The Best Cheeses For A Midwest Philly Cheesesteak

A Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that traditionally consists of thinly shaved steak, cooked on a griddle, and topped with cheese. While the classic Philly Cheesesteak is served on an Amoroso roll, a hoagie roll can be used as a substitute. The two most common types of cheese used in Philly Cheesesteaks are provolone and Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. Some people also use American cheese, or a combination of different cheeses.

Provolone and Cheez Whiz are the traditional cheeses

Philly Cheesesteaks are traditionally made with either Provolone or Cheez Whiz. Provolone is a sharp-tasting Italian cheese with a firm texture, while Cheez Whiz is a creamy, shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. Both cheeses melt well, making them ideal for this classic sandwich.

The History of the Cheesesteak Sandwich

The original cheesesteak was made by a hot dog cart vendor in the early 20th century. While the exact details are disputed, most people credit Pat and Harry Olivieri as the creators. Today, two shops in Philadelphia, Pat's and Geno's, are known for their cheesesteaks.

The Best Cut of Beef for Cheesesteaks

When it comes to the beef, ribeye is a common choice, but other cuts like sirloin or flank steak can also be used. It's important to use a tender cut of beef that doesn't require a long cooking time. The beef should be thinly sliced, which can be achieved by chilling the meat in the freezer before slicing.

Customising Your Cheesesteak

While Provolone and Cheez Whiz are the traditional cheeses, some people like to experiment with different cheeses, such as American cheese, mozzarella, or a blend of provolone and mozzarella. You can also add other ingredients like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to your cheesesteak to make it your own.

Preparing the Hoagie Rolls

Toasting the hoagie rolls is an important step in making a quality cheesesteak. Butter the inside of the rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and toast them in the oven until lightly golden.

Assembling the Cheesesteak

Start by cooking the steak and onions, seasoning them to your taste. Then, arrange the meat and onion mixture to fit the size and shape of your hoagie roll. Top it with the cheese and let it melt. Finally, scoop the mixture into the toasted hoagie rolls and serve.

American cheese is a popular alternative

While the classic Philly cheesesteak is topped with either provolone or Cheez Whiz, American cheese is a popular alternative. In fact, some people consider it essential, calling it the "glue" that holds the sandwich together.

American cheese is a great option if you're looking for something a little different but still want to keep things classic. It has a gooeyness and creaminess that complements the savory steak and other ingredients in a Philly cheesesteak.

When choosing American cheese for your cheesesteak, opt for a good-quality variety like Cooper Sharp or New Yorker brand white American. This will elevate your sandwich and make it even more delicious.

To take your cheesesteak to the next level, you can even mix American cheese with other varieties. Some people like to use both American and provolone, melting the provolone over the steak as it cooks and then drizzling on some Cheez Whiz before serving. This combination gives you the best of both worlds in terms of flavor and texture.

So, if you're in the Midwest or anywhere else in the world, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses on your Philly cheesesteak. American cheese is a great option that will give your sandwich a unique twist while still staying true to the classic flavors of this iconic dish.

Swiss cheese is also used

When making a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to use a cut of beef that does not require a long cooking time, such as ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak. The beef should be thinly sliced and cooked on a griddle or in a skillet. The onions and peppers are also essential components of the sandwich and should be cooked until they are soft and translucent.

To assemble the sandwich, the cooked beef, onions, and peppers are placed on a hoagie roll, which has been toasted in the oven. The Swiss cheese is then added on top and allowed to melt. The sandwich is then ready to be served and enjoyed.

Some people like to get creative with their Philly cheesesteaks, adding ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry peppers. Ultimately, the most important thing is to use ingredients that you enjoy and to make the sandwich your own.

A blend of provolone and mozzarella is a good option

Provolone is a popular choice for those who prefer a sharper taste. It has a more distinct flavour than some other cheeses, and it melts well. Mozzarella, on the other hand, is known for its stretchiness and melting qualities, making it ideal for a hot sandwich. Combining the two cheeses can result in a tasty, gooey blend that complements the other ingredients in a Philly Cheesesteak.

When making a Philly Cheesesteak, it's important to thinly slice the steak and cook it on a griddle or in a skillet. The onions and peppers should be cooked separately and combined with the steak towards the end of the cooking process. The cheese is then added and melted before being placed on a hoagie roll.

Some people prefer to toast the roll first, and others may add additional ingredients like mushrooms or marinara sauce to create a unique twist on the classic sandwich. Ultimately, the beauty of making a Philly Cheesesteak at home is that you can customise it to your own tastes.

The roll is just as important as the cheese

The Amoroso roll is the most iconic roll used in a Philly cheesesteak. The Amoroso's Baking Company was founded in 1904 in Camden, New Jersey, and moved to Philadelphia in 1914. Their rolls are synonymous with Philly cheesesteaks and are often considered the gold standard. Amoroso rolls are known for their perfect balance of softness and chewiness, with a slightly crisp crust and a soft, airy interior. This texture makes them ideal for holding the juicy beef and melted cheese without falling apart. The rolls are also slightly elongated, making them the perfect shape for a traditional cheesesteak.

Other popular options for rolls include hoagie rolls, which tend to be firmer and denser than Amoroso rolls, and Kaiser rolls, which have a firmer, crustier exterior that can add a nice crunch to the sandwich. Hoagie rolls are more readily available outside of Philadelphia, making them a common choice for homemade cheesesteaks. Kaiser rolls, on the other hand, are less traditional and can be overpowering with their more pronounced flavour.

Ultimately, the choice of roll depends on personal preference. Some people prefer a softer roll that melds with the steak, while others enjoy the crunch of a crustier bread. However, the roll's ability to absorb the juices without becoming soggy and its size and shape to hold the filling are crucial. The roll should complement the meat, not compete with it, and its flavour should be subtle enough to let the other ingredients shine.

Frequently asked questions