Randy Chandler
The Philly cheesesteak is a classic sandwich famous across America for its thinly chopped steak, crusty baguette, and grilled onions. However, there is a heated debate about whether or not a real Philly cheesesteak includes bright yellow Cheez Whiz. Many claim that a cheesesteak without Cheez Whiz is not authentic, while others believe that Cheez Whiz is not real cheese and ruins a perfectly good steak. Cheez Whiz was first introduced to cheesesteaks in the 1950s, and its popularity is attributed to its gooey texture and ease of application.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Gooey, salty, drippy |
| Texture | Gooey, runny |
| Colour | Bright yellow |
| History | Invented in 1952 by Kraft Food Scientist Edwin Traisman, introduced to the US in 1953 |
| Business | Increased production speed, easier to apply than sliced cheese |
| Popularity | Overwhelmingly the favourite at Pat's, outselling American cheese 8-10 to 1 |
| Authenticity | Some claim it's not an authentic cheesesteak without it |
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What You'll Learn
It's considered a classic, iconic image
The cheesesteak is a classic, iconic sandwich that is famous across America. The original cheesesteak, invented in the 1930s, did not feature any cheese. However, in the 1940s, slices of provolone cheese were added to the sandwich, offering a creamy, melty texture. After the introduction of Cheez Whiz in 1952, the Philly cheesesteak was changed forever.
Cheez Whiz was first introduced to the British market as a substitute for melted cheddar cheese on toast. It was then brought to the US in 1953, and soon became a popular topping for cheesesteaks. The reason for its popularity was not just because people enjoyed the drippy, salty taste, but also because it was easy to apply, allowing for faster production and more sandwiches to be sold.
Today, Cheez Whiz is considered a classic, iconic topping for a Philly cheesesteak. While some people may prefer other types of cheese, such as provolone or American cheese, the image of a Philly cheesesteak smothered in gooey Cheez Whiz has become ingrained in American culture. It has even been enjoyed by notable figures such as Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as Bill and Chelsea Clinton.
While the original cheesesteak may not have included cheese, the addition of Cheez Whiz has become a beloved part of the sandwich's history and a favourite among many.
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It's faster to make than other cheesesteaks
The cheesesteak is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. It was developed in the early 20th century in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has since become a popular regional fast food. The original cheesesteak did not have cheese on it, and it was only in the 1940s that slices of provolone cheese were added to the sandwich, offering a creamy, melty texture.
Cheez Whiz, a gooey, bright yellow artificial cheese sauce, was introduced in America in 1953 and quickly became a popular topping for cheesesteaks. While some people consider it an essential component of an authentic Philly cheesesteak, others disagree. However, one of the main reasons for its popularity is that it is faster to make than other cheesesteaks.
Cheez Whiz was first invented in 1952 by a Kraft Food Scientist named Edwin Traisman, along with a team of food scientists. It was initially created for the British market as a substitute for melted cheddar cheese on Welsh rarebit. Cheez Whiz has a liquid texture that makes it easy to spread on sandwiches, and it melts down quickly. This means that sandwich makers do not have to wait for slices of cheese to melt, resulting in faster production and more sandwiches being made.
Frank Olivieri, the nephew of Pat Olivieri, who is credited with creating the original cheesesteak, revealed in a 1985 interview that his uncle chose Cheez Whiz because it was easy to apply. This made it a popular choice for shops, as it increased production speed and allowed them to serve more customers. The use of Cheez Whiz was thus a business decision that also happened to please customers who enjoyed the drippy, salty taste of the cheese sauce.
While Cheez Whiz may not be considered a better ingredient than other cheeses, its strong flavour complements the cheesesteak well. Its liquid texture also ensures that it saturates the sandwich, which can be a challenge when using slices of cheese that may not melt sufficiently to cover the large amount of meat and bread.
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It's considered a better complement to the steak
The use of Cheez Whiz on cheesesteaks is a highly debated topic, with some claiming that it is not an authentic cheesesteak without it, while others argue that it ruins a perfectly good steak. However, one of the main reasons why people consider Cheez Whiz a better complement to the steak is its gooey, drippy, and salty characteristics. The gooey texture of Cheez Whiz is often preferred over other cheeses that do not share the same meltiness. Cheez Whiz's drippy and salty qualities also add to its appeal, creating a unique taste and texture combination that many find irresistible.
