Cheesesteaks

Cheesesteak is a popular American sandwich that originated in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is also commonly referred to as a Philadelphia cheesesteak, Philly cheesesteak, or simply cheesesteak. This sandwich is made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll, a type of submarine roll.

History

The cheesesteak was developed in the early 20th century "by combining frizzled beef, onions, and cheese in a small loaf of bread," according to a 1987 exhibition catalog from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The exact origins are widely debated, but it is generally agreed that the sandwich was invented in the 1930s by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in Philadelphia. The original sandwich did not contain cheese; it was added later.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients of a cheesesteak are:

• Sliced beefsteak
• Melted cheese (common choices include American cheese, provolone, and Cheez Whiz)
• A long, crusty roll such as a hoagie roll

Optional ingredients that may be added according to taste include:

• Onions (fried or raw)
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Tomato sauce
• Hot sauce

Preparation

To prepare a cheesesteak, the beefsteak slices are quickly grilled at a high temperature to ensure they are well-cooked yet tender. Meanwhile, a hoagie roll is sliced open but not all the way through, creating a pocket for the ingredients. The cheese is then placed on the roll, either below or above the steak, or mixed with the steak on the grill to allow it to melt. Onions and other vegetables are grilled alongside the steak and then added to the sandwich.

Variations

There are numerous variations of the cheesesteak, which may include different types of cheese or additional ingredients. Some popular variations include:

• Cheese Whiz Cheesesteak: Uses Cheese Whiz as the cheese component.
• Pizza Cheesesteak: Includes tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, resembling a pizza in sandwich form.
• Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: A variation that uses chicken instead of beef and includes Buffalo sauce.

Cultural Significance

The cheesesteak is more than just a sandwich in Philadelphia; it is a cultural icon. It represents the city's love for simple, hearty food and has become a point of local pride. Many tourists visit Philadelphia specifically to try an authentic cheesesteak from one of the city's renowned establishments, such as Pat's King of Steaks or Geno's Steaks.

See Also

• American cuisine
• Sandwich
• Philadelphia
• Hoagie