The Philly Cheesesteak is one of the most famous sandwiches in the US, and there are many opinions on what kind of cheese should go on it. The classic combination is thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onion, and provolone cheese on a toasted hoagie roll. However, some people prefer to use Cheez Whiz, white American cheese, or a blend of provolone and mozzarella.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cheese | Provolone, White American, Cheez Whiz, Swiss, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Sharp Cheddar, Velveeta |
Bread | Hoagie roll |
Meat | Ribeye steak, Flank steak, Sirloin, Top sirloin, Petite sirloin |
Other ingredients | Onions, Bell peppers, Mushrooms |
What You'll Learn
Provolone is the most popular cheese
Provolone: Philly's Favourite Cheese
Philly Cheesesteaks are an iconic American comfort food, and a true classic. The Philly Cheesesteak is one of the most famous sandwiches in the U.S. and is undoubtedly one of the most delicious. But what makes a true Philly Cheesesteak?
Philly Cheesesteaks are made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onion, and cheese, all on a toasted hoagie roll. The classic cheese of choice is mild provolone. Provolone is a mild, semi-hard Italian cheese with a smooth texture and a slightly sharp taste. It is an excellent melting cheese, which makes it perfect for Philly Cheesesteaks. The mild flavour of provolone complements the steak and onions without overwhelming the other ingredients.
While some people prefer Cheez Whiz or American cheese on their Philly Cheesesteaks, provolone is the most popular choice. This is because provolone has a more subtle flavour than Cheez Whiz, and it melts better than American cheese. Provolone is also a more affordable option than some other cheeses, making it a popular choice for those on a budget.
When making a Philly Cheesesteak with provolone, it is important to use mild provolone rather than aged provolone. Aged provolone has a stronger flavour that can be overpowering in a sandwich. It is also important to slice the provolone thinly so that it melts easily and creates a gooey, cheesy texture.
So, if you're looking to make an authentic Philly Cheesesteak, be sure to use provolone cheese. Its mild flavour, melting abilities, and affordability make it the perfect choice for this classic sandwich.
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White American is another common choice
White American cheese is also a popular choice for those who want to achieve the gooeyness that is important to the sandwich. It is described as the glue that holds the sandwich together. One source suggests that equal parts American and sharp provolone is the right answer for a Philly cheesesteak. Another source suggests that American cheese is the best option for those who are far away from Philadelphia and want to make an authentic Philly cheesesteak.
Philly cheesesteaks are usually made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onion, and cheese, all on a toasted hoagie roll. The roll is an important part of the sandwich, and some suggest that it is the key to a good Philly cheesesteak. The steak is often seasoned with salt and pepper, and some recipes include garlic butter.
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Cheez Whiz is a popular alternative
While some people prefer provolone or white American cheese on their Philly cheesesteak, Cheez Whiz is a popular alternative. In fact, some people feel very strongly that Cheez Whiz is the only acceptable cheese for an authentic Philly cheesesteak.
One person from Philadelphia commented, "I could be one of your kids [...] you'll never get it right without the right roll. It's all about the roll. [...] the only answer [for cheese] is Cooper Sharp." Another agreed, saying, "This is the right answer. The only right answer at that." A third person from Philadelphia commented, "Cheese Whiz [...] pains me to say it. Somethin' about the wiz."
However, not everyone is a fan of Cheez Whiz. One person commented, "Provolone tastes best to me. But the folks who talk about just the right melty goodness have a point with American." Another said, "Sharp provolone is not the right kind of melty."
If you want to try making a Philly cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz, you can either buy it pre-made or make it yourself by melting some Cooper Sharp cheese.
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Mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used instead of Provolone
Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onion, and cheese. The classic cheese choice for this sandwich is provolone, a semi-soft Italian cheese with a mild, sweet aroma. However, if you're looking for alternatives, mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be excellent substitutes.
Mozzarella as a Substitute
Mozzarella is a soft and moist cheese with a milky, delicate, and slightly sour taste. While it has a milder flavor than provolone, it can be used as a substitute, especially the low-moisture variety. Low-moisture mozzarella is made by souring fresh mozzarella and then drying it out, resulting in a longer shelf life and a slightly different flavor. It is ideal for shredding and melting on pizza, as it doesn't make the base soggy and melts evenly. When substituting mozzarella for provolone, consider the texture and melting properties, especially if you're using it in a sandwich like the Philly cheesesteak.
Monterey Jack as a Substitute
Monterey Jack is another excellent alternative to provolone, especially due to its similar texture. It is a semi-soft American cheese with a mild, sweet taste. It melts well, making it suitable for sandwiches and other dishes where you need a good melt. When using Monterey Jack in place of provolone, you can use a similar amount, and it will provide a delightful twist to your dish with its unique flavor profile.
Other Substitutes
While mozzarella and Monterey Jack are great options, there are also several other cheeses that can be used as substitutes for provolone. These include fontina, gouda, muenster, cheddar, Swiss cheese, and young Asiago. Each of these cheeses offers a unique flavor and texture profile that can enhance your dish in its own way.
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Sharp provolone is not the right kind of melty
When it comes to the ultimate melty cheese for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, sharp provolone falls short. While provolone is a popular choice, the sharp variety lacks the gooey, melty quality that is essential for this classic American sandwich.
The Classic Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak is a beloved sandwich that originated in Philadelphia. It typically features thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and cheese, all piled into a toasted hoagie roll. The key to a great Philly cheesesteak is achieving the perfect melt with the cheese, creating a gooey, mouthwatering texture that complements the juicy beef and onions.
The Role of Cheese in a Philly Cheesesteak
The choice of cheese is critical to the overall taste and texture of a Philly cheesesteak. The cheese needs to melt smoothly and evenly, binding the steak and onions together in a savoury embrace. While provolone is often mentioned as a preferred cheese for this sandwich, it's important to understand that not all provolone cheeses are created equal when it comes to melting.
Why Sharp Provolone Falls Short
Sharp provolone, while flavourful, tends to have a firmer and drier texture compared to other varieties. This is due to the longer ageing process it undergoes, which concentrates its flavour but also affects its melting abilities. When sharp provolone is heated, it may become oily or lumpy rather than achieving the desired smooth, creamy melt. This can result in a less cohesive sandwich where the cheese fails to bind the other ingredients together satisfactorily.
Better Alternatives for Melty Goodness
For the ultimate melt, milder varieties of provolone are a better choice. Mild provolone has a softer, more pliable texture that lends itself well to melting. White American cheese is another popular option that delivers on the gooey factor. It has just the right amount of creaminess and tends to melt evenly, creating a cohesive and indulgent bite. Additionally, Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese sauce, is favoured by some for its smooth, drippy texture and salty flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
The two most popular types of cheese used in Philly Cheesesteaks are Provolone and Cheez Whiz. However, American cheese is also a common choice.
Cheez Whiz is a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. It has a creamy, nacho cheese-like texture and flavour.
Provolone is a mild, sharp-tasting cheese. It is best to avoid aged provolone as its flavour can be overpowering.
Yes, you can use whatever cheese you like! Some popular alternatives include Swiss, Mozzarella, and White American.