Name: Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Fries Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon flour; 2 cups milk, warmed; 8 ounces white American cheese, cubed; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper (white or black); 1 pound ribeye steak; 2 tablespoons oil, divided; 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced 1/8 inch thick; 1 medium onion, sliced 1/8 inch thick; 1 bag frozen crinkle-cut fries

This might be the richest cheese-and-steak combo you'll find on fries—and trust me, the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Fries Recipe delivers that perfect balance of melty, savory goodness. If you're craving something ultimate for game day or a cozy night in, you're in the right place.

The dish is served in a black cast iron skillet placed on a wooden board, filled with three main layers. The bottom layer consists of golden yellow French fries scattered unevenly. The middle layer has small pieces of dark brown grilled steak mixed with thin slices of red and green bell peppers. The top layer is covered with creamy white melted cheese sauce drizzled over the fries, meat, and peppers. There is a fork resting inside the skillet and a white square plate with a smaller portion of the same dish in the top right corner. The background surface is a white marbled texture with a striped dish towel partially visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Fries Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Fries Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Fries Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There’s something unbelievably satisfying about crispy fries smothered in a velvety cheese sauce topped with tender, caramelized steak and peppers. I’ve made this recipe countless times for friends, and every single time, it’s a hit. It’s indulgent but simple, and the flavors just come together effortlessly.

Ultimate comfort food: It brings classic Philly cheesesteak flavors straight onto crispy fries for a plateful of pure joy.
Easy enough for weeknights: Despite its rich appearance, you can make it in under an hour—perfect when you want something special but don’t want to fuss.
Customizable to what you love: Whether you want more cheese, extra peppers, or even a spicy kick, you can adjust it to your cravings.
Great for sharing: This recipe was born to be enjoyed with friends or family around the table.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each part of this Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Fries Recipe has its role, working together to create a mouthwatering meal. The key? Balance between the creamy cheese sauce, savory steak, and the satisfying crunch of fries. Here’s a quick rundown on the essentials you'll need:

Flat lay of fresh ribeye steak sliced into thin strips, a small pat of golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with warm milk, a few cubes of white American cheese, a small white bowl with shredded parmesan cheese, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a medium green bell pepper sliced thinly, a medium onion sliced thinly, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of mixed white and black ground pepper, and a pile of natural crinkle-cut fresh fries, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a simple white ceramic plate and white bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ribeye steak: This cut is juicy and tender, which makes all the difference in flavor and texture. If you can’t find ribeye, sirloin or top round works fine but slice thinly.
Frozen crinkle-cut fries: They crisp up so well and hold the cheese sauce beautifully—homemade fries can be great here too if you’re feeling adventurous.
Butter and flour: These create the roux base for the cheese sauce, giving it that perfect thickness without clumps.
Milk (warmed): Helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce and keeps it silky.
White American cheese: This melts like a dream and gives that iconic cheesesteak flavor that just sings.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp depth to the sauce that balances the richness.
Green bell pepper & onion: Thin slices caramelize and add sweetness and a bit of crunch that pairs beautifully with the beef.
Oil: For searing the steak and sautéing veggies without burning.
Salt & pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning everything perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often switch up the veggies depending on what I have, and sometimes I add a bit of hot sauce into the cheese sauce to bring a subtle zing. Feel free to get creative!

Variation: I once swapped green peppers for sautéed mushrooms and added a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes—totally delicious and saved for when mushrooms are in season.
For a lighter option: Try baking the fries instead of frying to cut down on oil without losing that crispiness.
Make it spicy: Mix diced jalapeños into the meat or stir a spoonful of chipotle powder into the cheese sauce for a smoky heat.
Vegetarian twist: Use sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based beef substitute in place of the ribeye for a hearty, meat-free version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Fries Recipe

A white plate holds a layered dish starting with a base of golden yellow French fries spread evenly. On top of the fries, there are small chunks of cooked ground meat mixed with diced red and green bell peppers, adding bright pops of color. The top layer is melted white cheese that covers most of the meat and vegetables, with some parts showing gooey, shiny texture. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled lightly over the cheese, adding a fresh contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Steak and Fries

