25 Delicious Ways To Hack Your Philly Cheesesteak
An iconic marriage of melted cheese and chopped beef, the Philly cheesesteak sits firmly in our list of top 10 best sandwiches ever. Created in 1930 by Pat Olivieri, founder of local Philadelphia staple Pat's King of Steaks, the original cheesesteak didn't actually include cheese; it only consisted of chopped beef and grilled onions on an Italian roll. It wouldn't evolve into the classic version we know today until the 1940s.
Over the years, it continued to evolve into unique iterations like chicken, mushroom, steak Milano, and, of course, people began adding different types of cheese on top, too. Those are only a few of the delicious variations this famed sammie has inspired. In fact, sandwiches are only the tip of the cheese berg. The Philly cheesesteak has been reimagined as everything from quesadillas to casserole, and it's a mesmerizing taste that begs to find its way into your tummy by any means necessary. In honor of this culinary legend, we put together a list of delicious ways to hack your Philly cheesesteak.
Philly cheesesteak pasta
When thinking about what pairs well with meat and cheese, pasta is probably one of the first things that come to mind. Just imagine velvety provolone melted over thinly sliced beef and steamy pasta noodles.
Make sure to keep paper towels handy for the inevitable salivating. A certified appetite-whetter, Philly cheesesteak pasta is a quick and easy invitation to satisfaction. Along with traditional cheesesteak ingredients, you only need a few additional ones. Sliced cremini mushrooms add an earthy touch, zesty and peppery onions for a kick, bell peppers add crunch, and your choice of pasta noodles. Chef it up in one pot and top it with an eye-pleasing garnish of minced parsley.
Philly cheesesteak calzone
Created by an Italian immigrant, it's no surprise the Philly cheesesteak flavor perfectly complements other staple foods of the famed cuisine. One iteration of this savory staple that's sure to grab your attention is the Philly cheesesteak calzone.
A doughy pocket of deliciousness, chopped steak and melted cheese make the perfect calzone filling. Grilled onions and bell peppers provide extra titillation for your taste buds, and you can stick to traditional provolone, or spruce it up with Parmesan. We also recommend trying American and ricotta, or really whatever melty variety you prefer. Trust us, the thought alone might inspire you to rethink tonight's dinner plans.
Philly cheesesteak empanadas
What do you get when you add Italian and Spanish cuisine together? A crave-worthy culinary equation. Thankfully, you don't have to do much math to calculate the deliciousness of this next cheesesteak hack.
Philly cheesesteak empanadas are tasty. Great for appetizers, these savory treats will be a big hit at your next gathering. Empanadas are like miniature calzones, small enough to fit into the palm of your hand and pack just as much flavor. When you experience the savory filling of Philly cheesesteak bursting from freshly baked empanada crust, you'll thank the heavens. It's a recipe everyone must experience at least once.
Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes
Sloppy joes bring to mind childhood; they're a lunchtime treat after an afternoon of playing outside and a dinner-time favorite for kids and adults alike. These memories and more solidified it as an American comfort food staple.
When you think about it, sloppy joes are an ode to our love for meat, sauce, and bread. That's why we recommend putting a Philly cheesesteak spin on sloppy joes. We don't have to oversell it, but just imagine the blend of classic cheesesteak ingredients with the sweet and tangy tamarind taste of sloppy joe sauce on a brioche bun. It just works.
Philly cheesesteak loaded potato skins
We think you'll agree that the combination of cheese, meat, and potatoes is one of the best ways to balance out a boozy buzz. Whether enjoying a Sunday morning brunch or sipping a beverage of elation at happy hour, nothing saves the day like protein and carbs.
For a tasty twist on potato skins, load them with Philly cheesesteak toppings. The tender and creamy cheese steak paired with crispy and crunchy Russet skin is a game-changing experience that'll have you re-strategizing your culinary playbook. Believe us, after you taste it, you'll find it hard to stop eating.
