9 Best Cheesesteak Recipes: Delicious Variations to Try at Home

Cheesesteaks are a beloved classic in American cuisine, particularly known for their hearty flavors and satisfying ingredients. In this article, I will share my top nine cheesesteak recipes that capture the essence of this iconic sandwich. Each recipe offers a unique twist while maintaining the core components that make a cheesesteak so delicious.

Finding the right cheesesteak recipe can elevate your cooking skills and impress friends and family. From traditional methods to modern variations, there’s a cheesesteak for every taste preference. With these nine recipes, I aim to help you discover the joy of making this tasty treat at home.

1. Classic Philly Cheesesteak

The Classic Philly Cheesesteak is a simple yet delicious sandwich that highlights the rich flavors of beef and cheese. Originating in Philadelphia, it’s known for its satisfying and hearty taste.

Making this cheesesteak is not hard. I typically use rib-eye steak, which gives it a juicy and tender texture. It’s easy enough for anyone to try at home.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Ingredients Needed: Thinly sliced rib-eye steak, hoagie rolls, provolone cheese, onions, and optional toppings like bell peppers or mushrooms.
2. Cook the Onions: I start by sautéing sliced onions in a pan until they are golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Cook the Steak: Next, I add the sliced rib-eye to the pan. I cook it for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until it’s browned.
4. Melt the Cheese: Once the meat is cooked, I place slices of provolone on top and let it melt, which takes another 1-2 minutes.
5. Assemble the Sandwich: Finally, I scoop the cheesy steak and onions onto a hoagie roll and serve it hot.

This combination gives a great taste of Philadelphia right at home.

2. Cheesesteak with Caramelized Onions

Cheesesteak with caramelized onions is a classic sandwich. It combines tender beef, melted cheese, and sweet, rich onions. This dish is easy to make and packs a lot of flavor.

To start, I thinly slice about one large onion. I heat some oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the onions. I cook them slowly for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown.

Next, I prepare the beef. I use thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin for the best texture. I season it with salt and pepper. In another pan, I cook the beef over medium-high heat for about 4-6 minutes.

Once the beef is cooked, I add the caramelized onions to the beef. I also like to add provolone or American cheese on top and let it melt.

Finally, I serve the mixture on a hoagie roll. This cheesesteak is satisfying and full of delicious flavors. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

3. Garlic Butter Cheesesteak

Garlic Butter Cheesesteak is a rich and flavorful twist on the classic sandwich. It combines tender beef with buttery garlic spread, making each bite delicious.

Making this dish is quite easy. I can prepare it in about 30 minutes. Here are the steps I follow:

1. Gather ingredients: I use thinly sliced beef, garlic, butter, hoagie rolls, and cheese.
2. Prepare garlic butter: I melt butter in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Cook the beef: I add the sliced beef to the pan and cook until browned.
4. Toast the rolls: I split hoagie rolls and lightly toast them.
5. Assemble: I put the beef mixture into the toasted rolls and top with cheese.
6. Melt the cheese: I pop the sandwiches under the broiler for a minute until the cheese is gooey.

This Garlic Butter Cheesesteak is simple yet satisfying. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and I enjoy how quickly it comes together.

4. Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

A Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak combines the classic flavors of a cheesesteak with spicy Buffalo chicken. It’s a delicious twist perfect for any meal.

This dish is easy to make, and it typically takes about 30 minutes. I love how quickly I can whip this up.

Here are the simple steps to follow:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook 1 pound of shredded cooked chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of Buffalo sauce and mix well.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In another pan, sauté 1 diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper with a little oil until soft. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
3. Assemble the Sandwich: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the chicken mixture to the pan. Mix everything together, and heat through for about 2 minutes.
4. Toast the Roll: Take a hoagie roll and toast it lightly.
5. Add Cheese: Place 1-2 slices of provolone or blue cheese on the hot chicken mixture until melted.
6. Serve: Spoon the cheesy mixture into the toasted roll and enjoy.

This Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a spicy, satisfying option for any cheesesteak lover.

5. Mushroom Swiss Cheesesteak

Mushroom Swiss Cheesesteak is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich. It combines tender steak slices with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese for a rich flavor.

Making this cheesesteak is quite simple. The ingredients include thinly sliced steak, Swiss cheese, fresh mushrooms, onions, and your choice of hoagie rolls.

Here are the basic steps:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté sliced onions and mushrooms until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the steak to the skillet and cook until browned, around 3-5 minutes.
4. Place slices of Swiss cheese on top and let it melt for 1-2 minutes.
5. Spoon the mixture into hoagie rolls and serve hot.

This sandwich is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner!

6. BBQ Chipotle Cheesesteak

The BBQ Chipotle Cheesesteak is a flavorful twist on the classic sandwich. It combines smoky barbecue sauce with spicy chipotle peppers, creating a zesty taste that enhances the steak and cheese.

I find this recipe easy to make, perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend treat. Here are the steps:

1. Ingredients: Gather sliced steak, onion, bell pepper, cheese, BBQ sauce, and chipotle peppers.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté sliced onions and bell peppers in oil until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Cook the Steak: Push the veggies to the side, add sliced steak, and cook until browned, around 5 minutes.
4. Add Sauces: Mix in BBQ sauce and diced chipotle peppers, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Melt the Cheese: Top with cheese, cover, and let it melt for about 2 minutes.
6. Serve: Spoon the mixture onto a hoagie roll and enjoy your BBQ Chipotle Cheesesteak.

