The Philadelphia Cheesesteak, So Much To Love
A dramatic sandwich story is our kind of food soap opera. That’s why the legendary Philly cheesesteak and its debated origins are so fascinating, and why so many have tried to lay claim to this succulent sandwich. Looking through the annals of sandwich history, we discovered that Pat and Harry Olivieri of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are recognized as the creators of the original philly cheesesteak in the 1930s. Pat Olivieri lends his name to Philly’s well-known cheesesteak emporium, Pat’s King of Steaks. Thanks to the sandwich-making genius of these brothers (who were originally slinging hot dogs!), we’re lucky to be eating the delicious beef, onion, and cheese on a hoagie today. We’re happy to share our recipe to make homemade philly cheesesteak next time you get the craving!
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What Is On An Authentic Philly Cheesesteak?
Tradition calls for thinly sliced beef and cheese on a hoagie for an authentic Philly cheesesteak recipe. After that, it’s up to the sandwich consumer to decide if they’d like to add toppings like cooked onions or grilled mushrooms and condiments like ketchup, hot sauce, or salt and pepper. Important question: What cut of meat for Philly cheesesteak? Most common are the rib-eye or top round, or other fatty cuts of beef like a chuck roast. The secret to getting a really thin slice of beef at home is to put the beef in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour before slicing with a sharp knife. Another topic that is up for debate is what is the best cheese for Philly cheesesteak, and is Philly cheesesteak sauce a thing? Mild flavor cheese with good meltability are preferred, with provolone considered the cheesesteak cheese. And yes! Cheez Whiz, that beloved cheese sauce in a jar, is a very popular topping for cheesesteak.
How To Make Philly Cheesesteak
We’re going to be toasting buns! Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Frizzle that beef! In a large cast iron skillet, heat oil over high heat. Once glistening, cook beef in batches so that everything browns evenly, about 4 minutes total per batch. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a plate.
Once you’ve cooked through the beef, reduce the heat to medium and add in the onions and cook until they are golden and tender, about 5-8 minutes.
Make the garlic mayo and spread! 1 tablespoon of butter on the inside of each hoagie roll. Arrange on a large baking sheet and bake on the center rack until toasted and golden, about 4 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread 1 tablespoon of garlic mayo on the toasted side of each roll.
Add beef back into the skillet along with collected juices and season with black pepper. Stir over medium heat until beef is combined with the onions.
Remove from heat and top the sliced steak with provolone slices in a single layer. Let the cheese melt before serving to your hungry guests or family!
Recipes From Philadelphia, To Around The Globe
Since Philly cheesesteaks are part of a long history of food named after locations, we thought it might be fun to cook your way through other recipes inspired by places around the world. Start with southwestern flavors in a Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Sandwich or Southwest Style Cobb Salad with Smoky Chipotle Dressing, or try a staple recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs for grilled pineapple brightness; there’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs for that famous Buffalo sauce, and Belgian Waffles for a breakfast treat. Great fun to travel without leaving the kitchen!
Tools You’ll Need
A slotted spoon or tongs
A spatula
We Love A Specialty Sandwich Recipe For Any Meal
Most things taste great between two slices of bread. After you make our Philly cheesesteak sandwich, take a look at these recipes to see what we mean:
Where’s the beef? Try a Reuben Sandwich or a French Dip Sandwich
The Perfect Grilled Cheese, and a variation on that theme the Green Goddess Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The diner classics that reign supreme: the Patty Melt and BLT With Homemade Mayonnaise
Salad sandwiches more your thing? We’ve made the Best Egg Salad Sandwich and our Chicken Salad is just waiting for a few slices of bread
Proud Of That Perfectly Toasted Hoagie?
We want to see it! Did you make our easy philly cheesesteak recipe? Show us those sandwiches! Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!