If you are a pizza purist, I am sorry.  You can quit reading now.  Wait for Thursday's post, which will be on the homemade crust.  If, however, you're a little more relaxed on your pizza philosophy, keep reading, because I think you'll like what I have to share. 

Drew and I like to support area restaurants, and one of the two we visit most in town is Papa's Pizza to Go.  Yes, it's a chain, but this particular franchise might as well be its own business, with the personability of the owner and staff.  Anyway, one of our favorite pizzas there is the philly cheesesteak pizza, which expectedly has either roast beef or thinly sliced steak, onion, and mushroom.  All is topped by mozzarella cheese and is based by a thin crust and white sauce.  We wanted to replicate it at home. 

As a side note, making pizzas is a great way to make this junk food just a little less junky, and it's really fun for kids to get involved- they love being able to top their own pizzas!  Fun fact- kids who cook or help their parents in the kitchen tend to have a more expanded palate and eat healthier than those who don't. 

I made up the sauce for this pizza and the "ratios," so here goes!

Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
1-12 inch pizza crust (size may vary)
3/4 cup shredded cheese- Italian blend suggested, containing provolone, mozzarella
1/2 cup white sauce, store bought or see recipe below
1-2 medium cut slices roast beef, cut into 2 inch ribbons
1/3 cup sliced onion
1/3 cup sliced bell pepper
1/3 cup sliced mushrooms

If you are using raw dough, top the raw dough with all ingredients.  If using a prepared crust, follow package directions.  Top the dough/crust with the sauce, then half the cheese.  Add all other toppings and top with remaining cheese.  Bake in a 400-500 degree oven for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and crust is a golden-brown color. 

White Sauce
1 Tb. butter
1 Tb. flour
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper, to taste

In a small saucepot over medium heat, melt butter.  Add the flour and stir, cooking for about a minute.  Slowly add in the milk and mayo and stir together.  Add in the grated cheese and stir.  Allow to thicken to a thicker sauce.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

*  Note- you may need to increase other ingredients to taste/thicken.  All amounts are approximations.

Notes

• While I am personally anal and use homemade crust/sauce, I am not the food police.  I don't care what you do- feel free to use store bought crust or alfredo sauce. 
• Good pizza in the home oven (especially my home oven) is tough.  For best results, preheat your oven a long time and use a pre-heated pizza stone.