Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

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The Philly Cheesesteak is a beloved American sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 1930s. It was created by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor who decided to grill some beef and serve it on an Italian roll. The sandwich gained popularity, eventually evolving to include cheese—usually Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American. The original shop, Pat’s King of Steaks, and its rival, Geno’s Steaks, located across the street from each other in South Philadelphia, are still popular destinations for cheesesteak enthusiasts.




🍖 Classic Ingredients

A traditional Philly Cheesesteak contains just a few ingredients, but its simplicity is what makes it iconic.

  • Thinly sliced ribeye steak (often frozen slightly for easier slicing)

  • Sauteed onions (optional, but traditional)

  • Cheese:

    • Provolone (mild and creamy)

    • American (melty and rich)

    • Cheez Whiz (processed and tangy — a true Philly classic)

  • Hoagie roll or Amoroso roll: Soft inside with a slightly crisp crust, this bread is critical.

Optional add-ons:

  • Bell peppers

  • Mushrooms

  • Hot or sweet peppers

  • Ketchup or mayonnaise (though controversial)

🔥 Preparation Method

  1. Sear the beef: Cook thinly sliced ribeye steak on a hot griddle or skillet until browned.

  2. Cook the onions: Sauté onions (and other optional veggies) until caramelized.

  3. Melt the cheese: Add cheese directly onto the meat and let it melt, or spread it on the bread.

  4. Assemble: Load the meat and cheese into a sliced hoagie roll.

  5. Serve hot with fries, pickles, or even a cold beer.

🌍 Popular Variations

  • Pizza Cheesesteak: Topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella.

  • Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: Uses shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese.

  • Mushroom Cheesesteak: Adds sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor.

  • Vegan Cheesesteak: Uses plant-based meats like seitan or mushrooms and dairy-free cheese.

  • Loaded Cheesesteak: Packed with extra ingredients like jalapeños, bacon, or fried onions.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

  • Sides: French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, potato salad

  • Drinks: Root beer, soda, or local craft beer

  • Dips: Aioli, spicy ketchup, or ranch for fries

📣 Cultural Impact

The Philly cheesesteak isn’t just a sandwich — it's a cultural icon. You'll find it:

  • At sports stadiums (like Eagles and Phillies games)

  • On food truck menus across America

  • In restaurants offering "Philly-style" menus nationwide

  • In pop culture and cooking competitions

In Philly, ordering one is a ritual. Locals say things like:

  • "One Whiz wit" = Cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions

  • "One provy witout" = Provolone, no onions

🍳 Tips for Making the Best Cheesesteak at Home

  • Use ribeye: It's fatty, flavorful, and tender.

  • Slice meat very thin: Freeze it for 30 mins before slicing for paper-thin strips.

  • Don’t overload: Keep it simple to let the meat and cheese shine.

  • Toast the bread slightly: Adds texture and keeps it from getting soggy.

📚 Fun Facts

  • Some Philadelphians claim the only “real” cheesesteak must be made with Cheez Whiz.

  • The Philly Cheesesteak has inspired spin-offs like cheesesteak egg rolls and cheesesteak pizza.

  • There's even a National Cheesesteak Day — celebrated annually on March 24.

Would you like a printable recipe, a step-by-step video guide, or a shopping list for making one?

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