The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Recipe: A Classic American Sandwich -

The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Recipe: A Classic American Sandwich

The Philly cheesesteak is more than just a sandwich—it’s an American classic with deep roots in the heart of Philadelphia. Juicy, thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions all nestled in a soft roll make this sandwich a go-to comfort food for many. While the authentic Philly cheesesteak has a long tradition, it’s a surprisingly simple recipe to make at home. Whether you’re craving an indulgent meal or want to impress friends with a game-day favorite, this guide will walk you through every step of creating the perfect Philly cheesesteak from scratch.

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Philly cheesesteak—its history, ingredients, variations, and a step-by-step recipe to help you make an authentic version at home. Let’s dive in!

1. History of the Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak has been a staple in Philadelphia for over 90 years. It was originally created by brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri in the 1930s. Legend has it that Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, decided to grill up some beef from the butcher and served it on an Italian roll. A passing cab driver caught the scent of the sizzling beef and asked for a sandwich. Word quickly spread, and soon, Pat’s hot dog stand became a steak sandwich destination.

Cheese wasn’t added until later, when a customer suggested it, and now, it’s an essential ingredient. Today, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, located across the street from each other in South Philadelphia, are two of the most famous spots to grab this iconic sandwich.

2. Ingredients You’ll Nee

Making an authentic Philly cheesesteak requires just a handful of simple ingredients. The key is using the right cut of beef and quality bread. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Steak:

Ribeye steak (1 lb): Thinly sliced ribeye is the traditional choice for Philly cheesesteaks because it’s tender and flavorful. The thin slices cook quickly and stay juicy.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the steak.
Salt and pepper: To season the meat.

For the Toppings:

Onions (1 large onion): Sautéed onions are a must for a classic Philly cheesesteak. You can add other toppings like peppers or mushrooms, but onions are non-negotiable for the traditional version.
Cheese (8 slices or 1 cup): The cheese debate is serious in Philly! Some purists insist on Cheez Whiz, while others prefer provolone or American cheese. Choose according to your taste—each has its unique flavor profile.
Optional: Bell peppers, mushrooms: While not traditionally part of a Philly cheesesteak, many people enjoy these extra toppings for added flavor and texture.

For the Roll:

Hoagie rolls (4 rolls): The bread is just as important as the steak. Authentic Philly cheesesteaks are served on soft hoagie rolls that are sturdy enough to hold the juicy meat but soft enough to bite through easily. Look for Amoroso rolls if you can find them—they’re the gold standard.

Additional Seasoning and Sauce (optional):

Garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder can elevate the flavor.
Hot sauce or ketchup: Some people like a bit of heat or sweetness with their cheesesteak.

3. Step-by-Step Recipe

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s move on to the recipe. This step-by-step guide will show you how to make a classic Philly cheesesteak at home, from slicing the steak to grilling the onions and melting the cheese.

Step 1: Preparing the Steak

The key to a tender and flavorful cheesesteak is thinly sliced ribeye. If you’re slicing the steak at home, it’s easier to do when the steak is partially frozen. Place the ribeye in the freezer for about 30-40 minutes to firm it up, then use a sharp knife to cut it into thin slices, about 1/8-inch thick. If your butcher offers pre-sliced steak, that can save you time.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is heated, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook the onions for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to season them as they cook.

If you’re using other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, sauté them with the onions until they’re tender.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

In a separate large skillet or on a griddle, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced ribeye to the hot pan, spreading it out evenly. Let the steak cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a nice sear, then start stirring and flipping it with a spatula to cook evenly.

Season the steak with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-5 minutes until it’s just cooked through. Avoid overcooking the steak, as it can become tough. You want it to stay tender and juicy.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the steak is fully cooked, lower the heat to medium and layer the cheese over the top of the steak in the skillet. Let the cheese melt slowly—this should take about 1-2 minutes. If you want the cheese to melt faster, cover the skillet with a lid.

