Randy Chandler
The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich that originated in Philadelphia in the early 20th century. The classic Philly Cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and cheese, all piled on a hoagie roll. While there is some debate over the type of cheese that should be used, with Cheez Whiz, provolone, and white American cheese being the most popular options, the key to a great Philly Cheesesteak is using super thinly sliced beef and melting the cheese to perfection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Provolone, White American, Cheez Whiz, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Velveeta-like cheese |
| Steak type | Ribeye, Flank, Top round, Sirloin, Petite sirloin |
| Other ingredients | Onions, Peppers, Mushrooms, Mayonnaise, Garlic |
What You'll Learn
Provolone
Philly cheesesteaks are made with super thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelised onion, and cheese. The combination of these three ingredients in a hoagie roll is the original classic, as made popular on the East Coast. The addition of bell peppers and mushrooms is a modification that has been made to the original recipe on the West Coast.
When making a Philly cheesesteak with provolone, it is best to freeze the steak for 30-40 minutes before slicing it as thinly as possible. This will make it easier to slice and help you achieve the desired thinness.
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White American cheese
Philly cheesesteaks are made with thinly sliced steak (usually ribeye or top round) and are traditionally cooked on a griddle. They are served on a roll, typically a hoagie roll, or an Amoroso roll if you're in Philadelphia.
The best way to get thin slices of steak is to freeze the meat for 30 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to handle and slice into thin strips. You can also ask your butcher to slice the meat for you.
To make a classic Philly cheesesteak, first cook the onions and peppers in a large skillet over medium heat until they are soft and slightly caramelised. Then, in a separate pan, cook the steak for a couple of minutes on each side until browned. Finally, add the onions and peppers to the steak and stir in the cheese until melted. Serve the mixture on a toasted roll.
Some people like to add extra vegetables to their Philly cheesesteak, such as mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also get creative with the type of cheese you use. While provolone, Cheez Whiz and American cheese are the most traditional options, some people like to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp cheddar.
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Cheez Whiz
While some people love Cheez Whiz, others are not so keen. Vonda Bucci, the 75-year-old owner of John's Roast Pork, says, "I'm a cheese eater, sweetheart, and I love cheese, but Whiz is not cheese. It's a lot of grease and colouring." Jack Mullan, the 50-year-old co-owner of Leo's Steak Shop, also refuses to carry Cheez Whiz, but his customers never complain.
Despite this, Cheez Whiz is the top choice for customers at Geno's, another legendary South Philly cheesesteak site. Marc Proetto, the owner/manager of Jim's in West Philadelphia, also says, "Whiz is a killer. I think Whiz is the best."
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Mozzarella
When using mozzarella in a Philly cheesesteak, it is essential to use fresh, high-quality cheese. Look for mozzarella that is soft, white, and slightly shiny, with a delicate, milky aroma. Avoid any cheese that looks dry, discoloured, or hardened, as this can affect the taste and texture of your sandwich.
To prepare the mozzarella for your Philly, slice it thinly to ensure it melts quickly and evenly. You can also shred the mozzarella, which will increase the surface area and help it melt faster. If you want a more intense flavour, you can lightly salt the mozzarella or use a combination of mozzarella and other cheeses, such as provolone or American cheese.
Once you have prepared your steak, peppers, and onions, it's time to add the mozzarella. Place the sliced cheese on top of the hot steak, allowing it to melt slightly and bind the ingredients together. If you prefer your sandwich extra cheesy, you can also mix mozzarella into the filling. Just remember to adjust the quantities so your cheesesteak remains balanced and not overly greasy.
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Monterey Jack
While the classic Philly Cheesesteak is a beloved American sandwich icon, you can add a twist to this delicious comfort food by experimenting with different types of cheese. One tasty alternative is Monterey Jack.
About Monterey Jack
Why Monterey Jack Works for Philly Cheesesteaks
How to Prepare Your Philly Cheesesteak with Monterey Jack
When preparing your Philly Cheesesteak with Monterey Jack, follow the same steps you would with any other cheese. If you want to keep things simple, just slice the cheese and place it on top of the steak to melt. However, if you want to get a little more creative, you could try grating the Monterey Jack and sprinkling it over the steak to create an even coating. This will ensure that every bite is packed with flavour.
Customising Your Philly Cheesesteak
Remember, the beauty of making a Philly Cheesesteak at home is that you can customise it to your taste. If you want to add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, go for it! You could even experiment with different types of bread or seasonings. So, get creative, and enjoy your Monterey Jack Philly Cheesesteak!
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular cheese for a Philly is mild provolone.
Other popular options are white American cheese and Cheez Whiz.
A traditional Philly uses either provolone or Cheez Whiz.
No, the flavour of aged provolone is overpowering.
It is best to avoid aged provolone. The best option is mild provolone, but if this is not available, any other type of provolone can be used.
