Andy Montoya
The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich made with tender ribeye, caramelized onions, and melted cheese sauce on a toasted hoagie roll. While the classic version is often served with Cheez Whiz, some people prefer to add other sauces and condiments, such as mustard, to their Philly Cheesesteak. This has sparked debate, with some people arguing that mustard does not belong on a Philly Cheesesteak, while others claim that it is a common practice in Philadelphia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mustard on a Philly cheese | Uncommon but not unheard of |
| People who like mustard on a Philly cheese | Sixers forward Tobias Harris, Steve Kotridis (owner of Dalessandro's Steaks), Barry McGuinn (owner of Barry's Steaks & Hoagies), Bill Dalessandro (founder of Dalessandro's), some social media commenters |
| People who dislike mustard on a Philly cheese | John Bucci Jr. (owner of John's Roast Pork), Barstool Sports, Crossing Broad, The Liberty Line, some social media commenters |
| Other sauces that go with a Philly cheese | Cheez Whiz, homemade cheese sauce, provolone cheese slices, ranch, horseradish cream, mayo, hot sauce, sriracha, chimichurri, beef gravy, Marsala sauce, Gruyère, pepper jack |
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What You'll Learn
Mustard on a Philly cheese sandwich: Yes or No?
Mustard on a Philly cheese sandwich has sparked a lot of debate. While some people are strictly against the idea, others seem to be more welcoming of it.
Philly cheese, also known as Philly cheesesteak, is a sandwich made with tender ribeye, caramelized onions, and melted cheese sauce on a toasted hoagie roll. It is considered American comfort food and is a popular choice for game days, casual lunches, or feeding a hungry crowd. The authentic Philly version is often served with Cheez Whiz, but some people prefer to make their own homemade cheese sauce.
The debate about whether or not to put mustard on a Philly cheese sandwich was sparked by Sixers forward Tobias Harris, who admitted to liking mustard on his cheesesteaks. This sparked a lot of criticism online, with some people saying that mustard has no place on a Philly cheese sandwich. However, shop owners in Philly have come forward to say that adding the spicy condiment is more common than people think. Steve Kotridis, the owner of Dalessandro's Steaks in Roxborough, said that quite a few people get mustard on their steaks. Barry McGuinn of Barry's Steaks & Hoagies also confirmed that it's not uncommon for customers to add or request mustard on their Philly cheese sandwiches.
On the other hand, John Bucci Jr., of John's Roast Pork on Snyder Avenue, strongly disagreed, saying that "NO ONE from Philly puts mustard on a cheesesteak." The debate has also played out on social media and Reddit, with people passionately arguing for and against the idea of putting mustard on a Philly cheese sandwich. Some people have even suggested alternative sauces, such as horseradish cream, horsey mayo, and a mixture of mayo and Sriracha.
While there are varying opinions on the matter, it is clear that the addition of mustard to a Philly cheese sandwich is a controversial topic. Those who are against it believe that a cheesesteak shouldn't be tangy and that mustard does not belong on the Philly staple. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to put mustard on a Philly cheese sandwich comes down to individual preference. While some may enjoy the tangy spice that mustard adds, others may prefer to stick to the traditional recipe without it.
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Philly cheese with mustard: Social media reactions
The great Philly Cheesesteak debate rages on, with mustard emerging as a controversial condiment. While some purists balk at the idea, others are surprisingly open to the tangy addition. The reactions on social media are as heated as the spice itself.
Some Twitter users were quick to express their dismay, with one exclaiming, "Say it ain't so!" The mere suggestion of mustard on a Philly Cheesesteak was enough to cause outrage. Another Twitter user declared, "In no situation ever, should there be mustard on a cheesesteak." The idea of a tangy twist to the classic sandwich was clearly unacceptable to this traditionalist.
However, others were more open-minded, or even enthusiastic, about the idea. Many came forward to defend the combination, with some claiming to have enjoyed mustard on their steaks since childhood. These supporters were willing to break with tradition, embracing the spicy condiment as a tasty addition to the Philly Cheesesteak experience.
The debate even sparked some humor, with one Twitter user jokingly suggesting, "What in the actual heck is this about, Tobias?" indicating that the mere mention of mustard had thrown the classic sandwich into uncharted territory. This lighthearted reaction added a touch of levity to the otherwise intense debate.
While the debate over mustard on a Philly Cheesesteak may continue to divide opinions, it has certainly sparked engaging conversations and passionate defenses of personal preferences. Whether you're a traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, it's safe to say that the Philly Cheesesteak will remain a beloved classic, with or without the spicy kick of mustard.
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Other sauces that go well with Philly cheese
While some purists believe that a Philly cheese should not include any sauces beyond the melted cheese, there are several other sauces that are commonly used. The most popular of these is Cheez Whiz, a bright yellow, smooth, and rich processed cheese sauce that is synonymous with the traditional Philly cheesesteak.
