
The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is a classic American sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 1900s. It is typically made with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and bell peppers, all stuffed into a hoagie roll. The sandwich is then melted with cheese, with the most common options being provolone or Cheez Whiz. However, some variations include Swiss cheese and mozzarella cheese. The type of steak used is also a matter of debate, with ribeye and top sirloin being the most popular choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Provolone, Cheez Whiz, Swiss, Mozzarella |
| Texture | Melty, gooey |
| Flavour | Mild, melts well |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Provolone is a popular choice
The Philly cheesesteak is a simple sandwich, consisting of beef, cheese, and bread. The beef is usually ribeye, sliced paper-thin, and cooked until browned, retaining its tenderness. The cheese is a key component, and provolone is a favourite among many. Its mild flavour and gooey, melty texture complement the steak perfectly.
When making a Philly cheesesteak, the provolone cheese is often folded directly into the cooked steak. This not only adds flavour but also acts as a binder, holding the thin slices of meat together. The cheese is then melted into the beef and veggie mixture, creating a delicious, hearty filling.
Some variations of the sandwich include additional ingredients such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. These veggies add colour, flavour, and bulk to the sandwich. Regardless of the add-ins, the provolone cheese remains a staple, providing that essential gooey, cheesy factor.
Philly cheesesteaks are a beloved comfort food, and the choice of cheese is an important consideration. Provolone, with its mild taste and meltability, is a top contender, offering a classic, mouthwatering cheesesteak experience.
Cheese Powder: Enhancing Your Favorite Snacks and Meals
You may want to see also

Cheez Whiz is also used
The Philly cheesesteak is a classic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia in the early 1900s. It traditionally consists of thinly sliced steak, onions, and cheese, served on a hoagie roll. While provolone is a popular cheese choice, Cheez Whiz is also used and offers a unique twist to this iconic sandwich.
Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese sauce that is known for its bright orange colour and creamy texture. It was first introduced in the 1950s and quickly became a staple in American kitchens. Cheez Whiz is made with a blend of cheeses, including cheddar and Swiss, and has a salty, savoury flavour.
When used in a Philly cheesesteak, Cheez Whiz adds a creamy texture and a bold flavour that complements the steak and onions. It is often paired with provolone cheese, creating a rich and indulgent sandwich. The Cheez Whiz can be spread directly onto the hoagie roll or mixed into the steak and onion mixture before being stuffed into the roll.
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, provolone is the classic choice. However, the use of Cheez Whiz has become widely accepted, and many restaurants in Philadelphia offer it as an option. The key to a great Philly cheesesteak is using a mild-flavoured cheese that melts well, and Cheez Whiz certainly fits the bill.
Whether you're a purist who favours provolone or a Cheez Whiz enthusiast, the Philly cheesesteak is a delicious and iconic sandwich that can be customised to your taste. So, the next time you're in Philadelphia or whipping up a batch at home, don't be afraid to get creative and give Cheez Whiz a try!
Cheese in Compost: Good or Bad?
You may want to see also

Swiss and mozzarella are alternatives
The classic Philly Cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and cheese, served on a long hoagie roll. While the type of cheese used is a matter of debate, provolone, Cheese Whiz, and American cheese are the three most commonly used. However, some people prefer Swiss and mozzarella as alternatives.
Philly Cheesesteaks are a beloved culinary tradition in Philadelphia, and the choice of cheese is a highly debated topic among locals. While provolone, Cheese Whiz, and American cheese are the most traditional options, some people like to experiment with different cheeses to add their own twist to the classic sandwich.
Swiss cheese is a controversial choice among Philly Cheesesteak enthusiasts. In 2003, presidential candidate John Kerry ordered a Philly Cheesesteak with Swiss cheese, which did not sit well with the locals. Despite this, some people still enjoy using Swiss cheese in their Philly Cheesesteaks, as it offers a unique flavour and texture that pairs well with the steak and vegetables.
Mozzarella cheese is another alternative that some people use in their Philly Cheesesteaks. While it is not one of the three traditional cheeses, mozzarella can add a stringy, gooey texture to the sandwich, making it extra cheesy and indulgent. Combining mozzarella with Swiss cheese, as suggested by a recipe from Allrecipes.com, can create a unique flavour profile that some people enjoy.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference. While provolone, Cheese Whiz, and American cheese are the most traditional and widely accepted options, Swiss and mozzarella can be used as alternatives to add variety and a personal touch to the classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich.
Maximizing Play Points at Chuck E Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Cheese should be mild and melt well
The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 1900s. It traditionally consists of thinly sliced steak, onions, and cheese, served on a hoagie roll. However, there are many variations, with some including bell peppers, mushrooms, and other vegetables.
When it comes to the cheese, there are a few options that are commonly used. One popular choice is Provolone, which has a mild flavour and melts well, adding a creamy texture to the sandwich. It can be folded and melted directly into the cooked steak, acting as a binder to hold the meat together.
Another option is Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese sauce that is beloved by many for its creamy texture and salty flavour. It is often paired with Provolone to create an extra cheesy sandwich. Those who prefer a more subtle cheese flavour may opt for just Provolone or another mild, melting cheese.
Other cheeses that can be used in a Philly Cheesesteak include Swiss cheese and mozzarella, which can be added in sticks or shredded and melted into the steak and vegetable mixture. Some people may also choose American cheese, which has a mild flavour and melts well. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference, and some may even opt for a cheese sauce or no cheese at all.
It is important to note that while the type of cheese is important, the quality of the steak and the technique used to slice and cook it are also key factors in creating an authentic and delicious Philly Cheesesteak sandwich.
Cheese in Indian Curries: A Cultural Fusion
You may want to see also

It's used to bind the steak together
A Philly cheesesteak sandwich is made with thinly sliced steak and cheese and served on a long hoagie roll. The traditional cheesesteak in Philadelphia contains just three things: the steak, the onions, and the cheese. However, it is often served with sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms. The steak is usually ribeye or top round, sliced paper-thin, and cooked until browned so that it remains tender.
The cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich is important as it acts as a binder to hold the thinly sliced steak together. It is also there to add flavour. The cheese should be mild in flavour and melt well. The most common cheeses used are provolone and Cheez Whiz. Provolone is a popular choice as it melts into the cooked steak, binding the thinly sliced meat together in the sandwich while eating. It also adds a gooey texture to the sandwich. Cheez Whiz is also a popular choice, though some reserve this for a topping rather than a binder.
Other cheeses that can be used in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich include Swiss cheese, mozzarella, and American cheese. Some recipes call for a combination of cheeses, such as Swiss and mozzarella or provolone and Cheez Whiz. Ultimately, the choice of cheese is a matter of personal preference, and some people get very passionate about their preferred type of cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese: Animal Rennet's Role
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The most common cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich is Provolone. However, some people also use Cheez Whiz, Swiss cheese, or Mozzarella cheese.
The most common type of beef used in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich is ribeye. However, other cuts such as skirt steak, flank steak, and sirloin are also used.
In addition to the beef and cheese, a Philly cheesesteak sandwich typically includes onions, bell peppers, and bread. Some people also add mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, or jalapeños.

























