Philly Cheesesteak is a classic American sandwich originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It consists of thinly sliced steak sautéed with onions and green bell peppers, then topped with melted cheese and served on a soft hoagie roll. The traditional cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak is Cheez Whiz, but other cheese options include Provolone, American, or Swiss.
This sandwich is known for its savory and satisfying flavor, making it a popular choice for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. Whether you're a fan of this classic sandwich or just looking to try something new, a Philly cheesesteak will satisfy your taste buds.
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What is Philly Cheesesteak?
Philly Cheesesteak is a famous sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. It typically consists of thinly sliced ribeye beef cooked with sautéed onions and green peppers and then topped with melted cheese, usually provolone or American cheese. The sandwich is served on a long or hoagie roll and is often accompanied by condiments like ketchup, hot sauce, or mayo. Philly Cheesesteak has become a staple of American cuisine and is enjoyed by many people across the United States and worldwide.
Philly Cheesesteak Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Hoagie Rolls or Sub Rolls: These serve as the base for the sandwich, providing the structure and texture needed to hold the ingredients.
- Green Pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet, and crunchy element to the sandwich, providing a contrast in texture and flavor.
- White Onion: Contributes a mild, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor to the sandwich. When cooked, onions become tender and add a savory dimension.
- Mushrooms: Provide an earthy and savory flavor, as well as a meaty texture, enhancing the overall umami profile of the sandwich.
- Beef Ribeye Steaks: The main protein source for the sandwich. Thinly sliced and cooked to perfection, they offer a rich, beefy flavor and tender texture.
- Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Season the various components of the sandwich, enhancing their natural flavors and adding a balanced saltiness and spice.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the steak, it adds a fruity and aromatic dimension.
- Slices of Cheese (Provolone or Muenster): Melted over the steak and vegetables, the cheese provides a creamy, gooey, and savory element that binds the sandwich together.
- Mayo: Adds a creamy and slightly tangy texture to the sandwich, contrasting the savory ingredients.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Slice the hoagie rolls/sub rolls and set them aside. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Heat a large non-stick skillet, and lightly drizzle canola oil on medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper (to taste) and cook for 5-8 minutes or until cooked. *Remove and place on a medium bowl. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the sliced hoagie rolls/sub rolls and toast for 11 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Wipe the skillet with a paper towel, lightly drizzle canola oil, and add the steak,
Season with salt & pepper (to taste). Reduce to medium heat and cook for 2-4 minutes. Add in the veggie mixture, if desired, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add slices of cheese on top and allow the cheese to melt. Place the toast hoagies on a plate or wrap them with tin foil. Spread mayo on both sides. (If desired) Transfer the cooked meat /veggies and melted cheese to the hoagie rolls. Repeat the process with the remaining steaks. Serve the Philly cheesesteak with fresh French Fries and a nice cold beer!😋🍻
Substitutions
- Beef ribeye steaks: You could use other cuts of beef, such as flank steak or sirloin steak, although they may not be as tender as ribeye. You could also use chicken or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Green pepper: You could use other peppers, such as red or yellow bell peppers, or omit them altogether.
- White onion: You could use yellow or red onions or even shallots for a milder flavor.
- Cheese: Provolone or Muenster cheese is traditional for a Philly cheese steak, but you could also use other types of cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar, depending on your preference.
- Mayo: You could use other condiments, such as mustard or horseradish sauce, or omit it altogether.
Variations
- Pizza Philly Cheesesteak: Add pizza sauce and pepperoni to the traditional ingredients and top with mozzarella cheese for a delicious pizza-inspired version.
- BBQ Philly Cheesesteak: Replace the sautéed vegetables with grilled onions and peppers, and add BBQ sauce to the beef before serving. Top with cheddar cheese for a smoky and flavorful twist.
- Breakfast Philly Cheesesteak: Use scrambled eggs instead of beef, and add chopped breakfast sausage, sautéed mushrooms, and cheddar cheese for a hearty breakfast version of the sandwich.
- Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers: Cut bell peppers in half and stuff them with the traditional Philly Cheesesteak ingredients. Top with cheese and bake in the oven for a healthy and delicious dinner option.
- Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes: Use ground beef instead of sliced beef, and add sautéed onions and green peppers. Serve on a bun with melted cheese for a fun twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich.
How to Serve
Philly Cheesesteak is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. The most common way to enjoy it is as a sandwich, on a hoagie roll or sub roll, topped with melted cheese and sautéed onions and green peppers. However, depending on your preference, you can also serve it as an open-faced sandwich, a salad, or a bowl. Philly Cheesesteak is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or breakfast. Experiment with different variations and serving options to find the one that suits your taste buds.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also keep the sautéed beef and vegetables separately from the bread and cheese to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
To reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and warm the bread and cheese on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. If the ingredients are separate, heat the beef and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until warm. Add the beef and vegetables to the warmed bread and any condiments you like, and enjoy your delicious Philly Cheesesteak sandwich.
