesteak Pizza in the comfort of your own home.
Merlot Cheese on Pizza: A Delicious Combination?
You may want to see also
The best cheeses to use for an authentic pizza experience
Pizza is a beloved dish worldwide, with roots deeply embedded in Italian culinary traditions, especially through the variety of cheeses used. The best cheeses for an authentic pizza experience include:
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is the quintessential pizza cheese, prized for its mild flavour, superb meltability, and bubbly, stretchy texture. It originated from southern Italy, particularly the Campania region, and has a history dating back to the 12th century. Traditionally made from Italian water buffalo milk, it is now commonly made with cow's milk. A special variant, Buffalo Mozzarella from Campania, offers a richer taste and creamier texture than the standard version. Mozzarella can also be combined with other cheeses like goat's cheese or blue cheese for a unique twist.
Provolone
Provolone is another stretched-curd cheese with origins in southern Italy. It is known for its sharp and tangy flavour and semi-hard texture. Provolone is an excellent choice for those who prefer a stronger, more pronounced cheese taste on their pizzas. It is also a classic choice for Philly cheesesteak pizza.
Parmesan
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a staple in Italian cooking, adding a rich, sharp, and nutty taste to dishes. Its low moisture content helps create a crispy texture on pizzas, and it is often sprinkled on top to boost the flavour. Parmesan can be mixed with mozzarella for a perfect balance of flavours, and it can be used in the dough, sprinkled on top, or added as a finishing touch.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese that can be milder or tangier depending on its maturity. It has a subtle kick of flavour and works well with seasonal vegetables.
Scamorza
Scamorza is a cherished Italian cheese known for its distinctive smoky flavour and firmer texture. It is essentially aged and smoked mozzarella, lending a robust flavour profile that stands out on any pizza.
Other cheeses that can be used for an authentic pizza experience include Ricotta, Mascarpone, and Taleggio. Each of these cheeses adds distinctive flavours and textures, allowing for creativity and experimentation in pizza-making.
Mozzarella Cheese: A Must-Have Topping for Pizza?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The benefits of using a cast iron pan
Cast iron pans have been a kitchen staple for centuries and are still widely used today. Here are some of the benefits of using a cast iron pan:
Durability and Longevity
Cast iron is known for its strength and durability. With proper care and maintenance, cast iron cookware can last for generations. Even rusty cast iron pots can often be restored to look almost new. Its sturdy nature makes it virtually indestructible, and it can withstand high temperatures without warping or melting.
Heat Retention and Distribution
Cast iron has excellent heat retention properties. It can absorb and retain a lot of heat, maintaining a steady and even temperature for a long time. This makes it ideal for cooking methods that require high heat, such as searing, frying, and baking. The even heat distribution ensures that food cooks evenly, resulting in crispy fried foods, flavorful roasted vegetables, and perfectly baked breads.
Non-Stick Surface
When properly seasoned, cast iron develops a natural non-stick surface. This non-stick coating can be reapplied through a process called "seasoning," which involves wiping a thin layer of oil onto the pan and heating it in the oven. The non-stick properties of cast iron make cleanup easier and reduce the need for excess oil during cooking.
Health Benefits
Cooking with cast iron can increase the iron content of your food, which is especially beneficial for those prone to iron deficiency, such as women and vegetarians. Iron is an essential mineral that helps produce hemoglobin and myoglobin, which are responsible for transporting oxygen in the body. Additionally, the even heat distribution of cast iron can help enhance the flavour of your dishes and soften hard meats.
Versatility and Compatibility
Cast iron pans are incredibly versatile and can be used on various heat sources, including stovetops, ovens, grills, and even open campfires. They come in different shapes and sizes, such as skillets, pots, griddles, and cake pans. Cast iron's versatility extends to the types of dishes you can cook, from savory to sweet, and various cooking techniques, such as frying, baking, searing, and slow cooking.
Mozzarella Magic: Soft, Stretchy Cheese for Pizza Perfection
You may want to see also
The history of the Philly cheesesteak sandwich
The Philly cheesesteak sandwich, also known as the Philadelphia cheesesteak, is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beef steak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. It is a popular regional fast food that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century. The exact story behind its creation is debated, but according to legend, it was invented by brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri in the 1930s. The original sandwich did not have cheese and was made with grilled beef and onions in a toasted roll.
Pat and Harry Olivieri originally owned a hot dog stand, and on one occasion, they decided to make a new sandwich using chopped beef and grilled onions. The sandwich gained popularity, and in the 1940s, a manager at the Olivieri’s Ridge Ave. location added provolone to the sandwich, thus creating the cheesesteak. Another account claims that Cheez Whiz was first added at Pat's South Philadelphia location by Frank Olivieri Sr. in the late 1950s.
Over time, the cheesesteak has evolved to incorporate new ingredients and flavours. Chicken cheesesteaks have become a staple item at many restaurants, and pizza cheesesteaks combine the classic flavours of grilled sirloin steak and provolone with marinara sauce. Other variations include the steak milano, which includes grilled or fried tomatoes and oregano, and the Heater, a spicy variation topped with jalapeños, Buffalo sauce, and jalapeño cheddar, served at Phillies baseball games.
The cheesesteak has become a symbol of Philadelphia, recognised and eaten worldwide. Cornerstone Philadelphia restaurants like Pat’s and Geno’s have attracted new fans to the city, and the sandwich has been adopted by restaurants as an alternative to cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches. The rivalry between Pat's and Geno's, located directly across the street from each other, has also contributed to the popularity of the Philly cheesesteak.
Pizza Hut Online: Ordering Your Cheese Crust
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Philly Pizza is a pizza that is inspired by the flavours of a classic Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich. It usually includes steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms and cheese.
The main cheese used on Philly Pizza is provolone, which melts beautifully and adds a creamy, gooey texture. Cream cheese is also added for a tangy flavour.
Yes! Parmesan cheese is often added to Philly Pizza to boost the flavour. Its low moisture content and nutty taste make it a great addition to the pizza.
The optimal amount of Parmesan cheese for a half-sheet pan is approximately 1/3 cup, ensuring even coverage and precise flavour.
You can add Parmesan cheese to your pizza dough, sprinkle it on top before baking, or add it as a finishing touch.