Philly cheesesteak Stromboli
Whoever was the first person to stuff bread with ingredients should have their name emblazoned in the annals of culinary history. From calzones to empanadas and more, every cuisine around the world has its own version of tasty stuffed-bread recipes.
Philadelphia holds the honor of creating one of the most palate-whetting stuffed pastries ever, and it's called Stromboli. It's a cheese-filled turnover pastry that exists somewhere between a calzone and a pizza. Like other stuffed-bread foods, Philly cheesesteak will take your Stromboli beyond the stratosphere and into outer space. Well, strap on in, because fortunately for your empty stomach, we know the best cheesesteak Stromboli recipe.
Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese
Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese is what cheese-lover dreams are made of. Thinly sliced beef, caramelized onions, and grilled bell peppers topped with cheese, more cheese, and even more cheese. Let's put it this way; if you're lactose intolerant, it's time to bring out the Lactaid.
Not only appetizing and filling, but it's also a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make in large batches. You'll be asking for a second and third helping, but if you can't polish it off, the leftovers aren't too shabby, either. Another great thing about Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese is that it's really simple to prepare by just cooking your steak, making your mac and cheese, sautéing your onions and peppers, and bringing it all together.
Philly cheesesteak quesadillas
Philly cheesesteak quesadillas are the perfect handheld treats on the go. Two cuisines collide in a delightful Italian and Mexican mash-up. Safely and snuggly secured in by a toasted quesadilla is Monterey Jack-covered steak and a colorful trio of tangy bell peppers topped with pico de gallo and sour cream.
It's a veritable foodie's fantasy. For an added measure of refreshing tastiness, include a healthy dollop of guacamole. What more needs to be said? All you have to do is decide whether you want to go with corn or flour tortillas (we for sure recommend flour for this one).
Philly cheesesteak hot dog
What has a canine named after it, is served on a bun, originates from Germany, but is considered an American classic? Yup, you guessed it, hot dogs. From summer barbecues to after-school sustenance for growing kids, hot dogs are one of the best comfort foods ever invented.
While ketchup and mustard are classic condiments, hot dogs can be topped with an endless selection of ingredients. If you love frankfurters as we do, then you've gotta try Philly cheesesteak hot dogs. Funnily enough, Philly's iconic sandwich has an unexpected connection to hot dogs. Its inventor Pat Olivieri actually owned a hot dog stand before stumbling upon the sandwich he would later become famous for.
Philly cheesesteak stir fry
A great way to stir up an appetite is with Philly cheesesteak stir-fry. It's an Asian spin on an Italian American classic that packs all of the familiar flavors you love, with an added boost of nutritious vegetables.
Take a wok on the wild side (sorry) and try this pairing of cultures. It includes stir-fry staples like mushrooms, snow peas, broccoli, carrots, peppers, and onions, flavored with savory soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, and spicy sriracha. When blended with traditional cheesesteak ingredients, you're transported to a mouthwatering oasis, and, nope, it's not a mirage you're seeing, it's really that good.
Philly cheesesteak grilled cheese
There's no surprise why this next hack deserves to be in the sandwich hall of fame, as it's made using two of the best sandwiches ever created: Philly cheesesteak and grilled cheese. A simply flawless union of cheesy goodness, the combination of American and provolone is clearly the star here, while chopped sirloin steak is like a surprise guest.
Upon the first bite, it becomes a delicious duet that's joined by nutty caramelized onion and sweet bell peppers — the perfect harmony in your mouth. And just when you think it can't get any tastier, the toasted touch of grilled bread adds another welcome note to your palate.
Philly cheesesteak dip
Let's be honest, the Philly cheesesteak ingredients are the main highlight of the sandwich as opposed to the bread. The flavor combination is so undeniable that it tastes just as good with sloppy Joes as it does in a stir-fry. In a breezy 25 minutes, it can even be enjoyed as a savory dip.
With Philly cheesesteak dip, you can skip the Italian roll altogether and dive right in for a chip full of deliciously saucy beef steak. If you miss the full traditional flavor of the sandwich, don't hesitate to dip Italian rolls in, too — there's really no limit. Cheesesteak dip is awesome for tailgating, movie marathons, and Netflix binging.
