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If you love bold, cheesy comfort food, these loaded Philly steak cheese fries are about to become your new favorite.
This Philly steak cheese fries recipe delivers all the classic cheesesteak flavors you love, perfectly seasoned, thinly sliced ribeye, sweet bell peppers, and onions, all smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce over crispy fries.
It’s a shareable plate that’s big on taste and texture, turning classic cheesesteak flavors into an irresistible pile of loaded fries.
This easy Philly cheese steak fries recipe makes six generous servings, each one about 1 ½ cups (around 225 g), perfect as an excellent appetizer, a satisfying lunch, or a laid-back dinner everyone will love.
This dish isn’t just thrown together; it’s built with care. Thick-cut fries stay crispy under all those toppings, the ribeye is sliced extra thin for melt-in-your-mouth bites, and the cheese ties everything together in the best possible way.
Besides tasting amazing, each serving delivers nearly 40 grams of protein from the beef and cheese, plus extra vitamins from the peppers and onions, and a good dose of calcium and iron.
It’s the kind of dish everyone wants to dig into together.
✅ Take a moment to read through the whole post first; you’ll pick up expert tips, handy equipment guides, and step-by-step details to help everything turn out perfectly. The full recipe is right below!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need for Philly Steak and Cheese Fries
To make these incredible fries with cheese and steak, you’ll need a few key players. Think of them as the all-star cast for your Philly cheesesteak fries masterpiece!
1. For the Crispy Fries
- Frozen French Fries: Use steak-cut or crinkle-cut fries because their thicker shape makes them sturdy enough to hold up under all the toppings without turning soggy. Crinkle-cut is extra nice because those ridges catch every bit of cheesy goodness.
- Salt: Just a pinch seasons your fries perfectly and brings out their golden, crispy flavor.
- Cooking Oil (Optional): A drizzle of olive oil or any high-heat oil helps the fries crisp up beautifully, whether you’re baking, air frying, or shallow frying.
2. For the Philly Steak Topping
- Thinly Sliced Beef Steak: Ribeye or sirloin is the classic choice, tender, flavorful, and easy to slice paper-thin, so it cooks fast and stays juicy. You can swap in flank, skirt, or London broil if you like.
- Vegetable or Olive Oil: Just enough to cook the steak and veggies so they caramelize nicely and don’t stick.
- Yellow Onion: Adds that sweet, savory flavor and iconic cheesesteak aroma when sautéed.
- Green Bell Pepper: The classic cheesesteak pepper! It brings fresh crunch and sweetness to balance the rich meat and cheese.
- Red Bell Pepper (Optional): If you want more color and extra sweetness, toss this in too.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a bold punch of flavor that pairs perfectly with steak.
- Garlic Powder: A little extra garlic powder layers in more savory depth.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential to season the steak and veggies just right.
- Optional Kickers: Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat, pickled jalapeños for a tangy bite, or Worcestershire sauce for an extra boost of savory, umami richness.
3. For the Gooey Cheese Sauce
- Classic Cheez Whiz: Go all-in on Philly authenticity with Cheez Whiz, just thin it with a splash of milk or cream so it’s easy to pour over your fries.
- Homemade Creamy Cheese Sauce: For a richer, homemade twist, make a quick sauce with butter, flour, milk, and a mix of cheeses like provolone, American, cheddar, or mozzarella.
4. For Garnish and Extra Flavor
- Chopped Fresh Green Onions or Chives: Sprinkle these on top for a fresh pop of flavor and a little bite.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings a pop of color and a hint of fresh, herby flavor that brightens up all the rich, cheesy layers.
- Optional Additions: Top it all off with crispy fried onions or sautéed mushrooms if you want to make these fries extra loaded.
Why You’ll Love These Philly Steak Cheese Fries
Get ready to fall head over heels for loaded Philly steak cheese fries, because this dish is designed to hit every single one of your comfort food cravings:
- Crazy cheesy and meaty: Every bite is loaded with melted cheese and savory steak. It’s a Philly cheesesteak sandwich turned into loaded fries, who doesn’t love that?
- Textural bliss: You get crunchy fries and creamy cheese, plus tender steak and slightly crisp veggies. The contrast of textures makes eating these fries so satisfying.
- Bold flavors: Salty, garlicky steak meets sweet onions and bell peppers, all mellowed by rich cheese. It’s an indulgent flavor combo that hits all the right savory notes.
- All-in-one comfort meal: These fries with steak and cheese cover all the food groups: protein, starch, dairy, and veggies, so it feels like a complete dinner. It’s a “stick-to-your-ribs” comfort food that fills you up and warms you up.
- Great for sharing: These loaded Philly cheese steak fries are party food, perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a casual dinner. The recipe is easy to double for a crowd, and everyone loves piling on their toppings or sauces.
