Patrick Oconnell
The Philly cheesesteak is a famous sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1930s. It is traditionally made with thinly shaved beef, cheese, and bread. While there are many variations of the sandwich, using Swiss cheese on a Philly cheesesteak is controversial. Locals still get heated about the time presidential candidate John Kerry ordered his Philly cheesesteak with Swiss cheese. However, some people do use Swiss cheese on their Philly cheesesteaks, substituting it for provolone or using it in combination with mozzarella.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Authentic cheese options | Provolone, Cheese Whiz, American Cheese |
| Inauthentic cheese options | Swiss, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan |
| Bread | Hoagie roll |
| Meat | Thinly shaved beef, usually ribeye |
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What You'll Learn
Locals' reaction to John Kerry ordering Swiss cheese
In 2003, while on the campaign trail, presidential candidate John Kerry ordered a Philly cheesesteak with Swiss cheese. This sparked a range of reactions from locals, with some considering it a significant gaffe and evidence of "an alternative lifestyle".
The incident was first reported by the Inquirer's Nancy Phillips and quickly spread across the country and the world. Radio stations from New York and Boston called to ask about Kerry's fumbled cheesesteak etiquette. Locals perceived the choice of Swiss cheese as a misstep, with one source commenting that "Swiss cheese, as any local knows, is not an option". The article in the Inquirer was written by food critic Craig LaBan, who called the act of requesting Swiss cheese evidence of an "alternative lifestyle". LaBan also advised on the manly way to eat a sandwich, stating, "Throwing fistfuls of steak into the gaping maw, fingers dripping—that’s the proper way".
The gaffe was seized upon by pundits, who recognised its potential to shape public opinion and influence the election, despite its apparent triviality. Kerry's delicate eating style was also criticised, with sources commenting that he "nibbled" at the cheesesteak "as if it were tea toast". This was seen as a contrast to the expected hearty and messy approach to consuming a Philly cheesesteak.
Kerry's campaign tanked, and he lost the 2004 election. While it is unclear how significant the Swiss cheese incident was in the overall campaign, it certainly attracted attention and contributed to a narrative about Kerry's character and authenticity.
The choice of cheese on a Philly cheesesteak is a serious matter for locals, and ordering the wrong type of cheese can result in more than just a nasty look. The incident with Kerry occurred at Pat's King of Steaks, a well-known cheesesteak establishment in Philadelphia. While there are debates about the original cheese used, the accepted options are provolone, Cheese Whiz, or American cheese.
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The three authentic cheese options
While the Philly cheesesteak is defined by its thinly shaved beef, the choice of cheese is also important. In fact, ordering the wrong kind of cheese at an authentic Philly cheesesteak establishment may get you some nasty looks from locals. According to Allrecipes' Nicole McLaughlin, there are only three types of cheese you should use: Provolone, Cheese Wiz, or American cheese.
Provolone is a firm favourite for many, with some arguing that it is the first cheese to be used on a Philly cheesesteak. It is often used in combination with other cheeses, such as mozzarella, and is known for its melty goodness.
Cheez Whiz, or Cheese Wiz, is a processed cheese sauce that is commonly used on Philly cheesesteaks. While it may not be to everyone's taste, it is certainly an authentic option.
American cheese is the third option and is often favoured for its melty quality. It is also a good choice for those who want a simple, classic cheesesteak without any fancy sauces or toppings.
While these three cheeses are considered the most authentic, it is worth noting that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the perfect Philly cheesesteak. Personal preference plays a big role, and some people may prefer to experiment with different cheeses, sauces, and toppings to find their favourite combination.
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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 item that originated 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 sandwich is often credited to brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri, who ran a hot dog stand in South Philadelphia.
The original sandwich did not actually include cheese. It is said that a manager at the Olivieri's Ridge Ave. location, "Cocky Joe" Lorenza, added slices of provolone in the 1940s, thus creating the first cheesesteak. Cheez Whiz, first marketed in 1952, was later added at Pat's South Philadelphia location by Frank Olivieri Sr. in the late 1950s.
Philly cheesesteaks have become popular at restaurants and food carts throughout Philadelphia, with many locations being independently owned, family-run businesses. Common additions to the sandwich include sautéed onions, grilled mushrooms, ketchup, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. The roll is also an important component, with many Philly restaurants using Amoroso's hearth-baked rolls, which are famous for their crunchy, firm exterior and soft interior.
Over time, the Philly cheesesteak has evolved, with different variations of the sandwich emerging. For example, the cheesesteak hoagie includes lettuce and tomato in addition to the traditional ingredients, and the steak milano contains grilled or fried tomatoes and oregano. Chicken cheesesteaks have also become a staple item at many restaurants, and pizza cheesesteaks combine the classic flavors of grilled sirloin steak and provolone with marinara sauce.
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How to make a Philly cheesesteak at home
While there are many variations on the Philly cheesesteak, there are some ingredients that are considered essential. Locals get heated about the time presidential candidate John Kerry ordered his Philly cheesesteak with Swiss cheese, so it's best to avoid this option. The cheeses you should use are provolone, cheese whiz, or American cheese. Other key ingredients are beef, peppers, onions, and rolls.
To make a Philly cheesesteak at home, start by placing your beef in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly. The best cut of beef for a Philly cheesesteak is sirloin, specifically petite sirloin, as it is less expensive and tender enough for the dish. You will need a good, sharp knife to slice the beef as thinly as possible. Chop the sliced steak into very small pieces.
Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to a large, deep (14-inch) sauté pan and place over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Allow to cook, stirring occasionally, until very tender. If they are beginning to brown, turn the heat under the skillet down a bit.
While the veggies are cooking, prepare the steak, returning to stir every now and then. Remove the steak from the freezer and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat, then slice the steak thinly across the grain.
Once the veggies are cooked, add the steak to the pan with seasonings and brown the meat over medium-high heat. Once fully cooked, add the veggies back to the pan and top with cheese.
To assemble the sandwich, spread mayonnaise on the inside of the hoagie rolls and toast them in a skillet over medium heat, mayo-side down, for about two minutes or until golden. You can also lightly butter the inside of the rolls and place them, opened up, on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Divide the cheesesteak mixture between the toasted rolls and serve.
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Bread options
While the type of cheese you use for a Philly cheesesteak is important, the bread is just as crucial. The bread should have the right amount of chewiness, and it should be soft, but not too fluffy.
Some recommend using baguettes for their chewy texture, while others suggest Italian Baton loaves from Ovenbird Bakery for a more substantial sandwich. For those in Baltimore, Amoroso's Club Rolls and Liscio's "No-Point" rolls are also recommended options. F&S Maranto bakery also makes a stellar sub roll, but it is unclear if they sell to the public.
If you're looking for a more authentic Philly experience, some suggest getting hoagie rolls from Philadelphia directly. The bread-making skills in Philly are renowned and hard to replicate elsewhere.
For a Philly cheese steak cheesy bread, a soft and flaky French bread is a good option. This bread can be cut in half lengthwise and filled with ingredients like ribeye steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Swiss cheese is not a common choice for a Philly cheesesteak. The three types of cheese that are considered authentic for a Philly cheesesteak are provolone, cheese whiz, and American cheese.
Provolone is the most popular cheese for a Philly cheesesteak. It is considered the traditional choice by many.
Some people use American cheese or cheese whiz in their Philly cheesesteaks. These are considered more processed options but are still widely used and enjoyed.
Yes, some cheeses are not considered suitable for a Philly cheesesteak. These include Swiss cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. Ordering with these cheeses may result in disapproval from locals.
