Philly's Iconic Cheesesteak Pizza: A Tasty Twist On A Classic

Philly cheese steak pizza is a unique and delicious twist on the classic Italian pizza. This pizza is inspired by the famous Philly cheese steak sandwich, which features thin slices of steak, melted cheese, and onions on a hoagie roll. The pizza version takes this concept and elevates it with a crispy, thin crust, topped with generous amounts of melted provolone cheese, thinly sliced steak, and caramelized onions. The result is a mouthwatering, savory pizza that captures the essence of Philadelphia's iconic sandwich.

Toppings: Sliced onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and extra cheese

When it comes to creating a true Philadelphia-style cheese steak pizza, the toppings play a crucial role in capturing the essence of this iconic dish. Here's a detailed guide on how to assemble the perfect pizza with the specified toppings:

Onions: Start by thinly slicing onions. You want them to be paper-thin to ensure a crisp texture. The onions should be raw and slightly sweet, adding a subtle crunch to the pizza. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the onions to enhance their flavor and draw out any excess moisture. This step is essential to prevent the onions from becoming soggy.

Green Peppers: Similarly, slice the green peppers into thin rings. Raw green peppers provide a crisp texture and a mild, slightly sweet taste. You can also add a pinch of salt to bring out their natural flavors.

Mushrooms: Button mushrooms are a classic choice for this pizza. Slice them into thin, even pieces. Raw mushrooms add a meaty texture and a subtle earthy flavor. If you prefer a more intense mushroom flavor, you can briefly sauté them in a pan before adding them to the pizza.

Extra Cheese: Philadelphia-style cheese steak pizzas are known for their generous use of cheese. Go for a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mozzarella provides a stretchy, melted texture, while cheddar adds a sharp and creamy flavor. Grate the cheeses yourself for better melting and a more even distribution. Aim for a generous amount to ensure the pizza is oozing with cheese.

Now, let's assemble the pizza: After preparing all the toppings, it's time to build your masterpiece. Start with a base of your favorite pizza dough, either store-bought or homemade. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust. Arrange the sliced onions, green peppers, and mushrooms, ensuring an even distribution. Finally, sprinkle the grated cheeses generously over the toppings.

Remember, the key to a great Philly cheese steak pizza is balancing the flavors and textures. The raw vegetables provide crunch, while the melted cheese creates a gooey, delicious contrast. Enjoy the process of crafting this iconic dish and savor the flavors of Philadelphia!

Sauce: Traditional tomato sauce or a creamy garlic sauce

When crafting a Philly cheese steak pizza, the choice of sauce is pivotal, offering a spectrum of flavors that can either enhance or detract from the dish's overall appeal. The traditional tomato sauce, a classic in pizza-making, provides a tangy and slightly sweet base that complements the savory notes of the steak and cheese. It's a familiar and comforting choice, allowing the other ingredients to shine without overwhelming them. However, for those seeking a more indulgent experience, a creamy garlic sauce presents an enticing alternative. This sauce adds a rich, buttery texture and a subtle kick of garlic flavor, creating a harmonious blend of creamy and savory elements.

The preparation of the tomato sauce involves a careful blend of ripe tomatoes, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices. It's simmered to perfection, reducing to a thick consistency that coats the pizza evenly. Alternatively, the creamy garlic sauce can be made by sautéing garlic in butter until fragrant, then adding heavy cream and simmering until it reaches the desired consistency. Both sauces should be seasoned to taste, ensuring a balance of flavors that won't overpower the other ingredients.

In terms of application, the sauce is typically spread evenly across the pizza dough, allowing it to permeate the crust and create a cohesive flavor profile. For the tomato sauce, a generous spread ensures that each bite offers a burst of tangy flavor. With the creamy garlic sauce, a lighter touch is often preferred, as the richness of the sauce can easily dominate if applied too heavily.

The choice between these two sauces ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired culinary experience. The traditional tomato sauce is a reliable and time-tested option, while the creamy garlic sauce adds a layer of sophistication and indulgence. Both sauces can be customized with additional ingredients, such as a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a drizzle of olive oil for added depth of flavor.

In conclusion, the sauce selection is a critical component in the creation of a Philly cheese steak pizza, offering a canvas for flavor exploration. Whether it's the classic tang of tomato sauce or the indulgent creaminess of garlic sauce, the right choice will elevate the pizza to a culinary masterpiece, satisfying the cravings of even the most discerning palates.

