In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the decadent delight that is Poor Philly Steak Cheese Fries. This delectable creation is a heady fusion of classic Philadelphia cheesesteak and America’s beloved loaded fries, resulting in a cheesy, meaty, and utterly satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking to whip up a crowd-pleasing snack for a movie night or just indulge in some self-care with a truly indulgent treat, these Poor Philly Steak Cheese Fries will not disappoint. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a culinary journey to create the perfect batch, and even offer some creative variations and tips to make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Philly Steak:
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sliced mushrooms
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
Making the Fries:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into thin fries. It’s best to keep them uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss the fries with vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper until they’re well coated.
- Arrange the fries on the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not crowded. This will help them crisp up nicely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
Preparing the Philly Steak:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until it’s browned and slightly crispy. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and then add the sliced onions and green peppers. Sauté until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and mix it with the veggies. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper.
Creating the Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light, golden color.
- Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
- Add the mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
Variation and Tips
Variation: Loaded Philly Steak Cheese Fries with a Twist
For a unique twist on this classic recipe, consider incorporating some adventurous toppings like sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick, sautéed mushrooms for a rich earthy flavor, or even fresh cherry tomatoes and chopped green onions for a burst of freshness. This is where you can truly make it your own, tailoring it to your personal taste.
Tips: Crafting the Perfect Poor Philly Steak Cheese Fries
- For perfectly crispy fries, make sure to cut them uniformly. This ensures they cook evenly and come out crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
- Don’t crowd the baking sheet when roasting your fries. Overcrowding can lead to soggy results.
- The choice of beef matters. Using thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin ensures tender, flavorful Philly steak.
- Play with the cheese sauce. While we’ve used cheddar, feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties for a unique twist.
- Keep an eye on your cheese sauce; whisk continuously to avoid lumps and ensure a creamy consistency.
As you savor each bite of your homemade Poor Philly Steak Cheese Fries, you’re indulging in a culinary masterpiece. This comforting, loaded dish seamlessly blends the textures and flavors of crispy fries, savory Philly steak, and luscious cheese sauce. Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just an ordinary craving for extraordinary comfort food, this recipe is sure to hit the mark.
In a world full of culinary delights, the Poor Philly Steak Cheese Fries stand out as a true embodiment of indulgence. The variations and tips provided offer you the creative license to make this dish your very own, with each batch taking on a unique flavor profile. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to embark on a journey of cheesy, meaty, and oh-so-delicious discovery. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again, spreading the joy of these loaded fries with family and friends. Bon appétit!