Frederic Melton
The Philly cheesesteak is a classic American sandwich, first popularized in the 1930s. The combination of tender beef, melted cheese, and crusty bread makes this sandwich unique. While the traditional Philly cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced steak and cheese, there are many variations and additional toppings that can be added.
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese: Cheez Whiz, American, provolone, cheddar, or raclette
- Meat: thinly sliced steak, ribeye, or bacon
- Vegetables: onion, green pepper, jalapeño, lettuce, tomato, or mushroom
- Seasoning: salt, pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, or chilli powder
- Bread: crusty roll, seeded roll, baguette, or tortilla
Cheese: Cheez Whiz, American, provolone, cheddar, or raclette
When it comes to cheese, the classic Philly Cheesesteak is typically topped with Cheez Whiz, an un-artisan, cheap, and processed cheese option that is beloved by many. However, some people prefer other varieties of cheese, and loyalties are often divided between different types. Here are some popular alternatives to Cheez Whiz that you can consider for your Philly Cheesesteak:
American Cheese
American cheese, both white and yellow varieties, is a common choice for those who want to move away from Cheez Whiz. It is a step up from processed cheese and is often used in cheeseburgers. A combination of white American and Cheez Whiz is also a popular option.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone is a legit Italian cheese and was possibly the original cheese used in Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. It is a mild-flavoured cheese that might be considered too bland by some. However, it can be paired with ingredients like peppers and mushrooms to add more flavour to the sandwich.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is another excellent option for a cheesesteak upgrade. It is a natural choice for those who want to add a touch of upscale flavour to their sandwich. A medium white cheddar or sharp white cheddar can be a delicious addition, especially when paired with grilled onions.
Raclette Cheese
Raclette, a cheese named after the verb "to scrape," is a funky washed rind melter that some consider for their Philly Cheesesteak. It might be a good choice for those who want a cheese with a strong aroma and a unique texture.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese for your Philly Cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference. Feel free to experiment with different varieties and find the one that suits your taste buds the best!
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Meat: thinly sliced steak, ribeye, or bacon
When it comes to the meat, a Philly Cheesesteak traditionally features thinly sliced steak. This is often cooked until the redness disappears, ensuring the meat remains juicy. The steak is usually sliced thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly, and it is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Ribeye is a popular choice of steak due to its marbling, which helps to keep the meat moist. It is often sliced thinly and shredded on a griddle to achieve the desired texture. Some people also add bacon grease to the cooking process to enhance the flavour and moisture of the meat.
Bacon itself can also be used as a meat option in a Philly Cheesesteak. It can be minced or sliced thinly and cooked until crispy, adding a salty, smoky flavour to the sandwich.
While steak and ribeye are the most traditional meat choices, some people experiment with other options, such as ground beef or chicken. Ultimately, the choice of meat depends on personal preference and the desired flavour and texture of the sandwich.
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Vegetables: onion, green pepper, jalapeño, lettuce, tomato, or mushroom
Onions are a common addition to a Philly cheesesteak. You can slice them thinly and caramelize them over low heat for 30 minutes, or cook them until they're lightly browned. You can also add raw onions to your sandwich.
Green peppers are another popular choice for a Philly cheesesteak. You can slice them thinly and add them to your sandwich. Some people also like to add red peppers. If you're looking for a spicy kick, you can add minced jalapeño peppers.
While lettuce is not a typical addition to a Philly cheesesteak, you can add it to your sandwich if you'd like. If you add lettuce, tomato, raw onion, and mayonnaise to a Philly cheesesteak, it becomes what's known as a cheesesteak hoagie.
Mushrooms are another vegetable that you can add to your Philly cheesesteak, although some people are not fans.
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Seasoning: salt, pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, or chilli powder
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chilli powder are all common ingredients in seasoning blends for Philly cheesesteaks. Some recipes suggest using seasoned salt, such as Lawry's, which is described as "game-changing". However, it is very salty, so you should be sparing with the amount you use. You can also substitute some of the salt for MSG, which is described as the "mystery ingredient" in Philly cheesesteaks.
Another popular seasoning blend for Philly cheesesteaks is Montreal steak seasoning, which is said to give the sandwich an "intense beefy flavour". You can also add other spices and herbs to your seasoning blend, such as paprika, onion powder, thyme, or basil.
If you're making a dry rub seasoning, you can also include marjoram, herbs de Provence, and cherry peppers. One recipe recommends using a blend of salt, pepper, butter, and garlic powder. You can also add a bit of Worcestershire sauce to your Philly cheesesteak as you cook it.
Philly cheesesteaks are typically made with sliced steak that has been tossed with a blend of seasonings and spices. The steak is then grilled or pan-fried with sliced bell peppers and onions until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The filling is then divided between hoagie rolls and topped with provolone cheese slices.
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Bread: crusty roll, seeded roll, baguette, or tortilla
The bread you use for your Philly cheesesteak can make a big difference in taste and texture. Here are some options to consider:
Crusty roll
A long, crusty roll is the traditional choice for a Philly cheesesteak. This type of roll provides a nice contrast of textures with the tender beef and melted cheese. Amoroso rolls are a popular choice for this style and can be found in Philadelphia bakeries.
Seeded roll
Seeded rolls, also known as Scali bread or Scali rolls in Boston, can add a nice crunch and nutty flavour to your cheesesteak. This option is for those who want to venture outside of the traditional crusty roll.
Baguette
A baguette is a great option if you're looking for a crispy and flaky texture. It's also a good choice if you're serving a large group, as you can slice the baguette into smaller portions. For an authentic Philly experience, look for Italian or Atlantic City bakery baguettes.
Tortilla
For something completely different, you can wrap your cheesesteak ingredients in a tortilla to make a cheesesteak chimichanga. This option is perfect for those who want a crispy, deep-fried treat. It's also a fun way to switch up your regular cheesesteak routine.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular cheeses for a Philly cheesesteak are Cheez Whiz, provolone, and white American cheese. However, some people prefer to use cheddar, gouda, or even truffled Brie.
A Philly cheesesteak is typically served on a long, crusty roll, such as an Amoroso roll. However, some people prefer to use a softer bun.
Common toppings for a Philly cheesesteak include sautéed onions, green peppers, jalapeños, and mushrooms. Some people also like to add lettuce, tomato, raw onion, or mustard.
