The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It typically consists of thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese served in a long hoagie roll. This delicious sandwich has become a beloved dish across the United States and beyond.
I love making Philly cheesesteak sandwiches at home because they’re incredibly satisfying and packed with flavor. The combination of tender ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and melted cheese is simply irresistible.
With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious, restaurant-quality sandwich right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into this classic recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ribeye steak, trimmed and sliced very thin
- 2 teaspoons coarse Kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil), divided
- 8 slices mild provolone cheese (or white American cheese, or Cheez Whiz)
- 4 hoagie rolls, sliced ¾ of the way through
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 2-4 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Steak:
Season the thinly sliced ribeye steak with Kosher salt and black pepper. Toss to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Cook the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Steak:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Increase the heat to high and add the seasoned steak slices. Cook the steak, stirring frequently, until it is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Once cooked, lower the heat to medium and mix the caramelized onions back into the skillet with the steak.
Prepare the Hoagie Rolls:
Preheat your oven’s broiler.In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the finely minced garlic.
Spread the garlic butter on the insides of the hoagie rolls.Place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet, buttered side up, and toast them under the broiler until they are golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the rolls are toasted, spread mayonnaise on the insides if desired. Divide the cooked steak and onion mixture among the hoagie rolls. Top each sandwich with 2 slices of provolone cheese (or your choice of cheese). Place the assembled sandwiches back under the broiler just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Remove the sandwiches from the oven and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your homemade Philly cheesesteak sandwiches!
What are some variations of the Philly Cheesesteak?
Variations of the Philly Cheesesteak have evolved to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some notable ones:
Chicken Cheesesteak:
The Chicken Cheesesteak is a delicious twist on the classic Philly Cheesesteak, substituting beef with tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts. To prepare, sauté sliced onions and bell peppers in olive oil until soft, then add the chicken seasoned with Italian herbs and smoked paprika, cooking until browned.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, combine it with the sautéed vegetables and top with provolone cheese, allowing it to melt. This dish can be served in toasted hoagie rolls for a satisfying meal. It’s an easy and quick recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners, taking about 30 minutes from prep to plate.
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
The Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is a spicy variation of the classic sandwich, featuring thinly sliced chicken sautéed with onions and bell peppers. To prepare, cook the chicken in a skillet until browned, then add Buffalo sauce for a zesty kick and mix in the sautéed vegetables.
Once combined, top the mixture with provolone cheese and let it melt before serving it in toasted hoagie rolls. This recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.
Mushroom Cheesesteak
The Mushroom Cheesesteak is a flavorful vegetarian alternative to the traditional Philly Cheesesteak, featuring sautéed mushrooms as the star ingredient. To prepare, a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini or portobello, are cooked with onions and bell peppers until tender and caramelized, enhancing their natural umami flavor.
This mixture is then piled into a toasted hoagie roll and topped with melted cheese, typically provolone or a cheese sauce for added creaminess. The combination of savory mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions creates a rich and satisfying sandwich experience.
Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or as a hearty appetizer, the Mushroom Cheesesteak is both delicious and nutritious.
Pepper Cheesesteak: Includes green bell peppers or other types of peppers, enhancing the sandwich with sweetness and crunch.
Pizza Steak: Topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella, this variation combines two beloved dishes into one.
Cheesesteak Hoagie
The Cheesesteak Hoagie is a delightful variation of the classic Philly Cheesesteak, featuring thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese served in a toasted hoagie roll. To prepare, the steak is cooked until browned, often seasoned with salt and pepper, and combined with caramelized onions for added sweetness.
The sandwich is then generously topped with slices of provolone or American cheese, which melt beautifully over the hot filling. Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers can be added for extra flavor and crunch.
This hearty sandwich is perfect for a satisfying meal and can be customized with various condiments to suit individual tastes.
Vegan Cheesesteak
The Vegan Cheesesteak is a plant-based alternative to the classic Philly Cheesesteak, featuring hearty ingredients that mimic the original’s flavors and textures. To prepare, sauté thinly sliced onions and bell peppers until caramelized, then add vegan beef crumbles or seitan for a protein-rich filling.
The mixture is topped with vegan cheese, which melts beautifully when heated, creating a creamy texture. Served in toasted hoagie rolls, this sandwich can be customized with various sauces like vegan mayo or ketchup for added flavor. It’s a satisfying and delicious option for vegans and non-vegans alike, perfect for any meal.
Additionally, the Philly Cheesesteak has inspired various creative dishes such as cheesesteak pizza, sliders, nachos, and even chili, showcasing its versatility beyond the traditional sandwich format.