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The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is a popular fast-food option that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is traditionally made with thinly sliced steak, onions, bell peppers, cheese, and bread. While the type of cheese used can vary, the most popular options are provolone, Cheez Whiz, and American cheese. Provolone is a mild-tasting cheese that adds a sharp bite to the sandwich, while Cheez Whiz has a completely creamy, almost nacho cheese-like texture. American cheese is often melted to achieve a creamy consistency.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of Cheese | Provolone, Cheez Whiz, American Cheese, Swiss Cheese, Mozzarella |
Type of Steak | Ribeye, Top Round, Sirloin, Flank Steak |
Other Ingredients | Onions, Peppers, Mushrooms, Oregano |
What You'll Learn
Provolone is the most popular cheese
Provolone is a mild, sharp-tasting cheese that is commonly used in Philly cheesesteaks. It is a popular choice due to its strong flavour, which complements the other ingredients in the sandwich. The cheese is usually sliced and placed on top of the steak, allowing it to melt slightly and create a gooey, creamy texture. The provolone adds a distinct, sharp bite to the sandwich, making it a favourite among aficionados.
While other cheeses such as Cheez Whiz and American cheese are also used, provolone is considered the traditional and classic option. It is the cheese of choice for those who prefer an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience. The mild variety is commonly used, as the stronger, aged provolone can be overpowering.
The key to a great Philly cheesesteak is the combination of high-quality ingredients and the way they are prepared. The steak should be thinly sliced, and the cheese melted to create a gooey, mouthwatering texture. When paired with the right cheese, the sandwich becomes a delicious, indulgent treat.
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American cheese is also a common choice
While provolone is the most common cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, American cheese is also a popular choice. In fact, some would argue that it is more classic than provolone, which is considered by some to be a deviation from the original recipe.
American cheese is a type of "pasteurized process cheese" that is made from a blend of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Colby, or Swiss. It has a mild, creamy flavour and a smooth, meltable texture. It is often sold in slices, making it convenient for use in sandwiches.
When used in a Philly cheesesteak, American cheese can be melted to achieve a creamy consistency, or simply allowed to melt slightly under the heat of the other ingredients. Some people prefer to use a combination of cheeses, such as provolone for flavour and American for texture.
In addition to the type of cheese, the cut of beef and the roll are also important components of a Philly cheesesteak. The traditional cut of beef is ribeye or top round, thinly sliced, and the sandwich is typically served on a hoagie roll, which is long, soft, and slightly salted.
While the basic components of a Philly cheesesteak are simple, the details are important. The steak should be thinly sliced, the onions and peppers should be cooked separately and then combined with the steak, and the roll should be toasted before being filled with the other ingredients.
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Cheez Whiz is a favourite at Pat's
Cheez Whiz is a favourite at Pats
The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich with a rich history. It is said that the original cheesesteak was made by a hot dog cart vendor in the early 20th century. While the exact details are contested, most credit Pat and Harry Olivieri as the creators. There are two shops in Philadelphia, right across the street from each other, that are in heavy competition when it comes to the Philly Cheesesteak: Pat's and Geno's.
The Philly Cheesesteak is traditionally made with thinly shaved steak (usually ribeye or top round) and is cooked on a griddle. It is served on a hoagie roll, with the option of adding sautéed onions and peppers.
When it comes to the cheese, there are a few options. The most popular choices are provolone, Cheez Whiz, or American cheese. Provolone is a sharper, more discriminating option, while Cheez Whiz is a creamy, almost nacho cheese-like choice. American cheese is also a tasty option, and some establishments melt it to achieve a creamy consistency.
At Pat's, Cheez Whiz is overwhelmingly the favourite, outselling the runner-up, American cheese, by a significant margin. If you're looking to enjoy a classic Philly Cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz, Pat's is the place to go.
For those who want to make their own Philly Cheesesteak at home, the process is simple. First, freeze your steak for about 10 minutes to make it easier to slice. Thinly slice the steak, trimming any large pieces of fat, and season with salt and pepper. In a skillet, cook the steak to your desired doneness and transfer it to a plate.
Next, add oil to the skillet and cook the onions and peppers until tender and caramelized. You can also add some spices like garlic powder, chilli powder, or dried herbs to the mix. Combine the steak with the onions and peppers, and place the mixture on a hoagie roll. Finally, top it off with your cheese of choice—in this case, Cheez Whiz.
And there you have it—a delicious Philly Cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz, just like they serve it at Pat's.
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Cooper Sharp is a new cheese option
Cooper Sharp: A New Cheese Option for Philly Cheesesteaks
Philly cheesesteaks are a beloved sandwich, with a classic combination of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, peppers, and cheese. The choice of cheese is a key factor in the overall taste and texture of this sandwich. While Provolone and Cheez Whiz are the traditional cheeses used, there is a new option that is gaining popularity: Cooper Sharp.
Cooper Sharp cheese has been around since 1893, but it has only recently started to be used in Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. This cheese has a bold and delicate flavor, with a creamy texture that melts perfectly into the sandwich. It is crafted with a tradition of quality and flavor, winning over the hearts and taste buds of fans across the Northeast.
Cooper Sharp cheese comes in three main varieties: White, Yellow, and Black Pepper. It can be found in deli cases at grocery stores across the US, and it is now available for online delivery as well. This cheese is a great option for those who want to add a unique twist to their Philly cheesesteak.
When creating a Philly cheesesteak with Cooper Sharp, it is important to follow the same principles as with any other cheesesteak. The steak should be thinly sliced and cooked on a griddle or in a skillet. The onions and peppers should be cooked separately until tender and caramelized. Finally, the cheese is added to the steak and melted to perfection.
The combination of Cooper Sharp's bold flavor and creamy texture with the savory pieces of thin steak, onions, and peppers creates a delicious and hearty sandwich. This new cheese option allows people to customize their Philly cheesesteaks to their taste preferences, adding a unique twist to this classic sandwich.
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Sirloin is a good cut of beef to use
A Philly cheesesteak sandwich is a wonderful, savoury treat. The classic version consists of thinly shaved steak, traditionally ribeye, cooked on a griddle, with melty, gooey cheese, and caramelized onions. It is usually served on an Amoroso roll, but a hoagie roll is a good substitute.
Sirloin is also a good choice because it is easy to prepare. It is important to slice the beef thinly, and it is much easier to do this if the meat is partially frozen. You can place the sirloin in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing it as thinly as possible against the grain. A sharp knife is essential for this.
Sirloin is a versatile cut of beef that works well in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. It is a good choice if you are looking for a tender, affordable, and easy-to-prepare option. With sirloin as your base, you can focus on getting creative with the other ingredients in your sandwich, like adding different types of cheese or vegetables.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular cheeses used in a Philly Cheesesteak are mild provolone, American cheese, and Cheez Whiz.
Joey Vento, the owner of Geno's, says that provolone is the "real" cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak.
A classic Philly Cheesesteak uses provolone and/or Cheez Whiz.