Andy Montoya
There are many different ways to make a Philly cheesesteak pizza, but what sauce should you use? Some people suggest using a classic tomato sauce, while others prefer a garlic white sauce, or even no sauce at all. Some recipes call for a layer of American cheese slices or provolone as the sauce, while others recommend a creamy Alfredo sauce, which can be made from scratch or store-bought. The choice of sauce for a Philly cheesesteak pizza is versatile and can be tailored to personal preference.
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What You'll Learn
Tomato sauce vs. white sauce
There are a variety of sauces that can be used on Philly cheesesteak pizza. Some recipes suggest using a light tomato sauce, while others recommend a white sauce, such as a garlic sauce or a cheese sauce.
Tomato sauce is a traditional pizza sauce, typically made with stewed Roma tomatoes, basil, and other simple ingredients like garlic, oregano, and olive oil. It adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the pizza. However, some people may prefer a lighter sauce that does not overpower the other ingredients. In this case, a simple olive oil or garlic oil base can be used instead of a tomato-based sauce. This allows the toppings to shine and is a good option for those who don't like tomatoes.
White sauce, on the other hand, can be made in a variety of ways and offers a tasty alternative to tomato sauce. A common white sauce for Philly cheesesteak pizza is a garlic sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and garlic, seasoned with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Another option is a cheese sauce, such as a provolone or nacho cheese sauce, which can be made by melting cheese with other ingredients like butter or heavy cream. White sauce can also be made without a recipe, using oily toppings to prevent the dough from drying out.
Ultimately, the choice between tomato sauce and white sauce on Philly cheesesteak pizza depends on personal preference. Both options have their own unique flavors and advantages. While tomato sauce is traditional and provides a vibrant, palatable tomato flavor, white sauce offers a variety of flavors and allows the toppings to shine.
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Provolone, mozzarella, or American cheese
There are several variations of cheese that can be used on a Philly cheesesteak pizza, including provolone, mozzarella, and American cheese. Provolone is a classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich and can be used as the base layer of cheese sauce on a pizza, with more cheese sauce drizzled on top. Mozzarella is another popular option, as it melts to buttery, gooey perfection. Some recipes suggest combining mozzarella with provolone for added stretch.
American cheese slices can also be used as the base layer of "sauce" on the dough, with another cheese, such as provolone, on top. One recipe suggests using a combination of American cheese and provolone, with the provolone added to an Alfredo sauce. Another recipe suggests using American cheese slices with a mock Alfredo sauce made from mayo, sour cream, cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Some recipes suggest using a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella and Parmesan, or mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone. One recipe suggests using Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese sauce, drizzled on top of the pizza for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
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Ribeye, tenderloin, or sirloin steak
When it comes to choosing the right steak for a Philly cheese steak pizza, there are a few options to consider: ribeye, tenderloin, or sirloin. Each of these cuts has its own unique characteristics and will contribute differently to the overall taste, texture, and cost of the pizza.
Ribeye steak is a popular choice for Philly cheese steak pizza, as it is a well-marbled cut with generous fat content, resulting in a juicy and flavorful pizza topping. To prepare the ribeye for the pizza, it is best to partially freeze the meat to make it easier to slice thinly. This can be done by placing it in the freezer for about 15 minutes, or until it is barely frozen, and then slicing it as thinly as possible with a sharp knife. The thin slices will ensure that the steak cooks quickly and is easier to eat on top of the pizza. Ribeye is considered an expensive cut, so it may be a more indulgent option for this dish.
Tenderloin steak is another option, known for its exceptionally tender texture and mild flavor. While it can be a delicious choice for Philly cheese steak pizza, it may be more costly than other cuts due to its desirable qualities. Tenderloin is also easier to slice when partially frozen, so consider freezing it slightly before slicing it into thin pieces suitable for pizza toppings.
Sirloin steak is a leaner option that still offers a good balance of flavor and tenderness. It is a more economical choice than ribeye or tenderloin, making it a suitable alternative for those on a budget. Sirloin can also be prepared in a similar way to the other cuts by partially freezing it before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Regardless of the steak chosen, the seasoning is typically kept simple, with salt, pepper, and garlic powder being the most common choices. Some recipes also suggest using onion powder or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor of the steak. Additionally, the steak is usually sliced very thinly to ensure quick cooking and easy eating on top of the pizza.
