A real Philly cheesesteak has just a few simple ingredients, but it’s the quality of the ingredients and the method of preparation that makes it special. The standard components are thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and an Italian bread roll. While other ingredients like fried onions, mushrooms, and condiments are popular additions, purists believe the classic Philly cheesesteak need only contain high-quality steak, cheese whiz or provolone, and a perfect hoagie roll.
Quick Answer: The Essential Ingredients
To summarize, an authentic Philly cheesesteak contains:
- Thinly sliced ribeye or top round beef steak
- Melted cheese – traditionally Cheese Whiz or provolone
- An Italian bread roll or hoagie
While other toppings are often added, the key is high-quality, thin-sliced beef and melted cheese on a fresh hoagie roll.
Where Did the Philly Cheesesteak Originate?
The Philly cheesesteak sandwich grew to popularity in the early 20th century in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Several competing shops claim to have invented the iconic sandwich, but two origin stories are most prominent:
- Pat’s King of Steaks opened in 1930 by Pat Olivieri. According to legend, Olivieri made the first steak sandwich by tossing some chopped beef onto a hot grill and serving it on an Italian roll for a taxi driver.
- Geno’s Steaks opened in 1966 by Joey Vento. Vento claims he invented the cheesesteak sandwich by adding provolone cheese to the hot steak and serving it on a hoagie roll.
Both Pat’s and Geno’s hold strong reputations today as go-to spots for authentic Philly cheesesteaks made with high quality ingredients.
Type of Steak
The traditional steak used for Philly cheesesteaks is ribeye or top round. These cuts are sliced thinly across the grain before being cooked on a hot grill. This ensures the meat is tender and easy to chew despite the high heat.
Some key qualities to look for in a Philly cheesesteak steak:
- Thin slices – 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick
- Good marbling – Ribeye is nicely marbled with fat
- Cooked quickly over high heat to sear and caramelize
- Chopped coarsely or thinly sliced
Skirt, flank or flap meat are sometimes used as cheaper alternatives, but ribeye or top round are considered the most authentic options.
Type of Cheese
The classic Philly cheesesteak is made with either Cheez Whiz or provolone cheese. Here’s an overview of both options:
Cheez Whiz
- The original cheese used on Philly cheesesteaks
- Processed American cheese sauce
- Provides creamy, gooey texture
- Mild flavor blends well with beef
- Melts quickly and smoothly
Provolone
- Aged Italian cheese
- Slightly sharper flavor than Cheez Whiz
- Melts well while adding more cheese flavor
- Typically sliced provolone, not shredded
- Often used in addition to Cheez Whiz
The bottom line – the classic Philly cheesesteak uses processed Cheez Whiz for creamy meltability or adds provolone for a bit more sharpness. Using both Cheez Whiz and provolone is also popular.
Hoagie Roll
An authentic Philly cheesesteak is always served on an Italian bread hoagie roll. A perfect cheesesteak roll has these qualities:
- Crusty, chewy exterior
- Soft, tender interior
- Made with white Italian bread
- About 8-10 inches long
The roll should be able to absorb the meat juices without getting soggy. Local Philadelphia bakeries supply fresh-baked rolls to cheesesteak shops daily.
Onions and Other Toppings
While the steak, cheese, and roll are the core components, onions and other toppings can be added on top. Some typical Philly cheesesteak toppings include:
- Fried Onions – Thinly sliced white or yellow onions fried until caramelized and softened
- Mushrooms – Sliced button mushrooms that are cooked in juices
- Peppers – Sweet bell peppers like green, red, orange, sauteed
- Pizza Sauce – Adds a touch of tangy tomato flavor
- Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo – Adds moisture and flavor
- Hot Sauce
- Pickles
While toppings are a matter of personal preference, fried onions are a popular addition in the true Philly style. Mushrooms, peppers and sauce also complement the cheesesteak nicely without overpowering.
How to Order a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
When you go to order an authentic Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia, there is a specific ordering lingo:
- “Whiz wit” – Cheez Whiz with fried onions
- “Whiz witout” – Cheez Whiz without onions
- “Provolone wit” – Provolone with onions
- You can also request other toppings like mushrooms, peppers, etc.
Being familiar with the traditional Philly-style ordering language can help ensure your cheesesteak is made to true Philly standards.
How to Make a Philly Cheesesteak at Home
Making a tasty Philly cheesesteak at home is totally possible if you get the right ingredients. Here is a simple recipe to follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
- Cheez Whiz
- Salt and pepper to season
Directions:
- Heat a skillet over high heat. Melt butter in the skillet.
- Add steak strips to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Move steak to one side of skillet. Add onion to empty side and cook 1-2 mins until softened.
- Mix onions and steak together in skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon mixture into hoagie rolls, top with Cheez Whiz, and serve hot.
For a closer approximation of the real thing, use a robot coupe or food processor to finely chop the meat before cooking. And don’t skimp on high-quality ribeye for the ideal texture.
Where to Get an Authentic Philly Cheesesteak in Philadelphia
If you want the real deal, there’s no substitute for ordering a cheesesteak in Philadelphia. Here are some top spots in Philly to get an authentic cheesesteak:
| Restaurant | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pat’s King of Steaks | 1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147 | Original cheesesteak shop opened in 1930 by Pat Olivieri |
| Geno’s Steaks | 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 | Famous rival of Pat’s opened in 1966 by Joey Vento |
| Tony Luke’s | 39 E Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148 | Well-regarded South Philly cheesesteak chain |
| Steve’s Prince of Steaks | 7200 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19152 | Beloved neighborhood cheesesteak spot in Northeast Philly |
| John’s Roast Pork | 14 E Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148 | Famous roast pork sandwiches plus great cheesesteaks |
Visiting the famous competing stands of Pat’s and Geno’s lets you taste the original Philly-style cheesesteaks. But you’ll find great renditions all over Philly.
Conclusion
An authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich contains high-quality thinly sliced ribeye beef, melted Cheez Whiz and/or provolone cheese, and a fresh Italian hoagie roll. While variations with onions, mushrooms, peppers, and other toppings are common, the traditional cheesesteak showcases the flavor of good steak and cheese. To get the real thing, head to a long-standing cheesesteak shop in Philadelphia and order it “Whiz wit”.