Philly Cheese Steak: The Cheesy Truth Unveiled

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, USA. It is traditionally made with thinly-sliced steak, cooked on a griddle, and topped with cheese. The two most common types of cheese used in Philly Cheesesteaks are provolone and Cheez Whiz, although some people also use American cheese. The sandwich is typically served on a hoagie roll, which is a type of soft, sturdy bread.

Provolone is the most popular cheese

Provolone: The Most Popular Cheese for Philly Cheesesteaks

Philly cheesesteaks are a beloved sandwich, native to Philadelphia. They are traditionally made with thinly-sliced steak, cooked on a griddle, and topped with melted cheese. The type of cheese used is a matter of much debate, with provolone and Cheez Whiz being the two most common options. However, provolone is the most popular cheese for Philly cheesesteaks, as it has a sharper bite that adds flavour to the sandwich.

The History of the Cheesesteak Sandwich

The original cheesesteak was made by a hot dog cart vendor in the early 20th century. The exact origins are contested, but most credit Pat and Harry Olivieri as the creators. There are two shops in Philadelphia, located across the street from each other, that are famous for their cheesesteaks: Pat's and Geno's.

The Perfect Cheesesteak

The secret to a great Philly cheesesteak is choosing the right cut of meat and the perfect ratio of tender and crispy bits. The steak should be thinly sliced, and the most common cuts used are ribeye, top sirloin, or top/eye of round. Freezing the steak for about an hour before slicing will make it easier to cut thin slices.

The Cheese Debate

When it comes to cheese, provolone is the most popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks. It has a sharp and salty flavour that pairs well with the rich, fatty beef. It also melts easily and helps to hold the sandwich together. However, some people prefer Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars, or American cheese. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, and some people even use both types of cheese on their cheesesteaks!

The Role of Bread

The choice of bread is also important for a Philly cheesesteak. The traditional option is an Amoroso roll, but these can be hard to find outside of Philadelphia. A hoagie roll is a good substitute, and it is important to toast the roll first to prevent it from becoming soggy from the warm ingredients.

Cheez Whiz is also used

Cheez Whiz is a popular alternative to provolone cheese in a Philly cheesesteak. It is a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars that is often used by those in Philadelphia. While provolone is the traditional cheese used in Philly cheesesteaks, Cheez Whiz offers a completely different texture and flavour. Cheez Whiz is creamy and has a nacho cheese-like taste, which can be very appealing to those who enjoy a more indulgent, gooey sandwich.

When making a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to be generous with the cheese. This ensures that the sandwich is not dry and that there is enough cheese to act as a binder for the meat. Using Cheez Whiz can be a great way to achieve this, as its creamy texture and strong flavour can really bring the sandwich together.

Some people even choose to use both provolone and Cheez Whiz in their Philly cheesesteaks. They might melt some provolone over the steak as it cooks and then drizzle on some Cheez Whiz just before serving to get the best of both worlds.

However, Cheez Whiz is not for everyone. Some people prefer the sharper, saltier taste of provolone, which pairs well with the rich fattiness of the steak. Others may be put off by the idea of using a processed cheese product like Cheez Whiz, especially if they are not from Philadelphia and so do not have the same cultural connection to this ingredient.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference. Philly cheesesteaks are versatile sandwiches that can be adapted to suit individual tastes. Whether you choose provolone, Cheez Whiz, or a combination of both, the important thing is to enjoy your sandwich!

American cheese is another option

The Classic Option: Provolone

The classic Philly cheesesteak is made with thinly shaved steak (usually ribeye or top round) and is traditionally cooked on a griddle. It's often served on an Amoroso roll, a type of hoagie roll that's soft and slightly chewy with a thin, crispy crust. The cheese of choice for this iconic sandwich is provolone, a sharp and salty cheese that adds a bold flavour to the rich, fatty beef. Provolone has a higher melting point than other cheeses, so it won't melt completely and will help hold the sandwich together.

