The Perfect Cheese For A Steak & Cheese Sub

A steak and cheese sub, also known as a Philly cheesesteak, is a sandwich made with thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and cheese. The best cheeses for a steak and cheese sub are provolone, white American cheese, or Cheez Whiz. Provolone is mild in flavour and melts well, while Cheez Whiz has a completely creamy, almost nacho cheese-like texture.

Provolone is the most popular cheese for a steak and cheese sub

Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different ways. When making a steak and cheese sub, it is best to use mild provolone, as aged provolone can be overpowering. The cheese is placed on top of the steak and veggies, and covered until it melts. It is then mixed into the steak and veggie mixture, creating a gooey, cheesy texture.

While provolone is the most popular cheese for this sandwich, there are other options that can be used as well. Some people prefer Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars, which has a completely creamy, almost nacho cheese-like texture. Others may opt for American cheese, or even make their own cheese sauce. Some people like to use a combination of cheeses, such as provolone and Cheez Whiz, to get the best of both worlds.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese is a matter of personal preference, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, if you're looking for a classic, popular option, provolone is the way to go. Its mild flavour and melting texture make it the perfect complement to the steak and veggies in a sub.

Sirloin is a good cut of beef to use

Secondly, sirloin is a versatile cut that can be prepared in various ways. It can be cut into thick steaks, cubed for kabobs, or sliced thinly for sandwiches, like the steak and cheese sub. The versatility of sirloin means you can adapt it to your preferred texture and size for the sub.

Additionally, sirloin is a relatively affordable option compared to other cuts like ribeye. This is especially true for the petite sirloin, which is thinner and less expensive than the top sirloin while still being tender and flavourful. Using sirloin allows you to create a delicious steak and cheese sub without breaking the bank.

Sirloin is also a good choice because it responds well to different cooking methods and seasonings. It can be grilled, roasted, or broiled, and it takes well to rubs and marinades, allowing you to further enhance its flavour.

Finally, sirloin is readily available at most butcher shops and grocery stores, making it accessible and convenient for preparing your steak and cheese sub.

In summary, sirloin is a flavourful, versatile, and affordable cut of beef that is perfect for a steak and cheese sub. Its tenderness, adaptability to different cooking methods, and wide availability make it a great choice for creating a delicious and satisfying sandwich.

You can use Swiss cheese instead

While the classic Philly cheesesteak is made with ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and provolone cheese, you can use Swiss cheese instead. In fact, some people prefer it. Swiss cheese has a mild flavour and melts well, making it a good substitute for provolone or American cheese.

The best cut of beef for a cheesesteak

You’ll want to pick a type of steak that is well-marbled and can be sliced super-thin so that it cooks quickly while staying nice and juicy. Ribeye is the traditional choice, but it can be expensive. Other options include sirloin, which is usually cheaper, or flank steak, which is lean but very tender when cut against the grain.

How to slice the beef thinly

The key to a great cheesesteak is super-thin slices of beef. To make slicing easier, put your steak in the freezer for 15-40 minutes before slicing. Cut away any excess fat, then use a sharp knife to thinly slice the meat against the grain. Ask your butcher to slice the beef for you if you're not confident doing it yourself.

How to make a Philly cheesesteak

First, toast your hoagie rolls. Then, sauté your onions and peppers until they are caramelized and tender. Remove them from the pan and set aside. Next, cook your steak in the same pan, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Finally, return the veggies to the pan and toss to combine with the steak. Divide the mixture into portions, top each with cheese, and cover the pan to melt the cheese. Spread mayo on the toasted rolls, then use a spatula to scrape the cheesy beef mixture into the buns.

You can add peppers and onions

Adding peppers and onions to your steak and cheese sub is a great way to add a burst of colour and flavour to your sandwich. You can use a combination of green and red bell peppers, or just one or the other, depending on your preference. The red peppers are a little bit sweeter, so if you have a sweet tooth, they might be the better option.

When it comes to preparing your peppers and onions, you'll want to slice them thinly. This will help them cook more quickly and evenly. You can then sauté them in a pan with some vegetable oil or butter over medium-low heat until they are tender. If you're preparing a lot of sandwiches, you can set the peppers and onions aside in a dish and cook your steak in the same pan.

If you're making Philly Cheesesteaks, the traditional option is to stick to just steak, onions, and cheese. However, adding peppers and onions is a common variation, especially on the West Coast of the United States. So, if you're looking to switch up the classic, this could be a great option!

You can use your own favourite cheese

There are many different types of cheese that can be used in a steak and cheese sub, and you can use your own favourite cheese. However, if you are looking for a classic combination, a Philly Cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced steak (usually ribeye or top round) and provolone cheese. The provolone can be substituted with Cheez Whiz, a shelf-stable cheese product sold in jars, or a combination of both. The sharp bite of provolone complements the completely creamy, almost nacho cheese texture of Cheez Whiz.

If you are looking for other options, white American cheese is also a popular choice. Some recipes also use Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or square white American cheese. You could even consider whipping up your own cheese sauce to top your sandwich with.

When making a steak and cheese sub, it is important to note that the steak should be thinly sliced so that it cooks quickly while staying juicy. Freezing the steak for 10-40 minutes before slicing will make this process easier.

Frequently asked questions