Philly Cheese Steak: Melting Pot Of Cheesy Goodness

The Philly Cheesesteak is a classic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia. It is typically made with thinly shaved steak (usually ribeye or top round) and is cooked on a griddle. The sandwich is then topped with cheese, which can vary depending on personal preference. Some people prefer provolone cheese, while others opt for Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. American cheese is also a popular choice, as it has a gooey texture that holds the sandwich together. When making a Philly Cheesesteak at home, people can get creative and use different types of cheese or even a combination of cheeses to suit their taste.

Provolone

A classic Philly cheesesteak is made with tender, well-marbled steak, sautéed onions, and melty cheese, all served in a soft but sturdy hoagie roll. The cheese is folded and melted directly into the cooked steak, adding flavour and acting as a binder to hold the meat together in the sandwich.

Some people prefer to use a combination of cheeses on their Philly cheesesteak. One suggestion is to melt provolone over the steak as it cooks, and then drizzle on some Cheez Whiz before serving. This gives you the texture of the Cheez Whiz and the flavour of the provolone.

If you are making a Philly cheesesteak at home, you can use any combination of cheeses that you like.

Cheez Whiz

When ordering a cheesesteak in Philadelphia, there are two critical questions to answer: what kind of cheese do you want, and do you want onions? If you want Cheez Whiz and onions, you would ask for a "Whiz wit". If you don't want onions, you would ask for a "Whiz wid out".

To make a Philly cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz, you will need thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin), sweet onions, a jalapeño, oil, salt, pepper, and of course, Cheez Whiz. First, sear the steak in a pan with oil, garlic, cayenne/red chili powder, and salt. Then, add water to the beef, cover, and cook on low heat until the beef is tender. Next, remove the beef from the pan and add the onions to the same pan, caramelizing them with a sprinkle of sugar. Finally, add the beef back to the pan with the onions, increase the heat, and add in salt and pepper to taste. To assemble the sandwich, load a crusty roll with the beef and onion mixture, and pour Cheez Whiz on top.

If you want to make your own Cheez Whiz, you can do so by heating a can of evaporated milk in a deep pan until it simmers. Then, add in cream cheese and whisk until combined. Next, add in dry ingredients like mustard powder and garlic powder. Finally, add in cheddar or provolone cheese and let it melt.

American

One recipe recommends a combination of provolone and Cheez Whiz, with the provolone providing flavour and the Cheez Whiz providing texture and creaminess. However, American cheese can be substituted for provolone to achieve a similar effect. Another recipe recommends a combination of American and sharp provolone, with the American cheese preventing the sandwich from becoming dry.

When making a Philly Cheesesteak, it is important to use enough cheese. Three to four slices per sandwich are recommended, with more being better.

Mozzarella

When making a Philly Cheesesteak with mozzarella, it is best to use shredded mozzarella cheese. This will help it melt more evenly and quickly. You can also add some crushed dried parsley flakes to the cheese, which goes well with mozzarella.

As with any Philly Cheesesteak, it is important to get the right cut of meat and prepare it properly. You want to use a nice tender cut of beef with some marbled fat, sliced very thinly. A good option is to use thinly sliced sirloin from the freezer section of the grocery store.

In addition to the meat and cheese, a Philly Cheesesteak usually includes bell peppers, onions, and a hoagie roll or Italian sandwich roll. You can sauté the peppers and onions in olive oil before adding the beef, and then top everything with the mozzarella cheese. Heat it until the cheese is melted, and you're ready to serve.

So, while mozzarella may not be the traditional choice for a Philly Cheesesteak, it can definitely work and is worth trying if you're looking for a new twist on this classic sandwich.

Sharp cheddar

When it comes to crafting the perfect Philly cheesesteak, the choice of cheese is a pivotal decision. While Provolone and Cheez Whiz dominate the discourse, sharp cheddar offers a delicious alternative that delivers a distinct flavour and texture experience. Here's why sharp cheddar deserves serious consideration for your next Philly cheesesteak creation.

The Sharp Cheddar Advantage

Melting Moments

One of the defining characteristics of a Philly cheesesteak is the gooey, melted cheese that binds the sandwich together. Sharp cheddar, when shredded or sliced thinly, melts beautifully, creating that irresistible, creamy texture. The melting quality of sharp cheddar ensures that each bite is packed with flavour and that your cheesesteak stays moist and indulgent.

A Hearty Texture

Customisation Options

When using sharp cheddar on your Philly cheesesteak, you have room for customisation. You can shred the cheese for even melting or slice it thinly for distinct layers of cheesy goodness. Experiment with different types of sharp cheddar, from classic orange cheddar to white cheddar, to find your preferred variety. Additionally, you can pair sharp cheddar with other cheeses, such as American cheese or mozzarella, to create a unique blend that suits your taste.

A Versatile Choice

Frequently asked questions