Philly Cheesesteak: The Cheese Secrets Revealed

The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is made with thinly sliced steak, typically ribeye or top round, and is cooked on a griddle. The sandwich is then stuffed into a hoagie roll or an Amoroso roll, a type of bread that is hard to find outside of Philadelphia. The steak is usually topped with cheese, which can vary depending on personal preference. The most common types of cheese used are American cheese, provolone, and Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. Some people also add sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms to their Philly Cheesesteak.

Provolone is the most popular cheese

While the original cheesesteak was made without cheese, provolone is now a classic choice. It is often served alongside Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars, which has a completely creamy, almost nacho cheese-like texture. Some people prefer the texture of Cheez Whiz and the flavour that provolone gives the sandwich, so they use both.

Provolone is also commonly used in combination with other cheeses. For example, mozzarella is often added to create a gooey texture, while Swiss cheese is used for a more subtle flavour.

When making a Philly cheesesteak, it's important to use a good cut of steak that has some marbled fat and is very tender. The thin steak cooks quickly, and the fat melts slightly, making each piece of steak very tender. Ribeye is a common choice, but other options include top sirloin, top/eye of round, and wagyu.

To prepare the beef, it's best to slice it thinly and freeze it for about 10-30 minutes before cooking. This will make it easier to handle and ensure that it cooks evenly. The beef should be seasoned well with salt and pepper, and other spices such as chilli powder, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, marjoram, and basil can be added for extra flavour.

The bread is also an important component of a Philly cheesesteak. The classic choice is an Amoroso roll, but these are hard to find outside of Philadelphia, so a hoagie roll can be used instead. Toasting the roll before adding the fillings can also enhance the texture and flavour of the sandwich.

American cheese is also a common choice

While there is some debate about the type of cheese used in an original Philly cheesesteak, American cheese is also a common choice. In fact, American cheese, provolone, and Cheez Whiz are the most commonly used cheeses for this sandwich.

American cheese is a pretty delicious option for a Philly cheesesteak, even if it's not the most traditional. Some people prefer to melt the American cheese to achieve a creamy consistency, while others prefer to place slices on top of the meat and let them melt slightly under the heat.

One variation of the sandwich includes both provolone and American cheese. The provolone is melted over the steak as it cooks, and then the American cheese is drizzled on top just before serving. This gives the sandwich a nice balance of flavours and textures. The provolone has a sharper bite, while the American cheese adds a creamy, gooey element.

When making a Philly cheesesteak at home, you can use whatever cheese you like best. You can stick to just American cheese, or mix and match with other cheeses like provolone or Cheez Whiz. You could even add some extra toppings, like sautéed mushrooms or pizza sauce.

Cheez Whiz is another option

Cheez Whiz, first marketed in 1952, was not available for the original 1930 version of the Philly cheesesteak. However, it has gained popularity over the years. A 1986 New York Times article called Cheez Whiz "the sine qua non of cheesesteak connoisseurs."

Some people who make their Philly cheesesteaks at home like to use both provolone and Cheez Whiz. They melt some provolone over the steak as it cooks and then drizzle on some Cheez Whiz right before serving to get the texture of the Cheez Whiz and the flavour of the provolone.

If you're making a Philly cheesesteak at home, you can make it however you like. Use both cheeses, skip the Cheez Whiz if you can't find it, or use your own favourite cheese.

Some people prefer sharp cheddar

While there is no consensus on the type of cheese that should be used on an original Philly cheesesteak, some people prefer sharp cheddar. The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich made with thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. It was developed in Philadelphia in the early 20th century and has become a popular regional fast food.

The traditional cheeses used on Philly cheesesteaks are American cheese, provolone, and Cheez Whiz. However, some people prefer to use other types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar, which has a more pronounced flavour than mild cheddar. Sharp cheddar is a good choice for those who want a heartier sandwich with a bolder taste. It pairs well with the savoury pieces of thin steak and the other common ingredients in a Philly cheesesteak, such as caramelised onions and bell peppers.

When making a Philly cheesesteak with sharp cheddar, it is important to use a good-quality cheese that will melt well and complement the other flavours in the sandwich. The sharp cheddar should be sliced thinly and placed on top of the steak, allowing it to melt slightly under the heat.

Some people also like to experiment with other types of cheese on their Philly cheesesteaks, such as mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or pepper jack. Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference, and many people enjoy creating their own variations of this classic sandwich.

Mozzarella is sometimes added

Mozzarella is a type of cheese that is sometimes used in a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. While it is not one of the traditional cheeses used in this popular regional fast food, some people like to add it to their sandwich for a bit of variety.

The classic Philly cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced steak (usually ribeye or top round) and is traditionally cooked on a griddle. It is served in a long hoagie roll and commonly topped with either provolone or Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars. However, some people like to add other types of cheese to their sandwich, such as mozzarella.

Mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese that can add a bit of extra flavour and texture to a Philly cheesesteak. It pairs well with the other common ingredients in the sandwich, such as bell peppers and onions.

When adding mozzarella to a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to use a good quality cheese that will melt well and complement the other flavours in the sandwich. Some people like to use a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella and Swiss cheese, to add extra flavour and creaminess to the sandwich.

Some people also like to get creative and make a "pizza steak" by topping their Philly cheesesteak with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and other pizza toppings. This can be a fun and delicious way to enjoy a Philly cheesesteak with a twist.

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