Kamil Perry
The Philly Cheesesteak is a cultural icon in Philadelphia and a big draw for visitors. It is a long, crusty roll filled with thinly sliced pan-fried beef and melted cheese. The original cheesesteak, created by Pat Olivieri in the 1930s, did not have any cheese on it. In the 1940s, restaurants began adding slices of provolone cheese to the sandwich, which was the original cheese of choice. In the 1950s, Cheese Whiz was introduced and people began adding it to their cheesesteaks, preferring its gooey texture. Today, the cheesesteak is commonly associated with Cheese Whiz, with some claiming that it is not authentic without it. However, opinions vary, and other common cheese substitutions include provolone and American cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why is Cheese Whiz used? | It is considered easy to apply |
| When was Cheese Whiz introduced? | 1950s |
| Who invented Cheese Whiz? | Kraft Food Scientist Edwin Traisman and a team of food scientists |
| Why is Cheese Whiz used in Philly Cheesesteaks? | It is considered a comfort food, and it is easy to apply |
| What type of cheese was used originally? | Provolone |
| What is the beef cut for Philly Cheesesteaks? | Boneless rib-eye or sirloin or a mixture of both |
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What You'll Learn
The original Philly Cheesesteak didn't have cheese
The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. It is a popular regional fast food that has its roots in Philadelphia. The original cheesesteak, however, did not include any cheese. It is said that Pat and Harry Olivieri, who were the first to sell cheesesteaks in South Philly, did not initially include cheese on their sandwiches because they had many customers who kept kosher, and mixing cheese and meat on the grill would have been problematic.
Cheese was first added to the cheesesteak in the 1940s, when provolone was used. When Cheese Whiz was introduced in the 1950s, people began to use it on their sandwiches, preferring its gooey texture over other types of cheese. Nowadays, it is almost considered a sin to get a cheesesteak without Cheese Whiz. However, some people still prefer provolone, and some consider Cheese Whiz to be inauthentic and disgusting.
The addition of cheese to the original Philly Cheesesteak is an example of how regional foods can evolve and gain broader appeal over time. While some purists may insist on the original recipe, others embrace new ingredients and variations that suit their tastes and preferences.
Aside from the debate over cheese, the quality of a Philly Cheesesteak depends on other factors such as the type of bread, the cut and thickness of the beef, and the inclusion of additional ingredients like fried onions, salt, pepper, and sauces like mayo or ketchup. Some people consider mayo to be a standard ingredient in a Philly Cheesesteak, while others believe it belongs more in a cheesesteak hoagie.
In conclusion, while the original Philly Cheesesteak did not include cheese, the addition of Cheese Whiz and other types of cheese has become a popular variation that has spread beyond Philadelphia. The debate over the "authentic" Philly Cheesesteak continues, with different individuals and establishments offering their own interpretations of this beloved regional dish.
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Provolone was the first cheese added to the cheesesteak in the 1940s
The cheesesteak sandwich, also known as the Philly cheesesteak, is a popular fast-food item with its roots in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is made with thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. The exact story behind its creation is debated, but according to many accounts, it was invented in the early 1930s by Philadelphians Pat and Harry Olivieri, who originally owned a hot dog stand. On one occasion, they decided to make a new sandwich using chopped beef and grilled onions.
The original cheesesteak did not have cheese on it. It wasn't until the 1940s that cheese was first added to the sandwich, and it was provolone that was used. Cheez Whiz, a product developed by Kraft Foods in 1952, was not yet available for the original 1932 version or the 1951 version that first added cheese. When it was introduced in the 1950s, people began using it on their cheesesteaks, preferring its gooey texture over other cheeses.
Provolone is a sharp and salty cheese that holds up well to the rich fatty beef in a cheesesteak sandwich. It can be folded and melted into the cooked steak, adding flavour and acting as a binder to hold the thinly sliced meat together. This also creates a protective barrier that prevents the bread from turning soggy from the drippy beef filling.
While Cheez Whiz has become a popular choice for cheesesteaks, with some considering it a must-have, provolone remains a favourite among aficionados and is recommended by several cheesesteak establishments. It is also suggested that American cheese was the first to be added to the cheesesteak, with some debate over whether this was the case or if it was provolone.
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Cheese Whiz was added to cheesesteaks in the 1950s
The iconic Philly Cheesesteak is a cultural icon in Philadelphia and a big draw for visitors. The classic cheesesteak is a long, crusty roll filled with thinly sliced pan-fried beef and melted cheese. While the original cheesesteak didn't have any cheese on it, Cheese Whiz has become a popular topping for this sandwich since its invention in the 1950s.