Cheez Whiz: A Controversial Option

Another popular option for Philly cheesesteaks is Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. While some people love the creamy texture and flavour of Cheez Whiz, others find it too plastic-like and unnatural. If you're looking for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, Cheez Whiz might be worth trying, but be warned—it's a divisive choice!

American Cheese: Another Option

American cheese is a delicious alternative to provolone or Cheez Whiz for your Philly cheesesteak. It has a mild flavour and melts easily, making it a great choice for those who want a creamy, gooey cheese experience. American cheese might not be the most traditional option, but it's a tasty one nonetheless. You can also combine it with provolone or Cheez Whiz for an extra cheesy treat.

Other Cheese Options

While provolone, Cheez Whiz, and American cheese are the most common choices, some people like to experiment with other varieties. Swiss cheese, mozzarella, and pepper jack are all options that can add a unique twist to your Philly cheesesteak. At the end of the day, it's all about personal preference—feel free to get creative and use your favourite cheese!

Mozzarella is sometimes used

Mozzarella is not a traditional choice of cheese for a Philly cheesesteak. The classic combination is thinly sliced steak, onions, bell peppers, and either provolone or Cheez Whiz, all served on an Amoroso roll. However, some people do use mozzarella in their Philly cheesesteaks.

The Classic Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It traditionally consists of thinly shaved steak (usually ribeye or top round) cooked on a griddle, with melted provolone cheese or Cheez Whiz, and is served on an Amoroso roll. The steak is often seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.

Variations

While provolone and Cheez Whiz are the traditional cheeses used in Philly cheesesteaks, some people like to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella is one of the alternative cheeses that is sometimes used in Philly cheesesteaks. Other variations include using different types of steak, such as sirloin or skirt steak, or adding sautéed mushrooms, marinara sauce, or pizza sauce.

Mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild flavour. It melts easily and can add a stringy, gooey texture to the sandwich. It is also a more widely available and affordable option compared to provolone or Cheez Whiz.

How to Make a Philly Cheesesteak with Mozzarella

To make a Philly cheesesteak with mozzarella, you can follow a traditional recipe and simply substitute the cheese with mozzarella. Start by thinly slicing the steak and seasoning it with salt and pepper. Sauté the steak on a griddle or in a skillet until it is browned. In a separate pan, cook the onions and bell peppers until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Combine the steak, onions, and peppers in the pan, and add the mozzarella cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and combine with the other ingredients before serving on a roll.

Cheese should be sliced thinly

When making a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to slice the cheese thinly. This is because thinly sliced cheese will melt more easily and create a gooey, creamy texture that is characteristic of the sandwich. Provolone, Cheez Whiz, and American cheese are popular choices for Philly cheesesteaks, and they all work well when sliced thinly.

To achieve thin slices of cheese, it is recommended to use a sharp knife. If the cheese is hard or firm, it will be easier to slice it thinly. Therefore, it is suggested to chill the cheese in the refrigerator or freezer before slicing. This will help to firm up the cheese and create thin, even slices.

Additionally, when preparing a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to consider the amount of cheese used. A generous amount of cheese is key to a delicious sandwich. A good rule of thumb is to use three to four slices of cheese per sandwich, overlapping them to ensure full coverage. This will create a gooey, cheesy texture that is essential to the Philly cheesesteak experience.

The type of cheese used can also impact the overall taste and texture of the sandwich. Provolone, for example, has a sharper flavour that adds a salty kick to the sandwich. Cheez Whiz, on the other hand, is a creamy, processed cheese that adds a nacho cheese-like element. Some people even choose to use both types of cheese in their Philly cheesesteaks, creating a unique blend of flavours and textures.

In conclusion, when crafting the perfect Philly cheesesteak, thinly sliced cheese is a key component. By using a sharp knife and chilling the cheese beforehand, you can achieve the ideal thickness. Combining this with a generous amount of cheese and the right type of cheese for your taste preferences will result in a mouthwatering, gooey sandwich that is sure to satisfy any craving.

Frequently asked questions