Randy Chandler
The Philly cheesesteak is a cultural icon in Philadelphia, and a big draw for visitors to the city. It's a simple sandwich with thinly sliced pan-fried beef and melted cheese in a long, crusty roll. While some people prefer their cheesesteak with melted provolone, others opt for the gooey cheese whiz. If you're making a cheesesteak at home, you can make your own cheese whiz by heating evaporated milk in a deep pan until it simmers, then adding cream cheese and whisking until combined.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Authenticity | Some sources claim that an authentic Philly Cheesesteak is made with Cheese Whiz, while others disagree. |
| Taste | Some people dislike the taste of Cheese Whiz, while others enjoy its gooey, savory flavor. |
| Cheese type | Cheese Whiz is one of the two most popular cheeses used in Philly Cheesesteaks, along with Provolone. |
| Customization | People can choose between Cheese Whiz and other cheese options, such as Provolone or American cheese, when ordering a Philly Cheesesteak. |
| Preparation | Cheese Whiz is melted and added to the sandwich, either on its own or in combination with other cheeses. |
| Ingredients | Recipes for homemade Cheese Whiz include cream cheese, evaporated milk, Velveeta cheese, milk, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic, and onion powder. |
| Nutritional information | A Philly Cheesesteak sandwich with Cheese Whiz contains approximately 570 kcal, 11g of carbohydrates, 44g of protein, and 39g of fat. |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a Philly Cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz
The Philly Cheesesteak is a cultural icon and a big draw for visitors to Philadelphia. In the City of Brotherly Love, a cheesesteak is a long, crusty roll filled with thinly sliced pan-fried beef and melted cheese. The cheese of choice is generally Cheez Whiz, but mild or sharp Provolone and American cheese are common substitutions.
If you want to make an authentic Philly Cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Cheez Whiz
- Thinly sliced ribeye steak
- Green bell peppers
- White onions
- Hoagie rolls
- Butter
- Oil
- Steak rub
First, prep all your ingredients. Thinly slice the ribeye steaks, green bell peppers, and white onions, and set them aside. Slice the hoagie rolls if necessary. Place half a stick of butter on a plate and let it come down to room temperature.
Next, preheat your flattop to a medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add a little bit of oil to the surface. Add the sliced ribeye steaks to the flattop and season generously with steak rub. Cook the steaks until they reach your desired level of doneness, flipping them once or twice. While the steak is cooking, melt the butter on the other side of the flattop. Throw on the peppers and onions.
Once everything is ready, it's time to assemble your sandwich! After resting the steak for 5-10 minutes, fill the toasted hoagie rolls with the sliced steak, vegetable mixture, and a generous amount of Cheez Whiz. Put the sandwiches back on the flattop and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
You can also make your own Cheese Whiz by heating evaporated milk in a deep pan until it simmers. Add in the cream cheese and whisk until combined. In a small bowl, mix all the dry ingredients. Add this mixture to the simmering milk and cream cheese mixture, whisking constantly. Let the milk thicken, then add the cheese and let it melt.
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The history of the Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. It is a popular regional fast food that has its roots in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The cheesesteak was developed in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1930s, by combining frizzled beef, onions, and cheese in a small loaf of bread.
The original cheesesteak was credited to Pat and Harry Olivieri, two brothers who ran a hot dog stand near South Philadelphia’s Italian Market. The OG sandwich didn’t actually have cheese! Legend has it that the brothers wanted to offer new sandwiches, so they decided to make a new sandwich using chopped beef and grilled onions. They served this chopped steak on an Italian roll. A passing cab driver was intrigued and asked for one of these sandwiches. After eating it, he said, "Hey, how about making me one with some of that cheese you got in there?" This inspired the addition of cheese to the sandwich.
In the 1940s, a manager at the Olivieri’s Ridge Ave. location, 'Cocky Joe' Lorenza, added slices of provolone to the sandwich, thus creating what we now know as the cheesesteak. In the 1960s, the sandwich had really taken off, with another restaurant, Geno's, opening directly across the street from Pat's, and numerous other establishments launching.
Over time, the cheesesteak has evolved to incorporate new ingredients and flavours. Chicken cheesesteaks, for example, have become a staple item at many restaurants, although it isn’t clear when chicken was introduced as a variation. Pizza cheesesteaks combine the classic flavours of grilled sirloin steak and provolone with marinara sauce. Other variations include the mushroom cheesesteak, pepper cheesesteak, and vegan cheesesteak.
The cheesesteak has become a cultural icon in Philadelphia and a big draw for visitors. It has also gained popularity across the United States and around the world, with many establishments outside of Philadelphia offering their own versions of the sandwich.
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Is Cheese Whiz the most popular choice?
While Philly cheesesteaks are made with cheese whiz, there is no definitive answer to whether cheese whiz is the most popular choice. Some sources claim that cheese whiz is the cheese of choice for an authentic Philly cheesesteak, while others suggest that it is a matter of personal preference and that other cheeses, such as Provolone and American cheese, are also commonly used.
