Pizza steak is a delicious and indulgent dish that combines the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the savory toppings typically found on a pizza. It’s a dish that brings together two beloved comfort foods: pizza and steak. The idea of a pizza steak has its roots in the pizza-loving culture of the United States, particularly in cities with strong Italian-American influences. Known for its hearty portions and deliciously rich flavor combinations, pizza steak has gained popularity as a versatile meal choice, ideal for satisfying large appetites or serving as a flavorful twist on traditional sandwiches.
In this article, we will explore the origins of pizza steak, how it’s made, the key ingredients that define the dish, and how it has evolved over time. Additionally, we will discuss various regional variations, including popular adaptations that have emerged in different parts of the country, and offer insights into how you can make pizza steak at home.
The Origins of Pizza Steak
To understand what a pizza steak is, it’s essential to look at its roots. The concept of pizza steak is a fusion between two American food traditions: the Philly cheesesteak and pizza. Both of these dishes have strong ties to Italian-American cuisine, though their specific origins differ.
Philly Cheesesteak Influence
The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1930s. It’s traditionally made with thinly sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese (often Cheez Whiz or provolone), and sautéed onions, all served on a long hoagie roll. The sandwich became an instant favorite, growing in popularity across the United States and eventually influencing countless variations.
Pizza steak takes inspiration from the cheesesteak, incorporating the core elements of the sandwich—steak, cheese, and bread—but adds a twist by introducing the flavors of pizza. This combination of pizza and steak has led to a dish that is often served as a sandwich or sub, loaded with pizza sauce, cheese, and steak, offering the best of both worlds.
The Pizza Connection
Pizza, of course, has a much longer history. It originated in Naples, Italy, and was brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. American pizza has since undergone many transformations, evolving into numerous regional styles and variations. In cities like New York and Chicago, pizza became a staple food, with its availability growing rapidly in the 20th century.
The fusion of pizza flavors with the hearty steak sandwich likely emerged as part of the growing popularity of both pizza and cheesesteaks. Pizza steak became a way to offer something familiar—steak sandwiches—with a novel and flavorful twist, making it a favorite in many pizzerias and sandwich shops. It’s a dish that satisfies the craving for both savory meats and comforting pizza flavors.
How Pizza Steak is Made
At its core, a pizza steak is made by combining several key ingredients: thinly sliced steak, pizza sauce, cheese, and a bread roll or sub roll to hold everything together. While this basic recipe provides the foundation for most pizza steak sandwiches, variations abound depending on regional preferences, the type of steak used, and additional toppings.
Key Ingredients
Steak: The steak used in a pizza steak is typically thinly sliced, allowing it to cook quickly and absorb the other flavors. Rib-eye steak is the most common choice due to its tenderness and marbling, but other cuts like flank steak or sirloin may also be used. The steak is often sautéed or grilled before being added to the sandwich.
Pizza Sauce: Just like traditional pizza, the pizza steak features pizza sauce as a key component. The sauce is typically tomato-based and seasoned with herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic. Some variations use marinara sauce or a slightly spicier sauce to add more flavor to the dish.
Cheese: The cheese used in pizza steak is often mozzarella, known for its meltability and mild flavor. Provolone is another common choice, as it adds a sharper, more complex taste. In some variations, a combination of cheeses is used to achieve a gooey, melty texture that enhances the overall experience. Some people even add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.
Bread: Pizza steak is usually served on a sub roll or hoagie bun, which holds the filling together while providing a soft, chewy texture. The bread is important because it needs to be able to withstand the moisture from the pizza sauce and melted cheese without becoming soggy. Sometimes, the bread is toasted to add a slight crunch.
Additional Toppings: Pizza steak is often customized with extra toppings, such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and even pepperoni. Some versions of pizza steak also include extra seasonings, like crushed red pepper flakes or garlic powder, to enhance the flavor profile.
Cooking the Pizza Steak
The process of making pizza steak begins with preparing the steak. Typically, thinly sliced rib-eye steak is seasoned and sautéed until it reaches the desired level of doneness. While the steak is cooking, the pizza sauce is warmed up, and the cheese is prepared for melting.
Once the steak is cooked, the sandwich is assembled by layering the steak on the bread, followed by pizza sauce and cheese. The sandwich is then toasted or baked in the oven to melt the cheese and heat the ingredients through. The result is a hearty, flavorful sandwich that combines the comforting elements of both pizza and steak.
