Cheesesteak 101: The Best Cheeses For Your Steak Sandwich

The Philly Cheesesteak is one of the most famous sandwiches in the US, but what type of cheese should you use to make it? The answer depends on who you ask. Some people advocate for Cheez Whiz, while others prefer provolone, white American cheese, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even Monterey Jack. If you want to make an authentic Philly Cheesesteak, the consensus seems to be that Cheez Whiz, provolone, or white American cheese are the best options. However, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite!

Provolone is a popular choice

If you want to make a classic Philly Cheesesteak, you'll need to start with a decent ribeye steak that's trimmed and sliced very thin. You can ask your butcher to do this for you, or you can do it yourself by freezing the steak for around 30 minutes first, which will make it easier to handle and slice into thin strips.

Once you have your thinly sliced steak, season it with salt and pepper, then cook it in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You want to get a nice sear on the meat, so leave it for a few minutes without moving it around in the pan. Then, turn the steak slices over and cook the other side.

While the steak is cooking, you can prepare your onions. Chop up a yellow onion and sauté it in a separate pan with some vegetable oil or canola oil over medium heat for around 8-10 minutes, until it starts to caramelize. If you're adding bell peppers, you can slice them and sauté them with the onions. However, it's important to note that this is not considered an authentic addition to a Philly Cheesesteak.

Once your steak and onions are cooked, it's time to assemble your sandwich. Split a hoagie roll lengthwise and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the cut sides. Then, place your steak and onions on the roll and top it with two slices of provolone cheese. You can either let the cheese melt on its own, or you can briefly place the sandwich under a broiler or in a microwave to speed up the melting process.

And there you have it—a delicious Philly Cheesesteak with provolone cheese! This sandwich is a classic for a reason, and the provolone adds a nice, mild flavour that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Cheez Whiz is a common alternative

Cheez Whiz: A Common Alternative for Cheesesteaks

While the classic cheesesteak sandwich is made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onion, and provolone cheese on a toasted hoagie roll, there are several variations to this iconic American comfort food. One of the most popular alternatives is the use of Cheez Whiz.

Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese sauce, is often favoured by those seeking a "gooey" cheesesteak. It is a common choice for those who want a creamy, rather than stringy, cheese texture. Cheez Whiz is also a popular choice among those who enjoy the taste of plastic or rubber, with some describing it as "heavenly".

For those who want to stick to a more traditional cheesesteak, provolone is the cheese of choice. However, for those seeking a creamier alternative, Cheez Whiz is a common and tasty option.

How to Make a Cheez Whiz Cheesesteak

When making a Cheez Whiz cheesesteak, it is important to first freeze the steak for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and slice into very thin strips. Chop the onions and set them aside, and split the hoagie rolls lengthwise.

Combine softened butter and minced garlic, spreading this mixture on the cut sides of the hoagie rolls. Toast these on a griddle or skillet until golden brown. Heat oil in a large skillet or griddle and sauté the onions until they begin to caramelize. Transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.

Increase the heat and add the thinly sliced steak to the pan, cooking it for a few minutes without moving it to get a nice sear. Then, turn the steak slices over and cook the other side. Add the sautéed onions back to the pan and stir.

Separate the meat and onions into portions in the pan and cover each portion with Cheez Whiz. Turn off the heat and let the cheese melt. Finally, spread a thin layer of mayo on the cut sides of the toasted hoagie rolls, place the meat, onions, and cheese on the roll, and serve immediately.

Variations

While Cheez Whiz and provolone are the most common cheeses for cheesesteaks, other alternatives include white American cheese, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheese. Some also add bell peppers, mushrooms, or garlic butter to their cheesesteaks, though these are not considered traditional ingredients.

White American cheese is another option

White American cheese will give your Philly cheesesteak a classic flavour. It is also a good option if you are looking for a cheese that will melt well and give your sandwich a creamy texture. White American cheese has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients in your sandwich. It is also a good choice if you are looking for a cheese that is widely available and affordable.

When making a Philly cheesesteak with white American cheese, it is important to slice the cheese thinly so that it melts easily. You will also want to make sure that your steak is sliced thinly and seasoned well. Don't forget to toast your hoagie roll and sauté your onions before assembling your sandwich.

If you are looking for a delicious and classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, white American cheese is a great option. With its mild flavour and melting texture, it will complement the other ingredients in your sandwich perfectly. So, the next time you are craving a Philly cheesesteak, why not give white American cheese a try? It might just become your new favourite!

Cheddar is a good upgrade

While there are many types of cheese that can be used to make a cheesesteak sandwich, cheddar is a good upgrade. Here are some reasons why:

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to soups to casseroles. Its sharp, tangy flavour adds a nice kick to the cheesesteak, complementing the other ingredients well. It has a longer shelf life compared to some other cheeses, so it's a good option if you don't plan on using it right away.

Cheddar also melts well, which is key for a cheesesteak. You want the cheese to blend seamlessly with the meat and other toppings, creating a cohesive and juicy bite. The creaminess of melted cheddar enhances the texture of the sandwich, making it more indulgent and satisfying.

When choosing cheddar for your cheesesteak, consider the different varieties available. White cheddar, for example, has a slightly milder flavour than its orange counterpart, which can be preferable if you don't want the cheese to overpower the other ingredients. Aged cheddar will provide a stronger flavour, while a younger cheddar will be milder and creamier.

Additionally, cheddar is widely available, making it convenient for those who don't have access to specialty cheese shops. It's also a cost-effective option, as it tends to be more affordable than some other cheeses.

Upgrading to cheddar on your cheesesteak is a great way to elevate this classic sandwich. Its versatility, flavour, and melting properties make it a worthy addition, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

Blue cheese is a tasty addition

The Philly cheesesteak is a beloved sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, and while there are many variations, the cheese is a key ingredient. The most common cheeses used in an authentic Philly cheesesteak are Cheez Whiz, provolone, and white American cheese. However, adding blue cheese can take this sandwich to the next level.

Blue cheese, with its distinctive flavour and aroma, pairs exceptionally well with the other ingredients in a Philly cheesesteak. Its creamy texture melts beautifully over the juicy beef, creating a mouthwatering combination. The sharpness of blue cheese also complements the sweetness of the caramelized onions, adding a depth of flavour that is simply irresistible.

When choosing blue cheese for your Philly cheesesteak, consider using a variety that is strong enough to stand up to the other bold flavours in the sandwich. Options such as Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Maytag blue cheese would be excellent choices.

To assemble the perfect blue cheese Philly cheesesteak, start by thinly slicing your choice of beef, such as ribeye or sirloin, and seasoning it with salt and pepper. Sauté some yellow onions until they are slightly caramelized, and then cook your beef to your desired doneness. Combine the beef and onions, and then add generous crumbles or slices of blue cheese. Allow the cheese to melt slightly, and then pile the mixture onto a toasted hoagie roll.

For an extra touch of flavour, you can spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the roll before adding the filling. You can also experiment with different toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, or jalapeños, to create a unique and mouthwatering sandwich.

So, if you're looking to elevate your Philly cheesesteak, consider adding blue cheese. Its distinctive flavour and creamy texture will take this classic sandwich to new heights of deliciousness!

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