Alternatively, if you’re using Cheez Whiz, you can warm it up in a separate pot or microwave it before drizzling it over the cooked steak when assembling the sandwich.

Step 5: Toast the Rolls

While the cheese is melting, you can toast the hoagie rolls if you prefer a little crunch. Slice the rolls open and place them cut side down on a hot griddle or skillet for about 1 minute, until lightly toasted.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich

Once the cheese has melted into the steak, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. Pile the steak and cheese mixture into the hoagie rolls, spreading it out evenly. Top with the sautéed onions (and other optional toppings like peppers or mushrooms).

For those who like extra flavor, you can drizzle ketchup, hot sauce, or even add some garlic powder on top before serving.

4. Philly Cheesesteak Variations

The classic Philly cheesesteak is delicious on its own, but it’s also highly customizable. Here are a few popular variations that you can try to switch up the flavor or cater to different preferences:

Cheesesteak Hoagie: A cheesesteak hoagie is a hybrid sandwich that combines the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the fresh ingredients of a hoagie. In addition to the steak and cheese, add lettuce, tomato, and mayo to your sandwich for a refreshing twist.
Chicken Cheesesteak: Substitute thinly sliced chicken breast for the ribeye steak to create a lighter version of the sandwich. The cooking process is the same, but chicken gives a different flavor while still pairing well with onions and cheese.
Pizza Cheesesteak: For a pizza-inspired cheesesteak, add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese to the sandwich. This variation combines the best of both worlds—pizza and cheesesteak—in one indulgent meal.
Buffalo Cheesesteak: Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese to your cheesesteak for a spicy, tangy kick. This variation is great for anyone who loves buffalo chicken wings and wants that flavor in sandwich form.

5. Tips for the Perfect Cheesesteak

Use the Right Meat: Ribeye is the best choice for an authentic Philly cheesesteak because it’s tender, juicy, and flavorful. If you’re on a budget, you can use flank steak or skirt steak, but ribeye will give you the best results.
Thin Slices Matter: Make sure to slice your steak as thinly as possible. The thin slices cook quickly and create the right texture for a cheesesteak.
Don’t Overcook the Steak: Philly cheesesteak steak should be cooked quickly to keep it tender. Overcooking can make the meat dry and tough.
Go Easy on the Seasoning: The steak and cheese are the stars of the show, so avoid over-seasoning the meat. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper is enough to enhance the natural flavors.

6. Serving Suggestion

Philly cheesesteak is a hearty meal on its own, but you can serve it with a few classic sides to complete the experience:

French Fries: Crispy fries are the perfect side to serve alongside a cheesesteak. You can go for regular fries, curly fries, or even sweet potato fries.
Potato Chips: If you’re looking for a lighter side, potato chips offer the perfect crunch without adding extra bulk to the meal.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can balance out the richness of the cheesesteak, offering a refreshing contrast to the meat and cheese.
Pickles: Serve pickles on the side for a briny bite that cuts through the richness of the sandwich.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make a Philly cheesesteak ahead of time?

A: Philly cheesesteaks are best when made fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the steak and onions, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the steak, melt the cheese, and assemble the sandwich.

Q: What cheese is best for a Philly cheesesteak?

A: The three most popular cheese options are Cheez Whiz, provolone, and American cheese. Cheez Whiz is the most iconic, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?

A: While hoagie rolls are traditional, you can use any soft sandwich roll that can hold up to the juicy steak and melted cheese. Just make sure it’s not too crusty, as that can detract from the texture of the sandwich.

Conclusion

The Philly cheesesteak is a timeless sandwich that’s beloved by many for its savory combination of tender steak, melted cheese, and flavorful onions. Whether you prefer the classic version with Cheez Whiz or like to customize it with provolone and extra toppings, making a Philly cheesesteak at home is simple and rewarding.

With this recipe and guide, you’re well on your way to creating an authentic Philly cheesesteak that rivals the ones served at the famous joints in Philadelphia. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a taste of Philly right in your own kitchen!

The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Recipe: A Classic American Sandwich