13 Authentic Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipes

I still remember the first time I bit into a genuine Philly cheesesteak during a family road trip to Philadelphia when I was 12. The sizzle of ribeye on the grill, the gooey melted Cheez Whiz dripping onto the soft Amoroso roll—it was love at first bite. That memory has stuck with me, fueling my passion for recreating that street-food magic in my own kitchen.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting with homemade versions, tweaking classics with local twists like adding pickled cherry peppers from my garden or swapping in artisanal cheeses. In a world of fast food imitations, these authentic recipes bring back the soul of South Philly—simple, bold flavors that hit all the right spots without the grease trap.

Classic Ribeye Cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz

This is the OG Philly cheesesteak: thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and that iconic Cheez Whiz for creamy, tangy perfection. Ingredients (serves 1): 6 oz ribeye (frozen and sliced thin), 1/4 onion sliced thin, 2 oz Cheez Whiz, 1 hoagie roll, salt/pepper. Steps: Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat, cook onions until soft (5 mins), add steak slices and season, cook 2-3 mins until browned, mix in Cheez Whiz to melt, pile into toasted roll.
The benefits? High protein from ribeye supports muscle repair, while onions add antioxidants—quick comfort food under 10 minutes that’s way healthier than takeout.

A close-up photo of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich oozing Cheez Whiz, with caramelized onions visible, under soft lighting.

Provolone Cheese Steak Wit Onions

A staple for purists who prefer real cheese over wiz—smoky provolone melts beautifully over juicy ribeye and onions. Ingredients (serves 1): 6 oz thin-sliced ribeye, 1/4 onion, 3 slices provolone, hoagie roll, oil, salt. Steps: Sauté onions in hot skillet 4 mins, push aside and cook steak 2 mins per side, top with provolone to melt, fold together and stuff into split roll.
Provolone adds calcium for bone health, and skipping processed cheese makes it lighter yet indulgent—perfect for a weeknight crave.

A close-up photo of a provolone Philly cheesesteak with melted cheese stretching between layers of steak and onions, under soft lighting.

American Cheese Steak Witout Onions

For those who order “witout,” this skips onions for a pure steak-and-cheese hit with melty American slices. Ingredients (serves 1): 6 oz ribeye thinly sliced, 3 American cheese slices, hoagie roll, butter. Steps: Butter and toast roll, cook steak in sizzling skillet 3 mins, layer American cheese on top to melt fully, assemble sandwich.
Minimalist and fast, it’s lower in carbs without onions and high in satisfying fats for steady energy—no chopping required.

A close-up photo of a simple American cheese Philly cheesesteak piled high with steak, no onions, cheese bubbling over, under soft lighting.

Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak

Elevate the classic with earthy button mushrooms sautéed alongside ribeye for extra umami depth. Ingredients (serves 1): 6 oz ribeye slices, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, 2 oz Cheez Whiz or provolone, onion optional, hoagie roll. Steps: Cook mushrooms and onions first (5 mins), add steak to brown, melt cheese over top, load into roll.
Mushrooms boost immunity with vitamin D, adding veggies without sacrificing flavor—great for meat-lovers sneaking in nutrients.

A close-up photo of a mushroom-loaded Philly cheesesteak with steak and melted cheese, mushrooms peeking out, under soft lighting.

Green Pepper Cheese Steak

Sweet green peppers bring a Philly market-fresh crunch and mild sweetness to the ribeye base. Ingredients (serves 1): 6 oz ribeye, 1/2 green pepper sliced, 3 provolone slices, hoagie roll, oil. Steps: Sauté peppers 4 mins until tender-crisp, add steak to cook through, top with provolone, serve in toasted roll.
Peppers provide vitamin C for immune support; this veggie-packed version feels lighter and more colorful on the plate.

A close-up photo of a green pepper Philly cheesesteak sandwich with vibrant peppers mixed into juicy steak and cheese, under soft lighting.

Chicken Philly Cheesesteak

Swap beef for tender chicken breast strips—authentic Philly style but leaner and quicker-cooking. Ingredients (serves 1): 6 oz chicken breast sliced thin, 1/4 onion, 2 oz Cheez Whiz, hoagie roll. Steps: Cook onions, add seasoned chicken 4 mins until golden, stir in Cheez Whiz, pile high on roll.
Lower fat and calories than beef, high protein for fitness goals—ideal for lighter lunches without losing cheesesteak soul.

