Frederic Melton
The bread used for a Philly cheesesteak is an important component of the sandwich, providing structure, texture, and flavor that complements the filling. The traditional choice is a hoagie roll, specifically the Amoroso roll, which is known for its soft and chewy texture. These rolls are designed to be soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior, providing a delicate balance between texture and durability. Other options include Italian bread, French bread, and baguettes, though these may be harder to eat or less traditional. Ultimately, the right bread is essential to capturing the true essence of this classic sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Hoagie roll, Italian bread, French baguette, Amoroso roll |
| Texture | Soft, chewy, slightly crispy |
| Flavor | Slightly sweet |
| Durability | Able to maintain integrity when packed with fillings |
| Length and shape | Long enough to hold a generous portion of filling and easy to eat on the go |
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What You'll Learn
Hoagie rolls are the traditional choice
The roll's primary job is to hold the juicy steak, melted cheese, and any added toppings without becoming soggy or falling apart. Its slightly sweet and tender flavour enhances the overall taste of the sandwich, making it as much of a star as the filling. The inside of the roll should be light and airy, with just the right amount of chewiness, while the outer crust should provide a satisfying bite without being too hard.
The perfect roll should also be the right length and shape, long enough to hold a generous portion of filling and easy to eat on the go. While hoagie rolls are the traditional choice, alternatives include Amoroso rolls, Italian bread, and French bread. Amoroso rolls, widely regarded as the gold standard, have been a staple of Philly cheesesteak culture for decades. Italian bread is slightly denser than hoagie rolls, and French bread can be too crusty, making it harder to eat.
When selecting a roll, look for one that is soft, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold the filling. Overworking the dough can make the rolls tough and dense, and skipping the rise can result in heavy, compact rolls. The choice of bread is critical to a delicious Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and it must be fresh, white, and warm.
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Amoroso rolls are the gold standard
Amoroso rolls are widely regarded as the gold standard for cheesesteak sandwiches. They have been a staple of Philly cheesesteak culture for decades. The Amoroso roll is known for its soft and chewy texture, with a slightly crispy exterior and a slightly sweet flavour. This combination of texture and taste makes it the perfect complement to the sandwich's savory filling.
The roll is an essential component of any cheesesteak sandwich, providing structure, texture, and flavour that ties everything together. It must be able to hold the juicy steak, melted cheese, and any added toppings without becoming soggy or falling apart. The Amoroso roll's soft and chewy interior and crispy exterior make it the ideal choice for this purpose.
The dough for Amoroso rolls is carefully mixed, kneaded, and baked at a high temperature to achieve the desired consistency of a crispy crust and soft interior. This high-temperature baking is a key step in creating the unique texture of the roll, and it is a technique that has been perfected by the bakers at Amoroso over many years.
While Amoroso rolls are the traditional choice, there are other alternatives that can also work well for cheesesteak sandwiches. Italian bread, for example, is a slightly denser option that can still be a good choice. French bread can also be used, although it may be a bit too crusty, making the sandwich harder to eat.
Ultimately, the right bread is essential to capturing the true essence of this classic sandwich. The Amoroso roll, with its soft and chewy texture, slightly crispy exterior, and slightly sweet flavour, has become synonymous with the Philly cheesesteak and continues to be the preferred choice for many enthusiasts of this iconic dish.
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Italian bread is a slightly denser alternative
The choice of bread is critical when it comes to crafting the perfect Philly cheesesteak sandwich. While the thinly sliced steak and melted cheese often steal the show, the bread—typically a roll—is just as important, providing structure, texture, and flavour that brings the sandwich together.
A traditional Philly cheesesteak roll is soft, chewy, and slightly crispy, with a tender, slightly sweet flavour. It should be sturdy enough to hold the juicy steak, melted cheese, and toppings without becoming soggy or falling apart. The roll should be long enough to hold a generous portion, with a slightly crispy outer crust that provides a satisfying bite without being too hard.
