Patrick Oconnell
Whether or not to add cheese to an Italian beef sandwich is a topic of debate. Some people believe that the only acceptable toppings for an Italian beef sandwich are sweet peppers, giardiniera, or Italian sausage. Others argue that cheese is a perfectly acceptable addition, with Provolone, mozzarella, and nacho cheese being popular choices. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, and both cheese and non-cheese versions of the sandwich can be delicious.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Provolone, Mozzarella, or Nacho Cheese |
| Type of beef | Chuck roast |
| Other toppings | Pepperoncini, Giardiniera, Salami, Capicola, Italian Sausage |
| Bread | Hoagie rolls, French bread, or gluten-free buns |
| Cooking method | Slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Broiler |
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What You'll Learn
Provolone is the quintessential cheese for Italian Beef sandwiches
There is some debate about whether cheese belongs on an Italian Beef sandwich. Some people argue that a proper Italian Beef sandwich does not contain cheese, as it may upset the delicate balance of juice and thinly sliced beef. However, others consider cheese to be a quintessential component of the sandwich, and Provolone is the cheese of choice for many.
Provolone is a type of Italian cheese known for its mild flavour and semi-soft texture. When melted, it becomes gooey and slightly stretchy, making it ideal for sandwiches. Its subtle smokiness pairs wonderfully with the beef, especially when balanced with the right toppings and condiments.
Italian Beef sandwiches are traditionally made with paper-thin slices of roasted beef, slow-cooked until tender, and served on a hoagie roll or bun with some of its juices. The beef is typically seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, parsley, and thyme, and often includes pepperoncini peppers and giardiniera, an Italian relish made with pickled vegetables.
Provolone cheese is a popular choice for Italian Beef sandwiches because of its ability to melt beautifully and complement the other flavours in the sandwich. Its mild flavour and texture allow the beef and seasonings to remain the focal point of the sandwich while adding a creamy, savoury element.
Preparing an Italian Beef sandwich with Provolone cheese is simple. Start by toasting the hoagie rolls or buns until golden brown. Meanwhile, warm the sliced beef and juices in a slow cooker or on a stovetop. Assemble the sandwich by placing the beef on the toasted bun and topping it with Provolone cheese. Finally, add your desired toppings, such as pepperoncini peppers, giardiniera, or Italian sweet peppers.
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Mozzarella is another cheese option
Italian beef is a sandwich that originated in Chicago. The beef is slow-cooked until tender and then served on a bun with some of its juices. While opinions vary on whether cheese belongs on an Italian beef sandwich, some people do add cheese to their sandwiches.
Italian beef sandwiches are traditionally made with roasted beef that has been sliced paper-thin. The beef is slow-cooked and then served on a roll with the cooking juices. The sandwiches can be served dry, wet, or dipped. A dry sandwich is made by pulling the beef from the cooking liquid and allowing most of the juice to drip off before putting it into the roll. A wet sandwich is served straight from the cooking liquid, with an additional ladle of juice spooned over the top. Finally, a dipped sandwich is fully assembled and then the entire roll is dipped into the beef juice.
The type of bread used for Italian beef sandwiches is typically a sturdy French bread or hoagie roll, which can be toasted before serving. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the juicy beef without becoming mushy, but not too crispy like a baguette.
Some people prefer to use provolone cheese on their Italian beef sandwiches, as it melts beautifully and has just the right amount of bite to hold up against the beef. However, mozzarella can also be a delicious option, adding a stringy, stretchy texture to the sandwich.
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Cheese is not traditional on Italian Beef sandwiches
Italian Beef sandwiches are a popular dish that originated in Chicago in the 1930s. They are made by slow-cooking beef, usually chuck, until it is tender, and then piling it high in a hoagie bun with some of the meat's juices.
While Italian Beef sandwiches are often served with cheese, this is not traditional. In fact, some people are quite adamant that cheese does not belong on an Italian Beef sandwich. The addition of cheese is said to "submerge the delicate balance of juice and thinly sliced beef".
