Steak & Cheese
Tender shaved steak with your choice of fresh vegetables and condiments, topped with melted cheese.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
The Steak & Cheese sandwich, particularly the cheesesteak, evolved from early 20th-century Italian immigrant communities in Philadelphia. It's a descendant of simple meat sandwiches created as a quick, affordable lunch for working-class individuals. The addition of cheese, initially provolone, marked a significant development. While the exact origin is debated, Pat Olivieri is often credited with creating the first version in the 1930s.
The Steak & Cheese, particularly the cheesesteak, is deeply ingrained in Philadelphia's culinary identity and represents working-class roots and local pride. It transcends mere food, becoming a symbol of community and a topic of passionate debate regarding the 'correct' way to prepare and consume it.
Regional Identity
In Philadelphia, asking for 'a cheesesteak' is just the beginning. You must specify your cheese preference (Whiz, American, Provolone) and whether you want onions ('wit' or 'witout'). These subtle nuances are critical for ordering correctly and demonstrating local knowledge.
Competition
Rivalries between cheesesteak institutions like Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks are legendary, contributing to the dish's notoriety and providing constant fodder for local discussion and tourism.
Cultural Icon
The cheesesteak has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and books, solidifying its status as an iconic American food and a symbol of Philadelphia culture.
The Steak & Cheese is a symphony of savory and rich flavors, balanced by the soft texture of the bread and the potential sharpness of the cheese. The core elements deliver a meaty, cheesy, and sometimes tangy or sweet taste depending on the added vegetables and sauces.
Thinly sliced steak, typically ribeye or top round, provides the foundational savory meatiness. The cheese, commonly provolone, American, or Cheese Whiz, adds a creamy, salty, and sometimes sharp counterpoint. Onions, often caramelized, contribute sweetness and depth. Bell peppers offer a vegetal crunch and subtle sweetness. Mushrooms add an earthy umami note. Sauce variations like ketchup, hot sauce, or pizza sauce introduce tangy, spicy, or sweet elements, respectively. The bread, ideally a hoagie roll, provides a neutral base to absorb the flavors.
Meat Matters
Use thinly sliced ribeye for the most tender and flavorful results. Partially freezing the steak before slicing makes it easier to achieve uniformly thin pieces.
Cheese Choice
Consider your cheese preference carefully. Cheese Whiz provides a distinct, processed flavor, while provolone offers a sharper, more traditional taste. American cheese melts exceptionally well.
Bread is Key
A sturdy, slightly crusty hoagie roll is essential to hold the ingredients without falling apart. Lightly toasting the roll can prevent it from becoming soggy.
Don't Overcrowd
Resist the urge to overload the sandwich. Too many ingredients can overwhelm the flavors and make it difficult to eat.
Explore additional Sandwich dishes and restaurants
Explore SandwichDiscover top dining spots and culinary experiences in Roslyn.
Explore RoslynLearn more about the food culture, restaurant scene, and culinary heritage of United States.
Explore United States