The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Italian Beef

Italian beef sandwiches are a Chicago staple, with a history that goes back to the early 1900s. The sandwich is made with seasoned, slow-cooked beef, and is traditionally served on a hoagie roll with provolone cheese and pickled vegetables like giardiniera and pepperoncini. While provolone is the classic choice, some variations include mozzarella or no cheese at all.

Provolone cheese is the best cheese for Italian beef sandwiches

Italian beef sandwiches are a popular dish, especially in Chicago, where they originated. The sandwiches are made with slow-cooked, seasoned beef, piled on a hoagie roll, and topped with peppers and cheese. The beef is typically cooked until it is fall-apart tender, creating a juicy and flavourful sandwich filling.

Provolone cheese is an ideal choice for Italian beef sandwiches because it melts beautifully and has a sharp flavour that stands up to the other ingredients. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy taste that enhances the overall flavour profile of the sandwich. The cheese also has just the right amount of bite to it, making it a perfect match for the tender beef.

When assembling an Italian beef sandwich, it is recommended to toast the hoagie roll first to help it withstand the juicy fillings. Then, pile on the shredded beef, followed by toppings such as pepperoncini peppers and giardiniera (pickled vegetables). Finally, lay a slice or two of provolone cheese on top and return the sandwich to the oven to melt the cheese.

The result is a mouthwatering, flavourful sandwich that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender beef, tangy toppings, and creamy, sharp provolone cheese creates a unique and irresistible taste sensation. So, if you're looking for the perfect cheese to elevate your Italian beef sandwich, provolone is the clear winner.

Other cheeses that can be used include mozzarella and cheddar

While provolone is the most popular cheese for Italian beef sandwiches, mozzarella and cheddar are also great options.

Mozzarella is a mild-flavoured cheese that melts beautifully and has a creamy texture. It can be used as a substitute for provolone to add a similar sharpness to the sandwich.

On the other hand, cheddar has a stronger flavour and is more firm and crumbly in texture. It can add a nice tanginess to the Italian beef sandwich.

When choosing between mozzarella and cheddar, consider the other toppings and ingredients in your sandwich. If you want a more subtle cheese flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients, go for mozzarella. If you prefer a stronger cheese flavour, cheddar is the way to go.

Additionally, you can get creative and experiment with other types of cheese as well. Some people enjoy their Italian beef sandwiches with Swiss cheese, American cheese, or even cheese sauce. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, so feel free to mix and match to find the perfect combination for your taste buds!

Italian beef sandwiches originated in Chicago

Italian beef sandwiches, made with thin slices of roast beef, soaked in its juices, and served on French bread, originated in Chicago as early as the 1930s. The exact origin of the sandwich is unknown, but it is believed to have been created by Italian American immigrants in the city. One theory suggests that the sandwich was invented to feed many people with inexpensive cuts of beef, which were tenderized by slicing them exceedingly thin and cooking them with spices. The beef was served on bread to mask its poor quality.

The sandwich gradually grew in popularity and was widely eaten in Chicago by the 1970s and 1980s. It saw a further boost in popularity with the release of the television show "The Bear" in 2022, which was set in a fictional Chicago restaurant specializing in Italian beef sandwiches.

Today, Italian beef sandwiches are enjoyed with various toppings, including spicy giardiniera (called "hot") or mild bell peppers ("sweet"). While the addition of cheese is gaining popularity, traditionalists may argue that a true Italian beef sandwich does not include cheese.

The beef is typically cooked in a slow cooker

The beef is cooked in a mixture of beef broth, Italian-inspired seasonings, and pickled vegetables. The Italian-inspired seasonings can include Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. The pickled vegetables can include pepperoncini peppers and giardiniera, which is a mix of pickled Italian vegetables such as olives and vegetables packed in herbs and oils.

The beef is cooked until it is fall-apart tender, and then it is shredded and returned to the slow cooker to cook in the juices for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.

The beef is usually served on hoagie rolls

Toasting the hoagie rolls before serving is an important step as it helps the sandwiches resist falling apart due to sogginess. The rolls can be toasted in the oven at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they become toasty and golden brown.

In addition to the beef and cheese, Italian beef sandwiches are often topped with pepperoncini peppers, giardiniera (pickled Italian vegetables), and other toppings such as Genoa salami, capicola, olives, tomatoes, red onion, iceberg lettuce, and red wine vinegar.

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