The Perfect Steak And Cheese Pizza: Toppings And Tips

Steak and cheese pizza is a fun twist on the traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The pizza typically includes steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese on a pizza base. The type of steak and cheese used can vary, but common options include ribeye, flank steak, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. The pizza can also be made with a white sauce, such as garlic sauce or Alfredo sauce, instead of the traditional tomato-based pizza sauce.

Steak and cheese pizza dough options

The dough is the foundation of any pizza, and there are a few options to consider when making a steak and cheese pizza. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for choosing and preparing the perfect dough:

Pre-made vs. Homemade Dough

The first decision to make is whether to use a pre-made dough or make your own from scratch. Pre-made pizza dough can be store-bought or purchased from a local pizzeria. This option is convenient and can save time, especially if you're short on time or don't feel like making dough from scratch. However, making your own dough allows for customization and can result in a fresher, more flavourful base.

Types of Dough

If you decide to make your own dough, there are a few types to choose from:

• Traditional Pizza Dough: This dough typically consists of flour, water, yeast, and salt. It's a classic choice for pizza and can be made by hand or with a stand mixer. The dough may require some time to rise, so plan accordingly.
• Thin Crust Dough: For a crispier texture, consider a thin crust dough. This type of dough is rolled out thinly and may include additional ingredients like olive oil or sugar to achieve the desired texture.
• Gluten-Free or Alternative Doughs: If you have dietary restrictions or simply want to experiment with different bases, there are alternatives to traditional dough. Gluten-free options often use a combination of gluten-free flours like rice flour, almond flour, or cornstarch. You can also try a cauliflower crust for a lower-carb option.

Preparing the Dough

Once you've selected your dough type, here are some tips for preparing it:

• Allow Enough Time: Whether you're using a pre-made dough or making your own, make sure to give it enough time to rest and rise. This is crucial for achieving the right texture and ensuring the dough isn't too dense.
• Knead the Dough: Kneading the dough helps develop the gluten, which gives the crust its structure and chewiness. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment for kneading. If kneading by hand, dust your hands and the work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
• Roll Out the Dough: When it's time to shape the dough, use a rolling pin to roll it out to your desired thickness. You can also stretch and shape the dough by hand, being careful not to tear it.
• Pre-bake the Crust: For an extra crispy base, consider pre-baking the crust before adding toppings. This step is especially useful if you like your toppings generously loaded.

Storing and Freezing Dough

Pizza dough can be made ahead of time and stored for later use:

• Refrigerating Dough: Place the prepared dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. It can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you're ready to shape and bake it.
• Freezing Dough: Pizza dough can be frozen for longer-term storage. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator before using it.

Remember, the dough is the foundation of your pizza, so take the time to choose the right type and prepare it properly. Whether you opt for a classic pizza dough, a thin crust, or an alternative base, the right dough will enhance the flavours of your steak and cheese toppings.

Steak and cheese pizza toppings

The Meat

The most important topping on a steak and cheese pizza is, of course, the steak. You can use leftover cooked steak, such as ribeye, skirt, or flank steak, or opt for shredded cooked roast beef. If you're cooking your steak from scratch, thinly slice your chosen cut of beef—be it sirloin, ribeye, or flank—and cook it in a skillet for a few minutes until it's browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the middle.

The Cheese

When it comes to cheese, you can't go wrong with a classic like provolone, but feel free to mix it up with mozzarella, Parmesan, or even cream cheese. For an extra indulgent touch, add dabs of cream cheese for a tangy twist. And remember, there's no such thing as too much cheese!

The Veggies

To balance out the meat and cheese, add some veggies to the mix. Sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms are a perfect trio, adding a sweet, spicy, and savory kick to your pizza. You can also throw in some garlic for an extra flavor boost. If you're feeling adventurous, try pickled pepper rings or banana peppers for a tangy surprise.

The Sauce

While a traditional tomato-based pizza sauce is always an option, consider switching things up with a creamy garlic white sauce or Alfredo sauce. To make your own garlic white sauce, whisk together butter and flour in a saucepan, then slowly stream in cold milk. Add pressed garlic cloves and season with salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra garlicky punch, replace the traditional tomato sauce with creamy Alfredo sauce or your favorite jarred variety.

