Philly Cheesesteak: 16 Easy Ways to Turn the Famous Sandwich Into Dinner and Game Day Snacks

Philly cheesesteak is one of the most loved sandwiches in America, and it is not even close. Cheesesteak videos pull huge numbers online: BuzzFeed’s $10 versus $120 cheesesteak has nearly 13 million views, and a Philadelphia cheesesteak tour from Travel Thirsty has more than 12 million. The magic is simple: thin steak, soft onions and melted cheese on a soft roll. Once you know how to make the real one, you can put that same flavor into sliders, casseroles, egg rolls and dips for every football Sunday and holiday game day. Here is the real deal first, then the easy twists..

The Philly Cheesesteak, Done the Real Way

In Philadelphia you order in two words, like one wit, which means one cheesesteak with fried onions. Say witout if you want no onions. The sandwich is credited to Pat and Harry Olivieri, who started selling steak sandwiches in 1930. The secret at home is slicing the steak paper thin, which is easier if you freeze it for 30 minutes first. Wit or witout: how do you order yours..

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ribeye, sliced paper thin, 1 large onion, 2 tbsp oil, salt and pepper, 8 slices provolone or cheese sauce, 4 soft hoagie rolls.

How to make it: 1. Freeze the steak 30 minutes, then slice it as thin as you can. 2. Cook sliced onions in 1 tbsp oil until soft and golden. 3. Push the onions aside and sear the steak in the rest of the oil on high heat. 4. Chop the steak with your spatula and season. 5. Mix with the onions, lay cheese on top and let it melt. 6. Scoop it all into a split roll.

The Classic Philly Cheesesteak at Home

This is the Philly cheesesteak to master first. Ribeye is the cut most shops use because its fat keeps the meat juicy and tender. Use a very hot skillet or griddle so the steak browns fast instead of steaming. Warm the roll on the griddle for the last minute so it soaks up the juices. Provolone, American or cheese sauce: what is your pick?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ribeye, sliced paper thin, 1 large onion, 2 tbsp oil, salt and pepper, 8 slices provolone, 4 soft hoagie rolls.

How to make it: 1. Slice the partly frozen steak paper thin. 2. Cook the onions until golden and set aside. 3. Sear the steak on high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. 4. Chop it up and mix in the onions. 5. Top with cheese and cover for 1 minute to melt. 6. Slide a warm roll over the pile and flip it all in.

Wit or Witout: the Great Cheese Debate

Walk up to a famous Philly cheesesteak stand and you will see three cheese choices: provolone, white American and a runny cheese sauce. Purists argue about it all the time. Cheese sauce soaks into the bread, provolone gives a sharper flavor, and American melts the creamiest. You can make a quick cheese sauce at home in five minutes. Which side are you on?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ribeye, sliced paper thin, 1 large onion, 2 tbsp oil, salt and pepper, 8 slices provolone (or skip the provolone), for the sauce: 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 1 cup milk, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1/4 tsp paprika.

How to make it: 1. Melt butter and whisk in flour for 1 minute. 2. Slowly whisk in the milk. 3. Simmer until thick. 4. Stir in the cheddar off the heat until smooth. 5. Add paprika and salt. 6. Spoon the warm sauce over the steak in the roll.

Philly Cheesesteak With Peppers and Mushrooms

In Philly, adding green peppers and mushrooms is a common order, and it makes the sandwich go further for a family. The peppers add a little sweetness and crunch, and mushrooms soak up the beef juices. Cook the vegetables first so they brown, then add the steak. Are you a peppers person, a mushrooms person, or both?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ribeye, sliced paper thin, 1 large onion, 2 tbsp oil, salt and pepper, 8 slices provolone, 1 green bell pepper sliced, 8 oz mushrooms sliced, 4 hoagie rolls.

How to make it: 1. Cook onions, peppers and mushrooms in oil for 8 minutes. 2. Set the vegetables aside. 3. Sear the thin steak on high heat. 4. Chop and mix with the vegetables. 5. Lay provolone on top to melt. 6. Pile into toasted rolls.

Chicken Cheesesteak, the Lighter Twin

Chicken cheesesteak is on the menu at almost every sandwich shop in Philadelphia. Thin chicken breast or thighs cook in minutes, and the Philly cheesesteak toppings stay the same: onions, peppers and melted cheese. Many people add a little hot sauce or ranch. It is a good choice if someone in your house does not eat red meat. Hot sauce on yours?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts sliced thin, 1 onion, 1 green pepper, 2 tbsp oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 6 slices provolone, 4 hoagie rolls.

