10 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 a kid. The sizzle of thinly sliced ribeye on the griddle, the gooey melted Cheez Whiz dripping down the Amoroso roll, and those caramelized onions— it was love at first bite. That memory has stuck with me, fueling my passion for recreating that street-food magic at home.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my kitchen, sourcing ribeye from local butchers and testing different cheeses to nail that authentic flavor without hopping on a plane. In a world of fast food imitations, these recipes bring the real deal to your table—greasy, glorious, and unapologetically indulgent. Whether you’re a Philly native or a curious foodie, these 10 variations will transport you straight to South Philly.

Classic Wit Whiz Cheesesteak

This is the OG Philly cheesesteak: thinly sliced ribeye, Cheez Whiz, and fried onions on a seeded hoagie roll. Ingredients (serves 1): ½ lb ribeye steak (thinly sliced), 2 tbsp Cheez Whiz, ½ onion (sliced), salt/pepper, 1 hoagie roll, 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
Heat oil in a skillet over high heat, add onions and cook until golden (5 mins). Push aside, add steak, season, and cook until browned (3-4 mins). Melt Whiz on top, mix, and stuff into toasted roll. It’s quick (under 15 mins), packed with protein, and delivers that iconic tangy, melty perfection without any fuss.

Provolone Wit Onions Cheesesteak

A refined twist using sharp provolone for a smoky edge. Ingredients (serves 1): ½ lb ribeye (thinly sliced), 3 slices provolone, ½ onion (sliced), salt/pepper, 1 hoagie roll, 1 tbsp oil.
Sauté onions in hot oil until soft, add steak and cook through. Layer provolone to melt, then pile into a split roll. Provolone adds a gourmet melt without overpowering the beef, making it ideal for cheese lovers—high in calcium and ready in 10 minutes.

American Cheese Cheesesteak (No Whiz)

Mild American cheese for a creamy, kid-friendly version. Ingredients (serves 1): ½ lb ribeye (sliced thin), 3 slices American cheese, ½ onion, salt/pepper, hoagie roll, oil.
Fry onions first, then beef until crispy edges form. Top with American slices to melt fully before assembling. It’s smoother than Whiz, lower in sodium, and perfect for a lighter yet authentic Philly bite.

Mushroom Cheesesteak

Earthy mushrooms elevate the classic with umami depth. Ingredients (serves 1): ½ lb ribeye, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 2 tbsp Cheez Whiz, ¼ onion, roll, oil.
Cook mushrooms and onions together, add steak, then Whiz. Mix and serve on roll. Adds veggie nutrition (fiber, antioxidants) while keeping it hearty and true to Philly steak shops.

Pepper and Onion Cheesesteak

Sweet bell peppers join the onions for color and crunch. Ingredients (serves 1): ½ lb ribeye, ½ green bell pepper (sliced), ½ onion, provolone slices, roll, oil.
Sauté peppers and onions until tender, add beef, melt cheese. Stuff roll. Boosts vitamin C and makes it a veggie-packed powerhouse without losing cheesesteak soul.

Chicken Cheesesteak

Leaner poultry swap for a healthier riff. Ingredients (serves 1): ½ lb chicken breast (thinly sliced), 2 tbsp Cheez Whiz, ½ onion, roll, oil.
Cook onions, add chicken with seasoning until done. Stir in Whiz and assemble. Lower fat/calories than beef but still juicy and flavorful—great for weeknights.

Pizza Cheesesteak

Tomato sauce and mozz for an Italian-Philly mashup. Ingredients (serves 1): ½ lb ribeye, ¼ cup pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, ½ onion, roll.
Fry onions and beef, mix in sauce, top with mozz to melt. Iconic Philly pizza steak vibe—comforting carbs meet protein for a fun, shareable meal.

Hot Pepper Cheesesteak

Jalapeños or cherry peppers for spicy heat. Ingredients (serves 1): ½ lb ribeye, ¼ cup pickled hot peppers, provolone, onion, roll, oil.
Sauté onions and peppers, add steak, melt cheese. The kick boosts metabolism via capsaicin, turning a standard sammy into a bold flavor bomb.

Italian Long Hots Cheesesteak

Authentic Philly with charred long hot peppers. Ingredients (serves 1): ½ lb ribeye, 2 long hot peppers (roasted/sliced), American cheese, onion, roll.
Roast peppers, fry with onions and beef, add cheese. Regional fave adds smoky sweetness and antioxidants—elevates your home grill game.

Double Meat Cheesesteak

Extra ribeye for steakhouse indulgence. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 lb ribeye (sliced), ¼ cup Cheez Whiz, onion, 2 rolls.
Cook double onions, pile in beef, drown in Whiz. Ultimate protein load for athletes or big appetites—satisfies cravings twice over.

These 10 recipes capture the heart of Philly cheesesteaks right in your kitchen—grab some ribeye, fire up the griddle, and taste the City of Brotherly Love. Which one will you try first? Share your twists in the comments!