Patrick Oconnell
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia in the 1930s. It is made with thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and bread. The choice of bread is critical to the taste of the sandwich. The bread must be fresh, white, and warm. It should be soft, chewy, and slightly crispy, with a slightly sweet flavor. The bread should also be sturdy and durable enough to hold the sandwich's filling without becoming soggy or falling apart. The most popular choice for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich is the Amoroso roll, which is known for its soft and chewy texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, chewy, slightly crispy |
| Flavor | Slightly sweet |
| Durability | Able to withstand juicy fillings and hot cheese without becoming soggy or falling apart |
| Length and Shape | Long enough to hold a generous portion of filling and easy to eat on the go |
| Type | Hoagie roll, Amoroso roll, Italian bread, French bread, baguette, submarine roll, hero roll |
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What You'll Learn
Hoagie rolls are the traditional choice for Philly cheesesteaks
The hoagie roll's length makes it ideal for holding a generous portion of filling, and its shape makes it easy to eat on the go. The slightly sweet flavour of the bread also complements the savoury steak and cheese. Hoagie rolls are made with high-quality ingredients, typically bread flour, yeast, salt, and water. The dough is carefully mixed, kneaded, and baked at a high temperature to achieve the desired consistency of a crispy crust and soft interior.
While hoagie rolls are the traditional choice, there are alternative options available. Amoroso rolls, for example, are widely regarded as the gold standard for Philly cheesesteaks. They are known for their soft and chewy texture and have been a staple in Philly cheesesteak culture for decades. Italian bread is another option, although it is slightly denser than hoagie rolls. French bread can also be used in a pinch, but it may be too crusty, making it harder to eat.
Ultimately, the right bread is essential to capturing the true essence of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The roll must be able to hold the juicy steak, melted cheese, and any added toppings without becoming soggy or falling apart. So, whether you opt for a traditional hoagie roll, an Amoroso roll, or another alternative, be sure to choose a roll that is soft, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold the filling.
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Amoroso rolls are widely regarded as the gold standard
The Amoroso roll is also the ideal length and shape for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. It is long enough to hold a generous portion of filling, yet easy to eat on the go. This balance of functionality and taste is what makes the Amoroso roll such a popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks.
While the Amoroso roll is the traditional choice, there are other alternatives that can also work well. Italian bread, for example, is slightly denser than hoagie rolls but can still make a good option for cheesesteaks. French bread can also work in a pinch, although it may be a bit too crusty, making it harder to eat.
Ultimately, the right bread for a Philly cheesesteak is essential to capturing the true essence of this classic sandwich. The roll is the foundation of the dish, providing structure, texture, and flavour that ties everything together. So, whether you opt for the iconic Amoroso roll or experiment with other alternatives, choosing the right bread will ensure that every bite is unforgettable.
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Italian bread is a good alternative, though slightly denser
The bread is a key component of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. While the thinly sliced steak and melted cheese often take centre stage, the bread provides the structure, texture, and flavour that brings everything together. A good Philly cheesesteak roll should be soft, chewy, and slightly crispy, complementing the sandwich's savoury filling.
The traditional choice for a Philly cheesesteak roll is the Amoroso roll, which is known for its soft and chewy texture. However, Italian bread is a suitable alternative if you don't have access to Amoroso rolls. Italian bread is slightly denser than hoagie rolls but still makes a great option for cheesesteaks. It has a slightly sweet and tender flavour that enhances the overall taste of the sandwich.
When selecting a roll for your Philly cheesesteak, it's important to choose one that is soft, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold the filling. The roll should be long enough to hold a generous portion of filling and easy to eat on the go. A crispy exterior is also desirable, providing a satisfying bite without being too hard.
Italian bread, with its denser texture, can provide the needed durability to hold the juicy steak, melted cheese, and any added toppings without becoming soggy or falling apart. Its slightly sweet flavour can also complement the savoury steak and cheese.
So, while Italian bread is slightly denser than the traditional hoagie rolls, it is still a good alternative for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, offering a balance of texture and flavour that enhances the overall dining experience.
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French bread can work but may be too crusty
French bread can be used for a Philly cheesesteak, but it may be a little too crusty. The roll or bread is the foundation of the Philly cheesesteak, providing structure, texture, and flavour that ties everything together. A good Philly cheesesteak roll should be soft, chewy, and slightly crispy, with a flavour and texture that enhance the filling.
French bread is a little crustier than the traditional hoagie roll, which is widely regarded as the gold standard for Philly cheesesteaks. Hoagie rolls are known for their soft and chewy texture, and they have been a staple of Philly cheesesteak culture for decades.
However, if you're in a pinch, French bread can work. It's important to select a roll that is soft, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold the filling. The roll should be long enough to hold a generous portion of filling and easy to eat on the go.
To create the perfect Philly cheesesteak roll, the dough is carefully mixed, kneaded, and baked at a high temperature to achieve a crispy crust and soft interior. Overworking the dough or skipping the rise can result in rolls that are tough, dense, or heavy.
Ultimately, the choice of bread is up to personal preference, but if you want a more traditional Philly cheesesteak experience, it's best to go with a softer, chewier roll like the Amoroso roll.
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Homemade Philly cheesesteaks should use fresh, white, and warm bread
A traditional Philly cheesesteak roll is designed to complement and support the sandwich's savory filling. These rolls are typically soft, chewy, and slightly crispy, striking a delicate balance between texture and durability. The dough is carefully mixed, kneaded, and baked at a high temperature to achieve this unique consistency. When selecting a roll for your homemade Philly cheesesteak, look for one that is soft, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold the filling without becoming soggy or falling apart.
Amoroso rolls are widely regarded as the gold standard for Philly cheesesteak rolls. They have been a staple of Philly cheesesteak culture for decades and are known for their soft and chewy texture. If you can't get your hands on Amoroso rolls, there are other options available. Italian bread is a slightly denser alternative, while French bread works in a pinch but can be a bit too crusty, making it harder to eat.
When making your own Philly cheesesteaks at home, it's important to remember that fresh, white, and warm bread will elevate your sandwich and make it truly unforgettable. The right bread will enhance the flavour and texture of the filling, ensuring that every bite is perfect. So, don't skimp on the bread—it's just as important as the steak and cheese!
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional bread used for Philly cheesesteaks is a hoagie roll, specifically the Amoroso roll.
Amoroso rolls are known for their soft and chewy texture. They are slightly crispy with a slightly sweet flavour. They are long enough to hold a generous portion of filling and are easy to eat on the go.
Yes, Italian bread is a good alternative to the hoagie roll. French bread can also be used, but it may be a bit too crusty, making it harder to eat.
The original Philly cheesesteak sandwich was made with Italian bread.
Avoid using bread that is too hard or dense, as this will make it difficult to eat the sandwich. Also, avoid bread that is too soft or fluffy, as it may fall apart or become soggy when packed with juicy fillings and hot cheese.