How to make it: 1. Slice the chicken very thin. 2. Cook onion and pepper until soft and set aside. 3. Cook the chicken on high heat for 5 to 6 minutes. 4. Chop it and season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. 5. Mix in the vegetables and melt the cheese on top. 6. Spoon into toasted rolls.

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders for a Crowd

Sliders are the easiest way to feed a game day crowd. Bake a whole pan of soft slider rolls filled with steak, onions and provolone, brush the tops with garlic butter and pull them apart at the table. Thin deli roast beef works great if you are short on time. How many sliders can your crew eat in one quarter?

You will need: 12 slider rolls in one slab, 1 lb thin sliced steak or deli roast beef, 1 onion sliced, 8 slices provolone, 4 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried parsley.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Cook the onion and warm the beef in a skillet. 3. Slice the rolls in half as one slab. 4. Layer half the cheese, the beef, onions and the rest of the cheese. 5. Brush the tops with butter, garlic and parsley. 6. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes, then uncover for 5.

Cheesesteak Casserole for Busy Weeknights

All the flavor of a Philly cheesesteak, baked in one dish. Toasted cubes of hoagie roll go on the bottom, then steak, onions and peppers, then a creamy egg and milk mixture and a thick layer of cheese. It works for dinner and also for a holiday brunch. You can build it the night before. Would you serve it for dinner or brunch?

You will need: 1 lb thin sliced steak, 1 onion, 1 green pepper, 4 hoagie rolls cut in cubes, 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and grease a 9×13 dish. 2. Toast the bread cubes for 10 minutes. 3. Cook the steak, onion and pepper. 4. Layer bread and steak mixture in the dish. 5. Whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper and pour over. 6. Top with cheese and bake 35 to 40 minutes.

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

If you want the flavor without the bread, stuff it into bell peppers. Halved green peppers become little boats for steak, onions and mushrooms, and a slice of provolone melts on top of each one. They are low in carbs and still feel like comfort food. Kids love picking their own cheese. Green peppers or red?

You will need: 4 large bell peppers halved, 1 lb thin sliced steak, 1 onion, 8 oz mushrooms, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 8 slices provolone.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F. 2. Bake the pepper halves 10 minutes to soften. 3. Cook onion and mushrooms, then sear the steak. 4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce. 5. Fill the peppers and top each with provolone. 6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese bubbles.

Low-Carb Cheesesteak Skillet

This is the fastest dinner on the list. Sear the steak with peppers and onions in a cast iron skillet, then melt cheese right over the top and eat it with a fork. Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice, or wrap it in lettuce leaves. It is ready in about 20 minutes. Rice, cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps?

You will need: 1 lb thin sliced steak, 1 onion, 1 red and 1 green pepper, 2 tbsp oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 cup shredded provolone, rice or lettuce leaves to serve.

How to make it: 1. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet until very hot. 2. Cook onions and peppers 5 minutes. 3. Add the steak and sear 3 minutes. 4. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. 5. Top with cheese and cover for 1 minute. 6. Serve over rice or in lettuce leaves.

Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

These are the snack that disappears first at every party. Chopped steak, onions and cheese get rolled in egg roll wrappers and baked or air fried until crispy. Serve them with a creamy dip made from mayo, ketchup and a little hot sauce. They also freeze well, so you can make them ahead. Baked or air fried?

You will need: 12 egg roll wrappers, 1/2 lb thin sliced steak, 1 small onion, 1/2 green pepper, 6 slices American cheese, oil spray, for the dip: 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp hot sauce.

How to make it: 1. Cook and finely chop the steak, onion and pepper. 2. Lay half a cheese slice on each wrapper. 3. Add 2 tbsp of filling. 4. Fold in the sides and roll tight, sealing with water. 5. Spray with oil. 6. Bake at 425F for 15 minutes or air fry at 390F for 8 minutes.

Hot Cheesesteak Dip for the Big Game

Turn a whole Philly cheesesteak into a bubbling dip. Cream cheese, steak, onions and peppers go into a skillet and bake under a thick layer of provolone. Serve it with toasted baguette slices or hoagie roll chips. It is the kind of dish people stand around until the pan is empty. What would you dip first?

