Cheesesteak Conundrum: Which Cheese Melts Best?

The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich, but what cheese should you use? The classic combination is super thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onion, and provolone cheese. However, there are many alternatives to provolone, including Cheez Whiz, white American cheese, blue cheese, cheddar, and even truffle Brie.

Provolone is the most popular cheese for cheesesteaks

Provolone is a mild cheese with a sharp bite, and when melted, it becomes gooey and deliciously messy. It is the perfect pairing for the savoury pieces of thin steak and the sweet, caramelized onions that are typical of a Philly Cheesesteak. The sharpness of provolone also stands up well to the addition of bell peppers and mushrooms, which are sometimes added to the classic combination of steak and onions.

When making a Philly Cheesesteak, it is important to use a cheese that melts well and provolone fits the bill. It is a natural, gooey, melty cheese that acts as a binder for the sandwich, keeping all the ingredients together. It is also mild enough that it doesn't overpower the other ingredients, but still has enough flavour to add to the overall taste experience.

For the best Philly Cheesesteak experience, mild provolone is the cheese of choice. It is the classic, traditional option, and its sharp, gooey, melty nature is the perfect complement to the other ingredients.

Cheez Whiz is also a common choice

However, some people prefer to use actual cheese, such as provolone, which is considered a more legitimate Italian cheese option. It has a sharper bite to it and is the traditional alternative to Cheez Whiz.

When it comes to preparing a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz, the process is quite simple. Start by freezing the steak for about 10-30 minutes to make it easier to slice into thin strips. Trim away any excess fat, and use a sharp knife to cut the steak as thinly as possible. You can also ask your butcher to do this for you.

Next, heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil. Spread out the steak slices in an even layer and cook for a couple of minutes without moving them, to get a nice sear. Then, flip the steak slices and cook the other side.

In a separate pan, sauté your choice of vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These can be added to the steak mixture or served on the side.

Finally, assemble your sandwich by placing the steak and vegetables on a hoagie roll. Drizzle on some warmed Cheez Whiz for maximum cheesiness and messiness!

And there you have it—a classic Philly Cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz. It's a delicious, messy, and iconic sandwich that's perfect for game nights or weeknight dinners.

White American cheese is another option

The classic cheesesteak is made with thinly shaved steak (usually ribeye or top round) and is traditionally cooked on a griddle. It is served in a hoagie bun with caramelized onions and gooey, melty cheese. While provolone and Cheez Whiz are the most traditional cheese options, American cheese is also a delicious choice. It has a mild flavour and melts easily, making it a great option for those who want a classic-tasting cheesesteak without the stronger flavour of provolone or the artificiality of Cheez Whiz.

Some people prefer to use a combination of cheeses on their cheesesteaks. For example, one could melt some provolone over the steak as it cooks and then drizzle on some Cheez Whiz right before serving to get the best of both worlds. Others prefer to use American cheese as their base and add in other cheeses like cheddar or blue cheese to give it a little extra flavour.

No matter which cheese you choose, the key to a great cheesesteak is to use a nice, tender cut of steak that has some marbled fat. This will ensure that the steak stays juicy and tender as it cooks. Then, simply slice your steak as thin as possible, cook it on a griddle or in a pan, and melt your cheese of choice on top. Serve it all on a toasted hoagie roll with some caramelized onions, and you've got yourself a delicious, cheesy sandwich.

Cheddar can be used as an upgrade from American cheese

Cheddar: An Upgrade from American Cheese

Cheddar is a natural upgrade from American cheese, and this is no different when it comes to cheesesteaks. While American cheese is a common choice for cheesesteaks, it is a processed cheese. If you're looking for something a little more upscale or artisan, cheddar is a great option.

Cheddar is often considered an easy step up from processed American cheese when it comes to cheeseburgers, and the same can be said for cheesesteaks. As Jeff Roberts, author of the "Atlas of American Artisan Cheese", notes, there are many great cheeses in Pennsylvania, and a terroir-based approach can be taken when choosing a cheese for your Philly cheesesteak.

Cheddar will provide a more natural, less processed flavour to your cheesesteak, adding a sharpness that pairs well with the meaty flavours and onions. It is also a good melting cheese, which is key to the cheesesteak experience.

If you're looking for a cheese that is a step up in quality from American cheese but still want that classic, comforting cheesesteak flavour, then cheddar is a great option. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, and its sharpness will add a nice kick to your cheesesteak.

Blue cheese is a good choice for those who like a kick

If you're a fan of blue cheese, you might also consider adding some other cheeses to your sandwich for a more complex flavour profile. For example, you could try a combination of blue cheese and provolone for a mix of sharpness and mildness. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you could experiment with a blend of blue cheese and Cheez Whiz, a popular choice among Philly Cheesesteak enthusiasts.

When it comes to preparing your cheesesteak, it's important to get the right cut of beef. Ribeye is a popular choice, known for its tenderness and marbling of fat. However, other options such as sirloin or top round can also work well. Just make sure to slice your beef thinly and cook it on a griddle for the best results.

In addition to the cheese and beef, don't forget the other essential components of a Philly Cheesesteak: caramelized onions and a toasted hoagie roll. You can also add some bell peppers and mushrooms if you want to include some extra vegetables in your sandwich.

So, if you're looking to add a kick to your Philly Cheesesteak, blue cheese is definitely worth considering. With its strong flavour and creamy texture, it's sure to take your sandwich to the next level.

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