Meat: Thinly sliced, seasoned, and grilled beef

The key ingredient in a traditional Philly cheese steak pizza is indeed thinly sliced, seasoned, and grilled beef. This meat is the star of the dish and requires careful preparation to ensure it's cooked to perfection.

Start by choosing a high-quality cut of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak. The meat should be relatively thin, around 1/4 inch thick, to ensure even cooking and a tender texture. Season the beef generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Let the meat sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even seasoning and cooking.

Grill the seasoned beef over medium-high heat. For a traditional Philly cheese steak, you want a charred, slightly crispy exterior and a juicy, pink center. Use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet to achieve the desired sear. Cook the meat in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once cooked, let the beef rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Now, it's time to build your pizza. Start with a thin, crispy pizza dough. Spread a layer of tomato sauce, leaving a small border around the edge. Add a generous amount of melted mozzarella cheese, creating a blanket over the sauce. Place the grilled beef slices on top, arranging them in a fan-like pattern. You can also add some sliced onions and green peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Finally, sprinkle a little more cheese on top and bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a delicious, hearty pizza that captures the essence of a Philly cheese steak sandwich, but with a crispy, cheesy twist.

Bread: Toasted hoagie rolls or Italian bread

When it comes to creating a Philly-style cheese steak pizza, the choice of bread is an essential component that can make or break the dish. The traditional and most authentic way to go is with toasted hoagie rolls, which are a staple in Philadelphia's culinary scene. These rolls are a type of long, soft bread that is perfect for creating a hearty sandwich. The key to using hoagie rolls for pizza is to toast them slightly, ensuring they remain soft on the inside while developing a crispy exterior. This toasting process adds a delightful texture contrast to the pizza.

Alternatively, you can use Italian bread, which is a close second in terms of authenticity. Italian bread, often in the form of a long loaf, has a slightly denser texture compared to hoagie rolls. To prepare it for the pizza, you can slice the bread horizontally, creating a wider surface area for the pizza toppings. This method allows for a more even distribution of ingredients and ensures that the bread doesn't become soggy when topped with the cheese steak mixture.

The reason why hoagie rolls are preferred in Philly is that they provide a more authentic representation of the city's iconic cheese steak sandwiches. The soft, slightly sweet bread complements the savory fillings, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. However, if hoagie rolls are not available, Italian bread is a suitable substitute, offering a similar texture and taste profile.

To prepare the bread, you can either toast the hoagie rolls or slice the Italian bread in advance. Toasting the rolls adds a delightful crunch, especially if you brush them with a little olive oil before toasting. For the Italian bread, slicing it horizontally allows for a more generous spread of the cheese steak mixture.

In summary, when crafting a Philly cheese steak pizza, toasted hoagie rolls or Italian bread are the ideal choices. Both options provide a delicious foundation for the pizza, ensuring that the bread enhances the overall dining experience without overpowering the flavors of the cheese steak toppings.

Sides: Fries, coleslaw, or a salad to complete the meal

When it comes to completing a Philly cheese steak pizza, the sides you choose can make a significant impact on the overall dining experience. Here's a breakdown of the classic sides that complement this iconic dish:

Fries:

The quintessential side for any pizza, crispy golden fries are a must-have. Opt for thick-cut fries for a satisfying crunch and a hearty texture that pairs well with the juicy steak and melted cheese. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, or go bold with a sprinkle of garlic powder or parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.

Cole Slaw:

A refreshing and tangy coleslaw is a popular choice to balance the richness of the pizza. The crispness of shredded cabbage and the creamy dressing provide a nice contrast to the melted cheese and savory steak. Look for a recipe with a good balance of sweet and sour flavors, often achieved by adding a touch of sugar and vinegar.

Salad:

For a lighter option, a crisp green salad can be a refreshing addition. Consider a mix of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing. This side provides a crisp texture and a burst of freshness that complements the hearty pizza. You can also add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.

When presenting these sides, ensure they are served hot and fresh. Fries should be crispy and golden, coleslaw should be well-dressed, and the salad should be crisp and flavorful. These sides not only enhance the taste of the Philly cheese steak pizza but also provide a satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.

Frequently asked questions