Philly cheesesteaks are one of the most iconic sandwiches, and for very good reason. The combination of thinly sliced ribeye, jammy caramelized onions, and ooey-gooey melted cheese makes for a truly unforgettable lunch sandwich creation. While the traditional cheesesteak in Philadelphia contains just three things (the steak, the onions, and the cheese), you’ll often see it served with sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms on the West Coast. This is our favorite version of the iconic sandwich, but that being said, feel free to adjust the recipe to your personal preference—we promise we’ll understand.
Who invented the Philly cheesesteak?
The first Philly cheesesteak was created in 1930 by Pat Oliveri, a hot dog vendor in an Italian neighborhood in Philadelphia. One day he decided he wanted something besides hot dogs for his own lunch, so he grilled up some beef from a local butcher and threw it in an Italian hoagie bun. A nearby cab driver smelled the sandwich and asked for it, and the Philly cheesesteak found its first fan!
What’s the best cut of beef for a cheesesteak?
You’ll want to pick a type of steak that is well-marbled and can be sliced super-thin so that it cooks quickly while staying nice and juicy. Here, we’ve opted for sirloin, since it’s usually less expensive than the traditional ribeye (which means you can buy more meat and make more sandwiches!), but either cut will work well. Tip: For extra-thin slices, throw your steak into the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to make thin slicing much easier.
The best cheese for a Philly cheesesteak:
This is where most debates start. Some say that Cheez Whiz is the only proper cheese for a cheesesteak, but others love provolone. Most places in Philly will offer both, so no need to stress. The most important thing is to choose a cheese that is relatively mild in flavor and melts well, like provolone or even American. You could even consider whipping up your own cheese sauce and topping your sandwich with that!
What’s the best type of bun for my cheesesteak?
Depending on where you are in the country, there are lots of different options: hoagie rolls, sub buns, and Italian hero rolls. Choose a bun that’s relatively soft (this isn’t a crispy baguette type of sandwich) and has a “hinge” so the cheesy steak and veggie goodness doesn’t fall out!
What should I serve with my Philly cheesesteak?
Anything you want! Some common classics are French fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or potato chips, but this sandwich is so filling, it’ll easily be the star of the show—don’t stress about the side.
Made these? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!