The Best Cheeses For A Classic Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is one of the most iconic sandwiches, and there are strong opinions about how to make it. The traditional Philly Cheesesteak contains just three things: steak, onions, and cheese. The best cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak is a topic of debate, but the most common options are provolone, Cheez Whiz, and American cheese. Some people like to use a combination of provolone and Cheez Whiz, enjoying the texture of the Cheez Whiz and the flavour of the provolone.

Provolone is a popular choice for Philly Cheesesteaks

The original Philly Cheesesteak was created in the 1930s by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in Philadelphia. He grilled up some beef and put it in an Italian hoagie bun. A cab driver smelled the sandwich and asked for it, and the Philly cheesesteak found its first fan! The first cheese to be added to the sandwich was provolone, added by a manager named Joe Lorenza. However, Pat's nephew, Frank Olivieri, claimed that his father started using Cheese Whiz because he could hide it from Pat, who didn't want cheese at his original shop as he tried to keep kosher for his Jewish friends.

Philly Cheesesteaks are often served with sautéed bell peppers and onions. The steak is usually ribeye or top round, cooked on a griddle. The bread is typically a long, crispy roll, similar to a sub or hoagie roll.

When making a Philly Cheesesteak at home, you can use either provolone, Cheese Whiz, or American cheese, depending on your preference. Some people even like to use a combination of provolone and Cheese Whiz! To get the right texture for the steak, it's best to freeze it for about 10-15 minutes before slicing it as thinly as possible.

Cheez Whiz is also a common option

Cheez Whiz: A Common Choice for Philly Cheesesteaks

When it comes to crafting the perfect Philly cheesesteak, the type of cheese you use is a crucial decision. While there are differing opinions on which cheese is the best, Cheez Whiz is undoubtedly a popular and classic option. Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars, has a special place in the history of this iconic sandwich.

The Philly cheesesteak is a beloved creation that originated in Philadelphia, with roots tracing back to the early 20th century. The original cheesesteak was invented by a hot dog vendor, either Pat Oliveri or Pat and Harry Olivieri, who grilled beef and placed it in a roll, thus creating a mouthwatering sandwich sensation. Over time, the addition of cheese became common practice, and the debate over the best cheese began.

Cheez Whiz is often mentioned as one of the few "authentic" cheeses for a Philly cheesesteak, along with provolone and American cheese. It has a distinct texture and flavour that sets it apart from other cheeses. Cheez Whiz is known for its creamy, almost nacho cheese-like consistency, providing a unique melty and gooey element to the sandwich. Its mild flavour and excellent melting properties make it a favourite among cheesesteak enthusiasts.

When preparing a Philly cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz, it is typically drizzled over the steak, onions, and peppers, adding a savoury and indulgent touch. The combination of the thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and the oozing Cheez Whiz creates a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that has come to define this classic sandwich.

While some may have their own preferences for cheese, Cheez Whiz holds a special place in the hearts of many Philly cheesesteak lovers. Its convenience, flavour, and ability to complement the other ingredients make it a common choice for this iconic sandwich. Whether you're a traditionalist or an adventurer when it comes to your cheesesteak, Cheez Whiz is certainly worth considering as a delicious option.

American cheese is a good melting glue

American Cheese: The Melting Glue of the Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich, with a passionate following and a long history. The combination of thinly sliced steak, caramelised onions, and melted cheese makes for a truly memorable sandwich experience. While there are many opinions on the "right" way to make a Philly Cheesesteak, one thing is clear: American cheese is an excellent choice for this sandwich.

American cheese is a mild-flavoured, melting cheese that is an ideal choice for the Philly Cheesesteak. Its creamy texture and gooey melt are key to the overall experience of the sandwich. The cheese acts as a "glue", binding together the steak, onions, and bread into a cohesive whole. This is especially important considering the messiness that can result from a poorly constructed Philly Cheesesteak.

American cheese is also versatile and can be used in combination with other cheeses. Some sandwich enthusiasts prefer to use both American and provolone cheeses, taking advantage of the sharper flavour of provolone and the superior melting properties of American cheese. This combination provides a more complex flavour profile while still delivering the desired gooey texture.

