Philly Cheese Steak: Melty Cheese Options

The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia in the early 20th century. While there are many variations, the classic Philly Cheesesteak consists of thinly shaved steak, caramelized onions, and bell peppers, all stacked in a hoagie roll. The choice of cheese is a matter of much debate, with some arguing for Cheez Whiz, while others prefer provolone or American cheese.

Provolone is the most popular cheese for Philly cheesesteaks

Provolone: The Most Popular Cheese for Philly Cheesesteaks

Philly cheesesteaks are an iconic sandwich, and a big part of their fame is the cheese. The combination of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and melted cheese makes for a truly unforgettable sandwich. While there is no one "right" answer for which cheese to use, provolone is the most popular choice.

Provolone is a mild-flavoured Italian cheese with a sharp bite that melts beautifully, giving the sandwich a gooey texture. It is the perfect complement to the savoury pieces of thin steak and other ingredients in a Philly cheesesteak.

Some people prefer to use Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars, or American cheese, which has a gooeyness that helps hold the sandwich together. However, provolone is the classic choice and is offered in most places in Philadelphia.

When making a Philly cheesesteak at home, you can use either provolone, Cheez Whiz, or American cheese, or a combination of these. You can even get creative and make your own cheese sauce. The key is to choose a cheese that is mild in flavour and melts well.

To make the perfect Philly cheesesteak, it is important to use a nice cut of tender steak with some marbled fat, such as ribeye or top round, and to slice it thinly. The onions and peppers should be cooked separately and then combined with the steak and cheese. The sandwich is typically served on an Amoroso roll, but a hoagie roll is a delicious substitute if you can't find the former.

So, if you're looking to recreate the classic Philly cheesesteak at home, be sure to use provolone cheese for an authentic and delicious experience.

American cheese is also a common choice

American cheese can be used as a substitute for Cheez Whiz, which is another popular choice for Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Cheez Whiz is a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars, known for its creamy texture and mild flavour. However, some people may prefer American cheese as it is less processed and has a more natural flavour.

When making a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, it is important to consider the type of cheese that will complement the other ingredients. The sandwich typically includes thinly shaved steak, caramelized onions, and sometimes sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms. The steak is often ribeye or top round, which benefits from being paired with a mild cheese that will not overpower the other flavours.

American cheese can provide a good balance of flavour and texture in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. It melts easily, creating a gooey and creamy consistency that is desirable in this type of sandwich. The mild flavour of American cheese also allows the taste of the steak and other ingredients to shine through.

In addition, American cheese is widely available and affordable, making it a convenient option for those who want to create an authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich at home. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in various recipes, so it is likely that people will have it on hand or be able to find it easily.

Some people prefer Cheez Whiz

While there are many types of cheese that can go on a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, some people prefer Cheez Whiz. This bright-yellow, runny, gooey, processed cheese sauce was introduced in the early 1950s and has since become synonymous with the iconic sandwich. It is said to have a unique flavour profile and a creamy texture that blends seamlessly with the thinly sliced beef and soft roll.

Cheez Whiz is often considered a "classic" or "authentic" choice for a Philly cheesesteak. It is the top choice for locals and tourists at two of the most famous Philly cheesesteak spots, Pat's and Geno's. Pat's even has a warehouse that holds 2,500 cases or more of Cheez Whiz. However, Cheez Whiz is not served at every steak shop in Philadelphia, and some people consider it to be "not real cheese".

Cheez Whiz is lower in saturated fat than American or provolone cheese, the other two most common cheeses used on Philly cheesesteaks. It is also mild in flavour and melts easily, which are important qualities for the cheese used on these sandwiches. Some people prefer Cheez Whiz because of the way it drips off the steak and mixes with the meat, creating a gooey, messy, and indulgent eating experience.

For those who want to enjoy the taste of Cheez Whiz without the processed ingredients, there are recipes for making it at home from a combination of milk, cream cheese, mustard powder, garlic powder, and cheddar or provolone cheese.

A blend of provolone and mozzarella is another option

Philly cheesesteaks are one of the most iconic sandwiches, and for good reason. The combination of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and melted cheese makes for a truly unforgettable sandwich. While the traditional cheesesteak in Philadelphia contains just steak, onions, and cheese, you’ll often see it served with sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms on the West Coast.

The best cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is a topic of debate. Some say that Cheez Whiz is the only proper cheese, but others love provolone. Most places in Philly will offer both, so no need to stress. The most important thing is to choose a cheese that is relatively mild in flavor and melts well, like provolone, mozzarella, or even American. You could even consider whipping up your own cheese sauce and topping your sandwich with that!

If you want to stick to just one type of cheese, provolone is a great option. It is the most popular cheese for Philly cheesesteaks and is known for its mild flavor and melting ability. Provolone has a sharper bite to it, while Cheez Whiz is just a completely creamy, almost nacho cheese situation. If you're feeling fancy, you can even make your own beer/cheese sauce with sodium citrate.

So, if you're looking to mix things up and add a little extra gooeyness to your Philly cheesesteak, why not try a blend of provolone and mozzarella? It's all about finding the perfect combination of flavors and textures that you enjoy!

You could also use Swiss cheese

Swiss Cheese on a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich?

Philly Cheesesteaks are an iconic sandwich, with the classic combination of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and melted cheese. While the traditional cheesesteak in Philadelphia contains just three things (the steak, the onions, and the cheese), you’ll often see it served with sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms on the West Coast.

The best cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak is a topic of hot debate. Some say that Cheez Whiz is the only proper cheese, while others love provolone. Most places in Philly will offer both, so no need to stress. The most important thing is to choose a cheese that is relatively mild in flavor and melts well, like provolone, American cheese, or even a homemade cheese sauce.

So, what about Swiss cheese?

When making a Philly Cheesesteak with Swiss cheese, you can follow a similar process as you would with other cheese options. Here are the steps:

• Start by thinly slicing your steak. A classic Philly Cheesesteak uses ribeye or top round, but you can also use other cuts like sirloin or flank steak.
• Season the steak with salt and pepper, and any other desired spices.
• Sauté your onions and bell peppers separately until they are tender and caramelized.
• Cook the steak on a griddle or in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Combine the cooked steak, onions, and peppers in the skillet and stir to mix.
• Add the Swiss cheese to the top of the steak mixture and let it melt. You can also broil it in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Stir to combine the melted cheese with the steak and veggies.
• Scoop the cheesesteak mixture into your toasted hoagie rolls or Amoroso rolls, if you can find them.
• Enjoy your Swiss cheese Philly Cheesesteak!

Creative Ways to Serve Philly Cheesesteak:

If you're looking for some creative ways to enjoy Philly Cheesesteak beyond the traditional sandwich, here are some ideas:

• Serve it over cooked pasta or stuffed into shell pasta.
• Make Philly Cheesesteak Sliders for a fun and bite-sized option.
• For a low-carb option, stuff the mixture into bell peppers or Portobello mushrooms.

So, there you have it! While Swiss cheese may not be the traditional choice for a Philly Cheesesteak, it can certainly be a delicious option. Feel free to experiment and find the combination that you enjoy the most!

Frequently asked questions