While the classic choice is the iconic Amoroso roll, Italian bread is a slightly denser alternative. It was, in fact, the original bread used for the first Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which was created in the 1930s at an Italian market in South Philadelphia. Italian hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri grilled beef and placed it on a small loaf of Italian bread with onions, later adding Provolone cheese at a customer's request.
Today, Italian bread is still a good option for cheesesteaks, though it may be slightly harder to eat than the traditional roll. When selecting any bread for a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to choose one that is soft, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold the filling.
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French bread can be too crusty
When it comes to crafting the perfect Philly cheesesteak sandwich, every ingredient plays a critical role. The bread, in particular, serves as the very foundation of the dish. While French bread can be used in a pinch, it tends to be a bit too crusty, making the sandwich harder to eat.
The ideal Philly cheesesteak roll should strike a balance between a soft and chewy interior and a slightly crispy exterior. This combination provides a satisfying bite without being too hard. French bread, with its crusty exterior, can make it challenging to achieve the desired tenderness in the sandwich.
The roll's primary function is to hold the juicy steak, melted cheese, and any additional toppings without becoming soggy or falling apart. French bread's crustiness may hinder its ability to absorb the flavours and juices effectively, potentially impacting the overall taste and texture of the sandwich.
Additionally, the slight sweetness and tender flavour of a Philly cheesesteak roll enhance the overall sensory experience. French bread, with its more assertive crust and texture, may detract from the subtle nuances that a softer, chewier roll can provide.
While French bread can be a suitable substitute in certain situations, opting for a roll that specifically complements the Philly cheesesteak, like the iconic Amoroso roll, will result in a more authentic and enjoyable culinary adventure. These rolls, with their crispy crust and soft interior, have become synonymous with the true taste of Philadelphia.
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Homemade Philly cheesesteaks can use baguettes
Homemade Philly cheesesteaks can absolutely use baguettes. While the classic Philly cheesesteak is often served in a hoagie roll, there are many variations and substitutions that can be made. The key is to use a soft but sturdy bread that can hold the tender, well-marbled steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese.
The traditional choice for a Philly cheesesteak is a footlong Amoroso's roll, a type of hoagie roll that is soft yet sturdy enough to hold the sandwich's ingredients without becoming soggy. However, there are other options available as well. Some people prefer a baguette because it adds a chewier texture to the sandwich. Baguettes are typically longer and thinner than hoagie rolls, so they can provide a different shape and size to the finished sandwich.
When selecting a baguette for a Philly cheesesteak, look for one that is soft and fresh. A stale baguette may be too hard and difficult to bite into when loaded with the steak and cheese filling. If you're making the sandwich at home, you can also try toasting or grilling the baguette lightly before assembling the sandwich, which can add a nice texture and flavour to the overall dish.
While the bread is an important component of the Philly cheesesteak, don't forget about the other ingredients as well. The beef should be thinly shaved rib eye, cooked until browned and still tender. The cheese of choice is typically provolone, though some people like to add Parmesan for extra flavour. Sautéed onions are also a must, providing a harmonious combination of flavours and textures when mixed with the steak and cheese.
Overall, a baguette is a perfectly acceptable substitute for the traditional hoagie roll when making a homemade Philly cheesesteak. Just be sure to select a soft, fresh baguette and focus on getting the other ingredients and flavours just right to create a delicious sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
The Amoroso roll is widely regarded as the gold standard for cheesesteaks. It is known for its soft and chewy texture and has been a staple of Philly cheesesteak culture for decades.
Some alternatives to the Amoroso roll include Italian bread, French bread, and hoagie rolls. Italian bread is slightly denser than hoagie rolls but still works well for cheesesteaks. French bread can also be used but may be a bit too crusty, making it harder to eat.
A great roll for cheesesteaks should have a soft and chewy interior with a slightly crispy exterior. It should also have a slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory steak and cheese. The roll should be durable and long enough to hold a generous portion of filling, making it easy to eat on the go.
