Queso Philly Perfection: Recreating the Quiznos’ Sub at Home + Creative Recipe Twists

Are you craving the warm, cheesy goodness of the Quiznos’ Queso Philly sub but don’t have a Quiznos nearby? Or perhaps you’re looking for a healthier, homemade alternative? Look no further! This guide will walk you through recreating the iconic sandwich at home, step-by-step, and even offer some exciting twists on the classic recipe.

## What Made the Quiznos Queso Philly So Special?

Before we dive into recreating it, let’s break down what made the Quiznos Queso Philly so beloved. The key components were:

* **Toasted Artisan Bread:** The signature toasted bread provided a perfect textural contrast to the soft filling.
* **Thinly Sliced Steak:** Tender, flavorful steak was the star of the show.
* **Creamy Queso Sauce:** The rich, cheesy queso sauce elevated the sandwich to another level.
* **Grilled Onions and Peppers:** Sweet and savory, these vegetables added depth and complexity.

## Recreating the Classic Queso Philly: The Ultimate Recipe

This recipe aims to capture the essence of the Quiznos Queso Philly, using readily available ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.

**Yields:** 2 Sub Sandwiches
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Steak:**
* 1 pound thinly sliced steak (ribeye, sirloin, or shaved steak work well)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Vegetables:**
* 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Queso Sauce:**
* 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
* 1/2 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
* 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños (optional, for a kick)
* 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* **For the Bread:**
* 2 sub rolls (Italian or hoagie rolls work best)
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened

**Equipment:**

* Large skillet or griddle
* Small saucepan
* Baking sheet (optional, for toasting)
* Spatula
* Knife
* Cutting board

**Instructions**

**1. Prepare the Steak:**

* In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the steak is evenly coated.

**2. Cook the Vegetables:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
* Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

**3. Cook the Steak:**

* In the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the seasoned steak. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the steak is cooked through and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

**4. Prepare the Queso Sauce:**

* In a small saucepan, combine the cubed Velveeta cheese and milk. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
* Stir in the diced pickled jalapeños (if using), chili powder, and cumin. Mix well to combine.

**5. Assemble the Sandwiches:**

* Preheat your oven’s broiler.
* Spread softened butter on the inside of each sub roll.
* If desired, toast the rolls under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
* Divide the cooked steak evenly between the two sub rolls.
* Top the steak with the grilled onions and peppers.
* Generously pour the queso sauce over the steak and vegetables.

**6. Serve Immediately:**

* Serve the Queso Philly sandwiches immediately while the bread is warm and the queso is melted and gooey.

## Tips for the Perfect Queso Philly

* **Use High-Quality Steak:** The quality of the steak significantly impacts the flavor of the sandwich. Opt for ribeye or sirloin for the best results. Shaved steak is also a good option as it cooks quickly and evenly.
* **Don’t Overcook the Steak:** Overcooked steak will be tough and dry. Aim for medium to medium-well doneness for the most tender result.
* **Caramelize the Onions and Peppers:** Taking the time to caramelize the onions and peppers adds a depth of flavor that elevates the sandwich. Cook them until they are soft, sweet, and slightly browned.
* **Adjust the Queso Thickness:** If the queso sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer to allow it to thicken.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the queso sauce or use hotter pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
* **Toast the Bread:** Toasting the bread helps prevent it from getting soggy and adds a pleasant crunch.
* **Melt the Cheese Completely:** Ensure the Velveeta cheese is fully melted and the queso sauce is smooth for the best texture.

## Creative Queso Philly Twists

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Queso Philly, it’s time to get creative! Here are some fun and delicious variations to try:

**1. Spicy Chorizo Queso Philly:**

* Substitute the steak with cooked chorizo sausage. The spicy chorizo pairs perfectly with the creamy queso sauce.
* Consider adding a sprinkle of cilantro for freshness.

**2. Chicken Queso Philly:**

* Use thinly sliced chicken breast instead of steak. Marinate the chicken in your favorite Mexican-inspired marinade for extra flavor.
* Add a dollop of guacamole for added creaminess and flavor.

**3. Vegetarian Queso Philly:**

* Replace the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned black beans. Portobello mushrooms provide a meaty texture, while black beans offer a hearty and flavorful alternative.
* Add roasted corn for sweetness and texture.

**4. BBQ Queso Philly:**

* Use shredded pulled pork or beef tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce instead of steak.
* Top with coleslaw for a tangy crunch.

**5. Italian Queso Philly:**

* Use sliced Italian sausage or meatballs instead of steak.
* Add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese to the queso sauce.
* Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

**6. Philly Cheesesteak Queso Egg Rolls:**

* Combine cooked steak, onions, peppers, and queso in a bowl.
* Spoon the mixture into egg roll wrappers and roll tightly.
* Fry until golden brown and crispy. Serve with extra queso for dipping.

**7. Queso Philly Pizza:**

* Use pizza dough as the base and spread with a thin layer of queso sauce.
* Top with cooked steak, onions, and peppers.
* Bake until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are heated through.

**8. Open-Faced Queso Philly Toast:**

* Toast slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or multigrain work well).
* Top with cooked steak, onions, peppers, and queso sauce.
* Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

**9. Queso Philly Stuffed Peppers:**

* Halve bell peppers and remove the seeds.
* Combine cooked steak, onions, peppers, rice, and queso sauce in a bowl.
* Stuff the pepper halves with the mixture.
* Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

**10. Queso Philly Quesadillas:**

* Spread queso on a flour tortilla. Add the steak, peppers and onions then top with another layer of queso. Add the other tortilla then cook till cheese has melted and tortilla is golden brown.

## Making Your Own Queso Sauce: From Scratch Goodness

While the recipe above utilizes Velveeta for its ease and meltability, you can absolutely create a queso sauce from scratch. This allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.

**Homemade Queso Sauce Recipe:**

**Ingredients:**

* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
* 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Do not boil.
4. Stir in the diced pickled jalapeños (if using), chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Use immediately in your Queso Philly sandwich or other recipes.

**Tips for Homemade Queso:**

* **Use a good quality cheese:** The better the cheese, the better the flavor of your queso.
* **Shred the cheese yourself:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
* **Don’t boil the cheese:** Boiling the cheese can cause it to separate and become grainy.
* **Adjust the thickness:** If the queso is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer.
* **Get creative with flavors:** Add different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or smoked gouda, for unique flavor combinations. You can also add roasted vegetables, herbs, or spices.

## Serving Suggestions and Sides

The Queso Philly sandwich is a meal in itself, but it pairs well with a variety of sides.

* **French Fries:** A classic pairing that never disappoints.
* **Onion Rings:** Crispy and flavorful, onion rings complement the cheesy richness of the sandwich.
* **Coleslaw:** The tangy and crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm and savory sandwich.
* **Potato Salad:** A creamy potato salad is a comforting and satisfying side.
* **Pickles:** The acidity of pickles cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.
* **Tortilla Chips and Salsa:** A light and flavorful option for a more casual meal.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a touch of freshness.
* **Soup:** Creamy tomato soup or a hearty chili are great options for a cold day.

## Conclusion: Your Queso Philly Adventure Awaits

Recreating the Quiznos’ Queso Philly sub at home is easier than you might think! With this guide, you can enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness of this iconic sandwich whenever you crave it. And with the creative twists and variations, you can explore endless flavor combinations and create your own signature Queso Philly masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to embark on a Queso Philly adventure!

Enjoy and don’t forget to share your creations!