- Customizable and crowd-pleasing: You can switch up the cheese (provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack works too), add hot sauce or jalapeños for a kick, or swap veggies like mushrooms or extra onions.
Equipment for Making Philly Cheese Steak Fries
To truly nail these loaded Philly steak cheese fries, having the right kitchen tools makes all the difference:
- Large Baking Sheets: These are essential for baking your fries evenly until they’re golden and crispy.
- Large Skillet or Cast Iron Skillet: This is your workhorse for sautéing the veggies and cooking the steak. A cast iron skillet is especially fantastic because it holds heat so well and can even go straight into the oven for melting cheese.
- Small Saucepan: You’ll use this to whip up that luscious homemade cheese sauce (or warm your Cheez Whiz!).
- Sharp Knife: This is crucial for getting those paper-thin slices of steak. A dull knife will make this step much harder.
- Cutting Board: A must-have for safely and efficiently prepping all your meat and veggies.
- Spatulas: You’ll need these for cooking, stirring, and even chopping up the steak right in the pan.
- Whisk: If you’re making the homemade cheese sauce, a whisk is key for a smooth, lump-free roux.
- Grater: If you’re using block cheese for your sauce, hand-grating it often gives you a smoother, better melt.
- Serving Platter or Oven-Safe Dish: For the grand finale, an oven-safe dish or skillet is great if you plan to melt extra cheese on top in the oven. You can even use a foil boat on a sheet pan for easy cleanup.
- Air Fryer (Optional): If you have one, an air fryer is a fantastic alternative for getting your fries extra crispy.
Health and Nutrition Benefits of Philly Cheesesteak Fries
While loaded Philly steak cheese fries are an indulgent treat, they do bring some nutritional benefits to the table! It’s all about balance, right?
- High Protein: Philly steak and cheese fries pack plenty of protein from the tender beef and a little extra from the cheesy sauce, helping build and repair tissues while keeping you feeling full.
- Good Source of Iron: Beef is an excellent source of iron, which is vital for healthy blood and energy levels. So, while you’re enjoying your fries with steak and cheese, you’re also getting a boost of this important mineral.
- Dietary Fiber: The fries themselves, especially if they’re skin-on, and the added vegetables like onions and bell peppers contribute some dietary fiber. Fiber is great for digestive health and can help with satiety.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The onions and bell peppers aren’t just for flavor; they also provide vitamins and antioxidants.
Tips for Making the Best Philly Steak Cheese Fries
These practical tips are designed to turn your Philly cheesesteak loaded fries into the best Philly steak cheese fries you’ll ever make:
1. Choose the Right Fries
- Prioritize thicker-cut fries, such as steak fries or crinkle cuts. Their robust structure allows them to better withstand the generous toppings and maintain crispness for a longer duration.
- Thin shoestring fries are generally not recommended due to their propensity to quickly become soggy.
2. Precision in Slicing Steak
- For tender steak, achieving the thinnest possible slices is paramount.
- Pop your beef in the freezer for 1-2 hours before slicing; it makes it so much easier to get those paper-thin strips.
- And always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
3. Season, Season, Season
- Apply seasoning liberally to the fries, steak, and vegetables at each stage of the cooking process.
- This layered approach to seasoning is fundamental for developing profound and complex flavors.
4. High Heat for Steak
- When it’s time for the steak, make sure your skillet is screaming hot.
- This helps you get a beautiful sear quickly without overcooking the meat and making it tough.
5. Cheese Your Way
- While Cheez Whiz offers a distinct, authentic character, a homemade cheese sauce provides a richer, more refined culinary experience.
- If using Cheez Whiz, a slight thinning with milk or half & half can improve its pourability and prevent it from overpowering other flavors.
- For homemade sauces, hand-grating block cheese often yields a smoother, more consistent melt.
6. Layer It Up
- Don’t just dump everything on top. Layering the fries, steak, and cheese ensures that every single bite is loaded with all the good stuff.
- No sad, plain fries at the bottom.
7. Serve Immediately
- This dish is at its absolute best fresh out of the oven, when the fries are still crispy and the cheese is gloriously gooey.
- Don’t let it sit around too long.
8. Don’t Crowd the Pan
- When cooking your steak and veggies, give them space.
- If your pan is too full, they’ll steam instead of sear, and you won’t get that delicious browning.
- Cook in batches if you need to.
9. Prep Ahead (Mise en Place)
- Get all your slicing and dicing done before you start cooking. This is a pro tip.
- High-heat cooking moves fast, and having everything ready prevents a frantic scramble and ensures nothing gets overcooked.
10. Watch That Cheese
- Especially if you’re broiling to melt the cheese, keep a close eye on it! Cheese can go from perfectly bubbly to burnt in a flash.
Final Remarks
These loaded Philly steak cheese fries are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together all the iconic flavors of a classic cheesesteak with crispy, golden fries everyone loves.
