The first time I made these Philly Steak Cheese Fries, the smell of sizzling beef and melted cheese filled the kitchen—it was pure comfort. The crispy fries soaked up all that savory flavor, topped with onions, peppers, and gooey cheese.
I made them for movie night, and no one could stop eating straight from the tray. They’re messy, cheesy, and just the right mix of crispy and creamy.
If you love bold, hearty snacks that feel like a meal, these Philly steak cheese fries are everything you’re craving in one bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Get that authentic Philly cheesesteak taste without leaving your kitchen.
- Perfect for Game Day: Feeds a crowd and disappears fast at any gathering.
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this accessible any day.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to match your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love fries covered in cheese and steak.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time: Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish or 6 as an appetizer. Hosting a bigger crowd? Double everything and use two baking sheets.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners. If you can cook fries and sauté vegetables, you can make this dish.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large baking sheet
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife for slicing steak and vegetables
- Spatula for flipping and stirring
- Small saucepan (for melting cheese)
Ingredients for Philly Steak Cheese Fries
This recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients that pack big flavor.
For the Fries:
- Waffle Fries: Use frozen waffle fries for convenience and perfect texture every time.
- Olive Oil: Helps achieve that golden, crispy finish.
For the Philly Steak Topping:
- Steak: Use ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak sliced thin for tender, flavorful meat.
- Garlic Salt: Adds savory depth and seasoning in one ingredient.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper brings out the steak’s natural flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper: Provides that signature Philly taste and a bit of crunch.
- Onion: Yellow or white onion adds sweetness when sautéed.
- White American Cheese: The classic choice for authentic Philly flavor and smooth melting.
Variations for Philly Steak Cheese Fries
- Different Cheese: Try provolone, cheddar, or cheese sauce if you prefer something different.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the peppers and onions for extra earthiness.
- Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for heat.
- Different Fries: Swap waffle fries for curly fries, steak fries, or even tots.
- Add Toppings: Finish with sour cream, ranch dressing, or pickled peppers.
How to Make Philly Steak Cheese Fries Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Waffle Fries
Preheat your oven according to the package directions for the waffle fries. Spread them in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake until golden and crispy, usually about 20 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
2. Prepare the Steak
While the fries bake, slice your steak into very thin strips. If the meat is slightly frozen, it slices easier and thinner. Season the strips with garlic salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Slice the Vegetables
Cut the green bell pepper into thin strips. Slice the onion into thin half-moons. Keeping everything the same size helps it all cook evenly.
4. Cook the Vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the sliced peppers and onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly caramelized. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
5. Cook the Steak
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Turn the heat to high and add the seasoned steak strips. Let them sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get a nice sear. Then stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the meat is cooked through but still tender.
6. Melt the Cheese
Tear or chop the white American cheese into small pieces. Place in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. You can add a splash of milk if you want it thinner.
7. Assemble the Loaded Fries
Remove the crispy fries from the oven and pile them onto a serving platter or keep them on the baking sheet. Top with the cooked steak, then scatter the sautéed peppers and onions over everything. Drizzle the melted cheese sauce generously over the top.
Serving and Decoration
Serve these loaded fries immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is melty. For presentation, sprinkle some fresh parsley or green onions on top for color. Place extra cheese sauce on the side for dipping. These fries work great as a main dish for casual dinners, or cut into smaller portions for party appetizers.
How to Serve Philly Steak Cheese Fries
These hearty loaded fries pair well with simple sides and dips:
- With a Salad: Balance the richness with a simple green salad or coleslaw on the side.
- Game Day Spread: Serve alongside wings, mozzarella sticks, and cold drinks.
- Casual Dinner: Pair with corn on the cob or roasted vegetables.
- With Dipping Sauces: Offer ranch, garlic aioli, or ketchup for extra flavor.
Storing Philly Steak Cheese Fries
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the cheese sauce separate if possible.
- Reheating: Reheat the fries in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Warm the steak and vegetables in a skillet. Heat the cheese sauce gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Note: Fries taste best fresh, as they can lose their crispness when stored.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Slice Steak Thin: The thinner your steak strips, the more tender and easier to eat they become.
- High Heat for Steak: A hot pan gives you a good sear and keeps the meat juicy inside.
- Crispy Fries Matter: Make sure your fries come out fully crispy before adding toppings, or they will get soggy.
- Season as You Go: Taste the steak and vegetables as you cook and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve Immediately: These fries are best enjoyed right away while everything is hot.
- Prep Ahead: Slice your vegetables and steak in advance to make cooking faster.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Total Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
Nutritional values are approximate and based on 4 servings.
PrintPhilly Steak Cheese Fries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 pound (450g) ribeye or sirloin steak, sliced thin
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 medium onion, sliced thin
8 ounces (225g) white American cheese
1 bag (about 22 ounces) frozen waffle fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Bake the Fries: Preheat oven according to waffle fries package directions. Spread fries on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and bake until golden and crispy (about 20 minutes), flipping halfway through.
Season the Steak: Slice steak into thin strips and season with garlic salt and black pepper.
Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced peppers and onions. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Steak: In the same skillet over high heat, add the seasoned steak. Let it sear for 2 minutes without stirring, then cook for another 2-3 minutes until done. Remove from heat.
Melt the Cheese: Tear cheese into pieces and place in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and melted.
Assemble: Arrange crispy fries on a serving platter. Top with cooked steak, then peppers and onions. Drizzle melted cheese over everything.
Serve: Enjoy immediately while hot.
Philly Steak Cheese Fries FAQs
Yes, ribeye works best for flavor and tenderness, but sirloin or flank steak also work well. Just slice it thin against the grain.
Provolone or a cheese sauce made from cheddar works as a substitute. White American gives the most authentic Philly taste, though.
Absolutely. Cook the waffle fries in the air fryer according to package directions, then follow the same steps for the toppings.
Make sure your fries are completely crispy before adding toppings. Serve immediately after assembling.
You can slice the steak, peppers, and onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Cook everything fresh when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Philly Steak Cheese Fries bring together everything you love about a classic Philly cheesesteak with the irresistible crunch of golden waffle fries. The combination of tender, seasoned steak, sweet sautéed vegetables, and creamy melted cheese creates a dish that satisfies every craving. Whether you serve this for a casual family dinner, game day gathering, or weekend treat, these loaded fries disappear fast and leave everyone asking for seconds.