A close-up photo of a chicken Philly cheesesteak dripping with Cheez Whiz, onions and tender chicken strips visible, under soft lighting.

Pizza-Style Philly Cheesesteak

Topped with marinara and mozzarella for an Italian-American fusion that’s pure Philly comfort. Ingredients (serves 1): 6 oz ribeye, 1/4 onion, 2 oz mozzarella, 2 tbsp marinara, hoagie roll. Steps: Cook steak and onions, spread marinara on roll, add mixture and mozzarella, broil 1 min to bubble.
Adds lycopene from tomatoes for heart health; fun twist satisfies pizza cravings in sandwich form.

A close-up photo of a pizza Philly cheesesteak with bubbly mozzarella and a hint of red sauce over steak, under soft lighting.

Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Steak

Kick it up with fresh jalapeños for heat that cuts through the richness of ribeye and cheese. Ingredients (serves 1): 6 oz ribeye, 2-3 jalapeño slices, 3 American slices, hoagie roll. Steps: Sauté jalapeños briefly, cook steak in the mix, melt cheese, assemble hot.
Capsaicin boosts metabolism; thrilling spice level for adventurous eaters who want bold flavor.

A close-up photo of a spicy jalapeño Philly cheesesteak with green flecks amid melted cheese and steak, under soft lighting.

Garlic Butter Philly Cheesesteak

Garlic butter on the roll amps up savoriness, Philly-style with provolone for a buttery crunch. Ingredients (serves 1): 6 oz ribeye, 1/4 onion, 3 provolone slices, hoagie roll, 2 tbsp garlic butter. Steps: Spread garlic butter on roll and toast, cook steak/onions, melt cheese inside.
Garlic supports immunity; luxurious butter elevates it to diner-quality without extra effort.

A close-up photo of a garlic butter Philly cheesesteak sandwich with golden toasted edges and gooey provolone, under soft lighting.

Double Meat Philly Cheesesteak

Twice the ribeye for steak lovers—loaded, messy, and maximally satisfying. Ingredients (serves 1): 12 oz thin ribeye, 1/4 onion, 3 oz Cheez Whiz, oversized hoagie roll. Steps: Cook double steak batch with onions in batches if needed, melt extra wiz, overflow into roll.
Protein powerhouse for post-workout fuel; indulgent portion for when one isn’t enough.

A close-up photo of a massive double meat Philly cheesesteak overflowing with steak and cheese, under soft lighting.

Breakfast Egg & Cheese Steak

Morning twist with scrambled eggs mixed in for a hearty, protein-packed start. Ingredients (serves 1): 4 oz ribeye, 1 egg scrambled, 2 provolone slices, hoagie roll. Steps: Cook steak, push aside and scramble egg, melt cheese over all, sandwich it up.
Eggs add choline for brain health; perfect brunch hybrid blending breakfast and Philly flair.

A close-up photo of a breakfast Philly cheesesteak with fluffy egg bits amid steak and melted cheese, under soft lighting.

BBQ Pulled Philly Cheesesteak

Tangy BBQ sauce tossed with shredded ribeye for a smoky, saucy variation. Ingredients (serves 1): 6 oz ribeye pulled/shredded, 2 tbsp BBQ sauce, 2 oz cheddar, hoagie roll. Steps: Slow-cook steak until shreddable, mix in BBQ, top with cheddar melt, roll it.
Antioxidants from sauce spices; tender texture mimics pulled pork but stays true to cheesesteak roots.

A close-up photo of a BBQ Philly cheesesteak with saucy pulled steak and cheddar drip, under soft lighting.

Vegetarian Seitan Philly Cheesesteak

Plant-based with seitan mimicking ribeye texture, onions, and provolone for vegan-adaptable authenticity. Ingredients (serves 1): 6 oz seitan strips, 1/4 onion, vegan cheese or provolone, hoagie roll. Steps: Sauté onions and seitan until crispy, melt cheese, stuff roll.
High plant protein, fiber-rich for digestion; inclusive option without skimping on chew or taste.

A close-up photo of a vegetarian seitan Philly cheesesteak stacked with faux steak strips and melted cheese, under soft lighting.

There you have it—13 ways to nail the Philly cheesesteak at home, from street-authentic to creative spins. Grab some ribeye, fire up the skillet, and transport yourself to South Philly; your taste buds (and family) will thank you! Which one are you trying first?

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