Other popular cheese-based sauces include provolone, which is known for its creaminess and tang, and a simple combination of cheddar and cream, which results in a smooth, rich sauce. Some recipes also suggest adding garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the melted cheese for extra depth of flavour.
Beyond cheese, other popular sauces include horseradish sauce, which adds a tangy contrast to the rich flavours of the meat and cheese, peppercorn ranch, which adds a little heat, and pepper sauce, which is a sweet and spicy combination that works well with steak. Spicy mayo is another option, adding a kick to balance out the other flavours, and some suggest adding sliced avocado or guacamole for extra smoothness.
For those who like their Philly cheesesteak with barbecue sauce, Kansas City-style sauce is a popular choice, made with tomatoes and spiced with molasses or brown sugar. A sweeter alternative is honey BBQ sauce, which combines the sweetness of honey with the saltiness of the steak. Hot sauce is also an option for those who like their Philly cheesesteak spicy, with the classic option being Tabasco.
Finally, some suggest adding salsa to a Philly cheesesteak, which adds a kick while keeping the meat moist, or white gravy, which has a milder taste than brown gravy but still adds some zing.
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The best Philly cheese steak recipe
Philly Cheesesteaks are a well-loved American comfort food, perfect for game days, casual lunches, or feeding a hungry crowd. The classic sandwich is made with thinly sliced steak and cheese and served on a long hoagie roll.
Ingredients
- Hoagie rolls
- Thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin)
- Cheese (provolone, white American, Swiss, Cheez Whiz, or a mix of shredded sharp cheddar and American cheese)
- Onions (caramelized or sautéed)
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Vegetable oil
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Place the beef in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing it as thinly as possible.
- Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to a large, deep sauté pan and place over medium-low heat.
- Add onions and bell peppers. Allow to cook, stirring occasionally, until very tender. If they are beginning to brown, turn the heat down.
- Remove the steak from the freezer and place it on a cutting board. Slice the steak as thinly as possible.
- While the veggies are cooking, prepare the steak, stirring occasionally.
- Sauté the steak until browned.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to season the beef and vegetables.
- Place sliced cheese over the top and cover the pan to allow the cheese to melt.
- Use tongs to mix the melted cheese throughout the beef and veggie mixture.
- Lightly butter the inside of the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Toast the rolls in the oven.
- Divide the Philly Cheesesteak mixture between the toasted hoagie rolls and serve.
Variations
Some people like to add Cheez Whiz to the steak and vegetable mixture, or even a small amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you want to add some spice, you can include mustard, though this is a topic of debate!
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Marinade and mustard: A Philly cheese marinade
Philly cheesesteaks are a delicious American comfort food, perfect for any occasion. While the classic sandwich is made with tender ribeye, caramelized onions, and melted cheese sauce on a toasted hoagie roll, there are many ways to make it your own. Some people like to add toppings like mushrooms, while others experiment with different types of cheese. But one of the most controversial additions to a Philly cheesesteak is mustard.
Some people argue that mustard has no place on a Philly cheesesteak. They believe that the sandwich should not be tangy and that mustard detracts from the classic flavours. However, others disagree, saying that adding mustard is more common than people think. In fact, many shop owners in Philadelphia carry mustard as a condiment for their cheesesteaks, and some even claim that quite a few people request it.
So, where does this divide come from? Well, it seems that while mustard may be a common addition, it is not traditional. The Philly cheesesteak is said to have originated in the 1930s when a Philadelphia hot dog vendor grilled thinly sliced steak and stuffed it into a roll. Mustard, of course, is a classic condiment for hot dogs, so it's not surprising that some people might want to add it to their cheesesteaks as well.
Whether you're a purist who prefers the classic flavours or someone who likes to experiment with their food, one thing is clear: the Philly cheesesteak is a versatile sandwich that can be enjoyed in many different ways. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not give mustard a try? After all, as some Philly shop owners say, it's not uncommon.
If you want to make a Philly cheesesteak marinade with mustard, simply combine mustard, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and your favourite Philly cheesesteak seasonings. This marinade will impart incredible flavour and help to tenderize your steak. So go ahead, don't be afraid to experiment and make your Philly cheesesteak your own!
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Frequently asked questions
Philly shop owners say it's not unusual to add mustard to a Philly cheese sandwich. However, some people strongly believe that mustard has no place on the Philly staple.
A Philly cheese sandwich, also known as a Philly cheesesteak, is a sandwich made with tender ribeye, caramelized onions, and melted cheese sauce on a toasted hoagie roll.
The best cheese for a Philly cheese sandwich is a mix of shredded sharp cheddar and American cheese. You can also use mild cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, or Velveeta. Some people also use provolone cheese slices.
Other sauces that go well with a Philly cheese sandwich include horseradish mayo, garlic, black pepper, ranch, hot sauce, and Sriracha.
