Randy Chandler
The cheesesteak is a sandwich that is iconic to Philadelphia, USA. It is typically made with thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, and cheese in a long crusty roll. There is debate about whether an authentic cheesesteak should include Cheez Whiz, a bright yellow, gooey cheese sauce that was first introduced to the sandwich in the 1950s. While some claim that Cheez Whiz is a must for an authentic Philly cheesesteak, others argue that it is overrated and that other cheeses like provolone or American cheese are more common and preferable options. Ultimately, the use of Cheez Whiz on cheesesteaks is a matter of personal preference and regional variation, with smaller shops in Philadelphia being less likely to offer it than touristy ones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Original cheesesteak ingredients | Chopped meat, hot dogs, Italian roll, grilled onions |
| Original cheesesteak inventor | Pat Olivieri |
| Year of Cheez Whiz invention | 1952 |
| Cheez Whiz inventor | Edwin Traisman, a Kraft Food Scientist |
| Cheez Whiz initial release location | Great Britain |
| Cheez Whiz US release | 1953 |
| Cheez Whiz texture | Gooey, drippy, melty |
| Cheez Whiz color | Bright yellow |
| Cheez Whiz taste | Salty |
| Authenticity of cheesesteaks with Cheese Whiz | Disputed |
| Common cheese substitutes for Cheez Whiz | Mild or sharp Provolone, American cheese |
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What You'll Learn
The original cheesesteak didn't have cheese
The cheesesteak is a classic sandwich famous across America for its thinly chopped steak, crusty baguette, and grilled onions. However, the question of whether or not a real Philly cheesesteak includes bright yellow Cheez Whiz is a highly debated topic. Many locations across Philadelphia include the artificial cheese sauce in their rendition of the sandwich, with some claiming that it's not authentic without it.
Cheez Whiz, a gooey, drippy cheese sauce, was first invented by a Kraft Food Scientist named Edwin Traisman, along with a team of food scientists in 1952. It was initially released in Great Britain as a mild type of cheese to substitute melted cheddar cheese on a piece of toast, specifically the Welsh Rarebit. It wasn't until a year later, in 1953, that Cheez Whiz was introduced to the United States. The use of Cheez Whiz in Philly cheesesteaks was a result of a business decision rather than a culinary choice. It allowed sandwich makers to speed up production as they no longer had to wait for slices of cheese to melt to the proper texture.
The original cheesesteak, created by Pat Olivieri around 1930, did not include any cheese at all. Olivieri, tired of his typical lunch at his hot dog stand, purchased some chopped meat and cooked the cut beef alongside the hot dogs. He placed the meat on an Italian roll, added thinly sliced grilled onions, and the iconic sandwich was born. It gained popularity when a taxi driver spotted Olivieri eating the sandwich and requested one for himself.
When cheese was finally introduced to the sandwich, provolone was the original cheese of choice. Cheez Whiz's rise to prominence in the Philly cheesesteak was due to its convenience, as it was easier to use than slices of cheese. Today, while Cheez Whiz is the most common cheese used in Philly cheesesteaks, mild or sharp provolone and American cheese are also popular alternatives.
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The use of Cheez Whiz was a business decision
The cheesesteak is a beloved sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1930s. It features thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, and cheese stuffed inside a crusty baguette or roll. While the original cheesesteak didn't have any cheese on it, today, there are several cheese options to choose from, including provolone, American cheese, and Cheese Whiz.
Cheese Whiz, a bright yellow, gooey cheese sauce, was first introduced in Great Britain by Kraft in 1952. It was initially intended to serve as a mild cheese for British dishes, particularly as a substitute for melted cheddar cheese on Welsh Rarebit. It was only in 1953 that Cheese Whiz was brought to the United States.
The use of Cheese Whiz on Philly cheesesteaks was indeed influenced by business decisions. The original cheesesteak sandwich, believed to have been created by Pat Olivieri, used provolone cheese. However, Cheese Whiz offered a faster and more convenient option for sandwich makers. With Cheese Whiz, they no longer needed to wait for slices of cheese to melt to the proper texture, resulting in quicker production and the ability to serve more sandwiches. This was especially advantageous in a fast-paced food environment like Philadelphia, where getting food into the hands of busy people quickly was a priority.
While some may argue that Cheese Whiz became a staple on cheesesteaks due to its unique taste and texture, others attribute its popularity to its convenience. It's important to note that Cheese Whiz is not the only option for cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. Many locations offer provolone or American cheese as alternatives, catering to those who prefer a more traditional cheese option or a different flavor profile.
Today, the use of Cheese Whiz on Philly cheesesteaks has become iconic, with many people associating the bright yellow cheese sauce with the sandwich. Whether it's a matter of convenience, taste, or familiarity, the use of Cheese Whiz has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the modern Philly cheesesteak and its popularity.
