Philly Steak Cheese Fries

This hearty Philly Steak Cheese Fries dish transforms the beloved sandwich into an indulgent loaded fries experience that's perfect for game days or whenever comfort food cravings strike.

I first made these loaded fries for a weekend football gathering and they disappeared within minutes. Now they've become our mandatory game day tradition that everyone requests by name.

Ingredients

• Steak: Thinly sliced, the key is getting it as thin as possible for that authentic Philly feel
• Garlic salt: Adds perfect seasoning without needing multiple spice jars
• Ground black pepper: Freshly ground provides the best flavor punch
• Green bell pepper: Adds fresh crunch and traditional Philly cheese steak flavor
• Onion: Caramelizes slightly while cooking for sweetness
• White American Cheese Slices: Melts beautifully for that authentic gooey cheese pull
• McCain Quick Cook Waffle Cut Fries: The waffle pattern catches all the savory toppings
• Olive oil: Just enough to help brown the steak without making it greasy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 425°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the toppings. This ensures your fries will crisp properly when baked.

Cook The Steak:

Heat your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it's nice and hot. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Add thinly sliced steak to the hot skillet, spreading it out so pieces brown rather than steam. Sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper evenly throughout. Cook until the steak develops a nice brown crust on the edges but remains tender; this usually takes about 4 to 6 minutes depending on how thin you sliced it.

Prepare Vegetables:

Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Keep one tablespoon of the flavorful cooking liquid in the pan and discard the rest. Return the skillet to heat and add your sliced peppers and onions. Cook them in the reserved liquid until they soften slightly but the peppers still maintain some crispness, about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. Set aside with the steak.

Layer Your Creation:

Remove the skillet from heat and arrange the McCain waffle fries in an even layer on the bottom. Place 4 slices of White American cheese over the fries followed by half of your cooked steak and vegetables. Create another identical layer with the remaining ingredients, ending with cheese slices on top for maximum melt factor.

Bake To Perfection:

Place your assembled skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted and starting to bubble while the fries become crispy underneath. The layered approach ensures every bite has the perfect combination of flavors.

The White American cheese is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I've tried making this with provolone and other cheeses, but nothing creates that authentic Philly experience like white American. The way it melts into every crevice of the waffle fries creates texture heaven in every bite.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare all components separately up to 24 hours ahead. Cook the steak and vegetables, then refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, simply layer everything in your skillet and bake for a few extra minutes to ensure everything heats through properly. This makes game day entertaining so much easier.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this loaded fry creation pairs wonderfully with a selection of dipping sauces. Try ranch dressing, ketchup, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. I like to serve it with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the steak and use a reduced-fat cheese. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it's still delicious. For a vegetarian option, try using portobello mushrooms sliced thin and sautéed with the same seasonings as the original recipe. The umami flavor of the mushrooms works surprisingly well.

This game day recipe guarantees smiles and satisfaction in every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While white American cheese provides a creamy texture, you can substitute with provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a unique twist.

→ What type of steak works best?

Thinly sliced cuts like ribeye or flank steak work best in this dish, as they cook quickly and remain tender.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the steak with plant-based proteins like seitan, soy crumbles, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

→ What can I serve with these fries?

Pair with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing dip like ranch or garlic aioli for a complete meal.