The Philly cheesesteak, a culinary icon of Philadelphia, has been a staple of American cuisine for decades. This mouth-watering sandwich, composed of tender steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. However, the age-old debate surrounding the best cheese for Philly cheesesteak continues to rage on. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of cheeses, exploring the most popular options, their characteristics, and the ultimate winner of the title.
A Brief History of the Philly Cheesesteak
Before we dive into the world of cheeses, it’s essential to understand the origins of the Philly cheesesteak. The story begins in the 1930s, when a hot dog vendor named Pat Olivieri began serving thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll to hungry taxi cab drivers in South Philadelphia. One day, a customer asked Olivieri to add some cheese to the sandwich, and the Philly cheesesteak was born. Olivieri’s hot dog stand eventually evolved into Pat’s King of Steaks, a legendary restaurant that still serves some of the city’s best cheesesteaks.
The Anatomy of a Philly Cheesesteak
A traditional Philly cheesesteak consists of three primary components: thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions. The steak is typically made from ribeye or top round, sliced into thin strips and cooked to perfection on a griddle. The cheese, the star of our show, is melted to a golden brown, binding the flavors and textures of the sandwich together. Finally, the sautéed onions add a sweet and savory element, balancing out the richness of the cheese and steak.
Cheese: The Unsung Hero of the Philly Cheesesteak
When it comes to cheese, the options can be overwhelming. From creamy brie to tangy feta, the world of cheese is vast and diverse. However, when it comes to the Philly cheesesteak, only a select few cheeses make the cut. In this section, we’ll explore the most popular cheese options, their characteristics, and the reasons why they’re well-suited for the Philly cheesesteak.
1. Cheez Whiz: The Original and Still a Favorite
Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese spread, has been a staple of Philly cheesesteaks since the 1950s. This creamy, melted cheese is a classic choice, offering a smooth, velvety texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Cheez Whiz is an excellent melting cheese, making it an ideal choice for the Philly cheesesteak.
2. Provolone: A Close Second
Provolone, a semi-hard Italian cheese, is a close second to Cheez Whiz in popularity. This smooth, mellow cheese offers a buttery, nutty flavor and a firm texture that melts beautifully. Provolone is an excellent choice for those seeking a more traditional cheese flavor.
3. White American: A Mild and Creamy Option
White American, a mild and creamy cheese, is a popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks. This cheese offers a smooth texture and a subtle, slightly sweet flavor, making it an excellent option for those seeking a milder cheese.
4. Mozzarella: A Melty and Mild Option
Mozzarella, a soft, white Italian cheese, is a popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks. This cheese offers a mild flavor and a melty texture, making it an excellent option for those seeking a creamy, cheesy experience.
The Ultimate Showdown: Cheez Whiz vs. Provolone
In the world of Philly cheesesteaks, two cheeses reign supreme: Cheez Whiz and Provolone. Both cheeses have their loyal followings, but which one is the ultimate winner? In this section, we’ll pit these two cheeses against each other, exploring their strengths and weaknesses.
| Cheese | Texture | Flavor | Melting Ability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheez Whiz | Smooth, creamy | Mild, slightly sweet | Excellent |
| Provolone | Firm, smooth | Buttery, nutty | Excellent |
As the table above illustrates, both Cheez Whiz and Provolone offer excellent melting abilities and smooth textures. However, the flavor profiles differ significantly. Cheez Whiz offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor, while Provolone boasts a buttery, nutty taste.
The Verdict: Cheez Whiz Reigns Supreme
After careful consideration, we declare Cheez Whiz the ultimate winner of the best cheese for Philly cheesesteak. This processed cheese spread offers a unique combination of creamy texture, mild flavor, and excellent melting ability, making it the perfect choice for this iconic sandwich.
Conclusion
The Philly cheesesteak, a culinary icon of Philadelphia, is a sandwich that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. While the debate surrounding the best cheese for Philly cheesesteak continues to rage on, one thing is certain: Cheez Whiz is the ultimate winner. This processed cheese spread offers a unique combination of creamy texture, mild flavor, and excellent melting ability, making it the perfect choice for this iconic sandwich. Whether you’re a native Philadelphian or just a food enthusiast, the Philly cheesesteak is a must-try culinary experience that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the best cheese for Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference. While Cheez Whiz is the ultimate winner, Provolone, White American, and Mozzarella are all excellent options. When it comes to the Philly cheesesteak, the most important thing is to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese. Whether you’re a cheese aficionado or just a food enthusiast, the Philly cheesesteak is a culinary experience that is sure to delight.
