Cheesesteak 101: What Cheeses Make The Cut?

The Philly Cheesesteak is one of the most famous sandwiches in the US, but what type of cheese does it include? The answer is hotly contested, with some advocating for Cheez Whiz, while others prefer provolone or white American cheese. The consensus is that the best Philly Cheesesteaks include a type of melty cheese, so that rules out harder, aged varieties of cheese.

Provolone

To melt provolone cheese for a cheesesteak, there are two methods that can be used. The first method involves simply leaving the cheese on top of the steak and allowing it to melt from the heat rising from the meat and griddle below. This method results in a more "picturesque" cheesesteak with distinct layers of meat and cheese. The second method involves flipping the meat and cheese mixture so that the cheese touches the griddle and melts quickly. This method results in cheese being distributed throughout the meat mixture, creating a tastier sandwich, but it may not look as neat.

White American

Philly Cheesesteaks are made with thin, juicy beef, usually ribeye, and are served on a toasted hoagie roll. The sandwich is often served with fried onions, and sometimes mushrooms or fried bell peppers.

Cheez Whiz

For those who are not a fan of the processed cheese, a homemade cheese sauce can be made by melting shredded cheddar with evaporated milk, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Mozzarella

Philly cheesesteaks are all about the combination of juicy beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese on a toasted hoagie roll. The key to getting the right texture is to slice the beef thinly and freeze it for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to handle and help you achieve those thin strips.

When it comes to cooking, you'll want to keep the temperature low and slow. Sauté your onions first, until they're soft and translucent but not overcooked. Then, cook your beef on medium-high heat, just long enough to get a nice sear. Combine the beef and onions, and then it's time to add the cheese.

If you're set on using mozzarella, you might want to try shredding it and melting it into a cheese sauce before adding it to your cheesesteak. This will give you that gooey texture you're looking for and ensure the cheese is distributed evenly throughout the sandwich.

Finally, don't forget to toast your hoagie roll! A good tip is to make garlic butter by combining softened butter with minced garlic and spreading it on the cut sides of the roll before toasting. This will add an extra layer of flavour to your sandwich.

So, while mozzarella may not be the traditional choice, there's no reason you can't get creative and use it on your Philly cheesesteak. Just be sure to slice your beef thinly, keep your cooking temperatures low, and melt your mozzarella into a nice, gooey cheese sauce. Enjoy!

Monterey Jack

While the traditional cheeses used in a Philly Cheesesteak are Cheez Whiz, Provolone, or White American Cheese, you can use other cheeses such as Monterey Jack.

When making a Philly Cheesesteak with Monterey Jack, it is important to slice the cheese thinly so that it melts easily and blends well with the other ingredients. The beef should also be sliced thinly and can be partially frozen before slicing to achieve the desired thinness.

To assemble the sandwich, start by sautéing onions and bell peppers (if desired) in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the vegetables are tender, transfer them to a separate dish. Next, cook the thinly sliced beef in the same pan, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Once the beef is cooked, add the vegetables back to the pan and stir everything together.

Separate the mixture into portions in the pan, and cover each portion with slices of cheese. Turn off the heat and allow the cheese to melt. Meanwhile, prepare the hoagie rolls by splitting them lengthwise and spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise on the cut sides.

To assemble the sandwiches, place a hoagie roll over each portion of the meat, onion, and cheese mixture, and use a spatula to help flip the contents onto the roll. Serve the Philly Cheesesteaks immediately to enjoy the melted cheese!

Frequently asked questions