Philly Cheesesteak: How to Make This Classic Sandwich at Home

What Makes Philly Cheesesteak Special?

Philly Cheesesteak is a special sandwich because of its unique combination of ingredients and flavors. The thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sautéed vegetables all come together to create a savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavor. 

What sets Philly Cheesesteak apart is the use of thinly sliced ribeye steak, which is traditionally cooked on a flat griddle and then mixed with sautéed onions and melted cheese before being served on a soft roll.

The history of Philly Cheesesteak dates back to the 1930s in Philadelphia, where it was first created by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor. He decided to make a sandwich with thinly sliced steak and onions, which he served on a hot dog roll. 

The sandwich was an instant hit and soon became a staple of the Philadelphia food scene. Today, Philly Cheesesteak is recognized as a classic American sandwich and has even been declared the official sandwich of Philadelphia.

Traditionally, Philly Cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese. The most common cheese used is Cheez Whiz, but provolone and American cheese are also popular choices. The sandwich is served on a soft roll, usually with a sprinkling of salt, pepper, and sometimes ketchup.

The Secret to a Perfect Philly Cheesesteak

The secret to making the perfect Philly Cheesesteak lies in choosing the right ingredients, preparing them properly, and assembling the sandwich correctly. 

Another important factor in making the perfect Philly Cheesesteak is choosing the right cheese. While Cheez Whiz is the traditional choice, we also use provolone and American cheese, depending on the customer's preference. The cheese should be melted on top of the steak and vegetables before being served on a soft roll.

Overall, the secret to making the perfect Philly Cheesesteak is to use high-quality ingredients, prepare them properly, and assemble the sandwich with care. By following these tips and techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying sandwich that will have your taste buds begging for more.

Variations of Philly Cheesesteak

While the classic Philly Cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese on a soft roll, there are many variations of this beloved sandwich. 

One popular variation is the chicken cheesesteak, which replaces the steak with thinly sliced chicken breast. Vegetarian versions of the sandwich also exist, using ingredients such as mushrooms, peppers, and onions instead of meat.

To make a chicken cheesesteak at home, simply substitute the thinly sliced chicken breast for the ribeye steak and cook it on a flat griddle or pan until it is cooked through. The rest of the sandwich can be made using the same ingredients as the classic Philly Cheesesteak. For a vegetarian version, sauté mushrooms, peppers, and onions together and use them as a filling for the sandwich. You can also use a vegetarian protein substitute such as tofu or seitan as a meat replacement.

In conclusion, Philly Cheesesteak is a classic American sandwich that is loved by many. While the classic version is made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese on a soft roll, there are many variations of this sandwich that can be made at home. From chicken cheesesteak to vegetarian versions, there is a Philly Cheesesteak for everyone.

By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can make the perfect Philly Cheesesteak at home. And if you're ever in the mood for the classic version, be sure to visit Meatguy Steakhouse to try our menu.