What To Know
- Pat Olivieri, the owner, was looking for a new way to use up leftover steak trimmings and decided to fry them up and put them on a roll with cheese.
- The cheesesteak has a tender, juicy texture from the steak and a slight crunch from the onions.
- If you’re looking for a more complex and flavorful sandwich with a dense and chewy texture, the chopped cheese is your best bet.
The streets of Philadelphia are known for their iconic culinary creations, and two that stand out are the cheesesteak and the chopped cheese. Both sandwiches have a loyal following, but which one reigns supreme? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history, ingredients, and flavors of these two Philly favorites to help you decide which one is truly the king of sandwiches.
History
Cheesesteak: The cheesesteak was born in the 1930s at Pat’s King of Steaks, a hot dog stand in South Philadelphia. Pat Olivieri, the owner, was looking for a new way to use up leftover steak trimmings and decided to fry them up and put them on a roll with cheese.
Chopped Cheese: The chopped cheese emerged in the 1970s in Harlem, New York City. It was created by a Puerto Rican man named Muhammed Choudhury, who owned a deli on 116th Street. He started chopping up leftover steak into small pieces and mixing it with cheese, onions, and tomatoes on a hero roll.
Ingredients
Cheesesteak: The classic cheesesteak is made with thin-sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese (usually American, provolone, or Cheez Whiz), and onions. Other optional toppings include peppers, mushrooms, and lettuce.
Chopped Cheese: The chopped cheese uses ground beef instead of steak, chopped into small pieces. It also includes melted cheese (typically American or cheddar), onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. Ketchup and mayonnaise are often added as condiments.
Flavor
Cheesesteak: The cheesesteak has a rich, beefy flavor with a hint of tanginess from the cheese. The onions add a savory sweetness, and the peppers and mushrooms provide an extra layer of complexity.
Chopped Cheese: The chopped cheese has a more complex and flavorful profile. The ground beef provides a deep, meaty base, while the cheese adds a creamy richness. The onions, tomatoes, and lettuce add freshness and acidity, and the ketchup and mayonnaise provide a sweet and tangy balance.
Texture
Cheesesteak: The cheesesteak has a tender, juicy texture from the steak and a slight crunch from the onions. The cheese is gooey and melted, adding a smooth and creamy texture.
Chopped Cheese: The chopped cheese has a more dense and chewy texture. The ground beef is chopped into small pieces, resulting in a compact and flavorful filling. The cheese is melted and gooey, adding a creamy contrast to the meat.
Popularity
Cheesesteak: The cheesesteak is undoubtedly the more popular sandwich in Philadelphia. It’s a staple at sporting events, festivals, and local eateries throughout the city.
Chopped Cheese: While not as widespread as the cheesesteak, the chopped cheese has gained a cult following in New York City and beyond. It’s a popular choice at bodegas, delis, and food trucks.
The Verdict
So, which sandwich is the ultimate winner? It ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a classic, beefy sandwich with a simple yet satisfying flavor profile, the cheesesteak is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more complex and flavorful sandwich with a dense and chewy texture, the chopped cheese is your best bet.
Wrap-Up: The Cheesesteak vs Chopped Cheese Showdown
The cheesesteak and chopped cheese are both iconic sandwiches with their own unique charms. Whether you prefer the classic flavors of the cheesesteak or the more complex and flavorful profile of the chopped cheese, there’s no denying that these two Philly favorites are culinary treasures.
What You Need to Know
Q: What’s the difference between a cheesesteak and a chopped cheese?
A: The main difference is the type of meat used. Cheesesteaks use thin-sliced rib-eye steak, while chopped cheese uses ground beef.
Q: Which sandwich is more popular?
A: The cheesesteak is more popular in Philadelphia, while the chopped cheese is more popular in New York City.
Q: Can I get a cheesesteak or chopped cheese with different toppings?
A: Yes, both sandwiches can be customized with additional toppings such as peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, ketchup, and mayonnaise.
