10 Best Cheeses for Philly Cheesesteaks

Philly Cheesesteak is a classic American sandwich that has become a cultural icon.

This mouth-watering sandwich is made with thinly sliced grilled beef, served on a hoagie roll, and topped with melted cheese.

While the beef is undoubtedly the star of the show, the choice of cheese can make or break the sandwich.

In this article, we will explore the best cheese for Philly Cheesesteak, based on a range of criteria including texture, flavor, and meltability.

We’ve done the research and taste testing to bring you the top ten cheeses that will take your Philly Cheesesteak to the next level.

So, whether you’re a Philly Cheesesteak enthusiast or just looking for some cheese inspiration, this article will have you covered.

Cheese Selection Criteria

Choosing the right cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak can be a challenging task as the cheese plays a crucial role in determining the sandwich’s overall flavor and texture.

Here are the essential criteria to consider when selecting the best cheese for Philly Cheesesteak:

• Texture: The texture of the cheese is a vital factor in a Philly Cheesesteak. Ideally, you want a cheese that will melt easily and evenly, providing a creamy consistency throughout the sandwich. Cheese with a smooth and creamy texture works best.
• Flavors that complement the steak: Another important consideration is the flavor of the cheese. The cheese should complement the flavor of the beef and enhance its overall taste. A mild cheese will not overpower the flavor of the beef but will add an extra dimension of flavor to the sandwich.
• Meltability: Meltability refers to the cheese’s ability to melt uniformly, providing an even layer of cheese throughout the sandwich. A cheese that does not melt well can result in clumpy and unevenly distributed cheese.
• Traditional vs. non-traditional options: There are several traditional cheese options for a Philly Cheesesteak, including Provolone, Cheez Whiz, and American cheese. However, there are also several non-traditional options that can add unique flavors and textures to the sandwich, such as Swiss cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, and Gouda cheese.

By considering these criteria, you can select the best cheese for Philly Cheesesteak that will provide a harmonious balance of texture, flavor, and meltability, enhancing the overall taste of the sandwich.

The 10 Best Cheeses for Philly Cheesesteaks

Now that we have covered the essential criteria for selecting the best cheese for Philly Cheesesteaks, let’s dive into the top 10 cheeses that you should consider:

1. Provolone: Provolone is a traditional cheese for Philly Cheesesteaks and is a popular choice due to its mild flavor and excellent meltability. It has a smooth and creamy texture, making it the perfect complement to the steak.
2. Cheez Whiz: While not a traditional cheese, Cheez Whiz has become a popular option for Philly Cheesesteaks. It has a smooth and creamy texture and provides a unique tangy flavor that complements the steak.
3. American Cheese: Another traditional cheese option, American cheese, is a mild cheese that melts easily and evenly. It has a creamy texture and a subtle flavor that enhances the flavor of the steak.
4. Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese provides a unique nutty flavor and is an excellent option for those who want a cheese that is less mild than Provolone or American cheese. It has a semi-soft texture and melts evenly, providing a creamy consistency throughout the sandwich.
5. Pepper Jack Cheese: For those who enjoy a little spice, Pepper Jack cheese is an excellent option. It has a mild heat that complements the steak’s flavor and melts well, providing an even layer of cheese throughout the sandwich.
6. Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a slightly sharper flavor than American cheese and melts well, providing a smooth and creamy consistency throughout the sandwich.
7. Gouda Cheese: Gouda cheese provides a unique smoky flavor and has a creamy texture that complements the steak. It melts evenly and adds a rich and savory taste to the sandwich.
8. Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese has a mild flavor and a smooth and stretchy texture that complements the steak’s flavor. It melts well and provides a gooey and creamy consistency throughout the sandwich.
9. Fontina Cheese: Fontina cheese has a nutty and buttery flavor that complements the steak’s flavor. It has a semi-soft texture and melts well, providing a creamy consistency throughout the sandwich.
10. Blue Cheese: For those who enjoy a strong and pungent cheese, Blue cheese is an excellent option. It has a crumbly texture and adds a bold and distinct flavor to the sandwich.

These ten cheese options provide a range of flavors and textures, ensuring that there is an option for everyone’s taste preferences. By selecting one of these cheeses, you can enhance the overall taste of your Philly Cheesesteak and take it to the next level.

Pairing Cheese with Steak

Pairing the right cheese with the steak is essential to create a perfect Philly Cheesesteak.

Here are some recommended cheese and steak combinations:

1. Provolone with Ribeye: Provolone’s mild and buttery flavor complements the rich flavor of the ribeye steak, making it an ideal pairing.
2. Cheez Whiz with Sirloin: Cheez Whiz’s tangy and creamy flavor complements the leaner sirloin steak, making it a popular choice for many.
3. American Cheese with Filet Mignon: American cheese’s mild flavor pairs well with the tender and mild flavor of the filet mignon steak.
4. Swiss Cheese with Flank Steak: Swiss cheese’s nutty flavor pairs well with the bold and beefy flavor of the flank steak.
5. Pepper Jack Cheese with Skirt Steak: Pepper Jack cheese’s mild heat pairs well with the robust flavor of the skirt steak.
6. Cheddar Cheese with T-Bone Steak: Cheddar cheese’s sharp flavor pairs well with the bold flavor of the T-bone steak.
7. Gouda Cheese with Strip Steak: Gouda cheese’s smoky and creamy flavor complements the rich flavor of the strip steak.
8. Mozzarella Cheese with Flat Iron Steak: Mozzarella cheese’s mild and stretchy flavor pairs well with the tender and mild flavor of the flat iron steak.
9. Fontina Cheese with Hanger Steak: Fontina cheese’s nutty and buttery flavor pairs well with the tender and beefy flavor of the hanger steak.
10. Blue Cheese with Skirt Steak: Blue cheese’s strong and pungent flavor pairs well with the robust flavor of the skirt steak.

Cheese Alternatives for Veggie Cheesesteaks

For those who prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, there are several cheese alternatives that can be used to make a delicious and satisfying veggie Philly Cheesesteak.

Here are some of the best cheese alternatives:

• Vegan Cheese: There are several vegan cheese options available, such as Daiya or Follow Your Heart, which provide a similar texture and meltability to traditional cheese.
• Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and can be used to sprinkle over the vegetables in a veggie Philly Cheesesteak.
• Cashew Cheese: Cashew cheese provides a creamy texture and can be used as a spread on the hoagie roll or mixed in with the vegetables.
• Tofu: Tofu can be sliced thinly and marinated to provide a savory and meaty flavor that complements the vegetables.

When preparing a veggie Philly Cheesesteak, it’s essential to select a cheese alternative that provides a similar texture and flavor to traditional cheese.

By using one of these cheese alternatives, you can still enjoy a delicious and satisfying Philly Cheesesteak, even if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right cheese is crucial in creating the perfect Philly Cheesesteak.

We have provided you with the essential criteria to consider when choosing the best cheese for your sandwich, as well as a list of the top 10 cheeses to consider.

Here are the best cheeses for a Philly Cheesesteak:

1. Provolone
2. Cheez Whiz
3. American cheese
4. Swiss cheese
5. Pepper Jack cheese
6. Cheddar cheese
7. Gouda cheese
8. Mozzarella cheese
9. Fontina cheese
10. Blue cheese

We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you towards the best cheese options for your Philly Cheesesteak. Don’t forget to pair your cheese with the right cut of steak and consider cheese alternatives for vegetarian options.

Try out these recommended cheeses and share your experiences with us. Remember, the cheese is just as important as the steak in creating the perfect Philly Cheesesteak!