The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich, beloved for its savory combination of thinly sliced beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all nestled in a soft hoagie roll. Traditionally, Provolone, American cheese, or Cheez Whiz are the go-to options, each bringing their own flavor and texture to the sandwich. However, as food enthusiasts get more experimental with their culinary creations, a new question has emerged: Can you put mozzarella on a Philly cheesesteak?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the origins of the Philly cheesesteak, the traditional cheese options, the properties of mozzarella, and the implications of swapping in mozzarella for the classic cheeses. We’ll also explore some creative variations of the cheesesteak and provide a detailed recipe for making your own mozzarella cheesesteak at home.
The Origins of the Philly Cheesesteak
Before we dive into the mozzarella debate, it’s important to understand the origins of the Philly cheesesteak. The sandwich was created in Philadelphia in the 1930s by Pat and Harry Olivieri, who initially sold their creation from a hot dog stand. As legend has it, the brothers threw together some thinly sliced beef and onions, slapped it on a hoagie roll, and created what would become one of America’s most iconic sandwiches.
The sandwich gained popularity quickly, and soon the addition of cheese was introduced—typically Provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz. Today, the Philly cheesesteak is a staple of Philadelphia’s food culture, and while debates about the best cheesesteak joint rage on, the basics of the sandwich remain largely unchanged: a soft hoagie roll, thinly sliced ribeye steak, onions, and a generous helping of cheese.
What Makes the Philly Cheesesteak Special?
The magic of the Philly cheesesteak lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t need a long list of ingredients or fancy cooking techniques to be delicious. It’s a sandwich that’s all about balance—tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and creamy, melted cheese all come together in a pillowy hoagie roll to create a perfect bite.
Traditionalists argue that only certain cheeses—Provolone, American, and Cheez Whiz—are suitable for the sandwich. Each of these cheeses offers a specific flavor and texture that enhances the beef and onions. But could mozzarella, with its mild flavor and stretchy, gooey texture, be a viable alternative?
The Role of Cheese in a Philly Cheesesteak
To truly understand whether mozzarella has a place on a Philly cheesesteak, we need to look at the role that cheese plays in the sandwich. The cheese is meant to complement the savory, juicy beef and sweet onions without overpowering them. It also provides a creamy, melty texture that binds the sandwich together.
Provolone, American, and Cheez Whiz
Let’s break down the traditional cheese options:
- Provolone: Known for its slightly sharp and tangy flavor, provolone is a classic choice for a cheesesteak. It melts well and adds just enough flavor to stand out without overshadowing the beef.
- American Cheese: American cheese has a mild, creamy taste and an incredibly smooth melt. It’s often favored for its texture, which blends seamlessly with the steak and onions.
- Cheez Whiz: This processed cheese product is a divisive choice, but many Philly cheesesteak purists swear by it. It has a bold, salty flavor and a unique consistency that coats every bite of the sandwich.
These cheeses bring different things to the table, but they all serve the same purpose: enhancing the sandwich without overpowering the other ingredients. Mozzarella, on the other hand, is a different story.
Can You Use Mozzarella on a Philly Cheesesteak?
So, can you put mozzarella on a Philly cheesesteak? The short answer is yes, but it comes with a few caveats. Mozzarella is a mild, creamy cheese that’s best known for its use on pizza and in Italian dishes. It melts beautifully, creating long, stretchy strands of cheese that many people love. However, mozzarella doesn’t have the sharpness or saltiness of Provolone or Cheez Whiz, which means it won’t contribute as much flavor to the sandwich.
If you prefer a cheesesteak that’s a bit creamier and less salty, mozzarella might be a good option for you. However, if you’re looking for that classic cheesesteak flavor, you might want to stick with the traditional cheeses or use a combination of mozzarella and one of the other cheeses.
How Mozzarella Affects the Texture and Flavor
Mozzarella has a few distinct characteristics that set it apart from the traditional cheesesteak cheeses:
- Mild Flavor: Mozzarella’s flavor is much milder than Provolone or Cheez Whiz. While this might appeal to some, others might find that it doesn’t add enough punch to the sandwich.
