The Best Cheeses To Use In A Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The combination of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and bell peppers, all topped with melted cheese, makes for a delicious and hearty meal. While there are many ways to make this sandwich, the type of cheese used is often a topic of debate. The two most popular choices are provolone and Cheez Whiz, with some people even opting for American cheese. Provolone is a sharp and salty cheese that pairs well with the rich fatty beef. In contrast, Cheez Whiz is a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars that has a creamy, nacho cheese-like texture. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference, and many places in Philadelphia will offer both options.

Provolone is the best cheese for a Philly cheesesteak

Provolone: The Best Cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich, with its combination of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and melted cheese. While there are many options for the type of cheese to use, provolone is the best choice.

Provolone is a sharp and salty cheese that pairs perfectly with the rich, fatty beef of a Philly Cheesesteak. It has a strong flavour that stands up to the other ingredients in the sandwich, while also melting easily to create the perfect texture. In addition, provolone's sharpness adds a nice contrast to the other flavours in the sandwich.

When making a Philly Cheesesteak, it is important to partially freeze the steak before slicing it as thinly as possible. This technique ensures that the beef is tender and easy to bite into. The onions should also be cooked until they are glossy and caramelized.

Once the steak and onions are prepared, they are combined in a skillet and topped with provolone cheese. The cheese is then melted to create a cohesive mixture that is easy to eat. This step also helps to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Finally, the cheesesteak mixture is scooped into a soft and sturdy hoagie roll, creating a delicious and satisfying sandwich. While there are many cheese options for a Philly Cheesesteak, provolone is the best choice for its flavour, texture, and ability to complement the other ingredients.

Cheez Whiz is also a popular choice

While the classic Philly Cheesesteak is served on an Amoroso roll, it can be hard to find outside of Philadelphia. A good alternative is a hoagie roll, which is soft but sturdy, and can be toasted. The roll should be fresh, with a soft and slightly chewy interior and a thin, crispy, lightly browned crust.

The cheesesteak itself is made with thinly shaved steak, traditionally ribeye, cooked on a griddle. It is combined with melty, gooey cheese, and can be served solo, or with sautéed onions and peppers. Cheez Whiz is also a popular choice. While it is a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars, it has a completely creamy, almost nacho cheese-like texture, and a mild flavour that works well with the savoury pieces of thin steak.

If you want to make a Philly Cheesesteak at home, you can use either Cheez Whiz or provolone, or a combination of the two. If you're using provolone, you can melt it over the steak as it cooks, and then drizzle on some Cheez Whiz before serving. If you're using Cheez Whiz, simply warm it up and drizzle it over the cheesesteak.

American cheese is another option

When it comes to the best type of cheese for a Philly cheesesteak, opinions vary. Some people prefer the sharpness of provolone, while others opt for the creamy texture of Cheez Whiz. However, American cheese is also a delicious choice and can be a more classic option.

American cheese has a mild flavour and melts well, making it a suitable option for a Philly cheesesteak. It can provide a similar creaminess to Cheez Whiz, while also offering a slightly sharper taste. This combination of texture and flavour can enhance the overall taste of the sandwich.

Additionally, American cheese is widely available and easily accessible, especially if you are outside of Philadelphia. It is also generally more affordable than other cheese options, making it a budget-friendly choice.

When selecting American cheese for your Philly cheesesteak, look for a variety that melts easily and has a mild flavour. This will ensure that it complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your preferred taste. You can even combine American cheese with other varieties, such as provolone, to create a unique flavour profile that suits your palate.

Remember, the beauty of making a Philly cheesesteak at home is that you can customise it to your liking. So, whether you choose American cheese, provolone, Cheez Whiz, or a combination, your sandwich is sure to be delicious!

You can use a combination of cheeses

While the traditional Philly Cheesesteak is made with either Provolone or Cheez Whiz, you can use a combination of these two cheeses or add in other cheeses like Swiss, Mozzarella, or American cheese.

If you want to stick to a more classic Philly Cheesesteak, Provolone is a great option as it is sharp and salty, which holds up well to the mound of rich fatty beef. It is also mild in flavour and melts well. You can also add freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a nutty and bold flavour.

If you want to experiment with other cheeses, you can try Swiss cheese, which is what one home cook on Allrecipes.com used in their Philly Cheesesteak recipe. Mozzarella is another option, as one person from the Philadelphia area mentioned that their local pizza shops make cheesesteaks with it. You can also use American cheese, which is a popular option in Philadelphia.

Ultimately, you can use any combination of cheeses that you think will taste good together and melt well. Get creative and experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect Philly Cheesesteak combination!

Choose a mild-flavoured cheese that melts well

The best Philly cheesesteaks are made with mild-flavoured cheeses that melt well. While there is no consensus on the best type of cheese, the most commonly used varieties include provolone, Swiss cheese, and Cheez Whiz.

Provolone is a sharp and salty cheese that holds up well against the rich fattiness of the steak. It melts easily and can be shredded and stirred directly into the steak for added flavour and texture. Provolone also acts as a binder, helping to hold the sandwich together.

Swiss cheese is another mild-flavoured cheese that melts well and can be used in a Philly cheesesteak. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour that can complement the other ingredients in the sandwich.

Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars, is also a popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks. It has a creamy, almost nacho cheese-like texture and a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.

When choosing a cheese for your Philly cheesesteak, consider using a combination of cheeses to create a unique flavour and texture profile. For example, you could use both provolone and Cheez Whiz, as the sharpness of provolone pairs well with the creaminess of Cheez Whiz.

Additionally, American cheese is also a popular choice and can be used as a substitute for provolone or Cheez Whiz. It has a mild flavour and melts well, making it a good option for those who want a classic Philly cheesesteak experience.

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