Frederic Melton
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. The original cheesesteak was made without cheese by a hot dog cart vendor in the early 20th century. Some people claim that Cocky Joe Lorenza, a manager at the Ridge Avenue location, first added American cheese in March 1951. However, other accounts claim that it was provolone. Today, American cheese, provolone, and Cheez Whiz are the most commonly used cheeses for Philly cheesesteaks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Provolone, American, Cheese Whiz, sharp cheddar |
| Type of bread | Hoagie roll, Amoroso roll, French bread |
| Add-ons | Peppers, onions, garlic, horseradish sauce, cherry peppers, mushrooms, ketchup, hot sauce, salt, black pepper |
| Meat | Steak, ribeye, sirloin, top round |
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What You'll Learn
Philly cheesesteak
Ingredients
- Steak: The most common cuts of beef used in Philly Cheesesteaks are ribeye and sirloin, specifically petite sirloin. These cuts are chosen for their tenderness and flavour. To save on time and cost, you can also use thinly pre-shaved beef steak.
- Cheese: The two most popular choices of cheese are provolone and Cheese Whiz. Provolone is sharp and salty, which complements the rich fatty beef. However, some people prefer American cheese or Cheez Whiz for a more classic Philly Cheesteak taste.
- Bread: Hoagie rolls are the traditional choice for Philly Cheesesteaks. Look for rolls that are soft but sturdy and can hold all the ingredients without becoming soggy.
- Seasoning: A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce is commonly used to season the beef and vegetables.
- Vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers and onions are commonly added to the sandwich for flavour and texture.
Instructions
- Place the beef in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly.
- Add vegetable oil to a large sauté pan over medium-low heat.
- Add onions and bell peppers to the pan and cook until tender.
- While the vegetables are cooking, thinly slice the steak and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Add the steak to the pan and cook until browned.
- Return the vegetables to the pan and mix with the steak.
- Add sliced provolone cheese to the pan and cover until melted.
- Mix the melted cheese throughout the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Toast the hoagie rolls and fill them with the Philly Cheesesteak mixture.
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Hoagie rolls
To make a Philly cheesesteak with hoagie rolls, start by sautéing peppers and onions in a skillet. Then, cook the steak in the same pan, seasoning it with salt and garlic pepper. Once the steak is browned, mix it with the vegetables and add the provolone cheese, allowing it to melt and combine with the other ingredients. Finally, load up the toasted hoagie rolls with this delicious mixture.
The type of cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak is a topic of debate, with some preferring the traditional provolone, while others opt for Cheese Whiz or American cheese. However, the choice of bread is just as important. Hoagie rolls are ideal because they provide a soft yet sturdy base for the sandwich, ensuring a mess-free eating experience.
While the classic Philly cheesesteak is a beloved favourite, there are endless variations and tweaks that can be made to suit individual tastes. For those who prefer their sandwiches with a kick, adding hotter peppers or a spicy sauce can elevate the flavour profile. Additionally, some enjoy experimenting with different cuts of beef, such as ribeye or sirloin, to find their preferred texture and taste.
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American cheese
There are a few ways to make a Philly cheesesteak with American cheese. Some recipes call for melting the cheese to achieve a creamy consistency, while others suggest placing slices of cheese over the meat, allowing them to melt slightly under the heat. American cheese has enough citric acid to melt easily, so it is a good option for this sandwich.
When making a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to use a cut of beef that does not require a long cooking time to become tender. Ribeye is a common choice, but it can be expensive. Sirloin is a more affordable option that is still tender and has a thinner cut, requiring less slicing.
To assemble the sandwich, place the steak and onions on the roll and top them with slices of American cheese. You can then let the cheese melt from the heat of the steak, or you can melt the cheese directly into the cooked steak, acting as a binder to hold the meat together.
Philly cheesesteaks are a popular regional fast food with many variations. The classic version includes steak, onions, bell peppers, cheese, and bread, but you can add other ingredients such as grilled mushrooms, ketchup, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
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Provolone
- Sandwiches, such as the classic Philly cheesesteak, which includes tender, well-marbled steak, sautéed onions, and melted provolone cheese served in a soft but sturdy hoagie roll.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches, where the provolone can be melted and act as a binder for the sandwich.
- Submarine sandwiches, where the provolone can add a mellow flavour.
- Lasagna, where the provolone can be layered in between the pasta sheets.
- Pasta, where the provolone can be melted or grated on top.
- Grilled dishes, where the provolone can be grilled until partially melted and eaten as a starter, often seasoned with herbs.
- Gratin, where the provolone can be grilled or melted on top of a tomato sauce and seasoned with paprika and oregano.
- Pizzas, where the provolone can be grated on top.
- Soups, where the provolone can be grated or melted on top.
- Casseroles, where the provolone can be melted or grilled on top.
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Cheez Whiz
You can make your own Cheez Whiz at home with a variety of recipes, which can be used as a dip for tortilla chips or vegetables, drizzled on a Philly cheesesteak, or stirred into macaroni and cheese. One recipe combines evaporated milk, and American, cheddar, and cream cheeses, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and mustard. Another recipe uses cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, turmeric, granulated sugar, milk, and cream cheese, with shredded cheese stirred in at the end.
While Cheez Whiz is a popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks, some people prefer other types of cheese, such as Provolone, mild or sharp American cheese, or even no cheese at all. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference, and you can always ask for your cheesesteak to be made with your choice of toppings.
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Frequently asked questions
Philadelphia cheese, or Philly cheese, is a cream cheese spread that is commonly used on bagels and crackers.
Philadelphia cheese steak, or Philly cheese steak, is a sandwich made with thinly sliced steak, onions, and cheese. It is a popular dish in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and can be found at restaurants, food carts, and even high-end establishments.
The most common types of cheese used on a Philadelphia cheese steak are American cheese, provolone, and Cheez Whiz. However, other types of cheese such as sharp cheddar or a beer/cheese sauce can also be used.
To make a Philadelphia cheese steak at home, you will need thinly sliced steak, onions, and your choice of cheese. Sauté the onions and steak separately, then combine them with the cheese and serve on a hoagie roll or Amoroso roll.
