Patrick Oconnell
The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich, originating from Philadelphia. It is traditionally made with thinly shaved ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and cheese. The choice of cheese is often a matter of debate, with some preferring the classic 'Cheez Whiz', a processed cheese product, while others opt for provolone, an Italian cheese with a stronger flavour. Other popular alternatives include white American cheese, mozzarella, or a blend of the two. Ultimately, the best cheese comes down to personal preference, and there are many other options to explore, such as blue cheese or truffle-studded brie.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Provolone, White American, Mozzarella, Cheez Whiz |
| Texture | Melty, gooey |
| Cheese Origin | Italy |
| Cheese-making Method | Legit |
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What You'll Learn
Provolone is the most popular cheese for Philly Cheesesteaks
Provolone is a mild, melty cheese that pairs perfectly with the thinly shaved beef and caramelized onions that are typical of a Philly Cheesesteak. It provides the ideal amount of gooeyness and creates the perfect cheese pull, resulting in a messy, indulgent sandwich. The cheese also serves a functional purpose in the construction of the sandwich. By melting a layer of provolone over the steak before flipping it into the bread, a protective barrier is created that prevents the bread from becoming soggy from the drippy beef filling.
While other cheeses such as American, mozzarella, or a blend of the two are sometimes used, provolone is the most popular and traditional choice. It is worth noting that the quality of provolone can vary, and some people find that aged provolone has an overpowering flavor that doesn't work as well in a Philly Cheesesteak. However, when the right type of provolone is selected, it elevates the sandwich and makes it a truly memorable eating experience.
The key to a great Philly Cheesesteak is not only the cheese but also the beef. Ribeye is the most common cut of beef used, as it has a strong beefy flavor and is well-marbled with fat, resulting in a tender bite. However, other cuts such as flank steak or sirloin can also be used, especially for a quicker, more affordable version of the sandwich.
Overall, the combination of provolone cheese and thinly shaved beef is what makes the Philly Cheesesteak so popular. The cheese not only adds flavor but also provides a functional benefit that ensures the sandwich stays intact and enjoyable until the last bite. So, if you're looking to create the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak, be sure to go hard on provolone!
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Cheez Whiz is a common alternative
Cheez Whiz, a Velveeta-like cheese, is a common alternative to provolone on Philly cheesesteaks. While provolone is the most popular cheese for Philly cheesesteaks, some restaurants in Philadelphia use Cheez Whiz. Cheez Whiz is a canned, artificial, preservative, and chemically-produced cheese product. It is often favoured by those seeking the ultimate "melty goodness" in their Philly cheesesteaks.
Philly cheesesteaks are traditionally made with thinly shaved beef and grilled onions on a hoagie roll. The type of beef used is typically ribeye, which is tender and well-marbled with fat. However, other cuts such as flank steak or skirt steak can also be used. The key to a great Philly cheesesteak is super thinly sliced pieces of beef, which can be achieved by chilling the steak in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes before slicing.
While provolone is the most popular cheese for Philly cheesesteaks, there are several other alternatives that can be used. Some people prefer American cheese, which melts well and has a similar texture to Cheez Whiz. Others may use a blend of provolone and mozzarella, as hard cheese doesn't melt as well on its own. Some more indulgent options include truffled Brie or triple crème, truffled Delice de Bourgogne, which offer a deeply indulgent and oozy cheesesteak experience. For those who want a stronger flavour, a nice blue cheese can range from mellow to strong and is a great option to pair with the rich umami of beef.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference. While provolone is the most traditional option, Cheez Whiz and other cheese alternatives offer a unique twist on this classic sandwich.
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American cheese is a good melty option
While the classic Philly Cheesesteak is topped with Cheez Whiz, a Velveeta-like cheese, American cheese is a good melty option. In fact, some people prefer American cheese on their Philly Cheesesteak. It is also a popular alternative to provolone, which is the most common cheese used in Philly Cheesesteaks.
American cheese is a processed cheese that has enough citric acid to melt like Cheez Whiz. It is also an easy step up from processed cheese on cheeseburgers, so it’s a no-brainer for a cheesesteak. If you're looking for a cheese that's a little more indulgent, you could try a triple crème, truffled Delice de Bourgogne. This cheese is sure to provide the requisite, oozy mess that is so satisfying about biting into a hot, cheesy, beef Philly Cheesesteak sandwich.