A Word of Advice
When it comes to the Philly cheesesteak, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. While Cheez Whiz is the ultimate winner, other cheeses, such as Provolone and White American, offer unique flavor profiles and textures that are sure to enhance your culinary experience. Remember, the key to a great Philly cheesesteak is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the sandwich with love and care.
Get Creative with Your Philly Cheesesteak
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Philly cheesesteak. Add some sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to give the sandwich a boost of flavor and texture. Use different types of cheese, such as Provolone or White American, to create a unique flavor profile. Experiment with different types of bread, such as a crusty Italian roll or a soft Amoroso roll, to add texture and flavor to the sandwich. The possibilities are endless, and the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the culinary experience.
What is the traditional cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak?
The traditional cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak is Cheez Whiz. This processed cheese spread has been a staple in Philadelphia for decades and is often considered the authentic choice for a classic Philly cheesesteak. It melts well and adds a creamy texture to the sandwich.
However, it’s worth noting that not all Philadelphians agree on the use of Cheez Whiz. Some prefer other types of cheese, such as provolone or white American, which can also be delicious in a Philly cheesesteak. Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference.
What are the key characteristics of a good cheese for a Philly cheesesteak?
A good cheese for a Philly cheesesteak should have a few key characteristics. First, it should melt well and be able to withstand the high heat of the griddle or grill. This will help to create a gooey, cheesy texture that’s essential to a great Philly cheesesteak. Second, the cheese should have a rich, savory flavor that complements the beef and other ingredients in the sandwich.
In addition to these characteristics, a good cheese for a Philly cheesesteak should also be relatively mild and not overpowering. This will help to balance out the flavors in the sandwich and prevent the cheese from overwhelming the other ingredients. Some cheeses, such as blue cheese or goat cheese, may be too strong and overpowering for a Philly cheesesteak.
Can I use other types of cheese in a Philly cheesesteak?
While Cheez Whiz is the traditional cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak, there are many other types of cheese that can be used as a substitute. Some popular alternatives include provolone, white American, and mozzarella. These cheeses have a similar texture to Cheez Whiz and can melt well, making them a good choice for a Philly cheesesteak.
In addition to these cheeses, some people also like to use more gourmet options, such as gouda or fontina. These cheeses can add a richer, more complex flavor to the sandwich, but may not melt as well as some other options. Ultimately, the choice of cheese will depend on personal preference and the type of flavor you’re looking for.
How do I melt the cheese in a Philly cheesesteak?
Melting the cheese in a Philly cheesesteak is a crucial step in creating a great sandwich. One way to melt the cheese is to place the cheese on top of the beef and let it melt under the broiler. This will help to create a gooey, cheesy texture that’s essential to a great Philly cheesesteak.
Another way to melt the cheese is to place the cheese on the griddle or grill and let it melt into the beef. This will help to create a creamy, cheesy texture that’s evenly distributed throughout the sandwich. Either way, it’s essential to use a low heat and to stir the cheese constantly to prevent it from burning or becoming too crispy.
Can I use a cheese sauce instead of sliced cheese?
Yes, you can use a cheese sauce instead of sliced cheese in a Philly cheesesteak. In fact, some restaurants and food trucks use a cheese sauce as a way to add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess to the sandwich. A cheese sauce can be made by melting cheese with milk or cream and then stirring in some seasonings and spices.
Using a cheese sauce can be a great way to add an extra layer of flavor to a Philly cheesesteak, but it’s not for everyone. Some people prefer the texture of sliced cheese, while others prefer the creaminess of a cheese sauce. Ultimately, the choice will depend on personal preference and the type of flavor you’re looking for.
How much cheese should I use in a Philly cheesesteak?
The amount of cheese to use in a Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference. Some people like a lot of cheese, while others prefer just a little. As a general rule, it’s best to use a moderate amount of cheese – enough to add flavor and creaminess to the sandwich, but not so much that it overpowers the other ingredients.
A good rule of thumb is to use about 1-2 slices of cheese per sandwich, depending on the type of cheese and the size of the sandwich. You can always add more cheese if you prefer a cheesier sandwich, but it’s harder to remove excess cheese once it’s been added.
Can I make a vegan Philly cheesesteak with cheese?
While traditional cheese is not vegan, there are many vegan cheese alternatives that can be used to make a vegan Philly cheesesteak. These cheeses are made from plant-based ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and soy, and can be melted and used in place of traditional cheese.
Some popular vegan cheese alternatives include Daiya, Follow Your Heart, and Kite Hill. These cheeses can be used to make a vegan Philly cheesesteak that’s just as delicious as the traditional version. Simply substitute the vegan cheese for the traditional cheese and follow the same cooking instructions.