The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is a beloved American classic that has been satisfying the taste buds of meat lovers for decades. This mouth-watering sandwich consists of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all piled high on a crusty hoagie roll. While you can easily find Philly cheesesteak sandwiches at restaurants and food trucks, making them at home is a breeze, and with this guide, you’ll be able to create authentic, delicious homemade Philly cheesesteak sandwiches that will impress your family and friends.
A Brief History of the Philly Cheesesteak
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the history of the Philly cheesesteak. The origins of this iconic sandwich are disputed, but the most widely accepted story is that it was invented in the 1930s by a hot dog vendor named Pat Olivieri in Philadelphia. Olivieri began serving thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll to hungry taxi cab drivers, and the sandwich quickly gained popularity. One day, a customer asked Olivieri to add some cheese to the sandwich, and the Philly cheesesteak was born.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make authentic homemade Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye or top round steak
- 4 slices of cheese (such as Cheez Whiz, provolone, or mozzarella)
Produce
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of mushrooms (optional)
- 2 cups of bell peppers (optional)
Bread and Condiments
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ketchup and mustard (optional)
Cooking Equipment
- Large skillet or griddle
- Cutting board
- Meat slicer (optional)
- Cheese slicer (optional)
Preparing the Meat and Cheese
The key to making a great Philly cheesesteak is to use high-quality meat and cheese. For the meat, you’ll want to use thinly sliced ribeye or top round steak. If you have a meat slicer, use it to slice the meat into thin strips. If not, you can use a sharp knife to slice the meat into thin strips.
For the cheese, you’ll want to use a melty cheese such as Cheez Whiz, provolone, or mozzarella. Slice the cheese into thin strips, using a cheese slicer if you have one.
Sautéing the Onions and Garlic
Sautéing the onions and garlic is a crucial step in making a great Philly cheesesteak. To do this, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they’re translucent and starting to caramelize, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Once the onions are cooked, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Cooking the Meat
To cook the meat, add the sliced steak to the skillet or griddle with the onions and garlic. Cook the meat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Cooking the Meat to the Right Temperature
It’s essential to cook the meat to the right temperature to ensure food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The recommended internal temperatures are:
- Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium-rare: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Medium-well: 145-150°F (63-66°C)
- Well-done: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
Assembling the Sandwiches
Once the meat is cooked, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. To do this, slice the hoagie rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet. Place a few slices of cheese on the bottom half of the roll, followed by a few slices of meat, some sautéed onions, and a few slices of cheese on top.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Adding Optional Toppings
If you want to add some extra flavor to your Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, you can add some optional toppings. Some popular toppings include:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Sautéed bell peppers
- Ketchup
- Mustard
To add these toppings, simply sauté the mushrooms and bell peppers in a little bit of butter until they’re tender, and then add them to the sandwich. You can also add ketchup and mustard to the sandwich for extra flavor.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the best Philly cheesesteak sandwiches:
- Use high-quality meat and cheese for the best flavor.
- Slice the meat and cheese thinly to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the meat – it should be cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Add some sautéed onions and garlic to the sandwich for extra flavor.
- Use a crusty hoagie roll to hold the sandwich together.
- Add some optional toppings such as sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for extra flavor.
By following these tips and variations, you’ll be able to make delicious homemade Philly cheesesteak sandwiches that will impress your family and friends.
Conclusion
Making homemade Philly cheesesteak sandwiches is a breeze, and with this guide, you’ll be able to create authentic, delicious sandwiches that will satisfy your cravings. Remember to use high-quality meat and cheese, slice the meat and cheese thinly, and cook the meat to the right temperature. Don’t forget to add some sautéed onions and garlic to the sandwich for extra flavor, and consider adding some optional toppings such as sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be making homemade Philly cheesesteak sandwiches like a pro!
What type of bread is best for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich?
The best type of bread for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich is a crusty, slightly sweet Italian roll, also known as an Amoroso roll. This type of bread is traditionally used in Philadelphia and is perfect for sopping up the juices of the steak and cheese. Look for a roll that is lightly toasted and has a soft interior.
If you can’t find an Amoroso roll, you can also use a similar type of Italian bread or a crusty sub roll. Just be sure to toast the bread lightly before assembling the sandwich to give it a crispy texture. Avoid using a dense or heavy bread, as it can overpower the flavors of the steak and cheese.
What cut of steak is best for a Philly cheesesteak?
The best cut of steak for a Philly cheesesteak is thinly sliced ribeye or top round. These cuts are tender and have a good balance of flavor and texture. Look for steak that is sliced against the grain, as this will make it easier to chew and more tender.
When selecting a cut of steak, be sure to choose one that is fresh and of high quality. Avoid using steak that is too thick or too thin, as it can be difficult to cook evenly. You can also use other cuts of steak, such as sirloin or flank steak, but ribeye and top round are the most traditional choices.
How do I slice the steak for a Philly cheesesteak?
To slice the steak for a Philly cheesesteak, use a sharp knife and slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. The strips should be about 1/4 inch thick and 2-3 inches long. This will help the steak cook evenly and quickly.
When slicing the steak, be sure to slice it just before cooking to prevent it from becoming tough or developing off-flavors. You can also slice the steak in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before cooking.
What type of cheese is best for a Philly cheesesteak?
The best type of cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is Cheez Whiz, a type of processed cheese spread. This may seem unusual, but Cheez Whiz is a traditional choice for Philly cheesesteaks and has a creamy, melted texture that is perfect for the sandwich.
If you don’t like Cheez Whiz, you can also use other types of cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella. These cheeses have a similar texture to Cheez Whiz and can be melted to create a creamy, gooey texture. Avoid using cheddar or other sharp cheeses, as they can overpower the flavors of the steak and bread.
How do I cook the steak for a Philly cheesesteak?
To cook the steak for a Philly cheesesteak, heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the sliced steak to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
When cooking the steak, be sure to cook it quickly over high heat to create a crispy crust on the outside. This will help lock in the juices and flavors of the steak. You can also cook the steak in a broiler or oven, but a skillet or griddle is the most traditional method.
Can I add other toppings to a Philly cheesesteak?
Yes, you can add other toppings to a Philly cheesesteak, but be sure to keep it simple. Traditional toppings include sautéed onions and bell peppers, which add a sweet and crunchy texture to the sandwich. You can also add other toppings, such as mushrooms or hot peppers, but avoid overloading the sandwich with too many toppings.
When adding toppings, be sure to cook them separately from the steak and add them to the sandwich just before serving. This will help prevent the toppings from overpowering the flavors of the steak and cheese. You can also add condiments, such as ketchup or mustard, but these are not traditional toppings.
How do I assemble a Philly cheesesteak sandwich?
To assemble a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, start by placing a few slices of cooked steak onto the bottom half of the roll. Add a spoonful of cheese, such as Cheez Whiz, on top of the steak. Add any desired toppings, such as sautéed onions and bell peppers, on top of the cheese.
Finally, place the top half of the roll onto the sandwich and serve immediately. Be sure to serve the sandwich hot, as this will help melt the cheese and create a gooey, cheesy texture. You can also wrap the sandwich in foil and serve it on the go, but be sure to eat it quickly to prevent the cheese from congealing.