Craving the ultimate comfort food mash-up? Meet your new obsession: Philly Cheesesteak Fries! Imagine pillowy crinkle-cut fries covered in juicy bits of steak, sautéed peppers and onions, all crowned with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Philly Cheesesteak Fries bring all the classic flavors of a cheesesteak straight to your snack bowl—totally irresistible for parties, game nights, or when you just want to treat yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Iconic Philly Flavors: You get luscious beef, creamy cheese, and sweet peppers and onions all piled onto golden fries!
- Crowd-Pleasing & Shareable: This platter delivers serious wow-factor for parties or tailgates, but it’s also easy enough for a cozy night in.
- Irresistibly Cheesy: That homemade cheese sauce is ultra-silky and clings to every fry—no dry bites in sight.
- Flexible & Fun: Philly Cheesesteak Fries are customizable to fit any craving—swap out proteins, play with toppings, or make it spicy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Philly Cheesesteak Fries is how each ingredient brings something special—tender steak for heartiness, sweet peppers and onions for pop and flavor, and that luscious cheese sauce for the wow factor. Here’s what you’ll need (and why):
- Ribeye Steak: Loaded with flavor and marbling, ribeye is traditional for cheesesteak, but you can easily sub with sirloin or even ground beef.
- Green Bell Pepper & Yellow Onion: The classic combo—together they add color, sweetness, and that signature cheesesteak flavor.
- Frozen Crinkle-Cut Fries: Crinkle fries catch the cheese sauce in every groove, but any fry you love will work here.
- Butter & Flour: Start your cheese sauce with a simple roux. It keeps the sauce silky and thick (no clumps!).
- Milk (warmed): Warm milk blends smoothly for the creamiest cheese sauce—worth the extra minute in the microwave.
- White American Cheese: Melts like a dream, giving you that classic, velvety cheesesteak cheese pull.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a punch of sharp, nutty flavor that takes the sauce up a notch.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning your sauce and steak just right.
- Oil: Helps the steak brown beautifully and keeps peppers and onions from sticking.
Variations
Philly Cheesesteak Fries are endlessly adaptable—don’t be afraid to mix things up based on what’s in your kitchen or what you’re craving. Here are some of my favorite twists to try:
- Chicken Philly Style: Use thinly sliced chicken breast instead of steak for a lighter, yet equally satisfying version.
- Mushroom & Veggie Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms or swap steak for portobellos to make it vegetarian (just skip the meat and double up on veggies!).
- Kicked-Up Heat: Toss in some pickled jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce for a spicy, Southwest-inspired spin.
- Loaded Bacon Cheddar: Mix in crispy bacon and sharp cheddar for a loaded fries moment that rivals any bar snack.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Fries
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Steak
To get those signature thin steak strips, pop your steak in the freezer for 20 minutes—this firms it up so it’s much easier to slice super thin. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice against the grain into 1/8-inch strips. Toss your steak with a tablespoon of oil and let it hang out while you prep everything else.
Step 2: Cook the Fries
Bake your crinkle fries according to the package directions. I love lining a sheet pan with parchment to keep them crisp. Keep the fries warm in the oven while you work on the toppings—hot fries are key for perfect Philly Cheesesteak Fries!
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Start by melting butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute until it’s bubbly and just turning golden, then slowly whisk in your warm milk. Stir constantly until it thickens, then remove from heat and add your cheeses. Stir gently until everything is melted and silky-smooth. Season with salt and pepper and keep it warm over low heat—you’re going to want to sample this straight from the spoon!
Step 4: Sauté Steak, Peppers, & Onions
Heat a large sauté pan over high heat. Toss in the steak and cook quickly, just until the pink is gone, then set aside. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the peppers and onions until they’re beautifully soft and caramelized at the edges. Return the steak to the pan; mix with the veggies, and cook together for a moment to unite all those amazing flavors. The aroma here is next-level!
Step 5: Assemble the Philly Cheesesteak Fries
Now for the fun part—assembly! Spread your hot fries out on a serving platter or just keep them on the sheet pan for easy digging. Spoon the steak, onions, and peppers over the fries, pour over half your cheese sauce, and serve the rest on the side for dipping. Philly Cheesesteak Fries are best enjoyed right away, when everything is melty, messy, and perfect.