The Crust

The foundation of your pizza is the crust. You can use a pre-baked crust or store-bought pizza dough, but if you're feeling adventurous, try making your own dough from scratch. Just remember to leave enough time for the dough to rise. For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings.

Steak and cheese pizza sauces

White Sauce

A garlic white sauce is a popular choice for a steak and cheese pizza base. To make this sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Next, whisk in flour and cook for one minute or until the mixture smells like baked pie dough. Stream in cold milk while continuing to whisk. For extra flavour, add pressed garlic cloves, salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and grated parmesan cheese.

Alfredo Sauce

Creamy Alfredo sauce is another alternative to the traditional tomato-based pizza sauce. This sauce can be made from scratch or store-bought.

Olive Oil and Garlic Sauce

For a thin-crust steak and cheese pizza, a simple sauce of olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes can be brushed over the dough before adding the toppings.

No Sauce

Some recipes for steak and cheese pizzas opt for no sauce at all. Instead, slices of American cheese are laid over the dough as a base for the toppings.

Steak and cheese pizza cooking methods

Ingredients

The ingredients you'll need for your steak and cheese pizza include:

• Steak (ribeye, skirt, flank, or sirloin)
• Pizza dough
• Cheese (provolone, mozzarella, Parmesan, American, or Mexican blend)
• Vegetables (onions, green peppers, and mushrooms)
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper
• Nutmeg
• Oregano
• Oil
• Pizza sauce or garlic sauce

Cooking the Steak

Start by freezing your steak for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to slice. Slice the steak into very thin slices. Heat a skillet with oil and season the steak with salt and pepper. Cook the steak for a total of 1-2 minutes, flipping it halfway through to ensure even cooking. Remove the steak from the pan and let it cool.

Preparing the Vegetables

You can choose to add the vegetables to your pizza raw or sauté them before adding them to the pizza. To sauté the vegetables, heat a skillet with oil and cook the onions, peppers, and mushrooms separately for a couple of minutes until they are just tender. You can also caramelize the onions for a sweeter flavor.

Making the Sauce

To make a garlic sauce for your pizza, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute or until it smells like baked pie dough. Slowly stream in cold milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Add pressed garlic and allow the sauce to simmer. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk in grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before using it on your pizza.

Assembling the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 400-475°F. Roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and create a lip around the edge to prevent the sauce from running over. Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the toppings.

Spread your sauce of choice over the pizza dough. Top with cooked steak, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese.

Baking the Pizza

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and the cheese is bubbly and golden. For an extra crispy crust, you can pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings. If you want everything extra bubbly, you can turn on the broiler setting for the last minute of baking.

Serving and Storing

Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, place the pizza on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Steak and cheese pizza serving suggestions

The Base

Start with a thin, crispy pizza base. You can make your own dough, or use a pre-baked crust. If you're making your own, consider adding a little garlic salt and sugar to the flour for a sweet and savoury kick.

The Sauce

Instead of a traditional tomato base, try a white sauce. You can make a garlic sauce by whisking together butter and flour in a saucepan, then streaming in cold milk. Add pressed garlic cloves, salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and grated parmesan cheese. For an extra garlicky flavour, you could use an Alfredo sauce as your base.

The Steak

Use leftover cooked steak, such as ribeye, skirt, or flank. Alternatively, thinly slice some sirloin or flank steak and cook in a skillet with olive oil, adding minced garlic, onions, and bell peppers. You can also marinate the steak first in Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

The Cheese

Use shredded mozzarella, provolone, or an Italian cheese blend. You could also add some dabs of cream cheese for a tangy flavour, or sprinkle on some grated parmesan.

The Veggies

Sautee some onions, green peppers, and sliced mushrooms before adding them to the pizza. You can also add some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes.

To Serve

This pizza goes well with a simple side salad, such as a Caesar salad or a chopped vegetable salad. For a fun twist, serve it with some fried zucchini, fried pickles, or mozzarella sticks.

To Reheat

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave at 20-second intervals.

Frequently asked questions