Delicious Food Pairings For Philadelphia Cheese

Philadelphia cream cheese is a brand of cream cheese that was first produced in 1872 and is currently owned by Kraft Heinz and Mondelez International. It is one of the best-selling brands of cream cheese worldwide. While it is called Philadelphia cream cheese, it was actually invented in New York State. The name was chosen because Philadelphia and its surrounding area had a reputation for high-quality dairy farms and creamier cheese products.

Philadelphia cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is a good option for those who want a rich and creamy cheese that is also spreadable.

Philly Cheesesteak

Ingredients

• Steak: thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin
• Cheese: provolone, white American, Swiss, or Cheez Whiz
• Hoagie roll: soft and sturdy
• Vegetables: sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms

Instructions

• Start by prepping the vegetables. Slice the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter and cooking oil.
• Add the vegetables to the skillet and cook until softened.
• Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the shaved beef steak and cook until browned.
• Add the sautéed vegetables back to the skillet with the steak, along with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Stir and cook until the vegetables are heated through.
• Spread the provolone cheese slices on top of the beef and vegetables in the skillet and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese.
• While the steak is cooking, toast the hoagie rolls. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Spread softened butter inside the hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until golden brown.
• Fill each hoagie roll evenly with the steak and cheese mixture.

Tips and Variations

• You can add more cheese to your sandwiches if you want them extra cheesy.
• You can also add additional toppings such as shredded lettuce, tomato, or sliced jalapeños.
• If you're short on time, you can use pre-packaged thinly sliced steak from the grocery store.
• To save money, you can use ground beef instead of steak.

Hoagie rolls

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich with strong opinions attached to it. Philadelphians are very particular about the authenticity of their beloved sandwich. The three main criteria for a proper Philly Cheesesteak, according to locals, are the meat, the bread, and the cheese. The meat should be thinly sliced steak, preferably ribeye or top sirloin, cooked on a griddle. The bread should be a long, crispy roll, similar to a sub. As for the cheese, there are three types that are considered authentic: provolone, Cheez Whiz, or American cheese.

When preparing a Philly Cheesesteak, it is important to toast the hoagie roll first. This ensures that the roll can hold up to the hearty filling without getting soggy. To toast the hoagie roll, simply split the roll, butter the inside, and place it on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes, or until lightly golden and toasted.

Once the roll is toasted, it's time to assemble the sandwich. The cooked steak, onions, and peppers are combined and then scooped onto the toasted hoagie roll. The sandwich can be topped with the cheese of your choice, or you can use a combination of cheeses. If using provolone, place the slices over the steak mixture and allow it to melt before scooping it into the roll. If using Cheez Whiz, drizzle it over the sandwich just before serving to add a creamy, nacho cheese-like texture and flavour.

The Philly Cheesesteak is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that can be easily prepared at home. By following the tips above and using hoagie rolls, you can create an authentic and tasty Philly Cheesesteak experience.

Provolone or Cheez Whiz

When it comes to the classic Philly Cheesesteak, the choice of cheese is a highly debated topic. The two main contenders are provolone and Cheez Whiz, and both have their passionate supporters.

Provolone

Provolone is a type of Italian cheese that is commonly used in sandwiches and melts well. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a creamy texture, making it a popular choice for those who want a more traditional cheese option on their Philly Cheesesteak. Provolone is often considered a more upscale option compared to Cheez Whiz and is favoured by those who prefer a more subtle cheese flavour that allows the other ingredients, like steak and onions, to shine through.

Cheez Whiz

Cheez Whiz, on the other hand, is a processed cheese sauce that is known for its bright orange colour and creamy texture. It has a strong, salty flavour and is often described as "gooey" or "sensual." While some may be put off by its processed nature, others find that the saltiness and creaminess of Cheez Whiz complement the other ingredients in a Philly Cheesesteak perfectly. It also has a certain nostalgic value for those who grew up with it.

The Great Debate

The choice between provolone and Cheez Whiz ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the more subtle, natural flavour of provolone, while others enjoy the salty, processed taste of Cheez Whiz. In a blind taste test, some people might not even be able to tell the difference! Both options have their merits, and the beauty of the Philly Cheesesteak is that you can customise it to your liking. So, whether you're Team Provolone or Team Cheez Whiz, the most important thing is to enjoy the delicious combination of meat, cheese, and bread.

Steak, onions, and peppers

To make a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with steak, onions, and peppers, you will need the following ingredients:

• Beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
• Vegetable oil
• Onions, thinly sliced
• Bell peppers, thinly sliced (green, red, or a combination of both)
• Seasonings: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried marjoram, dried basil, paprika, and chili powder
• Cheese, thinly sliced (provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese sticks)
• Hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
• Mix the seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, marjoram, and basil) in a small bowl.
• Place the steak strips in a large bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them, stirring to coat the meat evenly.
• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak and cook until it reaches the desired doneness. Transfer the cooked steak to a plate.
• In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, and cook the sliced onions and bell peppers until they are tender and caramelized. You can also add mushrooms to the mix if desired.
• Preheat the oven to a broiler setting.
• Divide the cooked steak between the bottoms of the hoagie rolls.
• Layer the caramelized onions and peppers on top of the steak.
• Top the sandwich with sliced cheese.
• Place the sandwiches on a cookie sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is melted.
• Cover the sandwiches with the tops of the rolls and serve.

You can also toast the hoagie rolls before assembling the sandwich. Simply split the rolls, lightly butter the insides, and toast them in the oven until lightly golden.

History of the cheesesteak sandwich

The cheesesteak sandwich, also known as the Philadelphia cheesesteak, Philly cheesesteak, cheese steak, or steak and cheese, is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. It was developed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century, and has since become a popular regional fast food.

The exact origins of the cheesesteak are debated, but it is often credited to Philadelphians Pat and Harry Olivieri, who allegedly invented the sandwich in the early 1930s by serving chopped steak on an Italian roll. According to one story, Pat Olivieri created the sandwich when he wanted something different for lunch and asked his brother, who owned a hot dog stand, to bring him some scraps of meat. Pat cooked the meat on a hot dog roll, and a cab driver who saw the sandwich requested one for himself. After eating it, the cab driver suggested that they stop selling hot dogs and focus on this new sandwich.

The original sandwich was served without cheese, and it is believed that a manager at the Olivieri's Ridge Avenue location, "Cocky Joe" Lorenza, first added provolone cheese to the sandwich in the 1940s. The addition of cheese to the steak sandwich created the iconic cheesesteak, which quickly gained popularity.

Over the years, the cheesesteak has evolved, and different variations have emerged. While provolone was used in the original recipe, other types of cheese such as Cheez Whiz and American cheese have become popular. Additionally, new ingredients like grilled bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions have been added to the classic recipe, and chicken cheesesteaks have become a staple at many restaurants.

The roll is an essential part of the cheesesteak, and many Philly restaurants swear by Amoroso's hearth-baked rolls, known for their crunchy exterior and soft bread inside. The popularity of the cheesesteak has spread beyond Philadelphia, and it can now be found at restaurants, food carts, and even some fast-food chains across the United States and around the world.

Frequently asked questions