Philly cheesesteak pizza
So a cheesesteak walks into a pizza parlor... okay, while that joke didn't start off so great, Philly cheesesteak and pizza are both undeniably great-tasting. We can agree that pizza is the perfect landing pad for toppings.
From traditional Nepalese thin crust to culture-blending curry-flavored pies, if you can picture it, it'll probably taste great on pizza dough. Speaking of magical 'za, one cheesy combo that'll even curl Merlin's beard is Philly cheesesteak pizza. It's already iconic and can commonly be found on many pizza menus. If you feel a hankering for it, it only takes around 25 minutes to make at home, or a less-laborious option is to simply order one from your local Papa John's or Pizza Hut.
Philly cheesesteak nachos
Philly cheesesteak-topped nachos are a work of comfort food art. The cheese stretches over and through the tortilla chips like a surrealist painting. To someone with munchies, it's a sight to behold.
The most important part follows next — making sure you grab the right chip with a perfect pile of chopped steak, onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers. If you grab a chip with too much on it, it may crack under the cheesy weight. If you make the mistake of picking one up with too little, the tortilla chip flavor will overwhelm the bite. Sadly, this description doesn't do the deliciousness of this nacho recipe justice, so you just have to try it for yourself.
Philly cheesesteak burger
If cheesesteak elevates the savoriness of a hot dog and pizza, you know it tastes incredible on a juicy burger. A certified conversation starter, serve these babies at the next barbecue and your friends will sing your praises as a culinary master. The Philly cheesesteak burger deserves a red carpet entrance.
Lovingly squeezed between a toasted brioche bun is succulent steak and meaty ground beef, melted provolone and American cheeses, and refreshing lettuce and tomato. No extra bells and whistles are needed for this crave-tastic union, as it's literally a perfect pairing of a traditional Philly cheesesteak and a classic American hamburger.
Philly cheesesteak chili
When winter rolls around there's nothing better than a steaming bowl of homemade chili. It's a savory and spicy tummy-filler when you need to pack on a bit of cushion. Not only hearty and flavorful, but it's also super versatile and nutritious, too.
Chili can be made in countless ways, including the Philly cheesesteak-style version we're highlighting today. If you're looking to spice up regular old chili with a touch of brotherly love, try this piquant cheesesteak hack. Instead of your typical ground beef you'd include in chili, swap it out for thinly-sliced strips of steak. And instead of topping it with some shredded cheddar cheese, opt for some provolone instead.
Philly cheesesteak chimichangas
Chimichangas are fried burritos filled with the same traditional trio of seasoned meat, beans, and rice as your typical burritos. Like OG 'ritos, the ingredients are interchangeable, which opens this Mexican staple up to limitless flavors combos. If that last sentence didn't get your culinary imagination whirring, you should skip the brainstorming and try Philly cheesesteak chimichangas.
You will be greeted by an explosion of Philly flavor after taking the first bite into the crunchy outer layer of a fried flour tortilla. Don't forget the grilled onions and peppers to make it a more well-rounded chimichanga experience.
Philly cheesesteak sliders
There's not a cloud in the sky, the grill's going, and guests are scheduled to arrive shortly; this is the perfect summer setting for serving a tray of Philly cheesesteak sliders. They are made with freshly shaved steak that's flavored in butter-infused Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and garlic on sweet Hawaiian slider buns.
The doughy sweetness helps to balance out the salty kick of cheesesteak toppings. Just place a platter on the table and watch how quickly these special sliders disappear. The best part is that they're small enough to devour in under four bites. You can easily carry three at a time: One in each hand and another in your mouth.
Philly cheesesteak bread
Loaf-lovers rejoice. Did you know that Philly cheesesteak bread was a thing? If not, you're in for a delicious surprise.
