Cheese Whiz: The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Topping

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that is native to Philadelphia, USA. It is traditionally made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and cheese, all stuffed into a hoagie roll. The best type of cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak is a topic of much debate, with some claiming that Cheez Whiz is the only proper choice, while others prefer provolone or American cheese. The sandwich was first created in 1930 by Pat Oliveri, a hot dog vendor in Philadelphia, who decided to grill up some beef from a local butcher and put it in a bun.

The best cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that inspires strong opinions about what should and shouldn't be included. The two main contenders for the best cheese are provolone and Cheese Whiz, but American cheese is also a popular choice.

Provolone

Provolone is a sharp and salty cheese that holds up well against the rich fattiness of the steak. It melts easily and can be stirred directly into the steak to add flavour and act as a binder, keeping the sandwich together.

Cheese Whiz

Cheese Whiz is a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. It has a creamy, almost nacho cheese-like texture and is often drizzled over the sandwich just before serving.

American Cheese

American cheese is mild in flavour and melts well, making it a good alternative to provolone.

Other Options

Some people prefer a more hardy cheese like pepper jack or sharp cheddar, while others like to make their own cheese sauce.

Ultimately, the best cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference. The most important thing is to choose a cheese that is relatively mild and melts well.

The best cut of beef for a Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that is rich in both taste and history. The story goes that in the early 20th century, a hot dog vendor named Pat (and his brother, according to some sources) decided to make a new sandwich by placing beef on a roll and giving it to a cab driver. The cab driver told them to sell these instead of hot dogs, and the Philly Cheesesteak was born.

Today, the Philly Cheesesteak is a beloved sandwich far beyond the borders of Philadelphia. But what cut of beef is best for this iconic sandwich?

The answer might depend on who you ask. Some people prefer ribeye, while others opt for top sirloin or top/eye of round. Ribeye is famous for its texture and flavour and is the most traditional and popular choice, but it is also more expensive. Top round is a close second and is also a classic option. If you're looking for an affordable alternative, sirloin is a good choice. Other alternatives include skirt and flank steak, though these cuts are leaner and may require adding some additional fat to the sandwich.

When choosing your cut of beef, look for a good fat-to-meat ratio. An even distribution of fat throughout the meat will give your cheesesteak that characteristic punch. The fat will melt as the thin strips of steak cook, making the meat tender and flavourful.

No matter which cut you choose, the key is to slice the beef thinly and evenly. Freezing the meat before slicing will make it easier to achieve those perfect, thin slices. Slicing against the grain will also help to tenderise the meat.

The best type of bun for a Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is a cultural icon, a sandwich that is more than just bread, meat, and cheese. It is a comfort food that is best enjoyed in its birthplace, Philadelphia. However, you can also make it at home.

The choice of bread is critical to a delicious Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. The roll should be lightly crispy on the outside, with a soft, airy, and slightly chewy inside. It needs to be sturdy enough to hold the robust filling without being too dense or heavy.

Amoroso Rolls are considered the authentic Philly option. However, you can also use hoagie rolls, Italian bread, or a French baguette.

To make the perfect roll at home, follow these tips:

• Be careful not to add too much flour during the kneading process. The dough should still be a little sticky to ensure a soft inside texture.
• Knead the dough by hand for at least 5 minutes, using as little flour as possible. Stretch and fold the dough back over itself, turning it as you go.
• Do not add olive oil with the rest of the ingredients, as this will inhibit gluten production and form a less elastic dough. Add the oil only after gluten strands have begun to form.
• Toast the rolls first before adding the warm ingredients. Split the rolls without separating them, lightly butter the inside, and bake in the oven until lightly golden.

Now you can make the perfect Philly Cheesesteak sandwich at home, with a roll that is just right!

What to serve with a Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is a classic, comforting sandwich. It's a cultural icon, with a long history and many opinions on how it should be made. The traditional cheesesteak includes thinly sliced ribeye steak, cheese, onions, and a hoagie roll. But what should you serve with it? Here are some ideas to elevate your Philly Cheesesteak experience:

Classic Sides

The most common sides to serve with Philly Cheesesteaks are fries and onion rings. If you want to stick with tradition, these are always a good choice. However, if you're looking for something a little different, consider garlic parmesan fries or sweet potato fries for a twist on the classic.

Salads

A fresh, crisp salad can help balance out the richness of the cheesesteak. Try a simple arugula salad with balsamic glaze, or a classic Caesar salad. A basic garden salad with Italian dressing or a veggie salad with an acidic dressing can also be a great pairing.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli or cauliflower is another option to accompany your cheesesteak. These vegetables provide a healthy, tasty side dish that goes well with the sandwich.

Other Options

Some less traditional, but still delicious, sides include pasta salad, mac and cheese, onion rings, or zucchini spears. You could also try a more indulgent option, like a second Philly Cheesesteak slider as a side!

So, there you have it! Whether you stick with the classic fries or branch out with a salad or roasted veggies, there are plenty of options to enhance your Philly Cheesesteak meal.

Cheese options for a Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that inspires strong opinions about what should and should not be included. The original Philly Cheesesteak didn't even have any cheese! But don't worry, there are now plenty of cheese options to choose from.

Provolone

Provolone is a popular choice for a Philly Cheesesteak. It's a sharp and salty cheese that holds up well against the rich fattiness of the meat. It also melts easily and can be used to bind the sandwich together.

Cheese Whiz

Cheese Whiz is a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. It has a completely creamy, almost nacho cheese-like texture and is commonly used on Philly Cheesesteaks.

American Cheese

American cheese is also a popular choice and is often considered a more classic option than Cheese Whiz. It melts well and has a mild flavour.

No Cheese

Of course, you could always go for the original and leave the cheese out altogether!

Other Options

Some people like to get creative with their Philly Cheesesteaks and use other types of cheese such as pepper jack or sharp cheddar. You could even make your own cheese sauce. Why not experiment and find your perfect combination?

Frequently asked questions