Philly Cheese Steak: Melty Cheese Perfection

The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich, and an authentic one contains just three things: steak, onions, and cheese. The best kind of cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak is a topic of debate, with some saying that Cheez Whiz is the only proper choice, while others prefer provolone. Most places in Philadelphia will offer both, and you can even use a combination of the two. If you can't get your hands on either of those, American cheese is also a popular option, and you could even make your own cheese sauce. The key is to choose a cheese that is mild in flavour and melts well.

Provolone is a popular choice

The cheese is folded into the cooked steak, adding flavour and acting as a binder to hold the thin slices of meat together in the sandwich. Provolone's melting properties are also key to the Philly cheesesteak experience. It adds the necessary gooeyness and pulls as you eat, creating the perfect texture.

While some people prefer Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars, provolone is considered a more classic option. It is also a more mild-flavoured alternative to Cheez Whiz's creamy, almost nacho cheese-like texture.

When making a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, it is recommended to use both sliced provolone and shredded or grated provolone. The sliced provolone is melted on top of the steak, creating a distinct melted cheese element. The shredded provolone is stirred directly into the cooked steak. This adds flavour and helps to bind the sandwich together.

So, if you're looking to create the perfect Philly cheesesteak at home, be sure to include provolone cheese for that authentic, bold, and gooey experience.

Cheez Whiz is a common alternative

Cheez Whiz: A Common Alternative for Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Cheez Whiz is a well-known substitute for cheese on Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. While the classic sandwich can be made with various cheeses, Cheez Whiz has become a popular option, especially in Philadelphia. This bright yellow, artificial cheese sauce has sparked debates about authenticity, with some claiming that a true Philly cheesesteak must include Cheez Whiz.

Cheez Whiz was first introduced in 1952 in Great Britain by Kraft and made its way to the United States a year later. Interestingly, when it was added to the Philly cheesesteak, provolone was already the cheese of choice. So, how did Cheez Whiz become such a prominent feature of this iconic sandwich?

The answer lies in convenience and speed. Cheez Whiz has a liquid texture that melts quickly, making it ideal for slathering onto sandwiches. In a 1985 interview with The New York Times, Frank Olivieri, the nephew of the original cheesesteak creator, Pat Olivieri, revealed that Cheez Whiz was chosen for its ease of application. With Cheez Whiz, sandwich makers could speed up production and serve more sandwiches, a practical business decision.

The salty, drippy cheese also happened to be a hit with the public. The combination of convenience and taste solidified Cheez Whiz's place as a key component of the Philly cheesesteak. Today, it is challenging to find a restaurant in Philadelphia that does not offer Cheez Whiz as a primary option for their cheesesteak sandwiches.

While the debate over the "right" cheese for a Philly cheesesteak continues, Cheez Whiz has undeniably left its mark on this beloved regional dish. Its popularity and prevalence on menus across the city suggest that Cheez Whiz is here to stay as a common alternative to traditional cheese options.

American cheese is also used

American Cheese: The Gooey Option

American cheese has a creamy, smooth texture that lends itself well to the other ingredients in a Philly cheesesteak. Its mild flavour doesn't overpower the steak, onions, and peppers, but instead adds a savoury, salty note that enhances the overall taste. The saltiness of American cheese pairs especially well with the sweetness of the caramelized onions that are a staple in this sandwich.

When melted, American cheese becomes very gooey and sticky, almost like a cheese sauce. This texture is what some people are looking for in their Philly cheesesteak, as it helps hold all the ingredients together. It creates a cohesive sandwich that is less likely to fall apart as you eat it. This is why some people refer to American cheese as the "glue" of the sandwich.

American cheese is widely available and often easier to find than some of the other cheeses used in Philly cheesesteaks, such as provolone or Cheez Whiz. It is also usually less expensive, making it a more accessible option for those who want to enjoy a classic Philly cheesesteak at home.

For the best results, it is recommended to slice the American cheese thinly so that it melts easily and evenly. Some people even like to make their own cheese sauce using American cheese, creating an even gooier texture.

American cheese is a delicious and valid option for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, offering a mild flavour and a gooey, sticky texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly. It is a great choice for those who want a classic, no-fuss Philly cheesesteak experience.

A blend of cheeses can be used

While the traditional Philly Cheesesteak uses either Provolone or Cheez Whiz, a blend of cheeses can be used to add a unique flavour to the sandwich.

One blend that works well is a combination of Provolone and Mozzarella. Provolone is a sharp and salty cheese that holds up well against the rich fattiness of the steak. Mozzarella, on the other hand, is a softer, milder cheese that melts easily and adds a creamy texture to the sandwich. When combined, these two cheeses create a perfect balance of flavour and texture.

Another option is to use a blend of American and Provolone cheese. American cheese is often favoured for its gooeyness and its ability to act as a "glue" for the sandwich. Provolone, on the other hand, adds a sharper bite. Equal parts of these two cheeses will result in a blend that is both tasty and functional.

For those who want to experiment with three types of cheese, a blend of Provolone, Mozzarella, and Parmesan can be used. The Parmesan adds a nutty and bold flavour that enhances the overall taste of the sandwich. This blend is perfect for those who want a more complex and savoury flavour profile.

When blending cheeses, it is important to consider the melting point and texture of each cheese. Cheeses that melt easily, such as American and Mozzarella, will help bind the sandwich together. Harder cheeses like Parmesan can be added in smaller quantities to enhance flavour without affecting the texture.

Additionally, the type of bread used can also complement the blend of cheeses. A soft and sturdy hoagie roll is a classic choice, but other options include Italian hero rolls or sub buns. Experimenting with different types of bread can further enhance the flavour and texture of the sandwich.

In conclusion, blending cheeses for a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich is a creative way to put a unique twist on a classic dish. By combining different types of cheese, you can create a flavour profile and texture that suits your personal preference. So, feel free to experiment and find the perfect blend that takes your Philly Cheesesteak to the next level!

Some opt for a completely different cheese, like pepper jack or sharp cheddar

While the traditional cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is provolone, some people opt for a completely different cheese, like pepper jack or sharp cheddar.

For those who like their cheese a little spicy, pepper jack is a great alternative. It adds a nice kick to the sandwich, and it melts beautifully. If you're making a pepper jack cheesesteak, you might want to add some sliced mushrooms to the filling. This will complement the pepper jack nicely.

If you're a fan of sharper cheeses, then sharp cheddar could be the one for you. It's a particularly good option if you're making your Philly cheesesteaks at home and want to use a more natural cheese than the processed varieties often used in restaurants. For the best flavour, grate the cheddar yourself, rather than buying it pre-grated.

Of course, you don't have to choose just one cheese. Combining cheddar and American cheese is a popular option, and it's a great way to get that classic, smooth, melty texture.

Frequently asked questions