If there’s one dish that perfectly walks the line between indulgent comfort and irresistible flavor, it’s Philly Steak Cheese Fries. This skillet version brings together juicy, seared steak, sautéed peppers and onions, crispy waffle fries, and gooey layers of White American cheese—all baked to melty perfection. Whether you’re looking to impress at game day, serve a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, or just indulge in something truly satisfying, this recipe is your golden ticket.
Why You’ll Love These Philly Steak Cheese Fries
This dish is for anyone who craves the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but wants something heartier, crispier, and a little more fun. Think of it as your favorite cheesesteak, deconstructed and rebuilt into an oven-baked skillet of layered textures—crispy fries, tender beef, melted cheese, and vibrant veggies.
Perfect for:
- Game day gatherings
- Casual parties and potlucks
- Weeknight dinners with a twist
- Late-night comfort food cravings
Best of all? It’s all made in one oven-safe skillet for easy prep and even easier cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to build the ultimate cheese fries skillet:
🥩 Steak and Seasoning:
- 450 g steak, thinly sliced (ribeye, sirloin, or flank work best)
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
🫑 Veggies:
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
🧀 Cheese:
- 8 to 10 slices White American cheese (or provolone for a variation)
🍟 Fries:
- 567 g bag frozen waffle cut fries
🛢️ Oil:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
2. Sear the Steak
In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and season with garlic salt and black pepper. Sauté until browned and just cooked through, about 3–5 minutes. Remove the steak and set aside.
Tip: For extra tender steak, slice it against the grain and as thin as possible.
3. Sauté the Veggies
Discard all but 1 tbsp of the steak’s cooking juices, then add bell pepper and onion to the same skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent and peppers are slightly softened, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Layer Your Fries
With the skillet off the heat, evenly spread the waffle fries over the bottom. Add 4 slices of White American cheese directly on top.
5. Build the Layers
Next, add your cooked steak and sautéed veggies. Then layer on the remaining cheese slices. The goal is to get gooey cheese in every bite.
6. Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Serve Hot
Let it cool for 2–3 minutes, then serve immediately. Dig in with a fork—or just grab a fry and go all in.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To recreate this skillet masterpiece, you’ll need:
- ✅ Oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
- ✅ Chef’s knife
- ✅ Cutting board
- ✅ Tongs or spatula
- ✅ Oven mitts
- ✅ Serving plates or bowls
Tips for Perfect Philly Cheese Fries
- Choose the Right Steak: Thinly sliced ribeye delivers the most authentic Philly flavor, but sirloin or flank work well too.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When layering, spread everything evenly to avoid soggy fries.
- Melt Cheese Evenly: Use full slices of cheese and layer generously. Avoid shredded cheese for this one—it won’t melt the same way.
- Add a Crunchy Finish: Sprinkle some crispy fried onions or jalapeño chips on top after baking for a little extra crunch and heat.
Easy Variations and Swaps
Make it your own with these creative twists:
- Protein Swap: Use thinly sliced chicken or even plant-based steak alternatives.
- Cheese Choices: Provolone, mozzarella, or pepper jack make delicious substitutions.
- Spice It Up: Add pickled jalapeños or drizzle with sriracha or chipotle aioli.
- Tex-Mex Fusion: Add black beans, corn, and a dash of taco seasoning for a Southwestern flair.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (unlikely!), here’s how to store them properly:
- Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 8–10 minutes. This helps revive the fries’ crispiness. Avoid the microwave unless you’re okay with a softer texture.
Pro Tip: Add a fresh layer of cheese before reheating for extra gooeyness.
Perfect Pairings
Wondering what to serve alongside your Philly Steak Cheese Fries?
- Drinks:
- Cold lager or amber ale
- Cola or root beer
- Iced tea with lemon
- Side options:
- Simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Pickle spears for acidity
- Jalapeño poppers for a spicy kick
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen fries other than waffle cut?
Absolutely! Crinkle cut, shoestring, or steak fries all work. Waffle fries just hold toppings especially well.
What’s the best cut of beef for this?
Ribeye is the most traditional and flavorful, but flank or sirloin will also yield tender, tasty results.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Try swapping the steak for grilled mushrooms, plant-based beef strips, or even roasted jackfruit.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just ensure your fries and cheese are certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
Can I prep anything ahead?
Yes—sauté the steak and veggies up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, layer everything in the skillet and proceed.
Time to Dig In!
There’s something undeniably satisfying about digging into a skillet of cheesy, beefy, crispy-loaded fries. This Philly Steak Cheese Fries recipe hits all the right notes—savory, melty, hearty, and just a little bit indulgent.
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Let us know in the comments: What would YOU top your cheese fries with?