Cheese whiz, also known as Cheez Whiz, is a processed cheese sauce that is often used in Philly cheesesteaks. It is known for its salty and velvety texture, which complements the rich and fatty flavour of the ribeye beef commonly used in the sandwich. The saltiness of the cheese whiz also helps to balance the juicy and crunchy elements of a deep-fried cheesesteak.
Some people consider cheese whiz to be the classic or authentic choice for a Philly cheesesteak. It is said to give the sandwich a drippy, melty quality that is desirable in this type of comfort food. Additionally, the yellow gooeyness of cheese whiz is visually appealing and has become iconic for the Philly cheesesteak.
On the other hand, there are those who find cheese whiz to be unappetizing or even disgusting. Some consider it to be a cheese impostor and prefer the use of "real cheese" like Provolone or American cheese. Personal preference plays a significant role in the choice of cheese, and some people simply do not care for the taste or texture of cheese whiz.
The availability of cheese whiz at popular Philly cheesesteak shops also influences its popularity. For example, Pat's and Geno's, two legendary South Philly cheesesteak spots, are known for offering cheese whiz as the standard option, while other shops may offer a wider variety of cheese options or recommend Provolone instead.
Ultimately, the popularity of cheese whiz for Philly cheesesteaks may vary depending on regional preferences, personal taste, and the availability of different cheese options at popular cheesesteak establishments. While some swear by cheese whiz for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, others opt for alternative cheeses that better suit their palates.
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Alternatives to Cheese Whiz
While a Philly cheesesteak is typically made with Cheese Whiz, there are several alternatives you can use instead. Cheese Whiz is a thick, semi-liquid substance with a strong cheesy flavour, often described as a cheese sauce, spread, or dip. It is a versatile seasoning that has been a pantry staple for many people for nearly 70 years.
If you are looking for a substitute, you can use other cheeses with strong flavours, such as mature cheddar, parmesan, provolone, or Easy Cheese. These cheeses can be used as a base for a homemade sauce to get that iconic, gooey cheesesteak consistency. Velveeta is another good alternative, as it melts smoothly and has a similar texture to Cheese Whiz. If you are vegan or lactose-intolerant, you can even use a vegan cheese-style sauce as a dairy-free alternative.
For those who want to stick with a classic cheese option, mild or sharp Provolone and American cheese are common substitutions for Cheese Whiz in Philly cheesesteaks. If you are ordering a Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia, you can ask for a "Whiz wit" to get Cheese Whiz and onions on your sandwich. If you do not want onions, simply ask for a "Whiz wid out".
With these alternatives, you can enjoy a delicious Philly cheesesteak that suits your taste and dietary preferences.
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Where to get an authentic Philly Cheesesteak
An authentic Philly Cheesesteak is a cultural icon and a big draw for visitors to Philadelphia. While often imitated around the world, it is rarely duplicated successfully outside the city.
The traditional cheesesteak consists of sliced or chopped rib-eye beef, melted cheese, and optional fried or sautéed onions on a locally baked long roll—soft but sturdy. The roll is different from a hoagie roll. The cheese is typically Cheez Whiz, but mild or sharp Provolone and American cheese are common substitutions. If you want Cheez Whiz and onions, order a "Whiz wit". If you don't want onions, ask for a "Whiz wid out". Other common toppings include ketchup, mushrooms, mayo, sweet peppers, or Italian "long hots" peppers.
There are several places in Philadelphia where you can get an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. Some of the most popular spots are Chubby's, Dalessandro's, and Barry's Steaks in Roxborough. Many claim Dalessandro's has the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia. Woodrow's in South Street is another sandwich shop that serves a gussied-up version of the classic cheesesteak called the Woodrow's Whiz Wit, which combines shaved rib-eye, house-made truffle Whiz, caramelized onions, and cherry-pepper mayo. Max's Steaks in North Philly is another iconic cheesesteak spot that has been around since 1939.
If you're looking for a classic Philly Cheesesteak experience, you might want to try one of the longstanding establishments like Pat's, Geno's, or Tony Luke's. These shops are often considered tourist traps, but they're famous for a reason—their cheesesteaks are delicious. Another option is Jim's West, which has been described as similar to Pat's and Geno's. For a more off-the-beaten-path option, try smaller shops or local favourites like John's Roast Pork or Cosmi's Deli.
No matter where you go in Philadelphia, you're sure to find excellent cheesesteaks that will satisfy your cravings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Philly cheesesteaks can be made with Cheese Whiz. It is one of the two most popular cheeses used in Philly cheesesteaks, the other being Provolone.
A Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It consists of thinly sliced beef, caramelized onions, hot peppers, and cheese in a long, crusty roll.
To make a Philly cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz, first, toast a hoagie bun and lightly smear Cheese Whiz on the inside. Then, place grilled steak cuts and flip the sandwich. Finally, add a generous coating of Cheese Whiz.
Besides Cheese Whiz, mild or sharp Provolone and American cheese are also commonly used in Philly cheesesteaks. Some people even combine Provolone and Cheese Whiz for the best of both worlds.