The only acceptable toppings for a traditional Italian Beef sandwich are said to be sweet peppers, giardiniera, or Italian sausage. Giardiniera is an Italian relish made with pickled vegetables, including peppers, celery, cauliflower, carrots, jalapenos, oregano, and garlic.
If you do choose to add cheese to your Italian Beef sandwich, provolone is the most popular choice, as it melts beautifully and has just the right amount of bite to hold up against the beef. Other options include mozzarella and cheddar.
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Nachos with cheese and Italian Beef is amazing
Nachos with cheese and Italian Beef is an amazing combination. Italian Beef is a sandwich that originated in Chicago and is typically made with chuck roast beef that is slow-cooked until tender and then piled high on a hoagie bun with some of the meat's juices. The sandwich is then finished with toppings such as pepperoncini, giardiniera (pickled Italian vegetables), and cheese.
While the traditional Italian Beef sandwich does not include cheese, some people enjoy adding a slice of provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese to their sandwich. The addition of cheese can make the sandwich even more delicious and indulgent.
Now, imagine taking this cheesy Italian Beef sandwich and turning it into nachos. Crunchy tortilla chips are layered with shredded Italian Beef, melted cheese, and all the fixings. The warm, juicy meat combines with the crispy chips and creamy cheese to create a texture and flavor explosion in your mouth.
To take these nachos to the next level, you can add some traditional Italian Beef sandwich toppings, such as giardiniera, pepperoncini, or Italian sweet peppers. You can also get creative and add other toppings like jalapenos, black olives, green onions, or refried beans. The possibilities are endless!
So, if you're looking for a fun and delicious twist on the classic Italian Beef sandwich, give Italian Beef nachos a try. They're perfect for a game day snack, a party appetizer, or even a hearty dinner. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Italian Beef with cheese is messy
Italian Beef sandwiches are a popular dish that originated in Chicago. The beef is slow-cooked until tender and then served on a bun, typically a hoagie roll, with some of the meat's juices. The sandwich is often finished with toppings such as pepperoncini, giardiniera (pickled Italian vegetables), and cheese.
While Italian Beef sandwiches are typically served with cheese, some people argue that adding cheese to an Italian Beef sandwich makes it messy. The sandwich already has a lot of components, including juicy beef and various toppings, and adding cheese can make it even more challenging to eat neatly. The cheese can also make the sandwich soggy, especially if the beef is already juicy.
One of the key characteristics of an Italian Beef sandwich is the balance of flavors and textures. The beef is thinly sliced or shredded, creating a delicate texture that can be easily overwhelmed by too many toppings. Adding cheese can make the sandwich heavier and richer, altering the intended balance of the dish.
Additionally, the type of cheese used can impact the messiness of the sandwich. Provolone, mozzarella, and nacho cheese are commonly used in Italian Beef sandwiches. These cheeses can vary in texture and melt factor, affecting how messy the sandwich becomes when eaten.
Ultimately, whether or not to include cheese on an Italian Beef sandwich is a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy the added flavor and texture that cheese provides, while others find it makes the sandwich too messy to eat. Those who prefer a drier sandwich or want to focus on the flavor of the beef may opt to leave the cheese off.
In conclusion, Italian Beef with cheese can be messy due to the combination of juicy beef, toppings, and cheese. The sandwich's balance of flavors and textures can be altered by the addition of cheese, making it a messier eating experience. However, this messiness may be welcomed by those who enjoy the combination of flavors and the heartiness of the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on personal preference. While some people enjoy Italian beef with cheese, others believe that it upsets the delicate balance of juice and thinly sliced beef.
Provolone is a popular choice, as it melts beautifully and has just the right amount of bite to hold up against the beef. Mozzarella is also an option, though it is less common.
Italian beef sandwiches are often served with giardiniera (an Italian relish with peppers, celery, cauliflower, carrots, jalapenos, oregano, and garlic, all pickled in a vinegar and oil mixture), pepperoncini, and Italian-style seasonings.
