Bushra Griffith
The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia in the 1930s. It is made with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and cheese. The choice of bread is critical to the taste of this sandwich. The bread must be fresh, white, and warm. The roll should be soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior. It should also be slightly sweet and durable. The most popular choice for Philly Cheesesteak rolls is Amoroso rolls, which are known for their soft and chewy texture. Other options include Italian bread, French bread, and baguettes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, chewy, slightly crispy |
| Flavor | Slightly sweet, tender |
| Durability | Able to maintain integrity without becoming soggy or falling apart |
| Length and shape | Long, easy to eat on the go |
| Type | Hoagie roll, Italian bread, French baguette, Amoroso roll |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Hoagie rolls are the top choice
The Amoroso roll, a type of hoagie roll, is widely regarded as the gold standard for Philly cheesesteak. Its soft and chewy texture has been a staple of Philly cheesesteak culture for decades, with many associating the roll with the true taste of Philadelphia. The Amoroso roll can be purchased in bakeries or even online through platforms like Amazon.
If you are unable to get your hands on Amoroso rolls, you can opt for other hoagie rolls from bakeries like Liscio's or Sarcone's. These hoagie rolls can also be homemade, ensuring they possess the desired soft and chewy interior with a slightly crispy exterior.
While hoagie rolls are the traditional and preferred option, alternatives such as Italian bread, French bread, or crusty Italian rolls can also be used for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich in a pinch. However, French bread can be a bit too crusty, making the sandwich harder to eat. Ultimately, the right bread is essential to capturing the true essence of this classic sandwich.
Mozzarella Magic: Creative Ways to Use Cheese Balls
You may want to see also
Amoroso rolls are an iconic alternative
The Amoroso roll is typically footlong in length, making it perfect for holding a generous portion of the cheesy meat filling. The roll is also sturdy enough to prevent the bread from becoming soggy or falling apart, which is a common issue with sandwiches that have juicy fillings. The slightly sweet and tender flavour of the roll enhances the overall taste of the sandwich, making it a star of the dish alongside the filling.
While hoagie rolls are the traditional choice for Philly cheesesteaks, Amoroso rolls offer a unique and iconic alternative that is deeply rooted in Philadelphia's culinary culture. The soft and chewy texture of the roll, combined with its slightly crispy exterior, creates a satisfying bite that complements the sandwich's fillings. The roll's durability ensures that it maintains its integrity even when packed with juicy steak and melted cheese.
Amoroso rolls can be purchased on Amazon, making them easily accessible for those who want to recreate the authentic Philly cheesesteak experience at home. Whether you're a Philadelphia native or a culinary adventurer, choosing the right roll for your Philly cheesesteak is essential to capturing the true essence of this classic sandwich.
In addition to Amoroso rolls, there are a few other bread alternatives that can be used for Philly cheesesteaks. Italian bread, which is slightly denser than hoagie rolls, is a good option. French bread can also work in a pinch, but it may be too crusty, making the sandwich harder to eat. Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on personal preference and availability, but the iconic Amoroso roll remains a beloved and iconic alternative for many Philly cheesesteak enthusiasts.
Feta Cheese Brine: What's the Secret?
You may want to see also
Italian bread is denser but still works
When it comes to making a Philly cheesesteak, the choice of bread is critical. The roll is the foundation of the sandwich, providing structure, texture, and flavour that ties everything together. While the thinly sliced steak and melted cheese often take centre stage, the bread is just as important.
A traditional Philly cheesesteak roll is no ordinary piece of bread. It is designed to complement and support the sandwich's savoury filling. These rolls are soft, chewy, and slightly crispy, striking a delicate balance between texture and durability. To achieve this unique consistency, Philly cheesesteak rolls are typically made with high-quality ingredients such as bread flour, yeast, salt, and water.
While Amoroso rolls are widely considered the gold standard for Philly cheesesteaks, Italian bread is another great option. It is slightly denser than the traditional hoagie rolls, but it still works well for this classic sandwich. Italian bread has a slightly sweet and tender flavour that enhances the overall taste of the Philly cheesesteak. It provides a good balance of texture and durability, ensuring that the roll maintains its integrity even when packed with juicy fillings and hot cheese.
When selecting a roll for a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to look for one that is soft, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold the filling. Italian bread checks all these boxes, making it a suitable choice for this iconic sandwich. So, if you're looking for a slightly denser option that still delivers on taste and functionality, Italian bread is a great alternative to the traditional hoagie roll.
In-N-Out's Cheesy Secret: What's in Their Burgers?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
French bread can be too crusty
French bread is one of the alternatives to the traditional hoagie roll for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. However, it can be a bit too crusty, making the sandwich harder to eat.
The roll of a Philly cheesesteak is the foundation of the dish. It should be soft and chewy, with a slightly crispy exterior. The roll must be durable and maintain its integrity, even when packed with juicy fillings and hot cheese. It should also be long enough to hold a generous portion of filling and be easy to eat on the go.
French bread may not always meet these criteria. While it can work in a pinch, its crust can be too hard, making it difficult to bite into and creating a less enjoyable eating experience.
To create the perfect Philly cheesesteak roll, bakers use high-quality ingredients such as bread flour, yeast, salt, and water. The dough is carefully mixed, kneaded, and baked at a high temperature to achieve the desired crispy crust and soft interior. Overworking the dough or skipping the rise can result in rolls that are tough, dense, and heavy.
Therefore, while French bread can be used for a Philly cheesesteak, it may not always provide the ideal texture and eating experience compared to traditional hoagie rolls or other alternatives like Amoroso rolls or Italian bread.
Cheese Choice for Red Enchiladas: A Melty Masterpiece
You may want to see also
Toasty garlic bread is a tasty option
A good Philly cheesesteak roll should be soft and chewy, with a slightly crispy exterior. It should be durable enough to hold the juicy steak, melted cheese, and any added toppings without becoming soggy or falling apart. The roll should also have a slightly sweet flavour that enhances the savoury steak and cheese.
Toasty garlic bread checks all these boxes. It has a soft and chewy texture, a crispy exterior, and a delicious, slightly sweet and garlicky flavour. It is also sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Additionally, toasty garlic bread adds a unique flavour to the sandwich. The garlic enhances the savoury notes of the steak and cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination. The slight crispiness of the bread also provides a satisfying bite and texture contrast to the soft and juicy filling.
So, if you're looking for a tasty and memorable option for your Philly cheesesteak sandwich, toasty garlic bread is definitely a great choice. It ticks all the boxes for a perfect Philly cheesesteak roll while adding a delicious garlic twist.
Kitchenaid Food Processor: Easy Cheese Grating
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The best bread for a Philly Cheesesteak is a soft, chewy roll with a slightly crispy exterior. The roll should be sturdy and durable, able to hold the sandwich's filling without becoming soggy or falling apart. The traditional choice is the Amoroso roll, a staple of Philly cheesesteak culture.
Amoroso rolls can be purchased on Amazon or in-store at select bakeries and grocery stores.
Yes, other options include Italian bread, French bread, Kaiser rolls, and crusty Italian or French baguettes. Italian bread is slightly denser than hoagie rolls, while French bread can be too crusty, making it harder to eat.
