Kamil Perry
The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich, but there is much debate about which cheese is best. The classic option is Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese product with a distinctive neon colour and oozy texture. However, many people dislike its artificial nature and prefer to use a real cheese, such as provolone, white American cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar. Some more unusual options include truffled Brie, Raclette, or smoked Gouda. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, but for a traditional Philly Cheesesteak, Cheez Whiz is the classic choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Provolone, White American, Cheez Whiz |
| Cheese texture | Shredded |
| Additional toppings | Griddled onions, mushrooms, ketchup, hot cherry peppers, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce |
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What You'll Learn
The classic cheesesteak
There are a few variations of cheese that are commonly used in a classic cheesesteak. These include mild provolone cheese, white American cheese, and melted Cheez Whiz. Some people also use mozzarella or cheddar cheese. When it comes to the type of steak, ribeye is a popular choice, although top sirloin or petite sirloin are also good options. The steak should be sliced very thinly against the grain to ensure it is tender. Freezing the steak for around 30 minutes before slicing can make this process easier.
To make a classic cheesesteak, start by sautéing onions in a pan with vegetable oil or canola oil. You can also add bell peppers or mushrooms if desired, although these are not traditional ingredients. In a separate pan, cook the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Season the steak with salt, garlic pepper, or your favourite all-purpose seasoning. Once the steak is cooked, add it to the pan with the onions and vegetables and stir together.
Finally, add the cheese. For provolone or American cheese, add slices directly to the pan and cover until melted. If using Cheez Whiz, spread it on top of the steak and vegetables. To assemble the sandwich, spread mayonnaise on the cut sides of toasted hoagie rolls. Place the meat, onion, and cheese mixture on the roll and use a spatula to help flip it onto the bread. The cheesesteak can be served immediately or briefly reheated under a broiler or in the microwave.
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Alternative cheese options
While the classic Philly Cheesesteak typically uses mild provolone cheese, white American cheese, or melted Cheez Whiz, there are several alternative cheese options you can consider to add your own twist to this iconic sandwich.
If you're looking for a more robust flavour, you could try using cheddar cheese. The sharpness of cheddar can provide a nice contrast to the other ingredients and give your cheesesteak a unique twist. Another option is to use mozzarella cheese, which is known for its stretchy, gooey texture and mild flavour. Adding a sprinkle of mozzarella can make your cheesesteak extra cheesy and indulgent.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could experiment with other types of cheese that have similar melting properties to provolone, such as Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese. These cheeses have a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients, and they melt smoothly, adding to the creamy texture of the sandwich. For a more distinctive flavour, you could also try using a smoked variety of these cheeses, adding a hint of smokiness to your cheesesteak.
Lastly, if you're a fan of spicy food, you could incorporate pepper jack cheese into your cheesesteak. This variety of Monterey Jack includes spicy peppers, giving your sandwich a nice kick. This option allows you to add both heat and flavour without the need for additional spicy toppings.
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Truffle-studded cheese
Cheesesteaks are a beloved culinary tradition, with the classic Philly Cheesesteak being one of America's iconic sandwiches. While the traditional cheesesteak is made with Cheez Whiz, provolone is often available as an alternative, and other types of cheese can be used to make the sandwich more indulgent.
Another option is to use a triple crème, truffled Delice de Bourgogne, which will provide a deeply indulgent and oozy cheesesteak experience. For something a little different, truffled Brie can be a good choice, pairing well with the meaty flavours and onions in a cheesesteak. This option adds a touch of luxury to the classic sandwich.
Fresh shaved truffles can also be added to a cheesesteak to elevate the dish. This allows for the addition of truffle flavour without the need for truffle cheese, which can sometimes be difficult to find. Shaved truffles can be used as a topping, adding a luxurious and indulgent touch to the classic sandwich.
Overall, using truffle-studded cheese or truffle toppings is a great way to elevate the classic cheesesteak and create a more decadent and indulgent dish.
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Making a creamy cheese sauce
A cheesesteak is a classic sandwich with just three elements: beef, cheese, and bread. The traditional cheese used in cheesesteaks is Provolone, although some people also use American cheese or Cheez Whiz.
If you want to make a creamy cheese sauce for your cheesesteak, here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your choice)
- Salt (optional)
- Pepper (optional)
- Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The amount of butter used can vary depending on your preference, but a common ratio is 2 tablespoons of butter for every 2 tablespoons of flour.
- Once melted, gradually add the flour, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. You should end up with a thick but still stirrable roux.
- Slowly add milk to the roux, stirring continuously. The amount of milk can be adjusted to control the thickness of the sauce.
- Cook the mixture over low to medium heat until it thickens.
- Add the shredded or grated cheese. For a sharper flavor, use cheddar cheese. If you prefer a milder taste, Monterey Jack or a combination of cheeses can be used.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- (Optional) Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Serve your creamy cheese sauce over your cheesesteak sandwich, vegetables, nachos, or use it for dipping!
Note: To prevent clumps or stringiness, add the cheese towards the end and remove the sauce from the heat as soon as it melts. Enjoy your homemade cheesesteak with a delicious creamy cheese sauce!
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Cheese and meat ratio
The classic Philly cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and cheese on a hoagie roll. The type of cheese used is a matter of debate, with some sources claiming that sharp provolone is the traditional choice, while others argue for American cheese or Cheez Whiz.
When it comes to the cheese and meat ratio in a cheesesteak, there is no definitive answer. However, it is generally recommended to use enough cheese to match the length of each hoagie roll, with extra cheese shingled over the top and melted before being flipped into the bread. This melted layer of cheese serves as a protective barrier, preventing the sandwich from becoming soggy.
Some sources recommend using two slices of provolone cheese for each portion of steak, while others suggest folding and melting a portion of the provolone cheese directly into the cooked steak to add flavor and hold the sandwich together.
Ultimately, the cheese and meat ratio in a cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer their sandwiches to be heavy on the meat, while others opt for a more balanced approach, ensuring that there is enough cheese to create a harmonious bite.
When making a cheesesteak at home, it is important to consider the type of bread, the thickness of the steak slices, and the cooking temperature to ensure that the sandwich is well-balanced and flavorful.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheeses that are commonly used in cheesesteaks include American cheese, mild provolone, mozzarella, and Cheez Whiz.
There is a dispute over whether Pat's was the first to add cheese to the cheesesteak. According to Pat's son, Herb Olivieri, American cheese was first added in 1951. However, other members of the Olivieri family claim it was provolone.
The classic Philly Cheesesteak is topped with Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese spread. However, mild provolone is also commonly used.
Bobby Flay uses a combination of aged provolone and Parmigiano-Reggiano in his Philly Cheesesteak recipe.
Some creative cheese options for cheesesteaks include cheddar, blue cheese, and truffled Brie.
