Philly Cheesesteak: The Perfect Cheeses To Compliment The Classic

The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is traditionally made with thinly shaved steak, cooked on a griddle, and topped with melty, gooey cheese. The classic choice of cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is provolone, but some people also prefer Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. Others opt for American cheese, which has a gooey texture that holds the sandwich together. When making a Philly cheesesteak at home, you can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

Provolone

When making a Philly cheesesteak with provolone, it is important to get the right kind of roll. The classic option is an Amoroso roll, but these are hard to find outside of Philadelphia. A hoagie roll can be used as a substitute. The steak should be thinly sliced ribeye or top sirloin, and the sandwich can also include sautéed onions and peppers.

Cheez Whiz

Some people prefer to use both Cheez Whiz and provolone in their Philly cheesesteaks, melting the provolone over the steak as it cooks and then drizzling on some Cheez Whiz right before serving.

American

When making a Philly Cheesesteak with American cheese, it is recommended to use a good-quality white American cheese, such as the New Yorker brand, rather than Kraft. Adding a little butter towards the end of cooking the steak can also enhance the flavour.

Some people prefer to use a blend of American and provolone cheese to balance out the dryness of the latter.

Mozzarella

When choosing mozzarella for your Philly cheesesteak, opt for shredded or thinly sliced mozzarella for the best melting results. You can also experiment with different types of mozzarella, such as fresh mozzarella (often sold in balls) or smoked mozzarella, to add a slightly different flavour profile to your sandwich.

For a classic Philly cheesesteak with mozzarella, combine thinly sliced skirt steak, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Sauté the veggies and cook the steak to your desired doneness. Then, add your mozzarella and let it melt before serving on a toasted hoagie roll. You can also add some garlic and cilantro to brighten up the flavours and give your cheesesteak a more aromatic profile.

White American

When making a Philly Cheesesteak with White American cheese, it is important to slice the steak thinly. You can ask your butcher to do this for you, or you can put the steak in the freezer for about 10-30 minutes to make it easier to slice. Trim any large pieces of fat, but leave some of the marbled fat to keep the steak tender as it cooks. Sauté your onions and peppers separately, and cook the steak on a griddle or in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Finally, add the cheese and allow it to melt before serving on a toasted hoagie roll.

Frequently asked questions