Joanna Gaines’ ‘Philly’ Cheesesteak Recipe: A Magnolia Table Review & Tips for Success

Dive into the delightful world of home cooking with Joanna Gaines as we explore her unique take on the classic Philly Cheesesteak. Featured prominently in the highly anticipated Magnolia Table Cookbook Vol. 2 and brought to life on her beloved cooking show, this recipe is lovingly dubbed “her version” of the iconic sandwich. While purists might argue over its authentic Philly roots, one thing is undeniably clear: this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your family asking for seconds. Joanna Gaines, known for her comforting, approachable, and family-friendly recipes, brings her signature charm to this dish, transforming a potentially complex meal into something effortlessly achievable in any home kitchen. Get ready to experience a steak sandwich that might just become a new staple in your weekly rotation.

Unpacking the Recipe: A Detailed Review and Culinary Insights

Embarking on Joanna Gaines’ ‘Philly’ Cheesesteak journey reveals a few intriguing nuances between the written recipe in her cookbook and its televised preparation. When it comes to sautéing the key aromatics – the onions and peppers – there’s a noticeable divergence. On the cooking show, Joanna suggests a quick 5-7 minute sauté, aiming for a crisper texture in your vegetables. However, the Magnolia Table Cookbook Vol. 2 recommends a more leisurely 15-20 minutes, which results in softer, more thoroughly cooked, and caramelized vegetables. This difference presents a delightful culinary choice for the home cook: do you prefer your peppers with a slight bite, retaining some of their raw crunch and vibrant color, or do you favor them tender, sweet, and fully integrated into the sandwich’s savory profile? Both approaches yield delicious results, making this a matter of personal preference and a fun aspect to experiment with in your kitchen.

Beyond this minor distinction, the overarching appeal of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity and surprisingly short ingredient list. In a culinary world often overwhelmed by complex recipes requiring dozens of components, Joanna’s approach is a breath of fresh air. A few prime cuts of steak, a versatile onion, and a handful of colorful peppers are the stars of this show. This minimalist philosophy not only makes grocery shopping a breeze but also significantly cuts down on prep time, allowing you to whip up a super tasty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It embodies the essence of Joanna’s cooking style: delicious, approachable, and perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal without the fuss.

The Unforgettable Family Reaction: Stunned Silence and Pure Delight

When a new recipe hits the dinner table, every home cook eagerly anticipates the family’s reaction. Will it be a hit or a miss? Will there be polite murmurs or genuine enthusiasm? For this Joanna Gaines ‘Philly’ Cheesesteak recipe, the response was nothing short of phenomenal – a reaction that can only be described as “stunned silence.” In a bustling household, a moment of quiet at the dinner table signifies true culinary triumph. It’s that moment when everyone is so engrossed in the sheer deliciousness of their meal that conversation momentarily ceases, replaced by focused enjoyment. If that isn’t the ultimate seal of approval for a recipe, then what is?

Following this initial, awe-struck quiet, the usual “himms and hawes” of appreciation began, confirming the dish’s undeniable success. My meat-and-potato-loving dad, a man whose culinary preferences are decidedly classic and robust, was absolutely captivated by this steak sandwich. His enjoyment was palpable, a testament to the recipe’s comforting and deeply satisfying flavors. While I must confess I haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing an authentic Philly Cheesesteak in its birthplace, the vibrant city of Philadelphia, this particular creation, as I mentioned, felt more like an elevated steak sandwich. And that, in itself, is a testament to its unique appeal. It offers all the hearty satisfaction of a cheesesteak but with a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart, making it a truly memorable meal for any family.

Essential Tips for Mastering Joanna Gaines’ ‘Philly’ Cheesesteak

To truly elevate Joanna Gaines’ ‘Philly’ Cheesesteak to its highest potential, a few crucial tips can make all the difference, transforming a good meal into an extraordinary one. As previously noted, I tend to classify this dish more as a steak sandwich, primarily due to the distinct and wonderful flavor imparted by the fajita seasoning. This seasoning, for which Joanna includes a recipe right at the front of her Magnolia Table Cookbook Vol. 2, is the secret weapon that gives this dish its unique character and incredible depth of flavor. While she didn’t showcase its use in the corresponding cooking show episode, I wholeheartedly advocate for embracing this element.

