Chowhound: Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese Elevates Comfort Food

Philadelphia Cheesesteak Twists Standard Grilled Cheese Into Heavyweight Comfort Food

A classic grilled cheese accommodates any combination of cheese and bread, but food publication Chowhound reported that adding shaved steak, melted cheese, and fried onions turns the comfort food into a Philly cheesesteak-style sandwich. Authentic versions of the regional sandwich rely strictly on shaved steak, cheese, and fried onions without add-ons like bell peppers or mushrooms found in imposters elsewhere in the country.

Choosing Hearty Breads and Marbled Ribeye for Maximum Flavor

Heavy, somewhat-greasy ingredients require hearty bread that can stand up to the weight without falling apart. Sourdough, ciabatta, or good-quality Italian bread provide the necessary structure, while pressed mini buns work for slider-style variations. Shaved ribeye serves as the ideal meat choice because the marbling packs intensive flavor, though more affordable cuts like sirloin or pre-shaved leaner beef from the grocery store meat section offer practical alternatives. Because ribeye cooks quickly in the pan, home cooks must monitor it closely and remove the meat immediately once it browns.

Evaluating the Three Traditional Cheesesteak Cheese Options

The cheese selection draws on a longstanding regional debate among three primary choices: Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American. Interestingly, the original version of the sandwich did not even feature cheese. While Cheez Whiz defines the traditional experience on a standard hoagie roll, its thick liquid texture tends to spill out the sides of a flat-pressed grilled cheese. American cheese melts perfectly between the slices, whereas provolone introduces a sharper, nuttier flavor profile to the final dish.

Sauté Onions and Optional Vegetables for the Sandwich

Fried onions require a gentle saute in a mixture of butter and oil to soften and brown the layers without pushing them toward full caramelization. Cooks who prefer extra vegetables can toss bell peppers and mushrooms directly into the pan with the onions, allowing all components to soften and brown over the heat before assembling the sandwich for the pan.