Tasty Philly-Style Pizza

This pizza mashup brings Philly's favorite sandwich to your dinner table. We've taken all the tasty elements of a street corner cheesesteak and loaded them onto a pizza crust. It's the perfect fix for anyone who can't decide between these two classic comfort foods. With juicy shaved beef, soft bell peppers and onions, plus that unmistakable three-cheese blend, everyone at your table will be reaching for seconds.

I whipped up this creation while trying to make both my pizza-crazy kid and my husband (who's mad about cheesesteaks) happy at dinner. What began as a family compromise has turned into our end-of-week ritual, and now there's always a friendly battle for the final piece.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: 16 ounces from the store or homemade for your base
• Pizza sauce: ½ cup gives just enough flavor without taking over the cheesesteak taste
• Shaved beef steak: 6-8 ounces cut super thin for that real sandwich feel
• Mozzarella cheese: 6 ounces for that stretchy, gooey texture
• Green pepper and white onion: ½ each for that real Philly taste and light snap
• Kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning: balances all the flavors nicely
• Provolone cheese: 4 ounces brings that true Philly sandwich feel
• Cheez Whiz: ½ cup warmed up for drizzling to finish the sandwich experience
• Fresh chives for garnish: adds bright color and gentle onion taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get the oven hot:

Turn your oven up to 500°F. You need this high heat to get that nice crust and properly melted toppings. If you've got a pizza stone, let it warm up for at least 30 minutes first.

Get your dough ready:

Flatten your pizza dough on a floured countertop and move it onto a 16-inch pizza pan. Make a small ridge around the outside to keep all your toppings in place. A quick brush of olive oil on the edges adds extra flavor.

Start with the basics:

Spread your pizza sauce across the dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Don't go too heavy since real cheesesteaks aren't super saucy. Scatter mozzarella evenly over the sauce layer.

Load up the cheesesteak goodies:

Sprinkle your diced peppers and onions all over. Lay out the shaved beef pieces, making sure to separate them so they cook evenly. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor.

First cooking round:

Slide your pizza into the hot oven and cook for 8-10 minutes. Look for slightly brown edges and meat that's just cooked through. The strong heat quickly cooks the thin beef while making the bottom nice and crisp.

Add the finishing cheese:

Pull out your pizza and quickly put the provolone pieces on top. Put it back in until the provolone gets melty with some brown spots, and your crust turns golden and crispy, about 2-3 more minutes.

Last details:

After it's fully baked, squiggle warm Cheez Whiz all over your pizza. Toss some chopped chives on top for color and taste. Let it sit for a minute or two before cutting so the cheese can firm up slightly.

Pin it

What makes this pizza so incredibly tasty is the combo of three cheeses. While some folks might argue about whether Cheez Whiz belongs on a proper cheesesteak, mixing mozzarella, provolone, and that special processed cheese sauce works wonders together. When my father-in-law from Philadelphia gave it a thumbs up, I knew we'd nailed it.

From-Scratch Dough Option

Want to make this pizza even better? Try making your own dough. Mix 3 cups bread flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons active dried yeast in a big bowl. Pour in 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1¼ cups warm water. Stir until mixed, then knead on a floured counter for 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth. Put it in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it grow for 1-2 hours until it doubles. Push it down, shape it, and use it as told above. You'll really taste the difference with homemade dough.

Variations To Try

This recipe gives you that classic Philly taste, but you can easily change it up. Add mushrooms for extra flavor that many sandwich shops offer anyway. Try red or yellow peppers instead of green for a sweeter taste. If you like it spicy, throw on some jalapeños or red pepper flakes before you bake it. You can even swap the beef for thin-sliced chicken to make a chicken cheesesteak pizza.

Serving Suggestions

This filling pizza goes great with a basic green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness. For a true Philly feel, add some potato chips and pickles on the side. If you're having a party, cut it into little squares instead of wedges so it's easier to grab as a snack. This pizza is plenty filling on its own, especially when you follow it with something light like fresh fruit for dessert.

Pin it

This cheesesteak pizza packs tons of flavor and will soon become a family favorite! Put your own spin on it and enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of making it from scratch?

You bet! The recipe shows how to make your own dough, but ready-made dough works just fine too. You'll find it in the cold section at most grocery stores, and some local pizza places even sell their dough to customers.

→ What's the best type of beef to use for cheesesteak pizza?

Thin-cut ribeye gives you that real Philly taste, but slim slices of sirloin or packaged shaved beef work great too. Just make sure whatever meat you pick is cut super thin so it cooks up quick when your pizza bakes.

→ Is Cheez Whiz necessary for this pizza?

Cheez Whiz adds that true Philly sandwich feel, but you can skip it or make your own cheese sauce instead. Your pizza will still taste awesome with just the mozzarella and provolone on top.

→ Can I add other traditional cheesesteak toppings?

Go for it! Try adding cooked mushrooms, spicy cherry peppers, or mild banana peppers for extra kick. Some folks even like spreading a thin layer of mayo or garlic mayo on the dough before the sauce goes on.

→ How do I prevent my pizza dough from getting soggy?

Don't go overboard with sauce, especially in the middle. You can also bake the bare dough for about 4 minutes first, then add your toppings. Using a hot pizza stone or steel pan helps get that nice crispy bottom too.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover cheesesteak pizza?

For that just-made crunch, warm up slices on a hot baking sheet at 375°F for around 10 minutes. Try not to use the microwave as it'll make your crust all soft. A small toaster oven works great for heating up one or two pieces.