The Magic of Homemade Fajita Seasoning

My number one tip is to undoubtedly make Joanna’s homemade fajita seasoning mix. This isn’t just any seasoning; it’s a carefully balanced blend that introduces a layer of aromatic complexity and warmth that perfectly complements the steak and vegetables. I found that the initial suggested amount provided a somewhat mild flavor, so I strongly recommend making a double batch of the seasoning. Don’t be shy – use this generous amount across both the thinly sliced steak and the sautéed peppers and onions. Toss the steak liberally with the seasoning before cooking, and sprinkle some over your vegetables as they sauté. This ensures every component of your sandwich is bursting with flavor, transforming it from merely good to absolutely delicious and incredibly satisfying.

Achieving Perfectly Thin Steak Slices

Another indispensable tip for preparing this steak sandwich relates to the slicing of the beef. The recipe wisely suggests freezing the steaks for a few minutes before you attempt to slice them. This step is a game-changer for achieving the ultra-thin slices that are characteristic of any great cheesesteak-style sandwich. When the meat is super cold, it firms up considerably, allowing your knife to glide through it much more easily, resulting in delicate, almost transparent shavings of beef. Thin slices are paramount for two reasons: they cook incredibly fast, ensuring tenderness, and they integrate seamlessly into the sandwich, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture without any tough, chewy bits. Don’t skip this crucial preparatory step – it genuinely makes a significant difference in the final texture and enjoyment of your cheesesteaks.

Choosing the Right Cheese and Rolls

Beyond the primary ingredients, the supporting cast plays a vital role. For the cheese, while traditional Philly cheesesteaks often call for Cheez Whiz or provolone, Joanna’s version is versatile. A good quality provolone or white American cheese will melt beautifully and add the creamy, savory richness essential to the dish. Layer it generously over the hot steak and vegetables on the rolls, allowing the residual heat to transform it into a gooey, irresistible blanket. And speaking of rolls, do not underestimate the power of a fresh, sturdy, yet soft hoagie roll. A good roll acts as the perfect vessel, holding all the delicious fillings without falling apart, yet soft enough to yield to each bite. Toasting the inside of the rolls lightly before filling can also add a delightful textural contrast.

Overall, this Joanna Gaines ‘Philly’ Cheesesteak recipe (or steak sandwich, as I fondly call it) is a resounding success. It’s a testament to the fact that incredibly flavorful and satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated. With its simple ingredient list, straightforward preparation, and rapid cooking time, I can genuinely see this recipe becoming a beloved staple in my kitchen – one that I would put on heavy rotation without a second thought. It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when you crave something hearty and homemade but are short on time. Expect to have this delicious dinner on the table in minutes, much to the delight of your family.

Until next time, Happy Cooking!

Kendell

For those who caught Joanna preparing this delectable recipe on Season 1, Episode 4 of her captivating new cooking show, ‘Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines‘, you’re in luck! She generously shared the official recipe on her blog, making it incredibly easy for you to recreate this culinary delight right at home. Don’t miss out – get the full recipe by CLICKING HERE!

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Explore More: My Other Magnolia Table Reviews from Episode 4

If you enjoyed this deep dive into Joanna Gaines’ ‘Philly’ Cheesesteak, you’ll be thrilled to discover my other reviews from the same fantastic episode of her cooking show. Each recipe is tried, tested, and reviewed to help you make the most of your Magnolia Table culinary adventures:

• Lucy’s Peanut Butter Brownies: A rich, decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
• French Onion Dip: The ultimate game-day snack, perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.
• Hasselback Potatoes (coming soon): Keep an eye out for this impressive and delicious side dish review!

Discover My Most Popular Magnolia Table Cookbook Reviews!

If you found this recipe review valuable and are eager for more insights into Joanna Gaines’s culinary creations, then you absolutely must explore some of my other highly popular Magnolia Table cookbook reviews. These are the recipes that have captivated readers and garnered immense praise:

• Joanna’s recipe for 1919 Pimento Cheese stands as my most-read review by far. This Southern delicacy is a true classic, and I’ve even adapted the recipe to replace the Velveeta, a personal choice I’m sure many home cooks will appreciate for a more artisanal touch.
• Her delightful Zucchini Bread comes in as my next most popular review. It’s not just a reader favorite; it’s also one of my absolute go-to treats to pick up whenever I have the pleasure of visiting Waco.
• For a comprehensive guide and my personal ranking of every single recipe in Joanna Gaines’s first cookbook, be sure to check out this in-depth post: Magnolia Table Cookbook…my overview! It’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to navigate and conquer the original Magnolia Table collection.

Did you make this recipe? I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please share your thoughts by leaving a review or comment below. And to stay updated with all my latest culinary explorations and home decor inspirations, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!