Cheesesteak

What is Cheesesteak?

A cheesesteak is a sandwich built around thin slices of beefsteak, usually rib-eye or top round, cooked quickly on a griddle. The meat is combined with melted cheese—most often American, provolone, or Cheez Whiz—and loaded into a long, soft hoagie roll. Sautéed onions are a frequent addition, and some versions include mushrooms or peppers. The sandwich is served hot, with the cheese melting into the meat and bread. The roll is soft but sturdy enough to hold the filling, and the overall taste is rich, savory, and slightly salty.

Where does Cheesesteak come from?

Cheesesteak began in Philadelphia in the early 20th century. Pat and Harry Olivieri, who ran a hot dog stand, are often credited with its invention in the 1930s when they put chopped beef and onions on an Italian roll. The sandwich first appeared without cheese; cheese was added later, with American cheese or provolone as early options. The exact story of who first added cheese is debated. Pat's King of Steaks, opened by Pat Olivieri, remains a landmark. Over time, cheesesteaks spread throughout Philadelphia and became a symbol of the city.

How is Cheesesteak made?

To make a cheesesteak, thin slices of beef are cooked on a lightly oiled griddle until browned, then chopped or scrambled with a spatula. Cheese slices or spread are placed over the meat to melt. The roll is placed on top to warm, then the whole mixture is scooped up and pressed into the roll. Sautéed onions, mushrooms, or peppers may be added. The sandwich is then cut in half and served hot. The bread is typically a long hoagie roll, soft and slightly salted, sometimes with a firm crust or sesame seeds.

How and when is Cheesesteak eaten?

Cheesesteaks are usually eaten for lunch or dinner, often as a quick meal from sandwich shops, food carts, or casual restaurants. In Philadelphia, they are a staple of local fast food culture and are commonly ordered with or without onions and with a choice of cheese. Some people add mushrooms, peppers, or other toppings. The sandwich is typically eaten by hand, sometimes wrapped in paper for convenience. Outside Philadelphia, it is often called a 'Philly cheesesteak.'

Kinds of Cheesesteak

There are many versions of the cheesesteak. Chicken cheesesteaks use chicken instead of beef. A Buffalo chicken cheesesteak adds Buffalo sauce and sometimes blue cheese. Cheesesteak hoagies include lettuce and tomato. The Heater, served at Phillies baseball games, features jalapeños and hot sauce. Mushroom and pepper cheesesteaks add those vegetables. Pizza steak is topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella. Vegan versions use plant-based substitutes for meat and cheese. In Lahore, Pakistan, local spices are added.

What Cheesesteak means

Cheesesteak is closely tied to Philadelphia’s identity, with many family-run shops and debates over the best version. Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's are two famous rivals. The sandwich has become a symbol of the city and is featured at local sports events. Cheez Whiz, introduced in the 1950s, is especially popular at Pat's. The sandwich’s fame has spread, and it is now found in fast food chains and high-end restaurants, as well as in other countries with local twists.

Questions people ask about Cheesesteak

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Where to Eat at Citizens Bank Park, Home of the Phanatic (and the Phillies)Eater, Article

• Cheesesteak on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data