In summary, when deciding between ribeye, tenderloin, or sirloin steak for Philly cheese steak pizza, consider factors such as flavor, texture, cost, and ease of preparation. Each cut has its own unique characteristics, but with proper slicing and seasoning techniques, any of these options can be transformed into a delicious pizza topping.
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Vegetables: peppers, onions, and mushrooms
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is a fun twist on the classic sandwich. The pizza typically features a white garlic sauce, steak, and veggies, including peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
When preparing the vegetables, it's important to slice the onions and mushrooms thinly. This ensures that the vegetables cook evenly and don't end up too crunchy or watery. You can choose to add the vegetables raw or sauté them before placing them on the pizza. Sautéing the vegetables can enhance their flavour and texture. For example, caramelizing the onions can add a sweet depth of flavour to the pizza, while sautéing the mushrooms can help prevent them from becoming watery.
To sauté the vegetables, heat a skillet with a teaspoon of oil and cook the onions, peppers, and mushrooms separately for a few minutes until softened. You can also add spices and seasonings to the vegetables while sautéing. For example, adding a pinch of salt, garlic, and red pepper can enhance the flavour of the vegetables and the overall pizza.
Once the vegetables are prepared, it's time to assemble the pizza. Start by spreading the garlic white sauce or alfredo sauce evenly over the pizza dough, followed by a layer of cheese. Then, add the steak, followed by the sautéed vegetables. Top with another layer of cheese and bake the pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is a delicious and fun dish to make, perfect for a game day, party, or a simple dinner. It combines the best of both worlds, bringing the classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich to a pizza format.
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How to assemble and cook the pizza
To assemble and cook a Philly Cheese Steak Pizza, start by preparing the dough. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle, or a large circle or rectangle roughly 1/4-inch thick and 12-14 inches in diameter. Create a lip or rim by thickening the dough around the crust to prevent the sauce from running over the sides. Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the sauce and other toppings.
For the sauce, you can use a classic tomato sauce, a garlic white sauce, or an alfredo sauce. To make a garlic white sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook for a minute, then slowly stream in cold milk while whisking. Add pressed garlic and allow the sauce to simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then remove from the heat and whisk in parmesan cheese. For an alfredo sauce, gently warm up a tub of mascarpone, then melt in some parmesan or provolone. You can also make a mock alfredo sauce using mayo, sour cream, cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
For the toppings, start with a layer of sauce, followed by a layer of provolone, mozzarella, or American cheese slices. Next, add the steak. You can use thinly sliced ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak, or a small filet or tenderloin. If you are using raw steak, add it raw to the pizza and cook it in the oven. If you are using cooked steak, make sure it is thinly sliced and well-seasoned. You can marinate the steak with Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes before cooking it in a pan.
Add more toppings, such as sauteed peppers, onions, and mushrooms. You can also add banana peppers, green peppers, or bell peppers, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Finally, add another layer of cheese sauce and any additional toppings, such as oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes.
Bake the pizza at 450-475°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor, drizzle the pizza with melted Cheez Whiz before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients for a Philly Cheesesteak pizza are pizza dough, sauce, steak, and cheese. The sauce is often a garlic white sauce, but some recipes call for a tomato-based sauce or no sauce at all. Popular cheeses include provolone, mozzarella, parmesan, and American cheese. Other toppings include peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
It is recommended to use thinly sliced steak for a Philly Cheesesteak pizza. Ribeye, sirloin, and flank steak are all good options.
There are several ways to make the sauce for a Philly Cheesesteak pizza. One option is to make a garlic white sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour and milk, and adding pressed garlic and seasonings. Another option is to make an Alfredo sauce, which can be made with melted cheese, heavy cream, or mayonnaise, sour cream, and garlic.
Yes, you can make a vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak pizza by replacing the beef with sauteed oyster mushrooms or thinly sliced seitan marinated in soy sauce.
