Andy Montoya
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. The most popular cheese for this sandwich is mild provolone, but some variations include American cheese, mozzarella, or Cheez Whiz. The sandwich was originally prepared without cheese, but according to Pat's son Herb Olivieri, American cheese was first added by Cocky Joe Lorenza in 1951.
Philly Cheesesteak Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Provolone, Cheez Whiz, Swiss, Mozzarella |
| Steak | Ribeye, Skirt Steak, Sirloin, Shaved Chicken |
| Bread | Amoroso Roll, Hoagie Roll, Toasted Garlic Butter Hoagie Roll |
| Other Ingredients | Onions, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Provolone is the most popular cheese for a Philly cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that has become an iconic symbol of Philadelphia. The classic combination of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and cheese has made it a beloved and popular dish. While there are variations to the recipe, the original Philly cheesesteak uses provolone cheese.
Provolone is a popular choice for a Philly cheesesteak because of its distinct flavour and texture. The cheese is known for its sharp, salty taste and its semi-hard texture. When melted, provolone becomes gooey and stringy, coating the steak and acting as a binder to hold the sandwich together. This adds a "mechanical value" to the sandwich, keeping the thin pieces of steak together as you eat.
While there is some debate about the "proper" cheese to use in a Philly cheesesteak, with some arguing for Cheez Whiz, most places in Philadelphia offer both options. However, provolone is the more traditional and classic choice. It is also a good option for those who find Cheez Whiz too bland or processed.
The key to a great Philly cheesesteak is in the details. The steak should be sliced super-thin so that it cooks quickly while staying juicy. The onions should be caramelized to add a sweet and savory note to the sandwich. And finally, the cheese should be melted just enough to create the perfect amount of "cheese goo".
So, if you're looking to make a classic Philly cheesesteak, be sure to grab some provolone cheese. It's the most popular choice for a reason—the distinct flavour and texture of provolone take this sandwich to the next level.
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Cheez Whiz is a common alternative
The classic Philly cheesesteak is made with super-thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and cheese, served over a roll. While the traditional cheesesteak in Philadelphia contains just these three ingredients, it is often served with sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms.
The choice of cheese is a highly debated topic. Some say that Cheez Whiz is the only proper cheese for a cheesesteak, while others prefer provolone. Cheez Whiz is a common alternative to provolone cheese in Philly cheesesteaks. It is a processed cheese sauce that is known for its bright orange colour and creamy texture. It is made with a combination of cheeses, including cheddar, Swiss, and American cheese. Cheez Whiz has a strong, sharp flavour that can stand up to the other ingredients in a Philly cheesesteak. It is also a good melting cheese, which is important for creating the signature gooey texture of the sandwich.
While provolone is the traditional choice, Cheez Whiz offers a unique flavour and texture that has made it a popular option for those looking for something different. It is worth noting that some people may find Cheez Whiz to be too salty or artificial-tasting, so it is often a matter of personal preference.
Ultimately, whether you choose provolone, Cheez Whiz, or another type of cheese, the key is to use a variety that melts well and complements the other ingredients. The cheese should be generously applied to the steak, creating a cohesive mixture that holds the sandwich together. This adds mechanical value to the sandwich, making it easier to eat and ensuring that each bite includes all of the delicious flavours.
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Parmesan can be added for extra flavour
A classic Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich made with shaved steak, cheese, and bread. The steak is typically ribeye or top round, thinly sliced, and cooked on a griddle. The cheese is usually mild and meltable, like provolone or Cheez Whiz. However, some people prefer American cheese or even a homemade cheese sauce. The bread is typically a soft hoagie roll, but other options include sub buns and Italian hero rolls.
While the classic Philly cheesesteak is simple, with just steak, onions, and cheese, many people like to add toppings such as sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Mayo, shredded lettuce, tomato, and jalapeños are also popular additions.