Cheez Whiz, introduced in the 1950s, revolutionized the cheesesteak sandwich by providing a faster and easier option for sandwich makers. Its spreadable consistency eliminated the need for melting slices of cheese, expediting the preparation process and increasing production. This advantage made it a popular choice among businesses aiming to serve more customers efficiently.
Additionally, Cheez Whiz's strong flavour and ability to saturate the sandwich are considered advantageous. Its potent taste enhances the overall flavour of the cheesesteak, ensuring that it is not overpowered by the meat and bread. Cheez Whiz's liquidity allows it to permeate the sandwich, ensuring that every bite is infused with its distinctive flavour. This characteristic sets it apart from sliced cheeses that may not adequately cover the sandwich's components.
While some may argue that other cheeses like provolone, American cheese, or mozzarella are more suitable, Cheez Whiz has become synonymous with the classic Philly cheesesteak. Its bright yellow colour and gooey texture have created an iconic image that is instantly recognizable. Cheez Whiz's ability to complement the steak, coupled with its convenience and distinct flavour, have solidified its place as a beloved topping for many cheesesteak enthusiasts.
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It's considered more authentic
The use of Cheez Whiz on a Philly cheesesteak is considered more authentic by some people. The original cheesesteak, invented by Pat Olivieri in the 1930s, did not contain any cheese. However, in the 1940s, restaurants began adding slices of provolone cheese, creating the official Philly cheesesteak. After the introduction of Cheez Whiz in 1952, some cheesesteak shops began offering it as a topping. By the mid-1950s, it had become a popular choice, with its gooey texture and strong flavour considered a better complement to the sandwich than sliced cheese.
The use of Cheez Whiz allowed sandwich makers to speed up production as they no longer had to wait for slices of cheese to melt to the proper texture. This meant they could make more sandwiches and sell them to more people, which was a key reason for its adoption.
While some people consider Cheez Whiz to be the only authentic choice for a Philly cheesesteak, others disagree. Some people believe that provolone or American cheese are more traditional and authentic choices, with Cheez Whiz considered an inferior ingredient. There is a debate among cheesesteak enthusiasts about the best type of cheese to use, with some considering Cheez Whiz to be an essential part of the sandwich's culture and history, while others believe it is not a "real" cheese and does not belong on a cheesesteak.
Despite the differing opinions, Cheez Whiz has become an iconic part of the Philly cheesesteak, with many people associating the bright yellow, gooey cheese with the sandwich. It is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike, and many restaurants in Philadelphia offer it as a main option, if not the only option, for their cheesesteaks.
Overall, while there are varying opinions on the authenticity of Cheez Whiz on a Philly cheesesteak, its historical significance and widespread popularity have made it an enduring and beloved part of the sandwich's tradition.
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It's a more consistent texture than sliced cheese
The use of Cheez Whiz on cheesesteaks is a highly debated topic. While some claim that a cheesesteak is only authentic if topped with Cheez Whiz, others disagree. One of the reasons why some people prefer Cheez Whiz on their cheesesteaks is because of its gooey, drippy, and salty texture. This texture is a result of the cheese being in a processed, liquid form, which allows it to melt and spread easily throughout the sandwich.
The original cheesesteak, invented in the early 1930s, did not include cheese. It was only in the 1940s that slices of provolone cheese were introduced, adding a creamy and melty texture to the sandwich. However, when Cheez Whiz was introduced in the 1950s, it quickly gained popularity as a topping for cheesesteaks.
One of the main advantages of using Cheez Whiz is its consistency. Unlike sliced cheese, Cheez Whiz has a more uniform and fluid texture, making it easier to spread and apply to the sandwich. This results in a more evenly distributed cheese layer, ensuring that each bite of the cheesesteak has the perfect ratio of meat, bread, and cheese.
The ease of application of Cheez Whiz is also advantageous from a business perspective. With Cheez Whiz, sandwich makers no longer need to wait for slices of cheese to melt to the proper texture. This faster preparation time increases production efficiency and allows businesses to serve more customers, especially during peak hours.
While some may argue that sliced cheese, such as provolone or American cheese, offers a more authentic or traditional flavor, Cheez Whiz provides a unique, strong flavor that complements the cheesesteak. The gooey texture of Cheez Whiz also adds a sensory appeal that many people enjoy.
In conclusion, while the use of Cheez Whiz on cheesesteaks may be controversial, its consistent texture, ease of application, and distinct flavor have contributed to its popularity as a topping. Ultimately, the choice between Cheez Whiz and sliced cheese comes down to personal preference, and both options have their loyal followers in the world of cheesesteaks.
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