Patrick Oconnell
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century. It is made with thinly sliced steak, typically ribeye, and melted cheese, served on a long hoagie roll. The most popular cheese used in Philly cheesesteaks is mild provolone, but other options include American cheese, mozzarella, and Cheez Whiz, a Velveeta-like cheese product. The sandwich is often served with toppings such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, and is a popular regional fast food item.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Provolone, Cheez Whiz, White American, Mozzarella, Sharp cheddar, Pepper jack |
| Texture | Melted, gooey |
| Cheese placement | Placed over the meat, letting it melt, and then the roll is placed on top |
| Amount | Enough to cover most of the cheesesteak in the skillet, with 1-3 more slices over the top |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Provolone is the most popular cheese
Philly cheesesteaks are made with thinly shaved steak and cheese, served on a long hoagie roll. The steak is usually ribeye, sliced paper-thin and cooked until browned. The cheese is then melted over the meat before the roll is placed on top. The mixture is scooped up and pressed into the roll.
The original cheesesteak was made by a hot dog cart vendor in the early 20th century. The exact details are debated, but most credit Pat and Harry Olivieri as the creators. They owned a hot dog stand and decided to make a new sandwich using chopped beef and grilled onions.
There are many variations of the Philly cheesesteak, with some people adding sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and jalapeños. However, the classic Philly cheesesteak is made with just three elements: beef, cheese, and bread.
When making a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to use thinly sliced pieces of beef. This can be achieved by freezing the steak for 20-30 minutes before slicing it with a sharp knife. The cheese should be melted and gooey, creating a protective barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Kitchenaid Cheese Grater: Easy Steps to Grate Like a Pro
You may want to see also
Cheez Whiz is a common alternative
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century. It is traditionally made with thinly sliced steak (usually ribeye), grilled onions, and cheese, served on a long hoagie roll.
While provolone is a popular cheese choice for Philly cheesesteaks, Cheez Whiz is also commonly used as an alternative. Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese sauce with a Velveeta-like texture, first added to the sandwich at Pat's South Philadelphia location in the 1950s. By that time, cheesesteaks were already popular, but the Olivieri family, who are credited with inventing the sandwich, initially hesitated to serve them in South Philly due to the neighbourhood's largely kosher clientele. Frank Olivieri Sr. came up with the idea of adding Cheez Whiz after the sandwich was made, and it eventually caught on.
Today, Cheez Whiz is the favourite at Pat's, outselling American cheese by a significant margin. It is also used at Geno's, another well-known cheesesteak shop in Philadelphia. While some may prefer the mild flavour and excellent melting properties of provolone, Cheez Whiz has become an iconic part of the Philly cheesesteak experience for many.
When making a Philly cheesesteak, the steak is typically cooked on a griddle and then placed on the roll, with slices of cheese added on top to melt. However, when using Cheez Whiz, it is often drizzled over the sandwich after assembly, providing a generous amount of cheese flavour.
Whether you prefer provolone, American cheese, or Cheez Whiz, the Philly cheesesteak is a beloved and iconic sandwich that has inspired numerous variations. It is a simple yet satisfying combination of beef, cheese, and bread that has won over the hearts (and taste buds) of many.
Fresh Mozzarella: Best Ways to Use It
You may want to see also
White American cheese is also used
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century. It is made with thinly sliced steak, typically ribeye, and cheese, served on a long hoagie roll. The classic Philly cheesesteak is served on an Amoroso roll, but a hoagie roll is a common substitute.
While the type of cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak can vary, white American cheese is also used. Some restaurants in Philadelphia add 'Cheeze Whiz', a Velveeta-like cheese, but some people prefer provolone for its flavour and the way it melts. However, white American cheese is a popular option. Some establishments melt the American cheese to achieve a creamy consistency, while others place slices over the meat and let them melt under the heat.
The Philly cheesesteak is a popular regional fast food, and variations can be found at restaurants and food carts throughout Philadelphia. It is also known as a Philadelphia cheesesteak, cheesesteak sandwich, cheese steak, or steak and cheese. The exact origins of the sandwich are debated, but it is often credited to Pat and Harry Olivieri, who originally owned a hot dog stand.
White American cheese is a great option for a Philly cheesesteak as it melts well and has a mild flavour that pairs nicely with the steak and bread. It is also widely available, making it a convenient choice for those who want to make this sandwich at home.
When making a Philly cheesesteak with white American cheese, it is important to thinly slice the steak and cook it on a griddle or in a pan. The cheese can be melted directly on the steak or placed in slices over the meat and let them melt under the heat. The sandwich is then assembled by scooping the cheesesteak mixture into the roll and pressing it together.
Velveeta's Ultimate Nacho Cheese Recipe
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mozzarella is another option
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that is native to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is traditionally made with thinly sliced steak, onions, and cheese, all stuffed into a hoagie roll. The classic Philly cheesesteak uses provolone or Cheez Whiz, a Velveeta-like cheese. However, mozzarella is another option.
Mozzarella is a popular cheese option for those who want to make a Philly cheesesteak at home. It is a soft, creamy cheese that pairs well with the other ingredients in the sandwich. When melted, mozzarella becomes gooey and stringy, adding a creamy texture to the Philly cheesesteak. It is a mild-tasting cheese, so it won't overpower the other flavors in the sandwich.
Mozzarella is a good choice for those who want a vegetarian Philly cheesesteak, as it is usually made with vegetarian rennet. Additionally, it is lower in fat and calories than some other cheeses, making it a healthier option. It is also generally less expensive than provolone, so it is a budget-friendly choice for those who want to make a large batch of Philly cheesesteaks.
When using mozzarella in a Philly cheesesteak, it is important to shred the cheese to ensure that it melts evenly. It can be mixed with other cheeses, such as provolone or cheddar, to add extra flavor. Some people also like to add spices to their mozzarella Philly cheesesteak, such as oregano or red pepper flakes, to give it a little extra kick.
Overall, mozzarella is a versatile and tasty option for those who want to make a Philly cheesesteak at home. It melts well, has a mild flavor, and is generally affordable, making it a great choice for this classic sandwich.
Cheese Pull: Qdoba's Signature Cheeses
You may want to see also
The cheese is usually melted
There are several types of cheese that are commonly used for Philly cheesesteaks. The most popular is mild provolone, which is favoured for its flavour and the way it melts. Some people prefer their cheesesteaks with American cheese, which can be melted to achieve a creamy consistency, or slices of cheese that melt under the heat. Cheez Whiz is another popular option, which is a processed cheese product with a Velveeta-like texture. It was first added at Pat's South Philadelphia location in the 1950s and has since become a favourite.
Philly cheesesteaks are often served with toppings such as sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, ketchup, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. The roll is also important, with the classic Philly cheesesteak served on an Amoroso roll. However, this can be hard to find outside of Philadelphia, so a hoagie roll is a good substitute.
The key to a great Philly cheesesteak is in the preparation of the steak and the cheese. The steak should be sliced very thinly, and the cheese should be melted to achieve the perfect, gooey consistency.
The Ultimate Guide to Asiago Cheese: Recipes and More
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The most popular cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is mild provolone. Other popular options include white American cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Cheez Whiz.
Cheez Whiz is a Velveeta-like cheese product that was first added to Philly cheesesteaks at Pat's South Philadelphia location in the 1950s. It is now the most popular cheese option at Pat's, outselling American cheese by a significant margin.
The most popular cut of steak for a Philly cheesesteak is ribeye. Other options include top round, flank steak, and skirt steak.
In addition to cheese and steak, Philly cheesesteaks typically include onions, bell peppers, and bread. Some also include mushrooms, ketchup, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