Make-Ahead
Philly Cheesesteaks can be made ahead of time using a few simple tips. You can prep the ingredients by slicing the beef and vegetables in advance and storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. This can help save time when it comes to cooking. Alternatively, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic or aluminum foil to prevent the bread from drying.
If you want to make Philly Cheesesteak well in advance, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to reheat, thaw the sandwich overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven or microwave. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious Philly Cheesesteak meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
How to Freeze
Freezing Philly Cheesesteak is a great way to save time and enjoy this delicious sandwich later. To freeze, prepare the Philly Cheesesteak as usual, including the sautéed beef, onions, green peppers, and cheese. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the sandwich with the dish's name and the date you prepared it, and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw the Philly Cheesesteak overnight in the refrigerator, then heat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave it for 1-2 minutes. Following these steps, you can freeze Philly Cheesesteak and have a delicious meal ready whenever you're in the mood.
Tips for Making The Best Philly Cheesesteak
- Use high-quality ingredients: Use fresh beef and vegetables to ensure the best flavor and texture. Choose ribeye steaks for their tenderness and marbling, and use fresh vegetables for a crisp and flavorful filling.
- Slice the meat thinly: To get that classic Philly Cheesesteak texture, slice the meat thinly across the grain and then chop it roughly again into small pieces.
- Don't overcook the meat: Be careful not to overcook the beef, as it can become inflexible and dry. Cook until it's browned and cooked through, which should take only a few minutes.
- Choose the right cheese: Traditional Philly Cheesesteak uses provolone or American cheese, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as Muenster or Swiss. Just make sure it melts well and complements the flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- To toast the bread: To add flavor and texture to the sandwich, toast the bread before assembling the sandwich.
- Use a cast-iron skillet: For best results, use a cast-iron skillet to cook beef and vegetables. It distributes heat evenly and gives the ingredients a delicious charred flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper: Season the beef and vegetables with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
FAQ
What type of cheese is typically used in Philly Cheesesteaks?
Traditionally, provolone or American cheese is used in Philly Cheesesteaks. However, depending on your preference, you can use other types of cheese, such as Muenster, Swiss, or Cheez Whiz.
What type of beef is best for Philly Cheesesteak?
Ribeye steaks are the best choice for Philly Cheesesteaks because they are tender and well-marbled. However, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as flank steak or sirloin steak.
What type of bread is used for Philly Cheesesteak?
Hoagie rolls, or sub rolls are traditionally used for Philly Cheesesteaks. They are soft and slightly chewy, with a crusty exterior.
Can I make Philly Cheesesteak with chicken or vegetables?
You can make Philly Cheesesteak with chicken or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Substitute the beef with sliced chicken or mushrooms, and cook them with the sautéed vegetables as directed.
Is Philly Cheesesteak healthy?
Philly Cheesesteak is a high-calorie and high-fat sandwich, so it's not the most beneficial option. However, you can make it healthier using leaner cuts of beef, whole wheat bread, and low-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to increase the nutritional value.
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Recipe
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls , sliced but not all the way through.
- 1 green pepper , sliced
- 1 large white onion , cut in half, and sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms , sliced
- 1.25-1.5 lbs beef ribeye steaks , sliced thinly across the grain then chopped roughly again so they are small pieces.
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper ( to taste)
- 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 8 slices cheese (Provolone or Muenster)
- Mayo (to taste)
Instructions
- Slice the hoagie rolls/sub rolls and set them aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400 F. Heat a large non-stick skillet, and lightly drizzles canola oil on medium-high heat.
- Add mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper
- (to taste) cook for 5-8 minutes or until cooked. *Remove and place on a medium bowl. In a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the sliced hoagie rolls/sub rolls and toast for 11 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Wipe the skillet with a paper towel, lightly drizzle canola oil, and add the steak,
- Season with salt & pepper (to taste). Reduce to medium heat and cook for 2-4 minutes. Add in the veggie mixture, if desired, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add slices of cheese on top and allow the cheese to melt. Place the toast hoagies on a plate or wrap with tin foil, Spread mayo on both sides. (If desired)
- Transfer the cooked meat /veggies and melted cheese to the hoagie rolls. Repeat the process with the remaining steaks. Serve the Philly cheesesteak with fresh French Fries and a nice cold beer!😋🍻
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.