Serving Pizza Steak
Pizza steak can be served in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference and regional customs. The sandwich is often cut into halves or quarters for sharing and is typically accompanied by sides like French fries, a side salad, or coleslaw.
In addition to being served as a sandwich, pizza steak can also be used as a topping for pizza. Some pizzerias offer pizza steak as a topping, where the steak and cheese are placed on a traditional pizza crust, transforming the pizza into a pizza-steak hybrid.
Variations of Pizza Steak
While the basic concept of pizza steak remains the same, there are many regional and creative variations that highlight the versatility of the dish. These variations offer different flavors, ingredients, and textures, giving pizza steak a unique twist depending on where it’s made and who’s making it.
1. Philly Pizza Steak
One of the most well-known regional variations of pizza steak is the Philly pizza steak, which draws directly from the Philly cheesesteak tradition. In this version, thinly sliced steak is topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sometimes sautéed onions and peppers. It’s served on a hoagie roll, just like a traditional Philly cheesesteak.
2. Chicago-Style Pizza Steak
Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, and in the city’s take on pizza steak, the sandwich may be served with a thick, buttery crust that’s more reminiscent of a pizza pie than a sub sandwich. The steak and cheese are piled high, and the whole dish is often baked, giving it a rich and hearty flavor that’s characteristic of Chicago’s indulgent culinary style.
3. Pizza Steak with Veggies
For those who prefer a more balanced version of pizza steak, many restaurants and home cooks opt to add more vegetables. Toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach are sautéed with the steak to create a more flavorful and colorful pizza steak sandwich. The addition of veggies enhances the overall taste while adding texture and nutritional value.
4. Spicy Pizza Steak
To add a kick to the traditional pizza steak, some people incorporate spicy ingredients, such as jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes. These spicy additions complement the richness of the cheese and steak, offering a more dynamic and fiery flavor. Some variations also include spicy sausage or pepperoni as a topping for an extra layer of heat.
5. Pizza Steak on a Pizza Crust
For an even more indulgent option, some pizzerias serve pizza steak as a topping on a pizza crust. The crust is topped with steak, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and other traditional pizza toppings. This creates a pizza that is essentially a pizza steak pie, blending the two dishes into one.
Pizza Steak in Popular Culture
Pizza steak has become a beloved dish in many parts of the United States, particularly in cities with strong pizza and sandwich traditions, such as Philadelphia and New York. Pizzerias and sandwich shops often feature pizza steak on their menus, and it’s a popular option for both lunch and dinner. As food culture evolves, pizza steak has found its way into food trucks, casual dining restaurants, and even home kitchens, where chefs experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations.
The rise of food delivery services has also made pizza steak even more accessible to fans. Many people now enjoy pizza steak at home, either by ordering from a local restaurant or by preparing their own version from scratch.
Making Pizza Steak at Home
Making pizza steak at home is relatively simple and requires only a few ingredients. To prepare a homemade pizza steak, you’ll need steak (rib-eye is a great choice), pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a sub roll. You can add other toppings based on personal preferences, such as sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms.
Cook the steak: Season the steak with salt and pepper, and sauté it in a pan until it reaches your preferred doneness.
Prepare the bread: Toast the sub roll or hoagie bun for added texture.
Assemble the sandwich: Layer the cooked steak, pizza sauce, and cheese on the bread.
Toast or bake: Place the assembled sandwich under a broiler or in a toaster oven to melt the cheese and heat the sandwich through.
Serve and enjoy: Slice the sandwich into portions and serve with sides like French fries or a simple salad.
By following these steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying pizza steak in the comfort of your own home.
Conclusion
Pizza steak is a fusion dish that brings together the best elements of two classic American comfort foods: pizza and steak. With its combination of tender steak, melted cheese, savory pizza sauce, and a hearty roll, pizza steak offers a satisfying and indulgent meal that has captured the hearts of many food lovers. Whether enjoyed as a sandwich or as a pizza topping, pizza steak has evolved into a beloved dish that continues to inspire creative variations. Its rich flavors and versatile ingredients make it a dish worth trying, whether at a local pizzeria or in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Related Topics
- What Cheese to Use for Homemade Pizza?
- How to Make Homemade Frozen Pizza?
- How Do You Get Pizza Grease Out of Clothes?
