The Ultimate Guide To Building A Cheese Steak

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that, as the name suggests, originated in Philadelphia. It is made with thinly sliced steak, cheese, and onion, served on a roll. The classic Philly Cheesesteak includes only steak, onion, and cheese, but some variations include bell peppers and mushrooms. The sandwich is often seasoned with herbs and spices, and the steak is typically cooked until it is browned and crisp. The cheese is then melted before the sandwich is served.

Bread

The bread is an important component of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The type of bread used can make or break the sandwich, as it needs to be able to withstand the weight and moisture of the filling without becoming soggy.

The classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak is a hoagie roll, which is a type of long, crusty roll that is often split lengthwise and toasted before being filled. Hoagie rolls are designed to hold a large amount of filling, making them ideal for a hearty sandwich like a Philly cheesesteak. They have a chewy texture and a crispy crust, which provides a satisfying contrast to the tender steak and melted cheese.

Other options for bread include baguettes, sourdough baguettes, and even hamburger buns if you're looking to cut down on carbs. When choosing a baguette, it's important to select one that is medium-sized and not too thick, as you want the bread-to-filling ratio to be balanced.

Toasting the bread is an important step, as it helps to create a barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy. The bread can be toasted in the oven or under a grill, and it's important to do this before adding the filling. Butter can also be spread on the bread to enhance its flavour and texture.

In terms of quantity, a typical serving size for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich is one hoagie roll or baguette per person. However, the amount of bread needed can vary depending on the size of the bread and the desired portion size. For a larger group, you may need to adjust the amount of bread accordingly.

Steak

When preparing the steak for a Philly Cheesesteak, it is important to cut the meat into super thin slices. Freezing the steak for 20 to 40 minutes beforehand can make it easier to slice thinly. The steak should be cut against the grain to ensure the meat is tender rather than chewy.

The steak is typically seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes a blend of herbs and spices such as chilli powder, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, marjoram, and basil. It is then cooked in a pan over medium-high heat until browned.

Cheese

When preparing the cheese for the sandwich, it is important to slice it thinly so that it melts easily and combines well with the other ingredients. The amount of cheese used can also vary depending on personal preference, but typically, two slices of cheese are used per sandwich.

Once the steak, onions, and peppers are cooked, the cheese is added on top and allowed to melt before serving. This can be done in the oven or under a grill/broiler.

In addition to the cheese, some people also like to add a spread to their Philly Cheesesteak, such as mayonnaise or garlic butter, to enhance the flavour and texture of the sandwich.

Vegetables

Peppers

Bell peppers, also known as sweet peppers, are a popular choice for cheesesteaks. They add a pop of colour and a mild, sweet flavour to the sandwich. You can use red, green, or yellow bell peppers, or even hot peppers if you want to add some spice. Peppers are typically sautéed or grilled before being added to the sandwich.

Onions

Onions are a classic topping for cheesesteaks and are loved by purists. They provide a crunchy texture and a savoury flavour that pairs well with the meat and cheese. You can use white, yellow, or red onions, sliced thinly and sautéed until tender and translucent. Some people like to add caramelised onions to their cheesesteak for a deeper, sweeter flavour.

Mushrooms

While some purists may disagree, mushrooms can be a delicious addition to a cheesesteak. Sliced and sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavour and meaty texture that complements the other ingredients. Cremini or portobello mushrooms are excellent choices for this dish.

Pickles

For a tangy and crunchy addition to your cheesesteak, consider adding pickles. Crispy fried dill pickles are a unique and addictive side dish that can also be served as a topping. The contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior of the pickles makes them a perfect pairing with the savoury flavours of the sandwich.

Broccoli

Cheesy broccoli is a gluten-free side dish that can accompany your cheesesteak. Steamed broccoli florets topped with a rich, creamy cheese sauce add a touch of nutrition to your meal without sacrificing flavour. You can even sprinkle on some breadcrumbs and garlic powder for extra crunch and flavour.

Cauliflower

If you're looking for something spicy, try roasted buffalo cauliflower as a side dish. Tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce and roasted to crispy perfection, this vegetable adds heat and crunch to your cheesesteak experience. Serving it with blue cheese crumbles and celery sticks completes the buffalo flavour profile.

In addition to these options, you can also experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, avocado, or even kale. Grilled vegetable skewers packed with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms can be a great way to add colour and healthiness to your plate. Remember, the sky's the limit when it comes to creating your perfect cheesesteak!

Seasoning

The type of salt and pepper used can make a difference. For example, Lawry's Seasoned Salt or garlic pepper are recommended by Valerie Brunmeier in her Philly Cheesesteak recipe. A blend of herbs and spices can also be used for extra flavour. In their recipe, Allrecipes.com suggests a mixture of black pepper, chilli powder, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried marjoram, and dried basil. This blend will give the steak a more complex and spicy flavour.

When seasoning meat, it is important to sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the steak and stir to coat. This ensures that the steak absorbs the flavours and creates a consistent taste with each bite.

In addition to salt and pepper, other seasonings can be used to enhance the flavour of the cheesesteak. For example, Worcestershire sauce can be added to the steak and vegetable mixture, as suggested in the recipe by TamingTwins.com. This adds a savoury and slightly sweet flavour to the sandwich.

Another option is to use seasoned butter on the hoagie rolls. Natasha Kravchuk, in her recipe, suggests mixing softened butter with a pressed garlic clove and spreading it on the cut sides of the hoagie rolls before toasting them. This adds a garlicky flavour to the sandwich.

Finally, the type of cheese used can also affect the seasoning of the cheesesteak. The most common cheeses used are provolone, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, and American cheese. Each of these cheeses has a different flavour and salt content, which can affect the overall seasoning of the sandwich. For example, aged provolone is known for its strong flavour, which may be overpowering in a Philly cheesesteak.

Frequently asked questions