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Provolone was the original cheese of choice
The original cheesesteak didn't have any cheese on it. However, when cheese was finally introduced to the sandwich, provolone was the original cheese of choice. Cheez Whiz, on the other hand, was first invented by a Kraft Food Scientist named Edwin Traisman, along with a team of food scientists in 1952. It was initially released in Great Britain and was meant to serve as a mild type of cheese for British dishes. It was only in 1953 that Cheez Whiz was released in the United States. By then, provolone was already the cheese of choice for cheesesteaks.
The reason Cheez Whiz became a key component of the sandwich was not because of its taste or mouthfeel but simply because of ease. No longer would sandwich makers have to wait for slices of cheese to melt to the proper texture, which meant faster production and more sandwiches in the hands of people all over Philadelphia.
While Cheez Whiz may be the more iconic option, it is worth noting that provolone is still a popular choice for those who prefer a more savory flavor. Some people even consider Cheez Whiz to be "way overrated."
When ordering a Philly cheesesteak, one can usually choose between Cheez Whiz, mild or sharp Provolone, or American cheese. If one wants Cheez Whiz and onions, they can request a "Whiz wit." If one doesn't care for onions, they can ask for a "Whiz wid out."
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Cheez Whiz was first released in Britain
Cheez Whiz, the "cheese dip" or "cheese-like condiment" with a neon yellow colour, was first released in Britain in 1952. It was developed by Canadian-born James L. Kraft, who earned a US patent for processed cheese in 1916. Kraft Singles, the pre-sliced, processed American Cheese, was a hit in the US, and the company wanted to expand its market to the UK.
To appeal to British tastes, Kraft developed a cheese product for Welsh rarebit, a popular British dish. Welsh rarebit consists of a slice of toast covered in melted cheddar cheese. The result was Cheez Whiz, a mild-flavoured cheese sauce that was an immediate hit in Britain. It was developed by a team of food scientists, including Edwin or Edward Traisman, who later developed the way McDonald's flash-froze its French fries.
Cheez Whiz was introduced to the US in 1953. While the recipe has changed over the years, it is still sold in glass jars. Cheez Whiz is now marketed as a dip or sauce, and the jars have been made larger and more squat to accommodate this. Cheez Whiz is also available in "Handi Snacks" products, such as Ritz Cheez Whiz 'n' Crackers in Canada.
Despite being associated with American culture, Cheez Whiz is particularly popular as a topping for the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. However, the original Philly cheesesteak did not include cheese, and some sources suggest that the use of Cheez Whiz on cheesesteaks is limited to touristy shops in Philadelphia.
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Philadelphians say Whiz is overrated
While Cheese Whiz is a common and well-accepted cheese option for cheesesteaks, some Philadelphians say that it is overrated. Cheese Whiz is a gooey, liquid-gold cheese product first invented by a Kraft Food Scientist in 1952 for the British market as a substitute for melted cheddar cheese on toast. It was only a year later that Cheese Whiz was brought to the US, and it has since become a popular choice for cheesesteaks, especially in touristy shops in South Philly, such as Pat's, Geno's, and Tony Luke's.
However, some locals believe that Cheese Whiz is overrated and that other types of cheese are more suitable for cheesesteaks. For example, some prefer sharp Provolone, which offers a savory flavor, or American cheese, which was the standard for steaks in the mid-1950s and early 1960s. Some also opt for a combo" cheese, which is a mix of Whiz and pourable American cheese.
One reason why some Philadelphians may consider Cheese Whiz overrated is that it is not considered a "real" cheese. Vonda Bucci, the owner of a popular steak shop, expressed her opinion, saying, "I'm a cheese eater, sweetheart, and I love cheese, but Whiz is not cheese. It's a lot of grease and coloring." Additionally, some believe that Cheese Whiz is primarily a comfort food that people eat due to familiarity and nostalgia rather than its taste.
While Cheese Whiz has its fans and is a popular choice for cheesesteaks, especially among tourists, it is clear that there are varying opinions among Philadelphians, with some considering it overrated and opting for other cheese options instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheesesteaks can be made with Cheese Whiz. However, it is not the only option, and some people prefer other types of cheese.
Cheese Whiz was added to cheesesteaks because it was quick and easy for sandwich makers to use, allowing them to produce more sandwiches.
While Cheese Whiz is commonly used on cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, some people argue that it is not used on authentic cheesesteaks, and that it is mostly used in touristy shops.
Other common cheeses used on cheesesteaks include mild or sharp Provolone and American cheese.
If you want a cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz and onions, you can order a "Whiz wit". If you don't want onions, ask for a "Whiz wid out".
