Making A Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich At Home

The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is an American classic, hailing from Philadelphia but enjoyed by food lovers worldwide. It’s the perfect marriage of thinly sliced, juicy steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese, all nestled into a soft, warm hoagie roll. Whether you’re craving a comfort food meal or trying to recreate a taste of Philadelphia in your kitchen, this article will guide you through the process of making an authentic Philly cheesesteak at home.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Philly cheesesteak, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques. Along the way, we’ll also explore variations on the traditional recipe and some helpful tips to make sure your homemade cheesesteak rivals any you’d find on the streets of Philadelphia.

The Origins of the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the rich history behind the iconic sandwich. The Philly cheesesteak was invented in the 1930s by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in South Philadelphia. Legend has it that one day, Pat decided to grill up some thinly sliced beef for himself on the hot dog cart, and a passing taxi driver, intrigued by the smell, asked for one too. The sandwich was such a hit that Pat eventually opened a restaurant, Pat’s King of Steaks, which still operates today.

The sandwich’s original form didn’t include cheese, but soon after, cheese was added, creating the beloved cheesesteak we know today. It has since become a Philadelphia culinary staple, with locals debating the best cheesesteak joints in the city—most famously, Pat’s vs. Geno’s.

Now that you know where this sandwich comes from, let’s get to the fun part—how to make it at home.

Key Ingredients for a Classic Philly Cheesesteak

The key to making a great Philly cheesesteak lies in using high-quality ingredients and executing a few specific cooking techniques. While the ingredient list may seem simple, it’s the preparation that sets a good cheesesteak apart from a great one.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients you’ll need:

1. Beef

The most crucial part of any Philly cheesesteak is the beef. Traditional cheesesteaks are made with thinly sliced ribeye steak because of its tenderness and rich flavor. Ribeye is well-marbled with fat, which renders down during cooking and adds to the juiciness of the sandwich.

If ribeye is too expensive or unavailable, you can use other cuts like sirloin or even shaved beef, but for the best result, ribeye is recommended.

2. Cheese

The type of cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference and heated debate. The three most popular cheese options are:

• Cheez Whiz: A processed cheese product that is creamy and melty. Purists often prefer this for the most authentic experience.
• Provolone: A sharp, slightly tangy cheese that melts beautifully.
• American Cheese: Mild and creamy, it melts smoothly and adds a rich flavor.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, but if you’re aiming for authenticity, Cheez Whiz is the traditional choice.

3. Onions

Sautéed onions are a must for a classic cheesesteak. They add a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef. Yellow or white onions work best, and they should be cooked until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.

4. Hoagie Roll

The bread for a Philly cheesesteak should be a soft hoagie roll, ideally about 8 to 10 inches long. The roll should be sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy steak and melted cheese without falling apart, yet soft enough to bite through easily. Traditional Philly rolls are soft with a slightly crispy crust.

If you can’t find authentic hoagie rolls, any soft sub roll will work, but avoid rolls that are too dense or overly crusty, as they can overpower the sandwich.

5. Optional Toppings

While purists may stick to just steak, cheese, and onions, you can customize your cheesesteak with additional toppings, such as:

• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Hot peppers
• Ketchup

Remember, the simpler the sandwich, the more each flavor will stand out, but feel free to get creative!

Ingredient Table: U.S. and Metric Measurements

Here’s a table of ingredients for a classic Philly cheesesteak recipe, with both U.S. and metric measurements for your convenience.

Ingredient	Quantity (U.S.)	Quantity (Metric)
Ribeye steak (thinly sliced)	1 pound	450 g
Cheese (Cheez Whiz, Provolone, or American)	4 oz	115 g
Hoagie rolls	4 rolls	4 rolls
Onions (sliced)	1 large onion	1 large onion (200 g)
Butter or oil for sautéing	2 tablespoons	30 ml
Salt	To taste	To taste
Pepper	To taste	To taste
Optional: Bell peppers, mushrooms, hot peppers	Optional	Optional

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making an authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich at home:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare all of your ingredients so the cooking process goes smoothly.