To make a Philly cheesesteak, start by thinly slicing the steak. Then, sauté any desired vegetables and set them aside. Next, cook the steak in the same pan, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Finally, add the vegetables back to the pan with the steak and top with cheese. Cover the pan until the cheese melts, and then scoop the mixture into the hoagie rolls.
For an extra flavour boost, freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be added to the Philly cheesesteak. Parmesan is a hard, nutty, and bold-flavoured cheese that can be folded and melted directly into the cooked steak. This not only enhances the flavour of the sandwich but also acts as a binder, holding the thin slices of meat together. Adding Parmesan cheese is entirely optional and can be omitted for purists who prefer their Philly cheesesteak without it.
When preparing the steak, it is essential to use a cut of beef that is tender and requires minimal cooking time. While ribeye is a popular choice, it can be expensive. Alternative options include top round, flank steak, and petite sirloin, which are more affordable and still deliver the desired tenderness. To achieve super-thin slices, place the steak in the freezer for 10 to 20 minutes before slicing it with a sharp knife.
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Cheese should be mild and melt well
The choice of cheese is a highly debated topic when it comes to making the perfect Philly cheesesteak. While the traditional cheesesteak in Philadelphia contains just three ingredients—steak, onions, and cheese—the type of cheese is a matter of personal preference. Some say that Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars, is the only proper cheese for a cheesesteak. However, others prefer provolone, which is a mild-flavoured cheese that melts well. Provolone has a sharper bite to it, while Cheez Whiz has a creamy, almost nacho cheese-like texture.
When choosing provolone, it is important to select a brand that is not too strong in flavour. The most popular variety is mild provolone, as it melts well and has a subtle taste that complements the other ingredients in the sandwich. It is best to avoid aged provolone, as its strong flavour can overpower the other ingredients.
American cheese is another option that fits the bill of being mild and melting well. It has a creamy texture and a subtle flavour, making it a good choice for those who want the cheese to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference. Some people may prefer a sharper-tasting cheese like provolone, while others may opt for a milder option like American cheese. Some may even choose to use a combination of cheeses or create their own cheese sauce to add a unique twist to their Philly cheesesteak.
In addition to the type of cheese, the amount of cheese used can also vary. Some people like to use just enough cheese to act as a binder, holding the thinly sliced meat together in the sandwich. Others may prefer a more generous helping of cheese, creating a gooey and indulgent Philly cheesesteak experience.
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American cheese is another option
When making a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to use a cheese that melts well and has a gooey, creamy texture. American cheese certainly fits the bill. It can be easily melted on top of the steak, creating a cohesive meat and cheese mixture that is easy to eat. The cheese adds a creamy element to the sandwich, complementing the other ingredients.
Some people prefer to use a combination of cheeses, such as provolone and Cheez Whiz, to get the best of both worlds. The provolone adds a sharp bite, while the Cheez Whiz provides a creamy, nacho cheese-like texture. However, American cheese can also be used in place of Cheez Whiz to achieve a similar effect. It can be drizzled over the sandwich, providing a creamy, gooey texture that is sure to satisfy any cheese lover.
For those who want to experiment with different cheeses, American cheese is a versatile option that can be paired with other varieties. For instance, you could try a combination of American and Swiss cheese, or even mozzarella cheese sticks, as suggested by one source. This allows you to create a unique flavour profile that suits your taste preferences.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference. While provolone is the traditional favourite, American cheese is a worthy contender that can elevate your Philly cheesesteak experience. So, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect combination.
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Frequently asked questions
Provolone is the most popular cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak. Some prefer it sharp, while others say mild provolone is more common.
One source says to avoid aged provolone as its flavour can be overpowering.
American cheese is a common alternative, and some restaurants in Philadelphia use Cheez Whiz. Mozzarella is also an option, and you could even use a blend of mozzarella and provolone.
Two slices of cheese per sandwich should be enough, but you can always add more if you like your sandwich extra cheesy!
Place the cheese in a circle over the steak, veggie, and beef mixture. Cover the pan and cook on medium heat until the cheese melts. Then, use tongs to transfer everything into a toasted hoagie roll.
