How Many Calories Are in an Average Philly Cheesesteak? A Nutritional Breakdown

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

While a small, fast-food version of a cheesesteak might be under 400 calories, a traditional, large, and indulgent one from a street vendor can exceed 1,100 calories, showing the vast difference in how many calories are in an average philly cheesesteak.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Philly cheesesteak varies significantly based on ingredients, preparation methods, and portion size, from lower-calorie versions at chains to high-fat traditional offerings.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: A cheesesteak's calorie count ranges widely, from under 400 calories for smaller, fast-food versions to over 1,100 for large, traditional recipes.
Ingredient Impact: The type and amount of meat (lean vs. fatty), cheese (provolone vs. Cheez Whiz), and roll size heavily influence the total calories.
Portion Control is Key: A 6-inch cheesesteak will naturally have far fewer calories than a 12-inch version, making portion size a critical factor for managing intake.
Healthy Modifications Exist: You can reduce calories by using leaner meat, adding more vegetables, using less oil, and choosing a lower-fat or reduced-portion of cheese.
Alternatives are Available: For those avoiding meat or dairy, plant-based cheesesteaks made with seitan or tofu provide a flavorful, high-protein alternative.

The iconic Philly cheesesteak, a beloved blend of thin-sliced beef, melted cheese, and a soft hoagie roll, presents a challenge for calorie-conscious diners: How many calories are in an average Philly cheesesteak? The answer is not straightforward, as the calorie count can vary greatly depending on ingredients, cooking methods, and portion size. This article explores the nutritional factors influencing a cheesesteak's calorie count, offering insights for more informed choices.

The Calorie Breakdown: What Affects the Number?

The total calorie count of a cheesesteak is influenced by several key components.

Key Components and their Caloric Impact

The Beef: The cut and quantity of steak are major factors. Fattier ribeye has more calories than leaner cuts, and larger portions increase the total.
The Roll: Larger rolls contribute more calories and carbohydrates than smaller or whole-grain options. Some suggest hollowing out the roll to reduce calories.
The Cheese: Cheese choice matters. Cheez Whiz or multiple slices of American cheese increase fat and sodium more than provolone. Reduced-fat cheese can lower calories.
The Oil and Toppings: Cooking oil adds fat. While onions and peppers add minimal calories, creamy additions like mayo significantly increase the count.

Calorie Comparison: Traditional vs. Fast Food

The calorie range for cheesesteaks is broad, as shown by comparing traditional and fast-food options.


Cheesesteak Version	Approximate Calories	Key Differentiators
Large, Traditional (Ribeye & Provolone)	1,146+	Large roll, generous ribeye and cheese.
Small, Traditional (Ribeye & Provolone)	~573	Smaller roll, less meat, standard provolone.
Subway 6” Big Philly	500	Processed meat and cheese, standardized portion.
Charley's Small Chicken Philly	430	Leaner chicken, standardized ingredients, smaller portion.
At-Home Lean Cheesesteak	~375	Lean flank steak, low-carb roll, reduced-fat cheese.

How to Make Your Cheesesteak Lighter

Enjoying a cheesesteak while managing calorie intake is possible with modifications.

Choose a Leaner Meat: Substitute ribeye with lean flank steak or chicken to reduce fat and calories.
Increase the Vegetables: Add more onions, mushrooms, or green peppers for flavor and volume without many extra calories.
Reduce the Cheese: Ask for less cheese or use a reduced-fat variety.
Consider the Roll: Opt for a smaller or low-carb roll, or hollow it out.
Make it a Skillet: Skip the bread and make a cheesesteak skillet for fewer carbs and calories.
Use Less Oil: Cook with minimal oil or non-stick spray.

Conclusion: Enjoying a Cheesesteak Mindfully

The calorie content of a Philly cheesesteak varies widely based on ingredients and preparation. Understanding these factors allows for enjoying this iconic sandwich while managing dietary goals. A large, loaded cheesesteak is an occasional treat, while lighter versions can be enjoyed more often. Balancing flavor with smart choices ensures you can indulge without derailing your nutrition plan. For detailed nutritional information, resources like Nutritionix are available.

For a Healthier Homemade Option

Making a cheesesteak at home provides control over ingredients. Using lean flank steak, lots of vegetables, and a low-fat cheese on a low-carb roll can result in a delicious cheesesteak under 400 calories. Simple adjustments make for a satisfying, healthier meal.

A Note on Vegan Alternatives

Vegan cheesesteaks use ingredients like marinated seitan or tofu to mimic meat and vegan cheese sauces. Calorie counts vary, but they offer a high-protein, plant-based alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a typical Philly cheesesteak can vary from around 350-400 calories for a smaller, modified version to over 1,100 calories for a large, traditional one with generous portions of meat and cheese.

Yes, the type of cheese significantly affects the calorie and fat content. Fattier cheeses or larger quantities of cheese will increase the total calories, while a reduced-fat option will help lower it.

Generally, yes. Fast-food chains often use standardized, smaller portions of leaner meat and cheese, which can result in a lower calorie count compared to a larger, indulgent cheesesteak from a traditional vendor.

To eat a cheesesteak with the lowest calories, opt for a small, 6-inch version with lean meat like chicken, load up on vegetables, use a minimal amount of low-fat cheese, and consider skipping or hollowing out the roll.

At home, you can make a healthier cheesesteak by using lean flank steak or chicken, increasing the amount of low-calorie vegetables like peppers and onions, using less cooking oil, and choosing a whole-grain or smaller roll.

Yes, vegan cheesesteak alternatives exist, often using marinated seitan or tofu with a plant-based cheese sauce. The healthiness depends on the ingredients, but they offer a high-protein, cruelty-free option.

Focus on portion control and loading up on flavorful, low-calorie vegetables like caramelized onions and peppers. Using a smaller portion of high-quality, flavorful cheese can also reduce calories while maintaining the classic taste.