• Slice the steak: If your ribeye isn’t already sliced, use a sharp knife to thinly slice the beef. For easier slicing, you can freeze the steak for 30 minutes before cutting.
• Slice the onions: Cut your onion into thin slices. You want them to cook evenly and blend into the sandwich.
• Prepare the rolls: If your hoagie rolls aren’t pre-sliced, cut them lengthwise but not all the way through. You want the roll to stay intact to hold all the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Onions

• Heat a tablespoon of butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and golden brown. This will take about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Season the onions with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
• Once the onions are cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter or oil.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced steak in a single layer.
• Cook the steak for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the beef—it should be tender and juicy.
• Season the steak with salt and pepper while cooking.
• As the steak cooks, use a spatula or tongs to break it into smaller pieces.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the steak is cooked, it’s time to add the cheese.

• For Cheez Whiz: Simply heat the Cheez Whiz in a small saucepan or microwave until it’s warm and pourable. Drizzle the Cheez Whiz over the steak and onions in the skillet.
• For Provolone or American cheese: Lay the cheese slices directly on top of the steak in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the cheese melt over the steak for about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

With the steak, onions, and cheese ready, it’s time to assemble your sandwich.

• Open your hoagie roll and spoon the steak, onion, and cheese mixture into the bread.
• If you like, you can toast the hoagie roll in the oven or on the stovetop for a few minutes before adding the filling.
• Serve immediately while the sandwich is hot and the cheese is gooey.

Step 6: Customize Your Cheesesteak (Optional)

If you want to add extra toppings like sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or hot peppers, now’s the time to do it. You can sauté the peppers and mushrooms alongside the onions or cook them separately, depending on your preference.

Some people also like to add a drizzle of ketchup or hot sauce to their cheesesteak, but this is entirely up to you.

Variations on the Classic Philly Cheesesteak

While the traditional Philly cheesesteak consists of just steak, cheese, and onions, there are many delicious variations you can try at home. Here are a few ideas:

1. Chicken Cheesesteak

Substitute the ribeye steak with thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh meat. Cook the chicken in the same way you would the beef, and use your preferred cheese. The result is a lighter but equally satisfying sandwich.

2. Cheesesteak Hoagie

A cheesesteak hoagie adds lettuce, tomato, and sometimes mayonnaise to the traditional sandwich. It’s a blend of a cheesesteak and a hoagie, offering a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich, cheesy filling.

3. Mushroom Cheesesteak

For a vegetarian-friendly option, swap out the steak for sautéed mushrooms. You can use a variety of mushrooms, such as portobello, cremini, or shiitake, for a hearty and flavorful filling.

4. Pepper Cheesesteak
   Add sautéed bell peppers to your cheesesteak for extra flavor and texture. Green, red, or yellow bell peppers all work well, adding a slightly sweet note that complements the savory steak.

Tips for Perfecting Your Philly Cheesesteak

Here are a few additional tips to help you perfect your homemade Philly cheesesteak:

• Use a griddle if possible: Many cheesesteak shops in Philadelphia use a large flat-top griddle to cook the steak and onions together. If you have a griddle or a large cast-iron skillet, it will help you achieve that authentic sear on the beef.
• Don’t skimp on the cheese: A good cheesesteak is all about balance, and the cheese plays a crucial role. Be generous with the cheese to ensure every bite is gooey and satisfying.
• Work quickly: The key to a great cheesesteak is to keep the cooking process moving. You want the steak to stay juicy and the cheese to melt evenly, so avoid letting the ingredients sit in the pan for too long.
• Rest your rolls: If you toast your hoagie rolls, let them rest for a minute or two after toasting. This will keep the inside soft while adding a slight crisp to the outside, giving your sandwich the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

Making a Philly cheesesteak sandwich at home may seem simple, but the details matter. From choosing the right cut of beef to mastering the cheese-melting process, each step adds to the final product. With this guide, you can confidently recreate an authentic Philly cheesesteak in your kitchen, delighting your family and friends with a taste of Philadelphia.

Remember, the best cheesesteak is the one you enjoy eating, so feel free to experiment with toppings and cheeses until you find your perfect combination. Whether you’re a traditionalist who sticks to steak, onions, and Cheez Whiz, or you like to mix things up with peppers, mushrooms, or Provolone, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this iconic sandwich.

So fire up your skillet, grab your ingredients, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of a homemade Philly cheesesteak!