Andy Montoya
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia. It is made with thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, peppers, and cheese, served on a roll. The type of roll used for Philly cheesesteaks is a topic of debate, with some people preferring soft, fluffy buns, and others opting for crispier options such as hoagie rolls. Some people also choose to make their own buns, creating a homemade version of the classic sandwich. The key to a great Philly cheesesteak sandwich is in the preparation of the steak and the choice of cheese, with some people preferring the traditional Provolone, while others opt for Cheez Whiz or American cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread type | Hoagie rolls, sub rolls, hamburger buns |
| Bread texture | Crispy outside, soft, airy, slightly chewy inside |
| Bread preparation | Toasted, buttered, with or without garlic |
| Beef type | Ribeye, sirloin, outside round, striploin |
| Beef preparation | Thinly sliced, seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices |
| Cheese type | Provolone, American, Swiss, mozzarella, Cheez Whiz |
| Additional ingredients | Caramelized onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, black olive, pepperoncinis, mustard, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pickles |
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What You'll Learn
Hoagie rolls
The classic hoagie roll for a Philly cheesesteak is around 12 inches long, and they can be homemade or store-bought. Homemade hoagie rolls can be made with flour, sugar, salt, yeast, water, and olive oil. The dough is kneaded and shaped into rolls before baking, and it's important not to use too much flour to avoid dense rolls.
When preparing a hoagie roll for a Philly cheesesteak, it is typically sliced open and buttered, with the insides toasted until golden brown. The roll is then filled with the cooked steak, cheese, and other desired toppings such as onions, peppers, or mushrooms.
One popular brand of hoagie rolls specifically mentioned for Philly cheesesteaks is Amoroso's Bakery, which is based in Philadelphia and known for its soft, airy, and chewy rolls that are said to be the perfect carrier for the sandwich's fillings.
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Homemade buns
Ingredients:
- Active dry yeast (1 envelope or 7-8 grams/2 teaspoons, not instant yeast)
- Water
- Flour (375-500 grams)
- Sugar (3 teaspoons)
- Salt
- Olive oil
Method:
- Sprinkle the yeast over a bowl of water and let it stand for 10-15 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the proofed yeast and one cup of lukewarm water to the dry ingredients and mix until the dough is kneaded.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead in the olive oil by hand for at least 5 minutes. The dough should be sticky.
- Grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Once the dough has risen, form it into bun shapes and place them on a baking sheet.
- Spray water inside the oven to create steam, which will help the buns rise fully before forming a crust.
- Bake the buns until they are lightly crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside.
Tips:
- Be careful not to use too much flour in the dough, as this will make the buns dense.
- Add the olive oil last, as adding it too early will inhibit gluten formation.
- The buns are best eaten fresh, so it is recommended to eat them on the day they are made.
- If desired, spread mayonnaise on the buns before adding the steak and cheese filling.
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Amoroso's Bakery rolls
Amoroso's Bakery is the most popular choice for Philly cheesesteak rolls. The bakery's rolls are lightly crispy on the outside, with a soft, airy, slightly chewy inside. They are sturdy enough to hold the robust Philly cheesesteak filling without becoming soggy, while still being light enough to prevent an overly bready taste.
Amoroso's rolls are also versatile, working well with practically any sub sandwich and even burgers. The bakery's rolls are a key component in the success of Philly cheesesteaks, with their unique texture and taste contributing to the overall enjoyment of the sandwich.
The rolls complement the tender ribeye steak, gooey provolone cheese, and caramelized onions of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The rolls' slight chewiness adds a satisfying texture to each bite, while their airy interior ensures that the flavours of the filling shine through.
While Amoroso's Bakery rolls are the traditional choice, some people may prefer to use other types of rolls or buns, such as hoagie rolls or hamburger buns, depending on their personal preference or availability. However, the unique qualities of Amoroso's rolls make them the ideal choice for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.
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Hamburger buns
A Philly cheesesteak is a classic American sandwich made with thin-sliced, tender steak, and plenty of hearty onions and peppers. It is usually served on a long hoagie roll. However, if you're looking for a different option, you can serve it on soft, toasted hamburger buns, especially if you're serving it to kids.
The Philly cheesesteak burger is a delicious, cheesy, hot sandwich made with thinly sliced steak, peppers, onions, and cheese. The classic elements of a Philly cheesesteak burger include:
- Steak: For this dish, use a good-quality steak. Beef tenderloin is a great option, but it can be pricey, so you can use a different cut, such as a tender grilling steak.
- Onions and Peppers: Thinly slice a yellow onion and a green bell pepper.
- Butter and Olive Oil: You'll need butter and olive oil for sauteing, and a bit of extra butter for spreading on the toasted buns.
- Cheese: Provolone cheese is a good option, and you can use grated or sliced cheese.
To make the Philly cheesesteak burger, simply saute the steak, onions, and peppers in butter and olive oil. Spread some butter on the toasted hamburger buns, and scoop the filling into the buns. Top it off with the cheese, and you've got yourself a delicious, indulgent sandwich!
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No bun
If you're looking for a low-carb option, you can skip the bun altogether and try some of these ideas instead:
- Quinoa: Serve your Philly cheesesteak on a bed of quinoa for a healthy option.
- Smokey sheet pan potatoes: Try this option for a filling, tasty meal.
- Fries: Bake some crispy fries to go with your Philly cheesesteak.
- Chicken: You can substitute the beef for chicken, ensuring it is cooked through before adding the veggies.
- Keto option: There are some fantastic keto Philly cheesesteak ideas out there, too.
Remember, the key to a great Philly cheesesteak is very thinly sliced beef, which you can ask your butcher to prepare or do yourself by freezing the beef for 30 minutes and then slicing it against the grain.
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Frequently asked questions
Philly Cheesesteaks almost always use rolls from Amoroso's Bakery. These rolls are lightly crispy on the outside with a soft, airy, slightly chewy inside. They are sturdy enough to hold the filling without becoming soggy, but light enough that they don't dominate the sandwich.
Hoagie rolls are a popular alternative, as are hamburger buns if you're looking to cut carbs. If you're making your own buns, be careful not to use too much flour in the dough, as this will make the buns dense.
If you're toasting your bun, it's best to do so before adding the filling. You can also spread mayonnaise on the bun, as well as butter or garlic butter.
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