For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Philly Steak Topping:
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef sirloin or ribeye steak
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Fries:
- 1 bag (about 24 ounces) frozen French fries or shoestring fries
- Vegetable oil for frying (if not using oven-baked fries)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and provolone cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove the cheese sauce from heat and set it aside while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Cook the Philly Steak Topping
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to brown.
- Stir in the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they become tender.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season the Philly steak topping with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove it from heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Fries
- Prepare the frozen French fries according to the package instructions. You can bake them in the oven or fry them in vegetable oil until they are golden and crispy.
Step 4: Assemble the Philly Steak Cheese Fries
- Arrange the cooked French fries on a serving platter or large tray.
- Spoon the prepared Philly steak topping over the fries, evenly distributing the meat, onions, and bell peppers.
- Drizzle the warm cheese sauce generously over the top, ensuring that it covers the entire dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Philly Steak Cheese Fries immediately while they are hot and the cheese sauce is gooey.
- Enjoy this deliciously indulgent dish as a snack, appetizer, or even a hearty meal!
Tips and Variations:
- Customize your Philly Steak Cheese Fries by adding toppings like sliced jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, or pickled banana peppers for extra flavor and heat.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute thinly sliced mushrooms or tofu for the beef.
- To make the dish spicier, consider adding hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or Philly steak topping.
- For a healthier twist, you can use oven-baked sweet potato fries or zucchini fries instead of traditional French fries.
Conclusion:
Philly Steak Cheese Fries are the ultimate indulgence, combining the beloved flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the crispy goodness of French fries. Whether you’re enjoying them while watching the game, serving them at a party, or simply treating yourself to a delicious snack, these loaded fries are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Dive into a plate of Philly Steak Cheese Fries and savor the cheesy, meaty, and savory goodness!
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition information for a serving of Philly Steak Cheese Fries (approximately one-fourth of the total recipe):
Calories: Approximately 600-800 calories per serving, depending on factors like the type of fries used and the amount of cheese sauce and toppings.
Protein: About 20-25 grams of protein per serving, primarily from the beef and cheese.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50 grams of carbohydrates per serving, mainly from the fries and a small amount from the vegetables.
Dietary Fiber: Roughly 4-6 grams of dietary fiber per serving, depending on the type of fries used.
Sugars: Approximately 5-8 grams of sugar per serving, primarily from natural sources in the vegetables and any added sugars in the cheese sauce.
Fats: Approximately 35-45 grams of total fat per serving, with most of it coming from the cheese, beef, and fries.
Saturated Fat: Around 15-20 grams of saturated fat per serving, mainly from the cheese and beef.
Cholesterol: Approximately 75-100 milligrams of cholesterol per serving, primarily from the beef and cheese.
Sodium: Roughly 800-1000 milligrams of sodium per serving, with variations based on the salt content of the fries and cheese sauce.
Vitamins and Minerals: Philly Steak Cheese Fries provide essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin C, and iron from the ingredients used. However, they are considered an indulgent treat rather than a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Note: These nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors like the specific brands of ingredients used and the portion size. Philly Steak Cheese Fries are a flavorful but indulgent dish, often enjoyed for their rich taste and satisfying nature. Due to their calorie and fat content, it’s advisable to consume them in moderation and balance them with lighter meals when possible.
Philly Steak Cheese Fries, also known as “cheese fries with Philly steak,” are a delicious and indulgent dish that combines elements of classic American comfort food. While there isn’t a specific historical account of when and where this dish was first created, we can explore the origins of its key components.
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- Philly Cheesesteak: The most iconic element of Philly Steak Cheese Fries is the Philly cheesesteak. The Philly cheesesteak sandwich has its roots in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is believed to have been created in the early 20th century. Pat’s King of Steaks, a well-known Philadelphia establishment, often claims to be the originator of the cheesesteak. Traditionally, it consists of thinly sliced beefsteak cooked with onions and often topped with melted cheese, typically provolone or American cheese. The combination of tender beef, sautéed onions, and cheese became a beloved sandwich in Philadelphia and beyond.
- Cheese Fries: Cheese fries, on the other hand, have a history rooted in the broader American love for French fries. French fries are thought to have been introduced to the United States by French immigrants in the late 18th century. Over time, they evolved into a popular American snack or side dish. The addition of cheese sauce to French fries likely emerged as a variation of “loaded fries” found in diners and fast-food restaurants.
- Combination: The marriage of Philly cheesesteak ingredients and cheese fries seems like a natural progression, as both are beloved American comfort foods. The fusion of these two dishes gives rise to Philly Steak Cheese Fries, where crispy fries provide the perfect base for the flavorful Philly cheesesteak toppings.
Philly Steak Cheese Fries exemplify the American tradition of combining and reimagining classic dishes to create new and indulgent culinary experiences. Over time, variations of this dish have emerged, incorporating different cheeses, toppings, and seasonings to suit various tastes. While the exact origins of Philly Steak Cheese Fries may remain unclear, they have undoubtedly become a beloved and iconic comfort food, cherished by food enthusiasts across the United States and beyond.