This recipe offers a great balance of flavors, making it a hit for anyone who loves a bit of spice in their meal.

7. Italian Cheesesteak with Peppers

An Italian cheesesteak with peppers combines the classic Philly taste with Italian flavors. It usually features sautéed bell peppers and onions, along with a choice of meats, typically sliced steak.

This recipe is easy to make at home. To start, gather the ingredients: thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, onions, and provolone cheese. You’ll also need olive oil and your favorite seasonings.

Here are the steps to prepare this dish:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Slice 1 onion and 1-2 bell peppers into thin strips. Sauté them in the oil for about 5 minutes.
3. Add 1 pound of thinly sliced beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Once the meat is cooked, layer 4 slices of provolone cheese on top. Cover the skillet until the cheese melts.
5. Serve it on a toasted hoagie roll for a delicious sandwich.

This Italian twist on a cheesesteak is full of flavor and simple to make!

8. French Dip Cheesesteak

The French Dip Cheesesteak combines two classic dishes into one flavorful sandwich. It features thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and au jus for dipping.

Making this dish is straightforward. I like to start with ribeye or roast beef for the best flavor. The cooking process takes about 30 minutes.

First, gather your ingredients: thinly sliced beef, hoagie rolls, your choice of cheese (provolone or Swiss are popular), and beef broth for the au jus.

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
2. Sauté the beef until it’s heated through, usually around 5-7 minutes.
3. In the meantime, warm the hoagie rolls in the oven for a few minutes.
4. Place the beef in the rolls and top with cheese. Let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
5. For the au jus, heat the beef broth in a small pot until simmering.

Serve the cheesesteaks with a small bowl of au jus for dipping. Enjoy!

9. Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Cheesesteak egg rolls are a fun twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak. They combine all the tasty flavors of a cheesesteak with the crispy texture of an egg roll.

Making cheesesteak egg rolls is quite easy. I usually start by gathering the ingredients: thinly sliced steak, cheese, onions, and egg roll wrappers.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Cook the Steak: In a skillet, cook the steak until browned. This takes about 5 minutes.
2. Sauté Onions: Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Mix Ingredients: Combine the steak and onions with shredded cheese in a bowl.
4. Wrap Egg Rolls: Place a spoonful of the mixture on an egg roll wrapper, fold, and seal the edges with a little water.
5. Fry or Bake: Fry the rolls in hot oil for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, or bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.

These cheesesteak egg rolls make for a great appetizer or snack. They are sure to please anyone who enjoys a good cheesesteak!

What Is the History of the Cheesesteak?

The cheesesteak has a rich history rooted in Philadelphia. Its origins and the way recipes have evolved over the years are key to understanding its place in American cuisine.

What Are the Origins of the Cheesesteak in Philadelphia?

The cheesesteak was created in the early 1930s by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in South Philadelphia. Legend has it that he first prepared a steak sandwich for himself, which caught the attention of a passing taxi driver.

This simple act led to the opening of Pat’s King of Steaks in 1930. The sandwich gained popularity quickly. Initially, it was made with thinly sliced ribeye and onions, served on a hoagie roll. Over the years, it became a staple street food in Philadelphia, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

How Have Cheesesteak Recipes Evolved Over Time?

As the cheesesteak grew in fame, variations emerged. Different chefs and restaurants started adding their own twists. Some included bell peppers, mushrooms, or different cheeses, such as provolone or Cheez Whiz.

Today, I can find cheesesteaks prepared in various styles. Gourmet versions feature unique ingredients, while food trucks have made them more accessible. Despite the changes, the core recipe remains beloved, keeping the spirit of the original sandwich alive. The cheesesteak has truly become a symbol of Philadelphia’s culinary heritage.

What Are the Core Ingredients for a Perfect Cheesesteak?

Creating a perfect cheesesteak requires careful selection of key ingredients. The right bread, cheese, and meat are essential for achieving that savory, satisfying flavor. Let’s explore what I consider the best options for each.

How Do You Choose the Right Bread for a Cheesesteak?

The bread is the foundation of any cheesesteak. I find that a good sandwich begins with the right roll. A classic option is the Amoroso roll, renowned for its soft interior and slightly crispy crust. It holds up well against juicy fillings without becoming soggy.

Alternatively, a hoagie roll can work nicely. It should be fresh and have enough structure to support the fillings. I recommend avoiding overly dense breads, as they can overpower the cheesesteak’s ingredients.

Look for rolls that are around 10 to 12 inches long. This size allows plenty of room for toppings without making the sandwich unwieldy to eat.

What Are the Best Cheese Options for a Cheesesteak?

Cheese is vital in creating a rich and melty cheesesteak. I usually opt for provolone or cheese whiz as my top choices. Provolone melts beautifully and adds a mild, tangy flavor. It’s a classic pairing that complements the meat well.

On the other hand, cheese whiz offers a creamy texture that many fans love. Some prefer the American cheese for its meltability and rich taste.

Whichever cheese I choose, I make sure to generously layer it on top of the meat while it’s hot. This ensures a gooey, satisfying bite with every mouthful.

How Do You Select Quality Meat for a Cheesesteak?

For the meat, I recommend using ribeye steak. It is well-marbled, which gives it a juicy flavor when cooked. I usually slice it thinly to ensure that it cooks quickly and stays tender.

Another option is top round steak, which can be a leaner choice but still provides great flavor. I find that using high-quality beef makes a noticeable difference in taste.

When preparing the meat, I often season it simply with salt and pepper. This way, the meat’s natural flavor shines through, creating a delicious balance with the other ingredients.