American cheese is a good choice for a Philly Cheesesteak because it melts well and has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients. It also has a nice, creamy texture that goes well with the beef and bread. In addition, American cheese is widely available and relatively inexpensive, making it a convenient option for those who want to make a Philly Cheesesteak at home.
Some people prefer provolone or mozzarella cheese on their Philly Cheesesteak, as these cheeses also melt well and have a mild flavour. However, American cheese is a worthy contender for the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak experience. Its melting properties and mild flavour make it a strong competitor to provolone, the most popular cheese for this sandwich.
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Mozzarella is sometimes used
While the classic Philly Cheesesteak is made with Cheez Whiz, some people prefer to use other types of cheese. Mozzarella is sometimes used, either on its own or in a blend with provolone. Mozzarella is a good option for those who want a "pizza-like kick" to their cheesesteak. However, it doesn't melt as well as other cheeses, so it may not create the desired "melty goodness".
Mozzarella is a popular cheese for pizzas because it has a mild flavour and melts easily. When melted, mozzarella becomes gooey and stretchy, making it perfect for creating a cheesy pull. These qualities make it a good choice for sandwiches like the Philly Cheesesteak, where the cheese needs to bind the other ingredients together and create a messy, indulgent eating experience.
However, some people find that mozzarella doesn't melt as well as other cheeses when used in a Philly Cheesesteak. This may be because mozzarella has a higher melting point than some other cheeses, such as provolone or American cheese. As a result, it may not melt into the beef and veggie mixture as well, resulting in a less cohesive sandwich.
In addition, some people prefer the flavour of other cheeses, such as provolone or American cheese, which are known for their "melty goodness". Provolone, in particular, is often considered a more "legit" or "fancy" option than Cheez Whiz, as it is a traditional Italian cheese.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference. While mozzarella may not be the traditional choice for a Philly Cheesesteak, it can be a good option for those who want a stretchy, gooey cheese with a mild flavour. However, those seeking the perfect "melty" texture and a more authentic flavour may prefer to use provolone or American cheese.
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Cheddar is a step up from processed cheese
The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich, but there is some debate about the type of cheese that should be used. The classic option is Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese spread with a Velveeta-like texture. However, some people prefer to use a natural cheese such as provolone, which is often available as an alternative. Provolone is a legit Italian cheese that likely has more culinary prestige than processed cheese. It also has the desired melty, gooey texture and creates the desired cheese pull.
However, if you are looking for an even more elevated cheese option, cheddar is a step up from processed cheese. Cheddar is a common alternative to processed American cheese on cheeseburgers, so it is a natural choice for a Philly Cheesesteak. It has a stronger flavor than processed cheese, adding a sharper tang to the sandwich. While provolone is mild and subtle, cheddar will add a more robust, complex flavor to the Philly Cheesesteak.
Cheddar also has a similar melting quality to processed cheese, which is important for the Philly Cheesesteak experience. The cheese needs to be melty and gooey, creating a cohesive mess that holds the sandwich together. Cheddar has the same creamy texture when melted as processed cheese, making it an excellent substitute.
In addition, cheddar has a higher fat content than processed cheese, which can improve the overall taste and texture of the Philly Cheesesteak. The fat in the cheese will help to further moisturize the meat and bread, creating an even more indulgent, juicy bite.
Finally, cheddar has a longer shelf life than processed cheese, so it is a more practical option for restaurants and home cooks. It will last longer in the refrigerator, reducing the chance of waste.
In conclusion, while provolone is a step up from processed cheese in terms of culinary prestige and natural ingredients, cheddar is an even more elevated choice. It offers a stronger flavor, a similar melting quality, a richer texture, and a longer shelf life, making it the ideal cheese for a luxurious Philly Cheesesteak experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular cheese used in a traditional Philly Cheesesteak is mild provolone. However, some people also use Cheez Whiz, white American cheese, or mozzarella cheese.
Cheez Whiz is a Velveeta-like cheese product. It is a processed cheese sauce that comes in a jar. Some people consider it to be the classic cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak, but it is not a traditional cheese.
It is important to avoid aged provolone, as its flavor can be overpowering. Mild provolone is the best option.
Yes, some people recommend using a blend of provolone and mozzarella, or substituting cheddar or blue cheese. For a more lavish option, truffled Brie can be used.
