Andy Montoya
The Philly Cheesesteak is a cultural icon in Philadelphia, with its thinly chopped steak, crusty baguette, grilled onions, and a heated debate about whether or not a real Philly cheesesteak includes bright yellow Cheez Whiz. Pat's King of Steaks, a popular restaurant in Philadelphia, offers Cheez Whiz as an option for their cheesesteaks. The artificial cheese sauce is a common addition to the sandwich in Philadelphia, with some claiming that an authentic cheesesteak must include it. While other cheeses like provolone and American cheese are also used, the iconic image of a Philly cheesesteak is often associated with the gooey, drippy cheese spread.
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What You'll Learn
- Pat's King of Steaks website mentions the origin story of the Philly Cheesesteak but doesn't mention Cheese Whiz
- Some say the Philly Cheesesteak is not authentic without Cheese Whiz
- Cheese Whiz is popular because it's easy to apply and melts quickly
- Pat's Cheesesteak rivals, Geno's, also use Cheese Whiz
- If not Cheese Whiz, then Provolone is the first choice
Pat's King of Steaks website mentions the origin story of the Philly Cheesesteak but doesn't mention Cheese Whiz
Pat's King of Steaks, located in South Philadelphia, is credited with the invention of the cheesesteak. The restaurant was founded in 1930 by Italian-American brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri, who initially sold hot dogs from a stall at the corner of 9th Street, Wharton Street, and Passyunk Avenue. In 1933, the brothers decided to make a steak sandwich for lunch by thinly slicing and grilling steak with chopped onions. The aroma attracted a cab driver, who asked to try the dish, and the brothers soon began selling steak sandwiches instead of hot dogs. Over time, the steak sandwich evolved into the modern cheesesteak, and Pat's King of Steaks became synonymous with the iconic Philly Cheesesteak.
While the Pat's King of Steaks website mentions this origin story, it does not specifically mention Cheese Whiz. Cheese Whiz is a popular topping for Philly Cheesesteaks, and Pat's King of Steaks offers it as an option for their cheesesteaks. However, the website's focus is on the overall history of the cheesesteak sandwich and the role that Pat's King of Steaks played in its creation, rather than the specific ingredients or toppings.
Cheese Whiz is a processed cheese sauce that is often used as a topping for cheesesteaks. It is known for its drippy, melty texture and is considered by some to be an essential component of an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. While Pat's King of Steaks offers Cheese Whiz as an option, they also offer other cheese choices, including Provolone, American, and Cooper Sharp.
The process of making Cheese Whiz involves heating evaporated milk in a deep pan until it simmers and then adding cream cheese and whisking until combined. Dry ingredients are mixed separately and then added to the milk and cream cheese mixture. The mixture is whisked constantly as it thickens, and finally, cheese is added and melted to create the Cheese Whiz sauce.
While the exact brand or type of Cheese Whiz used by Pat's King of Steaks may not be publicly known, it is clear that Cheese Whiz is a popular choice for those seeking an authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience. The combination of melted cheese and steak creates a simple yet delicious comfort food that has become a cultural icon in Philadelphia.
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Some say the Philly Cheesesteak is not authentic without Cheese Whiz
The Philly Cheesesteak is a cultural icon in Philadelphia and a big draw for visitors. For many, the Philly Cheesesteak is not authentic without Cheese Whiz. The cheese sauce, made with evaporated milk, cream cheese, and other ingredients, is heated and poured over thinly sliced beef in a long, crusty roll. This creates a drippy quality that is highly sought after.
However, not everyone is a fan of Cheese Whiz. Some consider it a crime against sandwiches, and others believe it is only used in touristy shops like Pat's, Geno's, and Tony Luke's. Those who dislike Cheese Whiz suggest that provolone or white American cheese are better alternatives.
Despite the mixed opinions, Cheese Whiz remains a popular choice for Philly Cheesesteaks, especially in Philadelphia. It is often considered the cheese of choice for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience, with many sandwich shops offering it as an option.
While Cheese Whiz may be a divisive topic among cheesesteak enthusiasts, it is undeniable that it has become an integral part of the Philly Cheesesteak culture and continues to be a beloved comfort food for many. For those who want to enjoy a Philly Cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz, it is worth seeking out shops that offer it, especially in Philadelphia, where the sandwich originated.
In conclusion, while there are differing opinions on the authenticity of Cheese Whiz in a Philly Cheesesteak, it remains a popular and iconic choice for many. The combination of gooey, meaty, and melty textures creates a unique and comforting culinary experience that has become synonymous with the City of Brotherly Love.
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Cheese Whiz is popular because it's easy to apply and melts quickly
The Philly Cheesesteak is a cultural icon in Philadelphia and a big draw for visitors. The sandwich is famous across America for its thinly chopped steak, crusty baguette, grilled onions, and a heated debate about whether or not a real Philly cheesesteak includes bright yellow Cheez Whiz. Many locations across the city include the artificial cheese sauce in their rendition of the sandwich, with some claiming it's not authentic without it.
