Philly cheese steak is a beloved sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, known for its juicy beef, melted cheese, and rich flavors. But what happens when you combine this iconic sandwich with the savory goodness of pizza? The result is Philly cheese steak pizza – a delicious fusion that combines the best of both worlds.
In this article, we will explore how to make Philly cheese steak pizza from scratch. We will cover the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for getting the perfect pizza crust, and ways to customize your pizza to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza maker or a beginner, this guide will help you create a mouthwatering Philly cheese steak pizza that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Philly Cheese Steak Pizza
Before diving into the preparation process, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s a breakdown of what you will need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 lb rib-eye steak or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 ½ cups provolone cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
These ingredients will give you a classic Philly cheese steak pizza with a creamy sauce and tender steak, complemented by the richness of provolone and mozzarella cheese.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Philly Cheese Steak Pizza
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough
The first step to making Philly cheese steak pizza is preparing the dough. While it may be tempting to use store-bought dough, making your own from scratch can add an extra layer of flavor and satisfaction to your pizza.
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 packet of active dry yeast, and ¾ cup of warm water. Stir to dissolve and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This ensures that the yeast is activated.
In a separate bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the flour and stir until it forms a dough.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then roll it out on a floured surface to your desired pizza size. A 12-inch pizza is a standard size, but you can adjust this depending on your preferences.
2. Make the Sauce
While your dough is rising, you can prepare the sauce. Philly cheese steak pizza typically uses a creamy white sauce instead of the traditional red pizza sauce. This creamy sauce complements the flavors of the steak and cheese perfectly.
Instructions:
In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add 1 tablespoon of flour to the pan and stir it into the butter and garlic. Cook for another minute to create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
Slowly whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
This white sauce will serve as a rich and creamy base for your Philly cheese steak toppings.
3. Prepare the Steak and Vegetables
The star of Philly cheese steak pizza is the steak. Rib-eye steak is the most traditional choice, but flank steak works well too. The key is to slice the steak thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly on the pizza.
Instructions:
Slice the rib-eye or flank steak into thin strips against the grain. For easier slicing, place the steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes before cutting.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers (if using). Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and caramelized. You can also add mushrooms at this stage if you prefer them on your pizza. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
4. Assemble the Pizza
Now that you’ve prepared all your components, it’s time to assemble your Philly cheese steak pizza.
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
Roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape. Transfer it to a lightly greased pizza pan or, if using a pizza stone, onto a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal.
Spread a generous amount of the creamy white sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a border around the edges for the crust.
Layer the cooked steak, caramelized onions, and bell peppers on top of the sauce. Make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly across the pizza.
Sprinkle a combination of provolone and mozzarella cheese over the top. These two cheeses melt beautifully and create a gooey, delicious layer that perfectly complements the steak and vegetables.
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once your pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing. Optionally, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve the Philly cheese steak pizza hot and enjoy it with a side of crispy fries or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Philly Cheese Steak Pizza
Use Fresh Dough: While store-bought dough is convenient, using homemade dough will give you the best results. It’s easy to make, and you can control the thickness and texture.
Choose the Right Cheese: Provolone cheese is the classic choice for Philly cheese steak, but you can also add mozzarella for extra creaminess. A blend of both creates the perfect balance of flavor.
Slice the Steak Thinly: The key to tender steak on your pizza is thin slicing. This ensures the steak cooks quickly and evenly without becoming tough.
Use a Pizza Stone: If you have one, use a pizza stone to bake your pizza. It helps to achieve a crispy crust by evenly distributing the heat.
Add Some Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the pizza. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a touch of heat.
Make It Your Own: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. You can add extra vegetables like spinach, roasted garlic, or even some provolone cheese stuffed in the crust for an even cheesier experience.
Conclusion
Making Philly cheese steak pizza is a fun and rewarding culinary experience that brings together the flavors of the classic Philly cheese steak sandwich and the crispy, cheesy goodness of pizza. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create a delicious homemade pizza that’s packed with savory steak, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheese.
Whether you’re hosting a pizza night with friends or simply craving something unique, this Philly cheese steak pizza is sure to satisfy. With the tips and techniques provided, you can customize your pizza to suit your preferences and make it a dish your whole family will love.
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