There are two approaches to making this amazing bread; going from scratch or using a store-bought option. Not to worry, though, both ways will knock your socks off. A fresh French loaf can save you a bunch of time, but baking your own bread will make the experience truly transcendent. Whenever time permits, we definitely suggest going the full flavorful monty. Until then, take the shortcut and head to the local market, because this recipe simply can't wait. Load it up with your favorite cheesesteak topping, or enjoy it how Philadelphians do, "wit or witout" the grilled onions.
Philly cheesesteak loaded fries
As you know, cheese steak and potatoes go together like bacon and eggs. Out of the many variations on potato, French fries are one of the most popular ways to enjoy tasty 'tates. Alone, the crispy and filling finger food is culinary perfection, but when loaded with toppings, it evolves into something else entirely.
The type of cheese you choose for Philly cheesesteak is essential for fusing the Italian touch with the French flare. When you pick up a fry, the cheesy elastic pulls sliced beef and grilled onions along for the ride. You can go with traditional choices like American cheese and provolone, or if you wanna switch it up, try another popular go-to of melted cheez whiz.
Philly cheesesteak poutine
Poutine is Canada's special take on loaded fries. Drenched in rich gravy and salty cheese curds, its tastiness has even attracted a global following. Starchy and carb-filled, it pairs wonderfully with a cold brew and will help you sober up after a late night out.
A cheesesteak skyrockets to the moon when introduced to French-Canadian flavors. A Philly cheesesteak poutine consists of flat-iron steak piled atop fries and slathered with saucy gravy, velvety provolone cheese, and mozz balls. The first bite will exceed expectations. The second one will set a new bar, and by the third, you'll be hooked. It's a fusion of two distinct cultural contributions to the world of food.
Chicken cheesesteak
Although steak is traditionally used for Philly's legendary sandwich, over the years, it's evolved into a wide variety of protein options. For example, if you prefer clucks to moos, a chicken cheesesteak is the Philly alternative for you.
Another popular style, it's made with the same familiar cheesesteak ingredients. Combinations can be customized to suit your stomach's needs, too. Chicken rivals steak in flavor and juiciness, which makes it an awesome go-to when you're looking to switch things up. You can find this at most spots that offer cheesesteaks, but if you have a picky palate, try out this chicken cheesesteak recipe — it's a worthwhile way to put the kitchen to use.
Philly cheesesteak egg rolls
If you thought you'd heard it all, wait until you try Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. Shared by Tasting Table recipe developer Michelle McGlinn, it's a flavorful flip on traditional Chinese appetizers that are bound to make you overindulge. These unique treats are deep-fried and filled with gooey provolone cheese, shaved steak, onions, green peppers, and cremini mushrooms.
After you've prepared your ingredients, stuff and roll the egg rolls until they're securely sealed. Next, place them into a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven with 2 inches of oil. Each egg roll should take no more than three to four minutes to fry completely.
Philly cheesesteak cups
Tailgating will never be the same after you try out these bready bites of Philly cheesesteak. They're small enough to toss easily in your mouth, yet pack loads of beefy flavor.
Baked into cup-shaped bread, Philly cheesesteak cups are easy party-pleasers that will disappear from the platter quickly. The full cast of Philly cheesesteak ingredients are present and accounted for, patiently waiting behind a curtain of dough. As soon as you take a bite, the show begins. Moist with a crispy outer layer, the bread cup adds a buttery accent to the performance, while the filling brings the experience to a savory conclusion.
Pakistani Philly cheesesteak
Around the globe, Philly's iconic cheesesteak has won the bellies of people from many walks of life. That's how you know it's undeniable. Even in a country as culturally distinct as Pakistan, the Philly cheesesteak has managed to become a popular go-to.
There's a local restaurant there, aptly named Philly's Steak Sandwich, that serves a reimagined version of the original. It was first introduced in 2021 but has since made a huge impression, inspiring other fast-food chains to offer their own versions. Pakistani Philly cheesesteaks merge traditional American flavors with unique ones like tikka masala and red chili powder, which makes them better suited to Punjabi palates and a new twist on a classic you should try.
Static Media owns and operates Tasting Table and The Daily Meal.