Pro Tips for Making Philly Cheesesteak Fries
- Ultra-Thin Steak Slices: Freezing the steak briefly makes it much easier to slice paper-thin—this gives you tender, quick-cooking strips just like a classic cheesesteak.
- Keep the Cheese Sauce Warm: If the sauce gets too thick while you prep, add a splash of warm milk and whisk gently to bring it back to pouring perfection.
- Perfect Fry Texture: Bake the fries until they’re crisp on the outside—overcrowded pans steam instead of crisp, so use two pans if you’re doubling up!
- Prep in Advance: Have all your ingredients ready before you cook—the steak and veggies go fast, and you don’t want anything to overcook while you’re still chopping onions.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Fries

Garnishes
For the finishing touch, sprinkle your Philly Cheesesteak Fries with fresh chopped parsley for color, or try a dusting of smoked paprika or even extra parmesan cheese. Thinly sliced green onion adds a fresh bite, and a drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha takes it straight into crave-worthy territory.
Side Dishes
Since Philly Cheesesteak Fries are rich and filling, pair them with crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad to balance things out. If you’re serving a crowd, set out dill pickles, classic potato chips, or even a cold beer for an all-out Philly-inspired experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring the fun by piling your fries on a big parchment-lined sheet pan and serving it right at the table—perfect for sharing! Or make individual Philly Cheesesteak Fry boats in small baskets for a party. For game days, divide the components into bowls and let guests build their own over fries for a truly interactive treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Fries should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the cheese sauce separately, if possible, to keep everything from getting soggy.
Freezing
While fries are always best fresh, you can freeze the meat and veggie mixture (but not the fries themselves). Let cool completely, then pack into a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and assembling fresh fries and sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meat and veggies in a skillet and gently reheat the cheese sauce over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick. Crisp up fresh fries in the oven, then assemble for that just-made taste—leftovers never tasted so good!
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef for Philly Cheesesteak Fries?
Absolutely! While ribeye is classic for its marbling and flavor, sirloin, top round, or even thinly sliced deli roast beef will work in a pinch. For a budget-friendly twist, ground beef can be used as well—just cook it until well browned for maximum flavor.
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Is it possible to make Philly Cheesesteak Fries gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free fries, and swap the all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce for a 1:1 gluten-free blend or cornstarch (for a slurry). Double-check your cheeses and all packaged products to make sure they’re gluten-free.
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How can I prepare Philly Cheesesteak Fries ahead for a party?
Prepare the meat, veggies, and cheese sauce in advance and keep everything chilled separately. You can bake the fries just before serving, then quickly heat the meat and sauce, assemble, and serve everything piping hot for the best flavor and texture.
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What cheese works best if I can’t find white American cheese?
If white American cheese isn’t available, try provolone (a classic cheesesteak favorite), Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar—just be sure the cheese melts smoothly for the creamiest sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s guaranteed to surprise and delight, Philly Cheesesteak Fries are it. They’re smoky, cheesy, savory, and loaded with texture—friendly for sharing but almost too good to give up! Give them a try and let me know how you top your fries—I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every messy, delicious bite.
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these delicious Philly Cheesesteak Fries. Crispy crinkle-cut fries topped with tender ribeye steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and a rich homemade cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cups milk, warmed
- 8 ounces white american cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded (see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper (white or black)
Cheesesteak Fries
- 1 pound ribeye steak (see note)
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced 1/8″ thick
- 1 medium onion, sliced 1/8″ thick
- 1 bag frozen crinkle-cut fries
Instructions
- Prep: Place steak in freezer for about 20 minutes. Once firm, slice into thin 1/8″ strips. Toss in 1 tablespoon oil and set aside. Cook fries per package instructions; keep warm.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, then gradually whisk in warm milk. Cook until thickened. Slowly incorporate cheeses until melted. Keep warm.
- Cook Meat, Pepper, & Onion Mixture: Sear beef, set aside. Sauté peppers and onions until caramelized. Return beef to pan; cook until caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Fries: Place cooked fries on a platter, top with meat mixture, and pour cheese sauce over. Serve remaining sauce on the side.
Notes
- Prep all ingredients before cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Ribeye steak is recommended, but other cuts like sirloin or top round can be used.
- Serve the dish on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan for easy cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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