The secret to truly great Philly steak cheese fries lies in a few important details, from picking sturdy, thick-cut fries that stay crisp under all that cheese, to slicing the steak paper-thin
Whether you choose authentic Cheez Whiz or a rich homemade sauce, the cheese you use shapes the texture and flavor, delivering that signature gooey, melty finish.
The beauty of this dish is how customizable it is, with plenty of optional toppings, you can easily tailor each batch to your taste and make it uniquely yours.
Happy cooking.
Loaded Philly Steak Cheese Fries
Description
This easy Philly cheesesteak fries recipe piles thin ribeye, peppers, onions, and creamy cheese sauce over crispy fries for a bold, shareable comfort food or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Fries
For the Philly Steak Topping
Option 1: Classic Cheez Whiz
Option 2: Homemade Creamy Cheese Sauce
For Garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Steak
- Place the beef steak in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours.
- This process stiffens the meat, making it considerably easier to achieve exceptionally thin, almost paper-like slices.
- Once adequately firm, slice the steak against the grain into approximately 1/8-inch strips.
- Toss the sliced steak with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Set this prepared steak aside.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Thinly slice or chop the yellow onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper (if included).
- Mince the garlic.
- Keep these prepared vegetables separate for subsequent steps.
Bake or Air Fry Your Fries to Crispy Perfection
- Preheat the oven to 400-450°F (200-230°C) or the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Arrange the frozen fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- For enhanced crispiness, a light toss with a tablespoon of olive oil is recommended.
- Cook the fries for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and notably crispy, stirring them halfway through to ensure uniform cooking.
- The crispness of the fries is a critical factor, as it forms the stable base for the toppings and prevents the dish from becoming soggy.
Sauté the Vegetables
- While the fries are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the heated oil.
- Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Sauté for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and exhibit slight caramelization.
- The goal is a tender-crisp texture, so the veggies stay slightly firm and don’t turn mushy.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute more, just until it smells nice and fragrant.
- Remove the cooked vegetables from the pan and transfer them to a separate bowl.
- Set aside.
Sear and Chop the Steak
- Return the same skillet to high heat.
- If necessary, add a minimal amount of additional oil.
- Add the thinly sliced steak to the hot skillet, arranging it in a single layer.
- Season with a bit more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, actively breaking the steak into smaller, bite-sized pieces using a spatula or knife as it cooks.
- The goal is to get some nice browning on the meat while keeping it tender and juicy.
- If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, stir it in now to boost the flavor.
- Once the steak is cooked through and nicely browned, remove it from the pan and combine it with the sautéed vegetables in the bowl.
- Toss to ensure even distribution.
Make the Cheese Sauce
If Using Cheez Whiz
- Gently warm the Cheez Whiz in a small saucepan over low heat or the microwave until it achieves a smooth, pourable consistency.
- If the sauce is excessively thick, whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or half & half to reach the desired fluidity.
- Maintain its warmth.
If Making Homemade Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously, to form a pale roux.
- Slowly whisk in the warm milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches a gentle simmer.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Gradually stir in the shredded provolone or American and cheddar or mozzarella cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Keep the sauce warm.
Assemble the Loaded Philly Steak Cheese Fries
- Once the fries are crispy, remove them from the oven or air fryer.
- If using an oven-safe dish or cast iron skillet for assembly, the oven temperature can be reduced to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread half of the hot, crispy fries in a single layer on the chosen serving platter or oven-safe dish.
- Generously top this layer with half of the combined steak and vegetable mixture.
- If using shredded cheese for melting, layer half of it over the steak and vegetables at this point.
- Repeat the process with the remaining fries, steak-vegetable mixture, and shredded cheese.
- If you’re topping the fries with shredded cheese, pop the assembled dish back into a preheated 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
- For faster melting, place it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finally, generously drizzle the warm cheese sauce over the entire dish.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle generously with chopped green onions/chives and fresh parsley.
- Optional additions include crispy fried onions or sautéed mushrooms.
- Serve the loaded Philly steak cheese fries immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size Approximately 1 ½ cups (around 225g)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 650kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 41g64%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 58.8mg20%
- Sodium 1500mg63%
- Potassium 823mg24%
- Total Carbohydrate 58.8g20%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 3.5g
- Protein 40g80%
- Vitamin A 850 IU
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Calcium 230 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- When cooking the steak and veggies, don’t overcrowd the skillet; work in batches if needed to keep the heat high and get that perfect sear instead of steaming.
- Keep a close eye when broiling shredded cheese or warming a sauce, as cheese can go from perfectly melty to burnt in no time, especially under a broiler.
- Make sure the fries are fully cooked and crispy before topping; they’re the sturdy base of the dish, and soggy fries can ruin the whole experience.
- Adjust the heat as needed, use high heat to sear the steak, medium for sautéing the veggies, and low for gently warming the cheese sauce.
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