First, pop the ribeye steak in the freezer for about 20 minutes—this firms it up so slicing thin strips is easier and safer. Once ready, slice into ⅛-inch thin strips. Toss lightly with a tablespoon of oil to help with searing. While prepping your steak, get those fries cooking according to the package instructions so they’re hot and crispy when assembly time rolls around. Keeping everything warm is key here.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour, cooking for about a minute until it’s bubbly but not browned. Slowly pour in warmed milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency, then gradually add your cubed white American cheese and shredded Parmesan. Keep whisking until everything is melted and smooth—this sauce is the heart of that cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Cook Steak, Peppers, and Onions

Sear the thin steak strips in a hot pan with a tablespoon of oil until they get a nice caramelized crust, then set aside. In the same pan, add your sliced green peppers and onions and sauté until they’re soft and have a sweet caramelized edge. Return the steak to the pan and cook together for a couple more minutes to marry the flavors. This mixture is going to be delicious on top of your fries!

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Lay the cooked fries out on a platter or parchment-lined sheet pan for easy cleanup. Spoon the steak and pepper mixture evenly across the fries, then pour the warm cheese sauce generously over everything. If you have any extra cheese sauce, serve it on the side for dipping. Right away, grab a fork and dig in—it’s messy and perfect!

Top Tip

From all my times making this dish, here are my best tips so you get restaurant-quality Philly Cheesesteak Fries right at home:

Freeze the Steak First: Thin slicing steak when it’s firm is a game changer—makes for perfectly tender strips that cook evenly.
Warm Your Milk: Adding cold milk to the roux slows down the sauce thickening and can cause lumps. Warm it gently for smooth cheese sauce every time.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing meat or sautéing veggies, giving them space helps caramelize instead of steam, boosting flavor.
Crisp Fries Are Essential: Whether you bake or fry, make sure your fries have a good crunch to hold up against that rich cheese and juicy steak mix without getting soggy.

How to Serve Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Fries Recipe

A cooking pan with a light beige handle sits on a white marbled surface. Inside the black pan, there are two layers: the bottom layer is made of soft, light green sliced bell peppers and translucent onion slices, spread evenly around the pan. On top, there are several thin slices of raw red meat arranged in the middle, sprinkled with coarse salt and light brown seasoning powder. A wooden spatula rests on the right side inside the pan, touching the meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or scallions on top to add a pop of color and a fresh note that cuts through the richness. A little drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a side of pickles also brightens each bite and adds some variety.

Side Dishes

While this dish is pretty hearty by itself, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully to balance the richness. Or, if you’re going all out, serve with some coleslaw or roasted veggies to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served these fries in individual paper cones for easy grabbing and a festive vibe. On game day, layering the fries in a cast-iron skillet and broiling briefly to bubble the cheese on top adds amazing texture and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the steak and cheese sauce separately from the fries in airtight containers. This way, you won’t lose the fry crispiness overnight.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled dish because the fries get soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked steak-pepper mixture and the cheese sauce separately, then thaw and reheat when ready.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warm the steak mix and cheese sauce gently on the stove, and crisp up fries in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes. Then, assemble again for a nearly fresh experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cheese for the sauce?

Absolutely! White American cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic Philly flavor, but you can experiment with provolone or mozzarella for milder cheese. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well to keep the sauce smooth.

What’s the best way to slice the steak thinly?

Freezing the steak for 15-20 minutes firms it up, making it easier to slice paper-thin with a sharp knife. Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender, which is key for the cheesesteak experience.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour for the cheese sauce roux. Just make sure your fries and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

How do I keep fries crispy under the cheese?

To avoid soggy fries, cook them until extra crispy and assemble just before serving. You can also serve the cheese sauce on the side for dipping, so the fries retain their crunch longer.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Fries Recipe has become a staple whenever I want to impress guests without fuss and enjoy some serious comfort food. It hits all the right notes — crisp fries, juicy steak, sweet peppers, and a luscious cheese sauce that’s out of this world. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, just like I do.