The choice of bread is also important for the Philly Cheesesteak, and a soft roll with a "hinge" is recommended to prevent the cheesy steak and veggies from falling out. Toasting the roll before adding the fillings can also help to contain the sandwich's ingredients.

When preparing the steak, it is essential to slice it thinly and freeze it briefly to achieve the ideal texture. This ensures that the steak cooks quickly and stays juicy. The steak should be seasoned and cooked to the desired doneness before being combined with the other ingredients.

In conclusion, American cheese is an excellent choice for a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. Its mild flavour and superior melting properties make it a versatile option that can be used alone or in combination with other cheeses. By choosing American cheese and following some simple preparation tips, you can create an authentic and delicious Philly Cheesesteak at home.

Swiss cheese is frowned upon by locals

The Philly cheesesteak is a beloved culinary icon of Philadelphia. The classic sandwich is made with thinly sliced steak (usually ribeye), grilled onions, and melted cheese. While the type of cheese is up for debate, with some arguing for provolone, Cheez Whiz, or American cheese, one thing is clear: Swiss cheese is frowned upon by locals.

The Philly cheesesteak is a source of great pride for Philadelphians, and they take its ingredients very seriously. Ordering the wrong kind of cheese at a genuine South Philly cheesesteak establishment will get you more than just a nasty look. Locals still talk about the time in 2003 when presidential candidate John Kerry ordered his Pat's cheesesteak with Swiss cheese.

So, why is Swiss cheese so controversial? The main reason is tradition. The Philly cheesesteak is a dish with a rich history, dating back to the 1930s when it was invented by brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri, who ran a South Philly hot dog stand. The original cheesesteak is said to have been made with provolone or Cheez Whiz, and Swiss cheese is seen as a departure from this beloved original recipe.

Some purists also argue that Swiss cheese has an overpowering nutty flavor that can overwhelm the delicate taste of the steak. Additionally, Swiss cheese is not native to Philadelphia, so it is considered inauthentic by traditionalists.

While some people enjoy the subtle sweetness that Swiss cheese adds to the sandwich, it is generally frowned upon by locals who prefer to stick to the classic recipe. So, if you're ever in Philadelphia and craving a Philly cheesesteak, it's best to steer clear of Swiss cheese to avoid raising any eyebrows.

A blend of provolone and mozzarella works well

When it comes to crafting the perfect Philly cheesesteak, the cheese you choose can make all the difference. While there are several options that are considered acceptable, a blend of provolone and mozzarella is a fantastic choice. Here's why:

Provolone is a classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks, known for its sharp flavour and ability to melt into a gooey, delicious texture. It has a more distinct taste than some other cheeses, adding a nice bite to the overall flavour of the sandwich. Mozzarella, on the other hand, is known for its exceptional meltability and stretchiness. It has a milder flavour that balances out the sharpness of the provolone. When combined, these two cheeses create a blend that is both flavourful and incredibly gooey—the perfect complement to the thinly sliced steak, caramelised onions, and peppers of a classic Philly cheesesteak.

To make the most of this cheese blend, it's important to shred or slice the cheeses finely. This will ensure that they melt evenly and create a creamy, cohesive mixture. You can add the cheese blend to your Philly cheesesteak in a few different ways. One option is to sprinkle it over the steak, onions, and peppers in the skillet, covering it briefly to help the cheese melt and combine with the other ingredients. Alternatively, you can place the cheese blend on the roll itself, allowing it to melt slightly before adding the rest of your filling. This will create a delicious, cheesy base for your sandwich.

When selecting your cheeses, opt for high-quality varieties to ensure the best flavour and meltability. Fresh mozzarella, for example, is known for its superior stretch and melt, so it's a great choice if you want that signature gooey factor. As for provolone, look for a variety that has a nice sharp flavour without being overly pungent or overpowering.

Remember, the beauty of making your own Philly cheesesteak is that you can customise it to your taste. So, feel free to experiment with different ratios of provolone to mozzarella to find your perfect blend. You might also want to try adding other ingredients, such as mushrooms or cherry peppers, to create a unique and mouthwatering sandwich.

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