Patrick Oconnell
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that traditionally consists of three core elements: beef, cheese, and bread. However, there are many different opinions on the best toppings to include in a Philly cheesesteak. Some popular choices include provolone, parmesan, sirloin, ribeye, mozzarella, Cheez Whiz, lettuce, tomato, onions, peppers, and hot sauce. The type of bread used is also a topic of debate, with torpedo rolls, submarine rolls, and hoagie rolls being common options. Ultimately, the choice of toppings depends on personal preference, and many people enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find their favorite.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Thinly sliced steak from various cuts of beef, with rib-eye, sirloin, filet mignon, top sirloin, strip steak, and flank steak as common choices |
| Cheese | Provolone, Parmesan, Swiss, mozzarella, and Cheez Whiz |
| Bread | Hoagie rolls, torpedo rolls, submarine rolls, French bread, ciabatta, brioche buns, hamburger buns |
| Toppings | Sauteed peppers, onions, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, jalapeños, oregano, olive oil, vinegar, hot sauce, pizza sauce |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese: provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, or Cheez Whiz
- Vegetables: onions, peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, and tomatoes
- Herbs and spices: paprika, chilli powder, garlic powder, thyme, and basil
- Condiments: ketchup, sriracha, hot sauce, mayo, and Worcestershire sauce
- Bread: hoagie rolls, torpedo rolls,
Cheese: provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, or Cheez Whiz
When it comes to cheese, there are several options to choose from when making a Philly cheesesteak. The most popular choice seems to be provolone, which is often sliced and placed over the steak and vegetables in the skillet. The residual heat from the skillet melts the cheese, creating a cohesive meat mixture that keeps the thin pieces of meat together. Some recipes also call for grated Parmesan cheese to be stirred into the steak along with the provolone.
Another option is mozzarella, which can be shredded and added to the steak, onions, and peppers. Mozzarella can also be used as a topping, sprinkled over the sandwich along with other toppings like hot cherry peppers and pickled jalapeños.
Swiss cheese is another alternative, which can be used in place of provolone.
For those who enjoy a more processed cheese flavour, Cheez Whiz can be melted and drizzled over the steak in the sandwich. This option may be less traditional, but it speaks to the growing trend of loosening the restrictions on "correct" Philly cheesesteak toppings.
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Vegetables: onions, peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, and tomatoes
Onions, peppers, and mushrooms are some of the most popular vegetables to add to a Philly cheesesteak. These vegetables are typically sliced thinly and sautéed until they are lightly browned and translucent. They add flavour, texture, and colour to the sandwich. You can also season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.
Lettuce is not a traditional topping for Philly cheesesteaks, but it can be a refreshing addition. It is typically shredded and added to the sandwich fresh, providing a crisp texture and a mild flavour that complements the other ingredients.
Tomatoes are another non-traditional topping for Philly cheesesteaks, but they can add a burst of freshness and a tangy flavour. They are typically sliced or chopped and added to the sandwich fresh. Some people also like to use sun-dried tomatoes or tomato sauce as a topping.
While these vegetables are not standard in a Philly cheesesteak, they can add variety and nutrition to the sandwich. When combined with the melted cheese, steak, and bread, they create a hearty and flavourful dish.
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Herbs and spices: paprika, chilli powder, garlic powder, thyme, and basil
A Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that traditionally includes three elements: beef, cheese, and bread. However, you can add toppings and spices to suit your taste.
One option is to season the steak with a blend of herbs and spices, including paprika, chilli powder, garlic powder, thyme, and basil. You can also add salt, pepper, onion powder, and marjoram to this mixture. Sprinkle it over the steak and stir to coat before cooking it to your desired level of doneness.
You can also add toppings to your Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Popular options include vegetables such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, and lettuce. You can also add condiments like ketchup, hot sauce, or mayonnaise. If you want to add extra cheese, you can sprinkle mozzarella or shredded cheese on top.
Some people also add other toppings like pizza sauce, cherry peppers, pickled jalapeños, or even slow-cooked caramelized onions. You can also serve your Philly cheesesteak with sides like fries or coleslaw.
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Condiments: ketchup, sriracha, hot sauce, mayo, and Worcestershire sauce
Ketchup
Some people believe that a good cheesesteak does not need ketchup. However, others argue that it is crucial, as it adds acid and sugar to cut through the fat and cheese. Some people also add ketchup to their cheesesteaks when they are too dry.
Sriracha
Some people spread sriracha on the bread of their Philly cheesesteak. Others make a sauce with two parts mayonnaise to one part sriracha sauce, adding some garlic to it.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is another condiment that can be added to a Philly cheesesteak. One person suggests that they like their cheesesteak with "real mayo and after-death hot sauce".
Mayo
Mayo is a popular condiment for Philly cheesesteaks, especially when trying to dress up a terrible steak. Some people add it to their cheesesteaks to make the cheese spread throughout the sandwich. It is also used as a base for sauces, such as a sauce made with two parts mayonnaise and one part sriracha.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is another option for a Philly cheesesteak topping. It can be added to the meat while cooking to add extra flavour and moisture.
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Bread: hoagie rolls, torpedo rolls, hamburger buns
When it comes to the bread for a Philly cheesesteak, there are a few options to consider. The first is the hoagie roll, a soft roll that can be toasted and buttered before filling. Hoagie rolls are a popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks, as they are sturdy enough to hold the juicy steak and cheese without falling apart. They are also the perfect size for a generous filling of steak and toppings.
Another option is the torpedo roll, also known as a submarine roll. Torpedo rolls are longer and narrower than hoagie rolls, and they have a denser texture. They are a standard choice for Philly cheesesteaks, providing a substantial base for the sandwich.
If you're looking for a more casual option or want to cut down on carbs, hamburger buns can also be used. They are a good choice if you're feeding a crowd, as they are typically smaller than hoagie or torpedo rolls.
When it comes to bread choices, it's worth noting that there is a fierce debate among Philly cheesesteak connoisseurs. Some insist that only specific types of rolls should be used, while others are more flexible and believe that any soft roll or bun that can hold the filling without falling apart is suitable. Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on personal preference and how much filling you want to include.
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Frequently asked questions
A traditional Philly cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced steak, usually ribeye, with cheese and bread. Some variations include onions.
Other popular toppings include peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, and jalapeños. Some people add sauces like ketchup, sriracha, hot sauce, or pizza sauce.
Provolone is the most commonly used cheese for Philly cheesesteaks. However, some variations include mozzarella, Swiss, or Cheez Whiz.
