Cheese Choice: Perfect Cheesesteaks

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that is native to Philadelphia, USA. It is typically made with thinly-sliced steak, onions, and cheese, served on a hoagie roll. The original cheesesteak was made by a hot dog vendor in the early 20th century, and the exact details are contested, but most credit Pat & Harry Olivieri as the original creators. There are two shops in Philly right across the street from each other that are in heavy competition: Pat's and Geno's.

The two most popular cheeses used in the sandwich are mild provolone and Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. However, American cheese is also a common choice.

Provolone is the most popular cheese for cheesesteaks

The key to a great cheesesteak is thinly sliced beef, and provolone complements this well, as it is a softer cheese that melts easily. When paired with tender, thin slices of steak, provolone adds a creamy texture and a sharp bite to the sandwich. The mild flavour of provolone also allows the taste of the steak to shine through.

Provolone is widely available, and its popularity is evident in the many cheesesteak recipes that feature it as the cheese of choice. It is simple to work with and can be melted directly on top of the steak or placed on the roll and melted in the oven.

While other cheeses such as Cheez Whiz, American cheese, and mozzarella are also used, provolone stands out as the most popular and well-loved option for cheesesteaks. Its versatility, meltability, and mild flavour make it the perfect choice for this classic sandwich.

Cheez Whiz is also a common choice

While provolone is the most common cheese used in cheesesteaks, Cheez Whiz is also a popular choice. In fact, some might say that using Cheez Whiz is more "authentic" to the original cheesesteak sandwich.

Cheez Whiz is a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. It has a completely creamy, almost nacho cheese-like texture and flavour. It is also commonly used in movie theatre nachos, as it is a liquid cheese.

If you want to make a cheesesteak that is truly authentic to Philadelphia, you could try using Cheez Whiz. However, it is worth noting that the original cheesesteak was made in the early 20th century, and Cheez Whiz was not introduced until 1952. So, while it may be common, it is not traditional.

White American cheese is another option

When making a cheesesteak sandwich, it is important to slice the beef as thinly as possible. Freezing the steak for 30-40 minutes beforehand will make it easier to slice. You can also ask your butcher to do this for you. The beef should be cooked on a griddle or in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If you are using white American cheese, melt it on top of the meat, along with any other toppings such as caramelised onions or bell peppers, and then add the roll. Using a spatula, transfer the beef mixture into the roll, and your sandwich is ready to serve!

Some people prefer to toast the roll first, buttering it and placing it in the oven for a few minutes until lightly golden. You can also spread garlic butter on the roll for extra flavour.

So, if you are looking for an alternative to provolone or Cheez Whiz, white American cheese is a great option. It has a mild flavour and a creamy texture that will complement the other ingredients in your cheesesteak sandwich perfectly.

Some people like to use a combination of cheeses

If you're looking for a cheesesteak with a kick, you could try using pepper jack cheese. This is a popular choice for those who like their sandwiches spicy. You could also try using a combination of pepper jack and sharp white cheddar for an extra sharp flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try using a blue cheese like gorgonzola or stilton. Or, if you're looking for a more mild flavour, you could use a combination of provolone and white American cheese.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese for your cheesesteak is up to you. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

You can make it your own

When it comes to making a cheesesteak your own, the possibilities are endless. You can stick to the classic combination of steak, onion, and cheese, or you can experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique twist. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose Your Cheese

While the traditional choices for a Philly cheesesteak are provolone or Cheez Whiz, you can branch out and use your favourite cheese instead. White American cheese is a popular option, but you could also try cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blue cheese like gorgonzola or stilton. If you're feeling creative, why not make your own cheese sauce? A simple sauce can be made with a basic roux and milk or cream, or you can use milk, eggs, and cheese. Just remember to keep the heat low so that the sauce doesn't break and become greasy.

Get Creative with Your Fillings

In addition to the classic onion, you can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even pizza toppings like marinara and mozzarella. If you're feeling really adventurous, you can try adding in some unusual ingredients like pickles or jalapenos.

Experiment with Different Types of Bread

While the classic Philly cheesesteak is served on an Amoroso roll, you can substitute it with a hoagie roll or any other type of soft roll that you prefer. If you want to skip the bread altogether, you can serve the cheesesteak filling over cooked pasta or stuffed into portobello mushrooms or bell peppers.

Choose Your Meat

Although ribeye is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak, you can also use other cuts of steak like flank steak or sirloin. If you're looking for a more affordable option, top sirloin or petite sirloin are great choices that are still tender enough for the sandwich. You can even switch things up by using thinly sliced chicken breast instead of steak.

Don't Forget the Seasonings

In addition to salt and pepper, you can add different seasonings to your cheesesteak to give it a unique flavour profile. Some people like to use seasoned salt or garlic pepper, while others might prefer to add in some hot sauce or steak sauce.

With so many options to choose from, the possibilities for customising your cheesesteak are endless. So get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions