Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms everyday fries into a decadent comfort-food feast. The juicy, thinly sliced steak combined with sweet onions and peppers hits all the right savory notes. Then covering everything in creamy, homemade cheese sauce elevates it to a party-level indulgence. It’s easy to riff on with your favorite cheeses or toppings, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 bag (≈28–32 oz) thick-cut frozen fries (crinkle or steak fries)
1 Tbsp olive oil (for steak)
¾ lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, Denver steak), sliced thinly
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp olive oil (for veggies)
½ cup sliced green bell pepper
½ cup sliced onion
Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup half-and-half or milk
- 3 slices American cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or provolone
Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, banana peppers, pickled jalapeños, sliced green onions

directions

Preheat oven or air fryer and cook fries according to package until crispy; set aside.
In a skillet or griddle, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Add sliced steak, season with salt, pepper, and optionally Worcestershire, sear ~3–4 min per side until just browned. Remove to a plate.
In same skillet, add another Tbsp olive oil and sauté bell peppers and onions ~4–5 min until softened.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, warm half-and-half until steaming. Add American cheese and cheddar, whisk until a smooth, creamy cheese sauce forms.
Arrange fries on a serving platter or cast-iron skillet. Top with steak, peppers, onions, then pour cheese sauce over everything.
Garnish with your choice of jalapeños, banana peppers, or green onions. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4–6 servings
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: ~35–40 minutes

Variations

Try shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar, or skip homemade sauce and melt slices of American or provolone directly over hot fries.
Add sauteed mushrooms or bacon for extra flavor layers.
For a spicy kick, top with ranch, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce before serving.

storage/reheating

I usually serve this fresh, but if I have leftovers, I transfer them to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake or air-fry at 375 °F for about 5–7 minutes until fries get crisp again and cheese is melty. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy fries.

FAQs

Can I use fresh-cut fries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Bake or fry your own fresh-cut fries until crispy, then proceed with toppings as usual.

What cut of steak works best?

I prefer tender cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or Denver steak. Freezing the steak slightly helps me slice it very thin—perfect for cheesesteak toppings.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead?

Yes—I make it a few hours in advance, keep it warm on the stove or reheat gently before assembly.

Are these fries gluten-free?

They’re gluten-free if you choose certified gluten-free fries and double-check your cheese sauce ingredients. No flour is needed.

Can I scale this up for a party?

Definitely! Double or triple the fries and toppings, and serve it from cast-iron skillets or trays—always a favorite at game nights.

Conclusion

I love serving Philly Steak & Cheese Fries because they pack so much flavor with minimal effort. The leftovers are great too when reheated properly. Whether it’s for a casual dinner, game day, or a party, this dish delivers that ultimate comfort food experience—creamy, savory, and endlessly satisfying