What To Know
- A slightly firmer cheese with a nutty flavor, provolone adds a subtle sharpness and a satisfying chewiness to your sandwich.
- A local favorite, Cooper Sharp is a semi-hard cheese with a sharp, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat and bread.
- Cooper Sharp or a sharp cheddar cheese provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the meat and bread, elevating your cheesesteak to gourmet status.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting the City of Brotherly Love, biting into a juicy cheesesteak is a culinary experience that simply cannot be missed. And while the meat and bread are essential, the cheese is the crowning glory that elevates this iconic sandwich to greatness.
But with so many cheese options available, choosing the best cheese for cheesesteak can be a daunting task. Fear not, cheese enthusiasts! This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey to discover the perfect match for your cheesesteak cravings.
The Contenders: A Cheese Odyssey
American Cheese: The classic choice, American cheese is a mild and creamy blend that melts effortlessly, creating a gooey, comforting blanket over your cheesesteak.
Provolone: A slightly firmer cheese with a nutty flavor, provolone adds a subtle sharpness and a satisfying chewiness to your sandwich.
Cheddar: A crowd-pleaser with a bold flavor, cheddar cheese brings a tangy and savory dimension to your cheesesteak.
Swiss Cheese: With its characteristic holes and mild, nutty flavor, Swiss cheese adds a touch of elegance and airiness to your cheesesteak.
Cooper Sharp: A local favorite, Cooper Sharp is a semi-hard cheese with a sharp, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat and bread.
The Perfect Pairing: A Symphony of Flavors
The key to choosing the best cheese for cheesesteak lies in finding a balance of flavors and textures. Here are some expert recommendations:
- Classic: American cheese is the tried-and-true choice for a traditional cheesesteak experience. Its mild flavor allows the meat and onions to shine through.
- Savory: Provolone or cheddar cheese adds a savory depth to your sandwich, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Sharp: Cooper Sharp or a sharp cheddar cheese provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the meat and bread, elevating your cheesesteak to gourmet status.
- Mild: Swiss cheese or Monterey Jack cheese offers a milder flavor, allowing the other ingredients to take center stage.
The Melting Point: A Culinary Alchemy
The melting point of your cheese is crucial for achieving the perfect cheesesteak. Aim for a cheese that melts evenly and smoothly, creating a velvety, gooey coating over your sandwich.
- Low Melting Point: American cheese and Monterey Jack cheese melt quickly and easily, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Medium Melting Point: Provolone and cheddar cheese melt at a slightly higher temperature, resulting in a more substantial and chewy texture.
- High Melting Point: Swiss cheese has a higher melting point, so it may not melt as evenly, creating pockets of melted and unmelted cheese.
The Art of Cheese Distribution: Achieving Cheesesteak Nirvana
Distributing the cheese evenly over your cheesesteak is essential for maximum flavor and satisfaction. Here are some tips:
- Shredded: Shredded cheese melts more evenly and easily, ensuring every bite is filled with cheesy goodness.
- Sliced: Sliced cheese provides a more substantial texture and allows you to control the amount of cheese on your sandwich.
- Whizzed: Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese sauce, is a popular choice for cheesesteaks and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
The Regional Variations: A Culinary Adventure
The best cheese for cheesesteak can vary depending on your location:
- Philadelphia: American cheese is the traditional choice for cheesesteaks in the birthplace of this iconic sandwich.
- South Jersey: Provolone cheese is a popular option in South Jersey, adding a slightly sharp and nutty flavor to the sandwich.
- West Coast: Monterey Jack cheese is often used in cheesesteaks on the West Coast, offering a mild and creamy texture.
The Ultimate Verdict: Your Personal Preference
Ultimately, the best cheese for cheesesteak is the one that suits your personal taste preferences. Experiment with different cheeses and combinations until you find the perfect match for your palate.
FAQ
Q: What is the most popular cheese for cheesesteaks?
A: American cheese is the traditional and most popular choice for cheesesteaks.
Q: What cheese is closest to Cheez Whiz?
A: American cheese is the closest in texture and flavor to Cheez Whiz.
Q: Can I use mozzarella cheese on a cheesesteak?
A: Mozzarella cheese is not a traditional choice for cheesesteaks, but it can be used if you prefer a more mild and stretchy cheese.