- Stretchiness: Mozzarella is famous for its stretchy, gooey texture when melted. This can be a fun addition to the sandwich, especially if you love a cheesy, melty bite.
- Creaminess: Mozzarella’s creamy texture can be a nice contrast to the savory beef and onions, but it might make the sandwich feel heavier than usual.
Ultimately, using mozzarella on a Philly cheesesteak will change the sandwich’s flavor profile and texture. Whether or not that’s a good thing depends on your personal preferences.
Creative Variations of the Philly Cheesesteak
If you’re open to experimenting with your cheesesteak, mozzarella opens up a world of possibilities. Here are a few creative variations you can try:
Mozzarella Philly Cheesesteak with Italian Flair
Since mozzarella is often associated with Italian dishes, why not lean into that flavor profile? Try adding:
- Roasted red peppers
- Basil or oregano for a hint of herbaceous flavor
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze
This gives the sandwich a bit of an Italian twist while still staying true to its Philly roots.
Mozzarella Cheesesteak Pizza
If you’re a fan of both cheesesteaks and pizza, why not combine the two? Use the classic cheesesteak ingredients as toppings for a pizza, with mozzarella as the base cheese. Add thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and green bell peppers for a fusion dish that’s sure to impress.
Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla
For a Mexican twist on the Philly cheesesteak, try making a quesadilla filled with thinly sliced steak, onions, and mozzarella. Serve it with salsa or guacamole for dipping.
How to Make a Mozzarella Philly Cheesesteak at Home
Ready to try making your own mozzarella Philly cheesesteak? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or more if you like it extra cheesy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes. If you’re adding mushrooms or bell peppers, toss them in with the onions.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Open up the hoagie rolls and fill them with the cooked steak and onions. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade mozzarella Philly cheesesteak!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Philly Cheesesteak
Even seasoned cooks can make a few mistakes when preparing a Philly cheesesteak. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Using the wrong cut of beef: The ribeye is the gold standard for cheesesteaks because of its marbling and tenderness. Using a leaner cut of beef will result in a dry, tough sandwich.
- Overcooking the onions: The onions should be caramelized to bring out their sweetness, but not burnt. Be patient and cook them slowly over medium heat.
- Skimping on the cheese: A good cheesesteak is ooey and gooey, so don’t be afraid to pile on the mozzarella (or whatever cheese you’re using).
Mozzarella on a Philly Cheesesteak: The Final Verdict
So, can you put mozzarella on a Philly cheesesteak? Absolutely. But it’s important to recognize that doing so will change the flavor and texture of the sandwich. If you love mozzarella’s mild, creamy taste, you might find that it adds a delicious twist to the classic recipe. However, if you’re a cheesesteak purist, you might miss the sharpness and saltiness of Provolone or Cheez Whiz.
Ultimately, the beauty of the Philly cheesesteak lies in its versatility. Whether you stick to the traditional ingredients or get creative with mozzarella, the sandwich is sure to be delicious. Just be sure to cook your steak and onions to perfection, and don’t forget to pile on plenty of cheese!
FAQs
What cheese goes best with Philly cheesesteak?
The most popular cheeses for a Philly cheesesteak are Provolone, American cheese, and Cheez Whiz. Each cheese offers a different flavor and texture, so it depends on your personal preference.
Can you use mozzarella instead of provolone for Philly cheesesteak?
Yes, you can use mozzarella, but it will create a milder, creamier sandwich compared to Provolone’s sharper, saltier flavor.
Is Cheez Whiz authentic for Philly cheesesteaks?
Yes, Cheez Whiz is one of the classic cheese options for a Philly cheesesteak. It’s particularly popular at some of the most famous cheesesteak joints in Philadelphia.
What are other popular cheese alternatives for cheesesteaks?
In addition to mozzarella, other popular cheese alternatives include Swiss, pepper jack, and Monterey Jack. These cheeses bring their own unique flavors to the sandwich.