If you’ve ever stood at a crossroads trying to decide between pizza and a Philly cheese steak, this recipe is your delicious compromise. Philly cheesesteak pizza with white sauce is a glorious union of tender steak, melty cheese, buttery crust, and garlicky goodness. This is not just another pizza—it's a full-on flavor experience that captures the essence of a classic philly cheese steak sandwich and gives it a creative twist. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the traditional cheesesteak recipe or just looking for a way to shake up your pizza night, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to customize—yes, even for fans of philly cheese steak with ground beef or those looking to recreate that philly cheese steak dip flavor profile.
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza with White Sauce
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
12-inch pizza pan or stone A pizza stone yields a crispier crust, but a standard pizza pan works great. A cast iron skillet is also a fantastic alternative for deep-dish style.
saucepan For preparing the white sauce. A small pot will do.
Skillet or griddle To cook your steak and vegetables. A Blackstone flat-top grill is perfect for capturing those true philly steak vibes.
Rolling Pin For rolling out dough; or use your hands if you prefer the rustic look.
Cutting board and knife To prep the vegetables and slice steak.
For the white sauce (garlic parmesan base)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
For the pizza toppings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1½ cups cooked steak thinly sliced or chopped (ribeye, sirloin, or tender shaved steak; substitute with ground beef if preferred)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup provolone cheese shredded or sliced
- 1 pre-made pizza dough or homemade, if you're feeling ambitious
Optional: sautéed mushrooms or banana peppers for added flair
Make the White Sauce
Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute to form a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Add in the minced garlic and bring to a simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Once the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth, remove from heat and set aside.
This white sauce acts as the savory backbone of the pizza, echoing the creamy depth you might find in a philly cheese steak dip or a philly cheese steak sauce spread.
Sauté the Steak and Veggies
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onions and bell peppers, cooking until soft and slightly caramelized, about 6–7 minutes.
Add your steak (or ground beef if going for the philly cheese steak with ground beef variation) and cook just until browned and heated through. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Tip: If you’re using precooked steak or leftovers from a philly cheese steak crockpot recipe, simply warm it through with the veggies.
Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you're using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up.
Roll out your dough on a floured surface to fit your pizza pan. Transfer the dough to your pan or hot stone.
Assemble the Pizza
Spread the white sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Layer on the steak and veggie mixture. Sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone cheese generously on top.
For extra indulgence, add more steak or toss on a few spoonfuls of philly cheese steak casserole filling if you have some handy—it’s a great way to repurpose leftovers.
Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crust is cooked through.
Let the pizza rest for a couple minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes for cleaner slices.
Pairings
This Philly cheesesteak pizza is rich, savory, and packed with umami. Balance it with:
- Drinks: A crisp lager or amber ale pairs beautifully. For wine, go with a dry red like Cabernet Franc.
- Sides: A tangy arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette or garlic Parmesan fries complement the pizza perfectly.
- Dips: A creamy ranch or even a drizzle of extra philly cheese steak sauce can add another layer of flavor.
- Dessert: Keep it simple with something refreshing—maybe lemon sorbet or chocolate-dipped strawberries.
FAQs
1. What kind of steak should I use?
Thinly sliced ribeye is traditional for a philly cheese steak recipe, but sirloin or NY strip also works well. Just make sure it’s tender. You can even use shaved steak or leftovers from a steak sandwich recipe.
2. Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
Absolutely! Many easy philly cheese steak recipes call for ground beef. Just season it well and make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the pizza.
3. How do I make this in a crockpot?
While this exact pizza is not made in a crockpot, you can prep the steak filling in advance using a crockpot philly cheese steak or philly cheese steak crock pot method. Slow-cooked meat adds great depth of flavor.
4. Can I freeze this pizza?
You can freeze the fully assembled, unbaked pizza for later. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. When ready, bake from frozen at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes.
5. Is this the same as a philly cheese steak sandwich?
Not exactly. This is a spin-off of the classic philly cheese steak sandwich recipe, capturing the key flavors—steak, cheese, peppers, and onions—in pizza form. Think of it as the ultimate cheese steak sandwich recipe remix.
