Philly Steak: Best Cheeses To Compliment The Classic Sandwich

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that is native to Philadelphia. It is made with thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and cheese, all stuffed into a hoagie roll. The best cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak is mild provolone, as it has a neutral flavour and melts well. White American cheese is another popular option, and some restaurants in Philadelphia even use a Velveeta-like cheese.

Provolone is the best cheese for a Philly cheesesteak

While Cheez Whiz is a common alternative, provolone is the classic choice. Its neutral flavour and meltability make it the ideal cheese to stuff into a hoagie roll. White American cheese is another option, but provolone is superior because it has a sharper bite.

Provolone is also a versatile cheese. While mild provolone is the best option for a Philly cheesesteak, aged provolone can also be used, although its flavour is more overpowering.

To make the perfect Philly cheesesteak, it is important to thinly slice the beef. Freezing the steak beforehand makes it easier to slice. The beef should then be sautéed and seasoned with salt and pepper. Finally, the cheese is added and allowed to melt before the mixture is stuffed into a hoagie roll.

So, if you're looking for the perfect cheese for your Philly cheesesteak, provolone is the way to go. Its neutral flavour, meltability, and versatility make it the top choice for this classic sandwich.

White American cheese is a strong runner-up

When creating the perfect Philly cheesesteak, it is important to consider the type of cheese that will complement the other ingredients. White American cheese has a neutral flavour that will not overpower the taste of the steak, onions, and peppers. Its mild taste and smooth texture allow the other ingredients to shine through, creating a well-balanced sandwich.

One of the key elements of a successful Philly cheesesteak is the melting ability of the cheese. White American cheese melts easily and smoothly, ensuring that each bite is filled with gooey, cheesy goodness. Its melting properties also help to bind the sandwich together, preventing it from falling apart and creating a mess.

Additionally, the versatility of White American cheese cannot be understated. It can be used as a standalone cheese or in combination with other cheeses, such as provolone. This allows for customisation and experimentation to cater to different taste preferences.

White American cheese is also a practical choice due to its affordability and ease of preparation. It is generally less expensive than other cheese options, making it a budget-friendly selection. Moreover, it is simple to slice and melts quickly, reducing the overall preparation and cooking time for the Philly cheesesteak.

In conclusion, while provolone cheese is often considered the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak, White American cheese is a strong contender. Its mild flavour, melting abilities, versatility, affordability, and ease of preparation make it an excellent option for those seeking a delicious and satisfying sandwich experience.

In Philadelphia, some food trucks use Cheez Whiz

Cheez Whiz is a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. It is a type of processed cheese sauce that is lower in saturated fat than American or provolone cheese. While some people consider it to be greasy and unnatural, others believe it to be the classic, authentic choice for a Philly cheesesteak.

In addition to the type of cheese, there are several other points of debate surrounding the "correct" way to make a Philly cheesesteak. Firstly, the beef should be thinly sliced ribeye or top round, cooked on a griddle. Secondly, the roll should be an Italian roll, wider than a baguette, with a dense interior. Finally, while some purists insist that only grilled onions should be included, others add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pizza sauce.

Experiment with different cheeses and veggies

Cheeses

The best cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is one that melts well and has a neutral flavour that complements the other ingredients. Provolone is the most popular choice due to its mild taste and melting ability. However, you can also use white American cheese, Cheez Whiz, or a combination of different cheeses. If you want a sharper flavour, try pepper jack or sharp cheddar cheese. Get creative and experiment with different cheeses to find your favourite combination.

Veggies

The classic Philly cheesesteak includes caramelized onions, but you can also add bell peppers, mushrooms, or a combination of all three. Sautéing your veggies is a great way to add flavour and texture to your sandwich. You can experiment with different types of peppers, such as green, red, or yellow bell peppers, or add some spice with banana peppers or hot peppers. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some sliced or grilled mushrooms for an earthy flavour. Don't be afraid to mix and match different veggies to find your perfect combination.

When experimenting with different cheeses and veggies, it's important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. You don't want to overwhelm the sandwich with too many strong flavours or make it soggy with too many veggies. Start with a small amount of each ingredient and adjust to your taste. Remember, the beauty of the Philly cheesesteak is its simplicity, so choose your ingredients wisely and enjoy the delicious results!

The best cut of beef for a Philly cheesesteak is ribeye

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich with a rich history. It was invented in the early 20th century by a hot dog cart vendor who combined frizzled beef, onions, and cheese in a small loaf of bread. The result was a sandwich so delicious that it is now a staple of American cuisine.

When making a Philly Cheesesteak, it is important to choose the right cut of beef. While you can technically use any beef steak cut, the best option is ribeye. Ribeye is the most popular choice for a few reasons. Firstly, it has a good fat-to-meat ratio, with a natural marbling that gives the meat a rich flavour and tender texture. This marbling is key to a good Philly Cheesesteak, as the fat melts to tenderize and flavour the meat. Secondly, ribeye is famous for its texture and flavour, making it the ideal choice for a sandwich that relies on the quality of its ingredients. Finally, while ribeye can be more expensive than other cuts, it is worth the investment for a truly authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience.

If ribeye is not available, there are a few alternative cuts of beef that can be used. Top round is a close second, although it may be less marbled and slightly tougher than ribeye. Sirloin is another option, specifically petite sirloin, which is tender enough to create a fabulous Cheesesteak and has the benefit of being thinner and less expensive than other cuts. Flank steak is also an option, but it is leaner and may require additional oil or fat during cooking to prevent it from becoming chewy.

When preparing the beef for a Philly Cheesesteak, it is important to slice it thinly and against the grain. This will ensure that the meat is tender and easy to bite into. Freezing the meat for 20-40 minutes before slicing can make this process easier.

In conclusion, the best cut of beef for a Philly Cheesesteak is ribeye. With its ideal fat-to-meat ratio, tender texture, and rich flavour, ribeye will ensure that your Philly Cheesesteak is authentic and delicious.

Frequently asked questions