Cheez Whiz is popular because of its ease of application and quick melting properties. Frank Olivieri, the nephew of the original cheesesteak creator Pat Olivieri, revealed in a 1985 New York Times interview that his uncle chose Cheez Whiz because it was easy to apply. The artificial cheese spread melts quickly and its liquid texture is ideal for spreading on a sandwich. No longer did sandwich makers have to wait for slices of cheese to melt to the proper texture, increasing production speed and serving more sandwiches. The initial use of Cheez Whiz was a business decision, and the fact that people enjoyed the drippy, salty cheese was a happy coincidence.
Homemade Cheese Whiz can be made by heating evaporated milk in a deep pan until it simmers, then adding cream cheese and whisking until combined. A small bowl of dry ingredients is then added to the milk and cream cheese mixture, and the milk is allowed to thicken. Finally, the cheese is added and melted.
While Cheez Whiz is a popular option, other cheeses used in Philly Cheesesteaks include Provolone, which is considered the first choice if not using Cheez Whiz, and White American.
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Pat's Cheesesteak rivals, Geno's, also use Cheese Whiz
Pat's and Geno's, two of the most famous cheesesteak shops in Philadelphia, have been rivals for decades. Located across the street from each other, the rivalry between the two shops is legendary and captures the imagination of tourists and locals alike.
The rivalry is said to have begun in 1976 with the release of the film "Rocky," in which the character Tony Gazzo takes Rocky (played by Sylvester Stallone) for a cheesesteak at Pat's. This sparked a debate about which shop serves the best cheesesteak, with both claiming to have the superior sandwich.
Pat's and Geno's use different cooking techniques, with Pat's cooking and serving their beef in thin slices, while Geno's chops their beef into small cubes. Despite their differences, both shops use Cheese Whiz, a processed cheese sauce, as one of their key ingredients. Cheese Whiz is a popular choice for cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, as it adds a gooey, melty texture and an authentic flavour to the sandwich.
While the rivalry between Pat's and Geno's is well-known, most locals prefer other cheesesteak joints in the city. However, the intense competition between these two shops has become a symbol of Philadelphia's passionate food culture and continues to draw visitors seeking to taste the famous cheesesteaks for themselves.
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If not Cheese Whiz, then Provolone is the first choice
The Philly Cheesesteak is a cultural icon in Philadelphia and a big draw for visitors. The sandwich was created by Pat Olivieri, who was tired of his typical lunch and wanted something different. He cooked some chopped meat and placed it on an Italian roll with grilled onions, and the iconic sandwich was born. In the 1940s, the sandwich was transformed when slices of cheese were added, with the creamy, melty texture of provolone being a popular choice.
While the exact type of cheese used in a Philly Cheesesteak is debated, with some claiming that it must include bright yellow Cheez Whiz, others argue that this is not necessary for an authentic experience. Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese sauce that became popular due to its ease of use and quick melting time, making it ideal for busy sandwich shops. However, if you're not a fan of Cheez Whiz, Provolone is an excellent alternative that provides the same creamy, melty texture that has become synonymous with the Philly Cheesesteak.
Provolone is a type of Italian cheese known for its mild flavour and smooth, creamy texture. When melted, it becomes gooey and drippy, making it perfect for sandwiches. Its subtle flavour enhances the taste of the steak and onions without overwhelming the other ingredients. Provolone is also a popular choice for those who want a more natural cheese option, as it is made with simple ingredients and does not contain the artificial additives found in Cheez Whiz.
When preparing a Philly Cheesesteak with Provolone, it is essential to slice the cheese thinly so that it melts evenly and creates a cohesive texture with the steak. Some people also like to toast the bread slightly before adding the cheese to create a barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy from the melted cheese. Whether you choose to use Cheez Whiz or Provolone, the key to a delicious Philly Cheesesteak is ensuring that the cheese is melted to perfection, creating a gooey and drippy texture that is beloved by many.
In conclusion, while Cheez Whiz may be a popular choice for a Philly Cheesesteak, it is not the only option. If you're looking for a more natural cheese with a similar creamy, melty texture, Provolone is an excellent first choice. Its mild flavour and smooth texture make it a perfect complement to the thinly chopped steak and grilled onions of the iconic sandwich. So, the next time you're in Philadelphia, don't be afraid to ask for Provolone on your cheesesteak—it might just become your new favourite combination!
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese Whiz is an artificial cheese spread with a liquid texture that is often used in sandwiches.
Cheese Whiz became popular because of its ease of application. It melts quickly and can be easily spread on sandwiches, making it a convenient option for sandwich makers.
Pat's Cheesesteak is known for using Cheese Whiz. However, other common cheeses used in Philly Cheesesteaks include Provolone and White American cheese.
Yes, you can make Cheese Whiz at home by heating evaporated milk, adding cream cheese and whisking until combined. Then, add the dry ingredients and let the milk thicken. Finally, add the cheese and let it melt.
Pat Olivieri, the creator of the Philly Cheesesteak, is said to have invented the sandwich when he grew tired of his usual lunch and purchased chopped meat to cook along with his hot dogs. He added the meat to a roll with grilled onions, and the iconic sandwich was born. In the 1940s, slices of Provolone cheese were added to the sandwich, and when Cheese Whiz was introduced in 1953, it became a popular option.