You will need: 1/2 lb thin sliced steak, 1 onion, 1 green pepper, 8 oz cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone, 1 baguette sliced and toasted.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F. 2. Cook onion, pepper and steak, then chop fine. 3. Mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. 4. Stir in the steak mixture and half the cheese. 5. Spread in an oven-safe skillet and top with the rest of the cheese. 6. Bake 20 minutes until bubbly.

Philly Cheesesteak Pizza

Pizza night meets sandwich night. Instead of tomato sauce, brush the dough with garlic butter, then top it with steak, onions, peppers and plenty of provolone and mozzarella. A store bought crust or flatbread makes it a 20 minute dinner. Some people drizzle cheese sauce on top after baking. Would you try it?

You will need: 1 pizza crust or 2 flatbreads, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 lb thin sliced steak, 1 onion, 1 green pepper, 1 cup shredded provolone, 1 cup shredded mozzarella.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 450F. 2. Cook the steak, onion and pepper. 3. Brush the crust with garlic butter. 4. Sprinkle half the cheese. 5. Add the steak mixture and the rest of the cheese. 6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until golden.

Cheesesteak Quesadillas in 15 Minutes

Quesadillas are the quickest way to get Philly cheesesteak flavor on a weeknight. Flour tortillas hold steak, onions, peppers and a lot of melted cheese, then get crisped in a skillet. Cut them in wedges and serve with salsa or the creamy egg roll dip. They are perfect for a quick lunch too. Salsa or sour cream?

You will need: 4 large flour tortillas, 1/2 lb thin sliced steak, 1 onion, 1 green pepper, 2 cups shredded provolone or Monterey Jack, 1 tbsp butter.

How to make it: 1. Cook the steak, onion and pepper and chop small. 2. Sprinkle cheese on half of each tortilla. 3. Add the filling and more cheese. 4. Fold the tortillas over. 5. Cook in butter for 2 to 3 minutes per side. 6. Cut into wedges.

Philly Cheesesteak Baked Potatoes

A baked potato is a perfect bed for Philly cheesesteak filling. Bake the potatoes until the skins are crisp, split them open, fluff the insides with butter and pile on the filling. Add a spoon of sour cream and chives. It is a filling dinner that costs very little. Do you eat the skin?

You will need: 4 large russet potatoes, 1 tbsp oil, salt, 1/2 lb thin sliced steak, 1 onion, 1 green pepper, 1 cup shredded provolone, butter, sour cream and chives.

How to make it: 1. Rub potatoes with oil and salt and bake at 400F for 60 minutes. 2. Cook the steak, onion and pepper. 3. Split the potatoes and fluff with butter. 4. Pile on the steak mixture. 5. Top with cheese and bake 5 more minutes. 6. Finish with sour cream and chives.

Cheesesteak Fries, the Ultimate Game Day Snack

Take a pile of crispy fries, cover them with chopped steak and onions and pour on warm cheese sauce. That is cheesesteak fries, a favorite at ballparks and sports bars. Use frozen fries baked or air fried to save time. Grab a fork, or eat them with your fingers. Would you add hot peppers on top?

You will need: 1 bag (32 oz) frozen fries, 1/2 lb thin sliced steak, 1 onion, cheese sauce from the cheese debate slide or 1 cup shredded cheddar, sliced hot peppers (optional).

How to make it: 1. Bake or air fry the fries until crisp. 2. Cook the onion and steak and chop fine. 3. Warm the cheese sauce. 4. Pile the fries on a platter. 5. Top with steak and onions. 6. Pour the cheese sauce over and add hot peppers.

Tips for the Juiciest Philly Cheesesteak

The biggest secret is the slice. Freeze the steak for 30 to 45 minutes, then cut it as thin as paper with a sharp knife. Many grocery butchers will shave it for you if you ask. Use high heat, do not crowd the pan and season at the end. For the full story and where to eat one in the city, see the Visit Philly guide. Hungry for more party food? Try our party sliders and sandwiches. What will you make first?

You will need: A sharp chef knife, a cast iron skillet or griddle, a metal spatula, ribeye or top sirloin, soft hoagie rolls.

How to make it: 1. Freeze the steak 30 to 45 minutes. 2. Slice against the grain as thin as possible. 3. Heat the pan until very hot. 4. Cook in small batches so the meat sears. 5. Chop with the spatula as it cooks. 6. Season with salt and pepper at the end.