The Best Bun For A Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century. It is traditionally made with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and a hoagie roll. The choice of bread is critical to the taste of the sandwich, as it must complement the robust filling without being too dense or heavy. The ideal bun is lightly crispy on the outside, with a soft, airy, and slightly chewy inside.

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Hoagie rolls

To make hoagie rolls at home, you'll need bread flour, yeast, warm water, olive oil, and salt. You can also add a pinch of sugar to the dough. The dough should be sticky, and it's important not to add too much flour during the kneading process. After shaping the dough into rolls, let them rise until doubled in size before baking.

Here's a recipe for hoagie rolls that you can make at home:

Ingredients:

• 24 oz bread flour (approximately 3 1/2 cups)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 3/4 cups warm water
• 2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cornmeal for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a small measuring cup. Let it proof for about 10 minutes.
• In a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, mix bread flour, salt, and sugar (if using) until combined.
• With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture, followed by olive oil. Continue mixing until thoroughly combined.
• Increase the speed to medium-low and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and supple. If the mixture is too wet, add flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it is too dry, add water, one tablespoon at a time.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a baking liner. Sprinkle cornmeal on the sheet if desired.
• Gently press down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces, depending on your preferred roll size.
• Shape each piece into an elongated 5-6 inch piece, curving the ends slightly. Make a 1/4 inch deep slit about 3 inches down the centre of each roll.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the rolls on the prepared sheet pan and cover them with plastic wrap. Let them rise for about 30 minutes.
• Bake the rolls for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Let the rolls cool for 20 minutes before using them for your Philly cheesesteaks.

Enjoy your homemade hoagie rolls, and don't forget to fill them with delicious Philly cheesesteak!

Homemade buns

Homemade Philly cheesesteak buns are best when made with a little sticky dough. This ensures that the final inside texture of the bun is soft, with well-developed gluten, and not a denser texture with tight bubbles.

To make the dough, you will need:

• 2 teaspoons of yeast
• 4 teaspoons of sugar
• 1 1/3 cups of warm water
• 3-4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus more for brushing on the buns

Start by adding the yeast, sugar, and warm water to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to activate the yeast. Then, add in the flour, salt, and knead the dough on low speed. It is important to add the flour gradually, a little at a time, until the dough comes together and cleans the sides of the bowl.

Once the dough is kneaded, place it on a lightly floured work surface and add the olive oil. Knead the dough again to incorporate the olive oil. It will be very sticky.

After that, grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit until it doubles in size, which should take around an hour.

When the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and place it back on a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough into 6 pieces and form them into 5-inch lengths. Place the pieces a couple of inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Now, drape the baking sheet loosely with greased plastic wrap to prevent the plastic from sticking to the dough and deflating the buns. Let the buns sit until they have doubled in size again, which will take about another hour.

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Fill a clean spray bottle with water. Using a very sharp knife, gently cut a 1/4 inch deep slit down the length of each bun.

Place the tray of buns into the oven and spray water inside the oven before closing the door. Spray the water every few minutes, 2-3 times. This helps the buns rise fully before forming a crust. Bake the buns for 10 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Allow the buns to cool completely on a wire rack before using them for your Philly cheesesteaks. These homemade buns are perfect for cheesesteaks as they can hold up to the robust filling without getting soggy.

Italian bread

When making a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, it is important to use good-quality, fresh bread to make an awesome sandwich. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the robust filling, while still being light and airy. Italian bread is a great option because it has a soft, slightly chewy texture with a crispy exterior. It is also important to note that the bread should not be too dense, as this will affect the taste and texture of the sandwich.

To make the perfect Philly Cheesesteak sandwich with Italian bread, follow these tips:

• Use a soft, airy, and slightly chewy Italian roll.
• Avoid dense bread as it will make the sandwich feel heavier.
• If you want to toast the bread, spread mayonnaise on both halves and layer with cheese before adding the steak and vegetables.
• Add toppings such as sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and mushrooms to enhance the flavour.
• Use melted cheese such as Provolone, Mozzarella, or Parmesan for a gooey texture.

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French baguette

A French baguette is a great option for a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. The crust is crispy and chewy, while the inside is airy and slightly chewy, making it sturdy enough to hold the robust filling without becoming soggy.

To prepare the baguette, it is recommended to sprinkle the outside with water to soften it before grilling. This technique also works for stale baguettes, where you can sprinkle both the inside and outside with water to rejuvenate them.

When it comes to baking, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the baguette inside for 8-10 minutes, depending on its size. You can also broil it for a minute to make it crispier.

For an open-faced sandwich, cut the baguette in half width-wise, spread mayonnaise on the inside of both halves, and layer with cheese, meats, and veggies. Top with more cheese and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and starts to brown.

The key to a delicious Philly Cheesesteak is the thinly sliced beef, which you can order from your butcher or do yourself by freezing the beef for 20-30 minutes and using a sharp knife to cut thin slices against the grain.

Overall, a French baguette is an excellent choice for a Philly Cheesesteak, providing a crunchy and chewy texture that complements the juicy meat and melted cheese.

Crispy, light, and sturdy rolls

To achieve this balance, it is crucial to use the right amount of flour when making the dough. Adding too much flour can result in dense rolls that are more prone to sogginess. The dough should be slightly sticky, and it is important to knead it well to develop good gluten. Adding olive oil to the dough can also help create a more elastic dough, but it should be added after the gluten strands have started to form.

When baking the rolls, it is essential to ensure that the oven is fully preheated to achieve the desired crispness. Placing a small tray of boiling water in the oven can also help create humidity, allowing the rolls to rise fully before forming a crust. The rolls should be baked until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

By following these tips, you can create crispy, light, and sturdy rolls that will enhance the Philly cheesesteak sandwich experience. These rolls will be able to hold up to the juicy fillings while remaining light and airy, providing the perfect balance of textures and flavours.

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