Cheese Whiz, a gooey, liquid gold delight, was first introduced to the US market in the 1950s. It was invented by Kraft Food Scientist Edwin Traisman, along with a team of food scientists in 1952, initially for the British market as a substitute for melted cheddar cheese on Welsh Rarebit. The product was a success, and soon it was brought to the United States, where it found a new and unexpected use.
When Cheese Whiz was introduced in the 1950s, people began adding it to their cheesesteaks. The gooey texture and unique flavour of Cheese Whiz made it a preferred choice over other cheeses. It is now considered a classic component of the Philly Cheesesteak, with some even deeming it a sin to omit the Whiz.
However, opinions vary, and some consider Cheese Whiz a subpar option for the sandwich. Some assert that authentic cheesesteaks do not feature Cheese Whiz, and it is more commonly found in touristy shops. Provolone, a sharp cheese with a savoury flavour, is often suggested as a more favourable alternative.
Despite the debate, Cheese Whiz holds a special place in the history of the Philly Cheesesteak. Its addition to the sandwich in the 1950s contributed to the evolution of this beloved comfort food, solidifying its status as a cultural icon in Philadelphia and beyond.
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Cheese Whiz was chosen for its ease of application, not taste
The Philly Cheesesteak is a cultural icon and a big draw for visitors to Philadelphia. It is a long, crusty roll filled with thinly sliced pan-fried beef, grilled onions, and melted cheese. The cheese is often Cheese Whiz, a bright yellow, gooey cheese sauce invented by Kraft Food Scientist Edwin Traisman in 1952.
Cheese Whiz was first introduced to the British market as a substitute for melted cheddar cheese on toast, known as Welsh Rarebit. It was released in the United States a year later, in 1953. By this time, the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich had already been invented and was originally made without cheese. When cheese was eventually added in the 1940s, provolone was the cheese of choice. However, when Cheese Whiz was introduced to the American market, its gooey texture made it a popular alternative to provolone.
The reason Cheese Whiz became a key component of the Philly Cheesesteak was not because of its taste or mouthfeel, but because of its ease of application. Frank Olivieri, the nephew of Pat Olivieri, the creator of the Philly Cheesesteak, revealed in a 1985 interview with The New York Times that his uncle chose Cheese Whiz because it was easy to apply to the sandwich. This was also the reason why many other shops started using Cheese Whiz on their Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches.
While Cheese Whiz is commonly used on Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches, it is not the only option. Other common cheeses used include provolone and American cheese. Some people also substitute Cheese Whiz with mozzarella or cheddar cheese. The choice of cheese can be a matter of personal preference, regional availability, or cultural influences.
Despite the popularity of Cheese Whiz on Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches, there is a debate about whether it is essential to an "authentic" Philly Cheesesteak. Some people claim that a real Philly Cheesesteak does not include Cheese Whiz, while others argue that the bright yellow cheese sauce is what makes the sandwich truly iconic. Ultimately, the choice of cheese on a Philly Cheesesteak may depend on personal preference, regional influences, or traditional recipes.
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Some people dislike Cheese Whiz on cheesesteaks
While Cheese Whiz is a common choice for a Philly cheesesteak, some people dislike it as a topping. One reason for this may be that Cheese Whiz is a processed cheese product, and some people prefer ""real cheese" on their sandwiches. Some people also find the taste and smell of Cheese Whiz off-putting, describing it as "horrible" and "gross".
Another reason some people may prefer other types of cheese on their cheesesteaks is that Cheese Whiz is often associated with tourist traps and considered inauthentic by some locals. One source suggests that smaller shops are more likely to serve a "good sandwich" without Cheese Whiz. Additionally, the original cheesesteak did not have cheese on it, and when cheese was added, it was Provolone, not Cheese Whiz.
However, some people who dislike Cheese Whiz on cheesesteaks may be perceived as being classist or having a need to feel superior. This may be because Cheese Whiz is strongly associated with the dish and is considered a classic choice by many. Nevertheless, individual taste preferences vary, and not everyone enjoys the taste of Cheese Whiz.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese Whiz is a popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks because of its gooey texture and ease of application. Some claim that an authentic Philly cheesesteak must have Cheese Whiz, while others prefer provolone or American cheese.
Cheese Whiz is a processed cheese sauce known for its bright yellow color and gooey texture. It was first introduced in 1952 by Kraft Foods as a mild cheese for British dishes.
A Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich originating from Philadelphia, typically made with thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, and cheese in a long crusty roll. It is considered a cultural icon of the city and a popular comfort food.
When cheese was first added to the Philly cheesesteak in the 1940s, provolone was the original cheese of choice. However, Cheese Whiz became popular in the 1950s due to its gooey texture and ease of application. Today, provolone, American cheese, and Cheese Whiz are all common choices for Philly cheesesteaks.
