Domino’s Viral Cheesesteak Pizza: A Delicious Review and DIY Recipe
## Introduction
The internet has been buzzing about the Domino’s Cheesesteak Pizza. This pizza, a delightful combination of classic cheesesteak flavors on a familiar pizza base, has captured the attention of food lovers worldwide. Whether you’re a die-hard cheesesteak fan or simply looking for a new pizza experience, the Domino’s Cheesesteak Pizza promises a unique and satisfying meal. This article provides a detailed review of the Domino’s version and, more importantly, empowers you to recreate this viral sensation in your own kitchen with a step-by-step, easy-to-follow recipe. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips, ensuring your homemade cheesesteak pizza is a guaranteed hit!
## Domino’s Cheesesteak Pizza: A Review
Before diving into the DIY recipe, let’s first examine what makes the Domino’s Cheesesteak Pizza so popular. The key elements are:
* **The Crust:** Domino’s uses its signature hand-tossed crust, providing a solid and slightly chewy base.
* **The Sauce:** Instead of traditional tomato sauce, Domino’s uses a creamy white sauce, creating a rich and decadent foundation for the cheesesteak toppings.
* **The Meat:** Thinly sliced steak, seasoned to perfection, is the star of the show. The steak should be tender, juicy, and well-distributed across the pizza.
* **The Cheese:** A blend of cheeses, typically provolone and mozzarella, ensures a gooey and cheesy experience. Some versions also incorporate cheddar for a sharper flavor.
* **The Toppings:** Onions and green peppers are the classic cheesesteak toppings, adding a touch of sweetness and freshness to the pizza. Some variations might include mushrooms or hot peppers.
**Overall Impression:**
The Domino’s Cheesesteak Pizza is a well-executed concept that delivers on its promise. The creamy white sauce complements the savory steak and cheese, while the onions and peppers add a balanced flavor profile. The crust provides a sturdy foundation that holds up well under the weight of the toppings. However, some critics have noted that the pizza can be a bit greasy, and the quality of the steak can vary depending on the location.
**Rating:** 4/5 Stars
## DIY Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe: Recreate the Viral Sensation at Home
Now, let’s get to the exciting part – making your own Domino’s-inspired cheesesteak pizza at home! This recipe allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking, ensuring a pizza that perfectly matches your taste preferences.
**Yields:** 1 large pizza (12-14 inches)
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15-20 minutes
### Ingredients
**For the Pizza Dough:**
* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
**For the Creamy White Sauce:**
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
**For the Cheesesteak Toppings:**
* 1 pound thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin recommended)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced or shredded
* 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Mushrooms, hot peppers, or cheddar cheese
### Equipment
* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheet or pizza stone
* Rolling pin
* Large skillet
### Instructions
**Part 1: Making the Pizza Dough**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In the same bowl, add the flour and salt. Mix well with a wooden spoon or your hands.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Pour in the olive oil and the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the dough tough.
5. **First Rise:** Grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
**Part 2: Preparing the Creamy White Sauce**
1. **Melt the Butter:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. **Make a Roux:** Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
3. **Add Milk Gradually:** Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Season the Sauce:** Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the Parmesan cheese, if using. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. **Remove from Heat:** Set the sauce aside to cool slightly.
**Part 3: Preparing the Cheesesteak Toppings**
1. **Cook the Steak:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the sliced onions and green peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. If using mushrooms, add them to the skillet along with the onions and peppers.
3. **Combine Steak and Vegetables:** Mix the cooked steak and vegetables together. Remove from heat and set aside.
**Part 4: Assembling and Baking the Pizza**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
2. **Shape the Dough:** Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 12-14 inch circle. Alternatively, you can stretch the dough by hand.
3. **Transfer to Baking Sheet:** Carefully transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal (if using a pizza stone).
4. **Spread the Sauce:** Spread the creamy white sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
5. **Add the Toppings:** Sprinkle the provolone and mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Top with the cooked steak and vegetable mixture. Add any additional toppings, such as hot peppers or cheddar cheese, if desired.
6. **Bake the Pizza:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza onto the stone using the pizza peel.
7. **Let Cool Slightly:** Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
### Tips and Variations
* **Crust Variations:** For a thinner crust, roll the dough out thinner. For a thicker crust, use a smaller baking sheet or pizza stone.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss, American, or pepper jack.
* **Meat Variations:** Use chicken or pork instead of steak for a different flavor profile.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the steak with plant-based meat alternatives or more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers.
* **Spicy Option:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use hot peppers as a topping.
* **Garlic Butter Crust:** Brush the edges of the crust with garlic butter before baking for extra flavor.
* **Make-Ahead Tip:** The pizza dough and creamy white sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The steak and vegetables can also be cooked in advance.
* **Using Store-Bought Dough:** To save time, use store-bought pizza dough. Just make sure to adjust the baking time according to the package instructions.
## Serving Suggestions
The homemade cheesesteak pizza is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with the following sides:
* **Garden Salad:** A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pizza.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with garlic bread for a classic Italian-American combination.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and tangy element to the meal.
* **French Fries:** Crispy french fries are always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Onion Rings:** Battered and fried onion rings are a fun and indulgent side.
## Conclusion
The Domino’s Cheesesteak Pizza has undoubtedly made a splash in the culinary world, and for good reason. Its unique combination of flavors and textures is undeniably appealing. While ordering from Domino’s is a convenient option, making your own homemade version allows you to customize the ingredients and create a pizza that perfectly suits your taste. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can easily recreate this viral sensation in your own kitchen and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying homemade cheesesteak pizza!