Best Bread for Philly Cheesesteak: Top Choices Your Sandwich

If you grew up loving the Philly cheesesteak sandwich, you would understand that the bread is an important component of this sandwich.

Philly cheesesteak is not only about mouth-watering juicy meat and melted cheese, but also about the bread which should be perfect to ‘catch’ everything.

However, what makes the best bread for Philly cheesesteak? Let me present all the details so you can take your homemade Philly cheesesteak to the next level.

What is a Philly Cheesesteak?

The Philly cheesesteak, or Philly cheese steak/cheesesteak, is more than just a sandwich; it’s a beloved culinary icon with a rich history.

Originating in Philadelphia in the early 20th century, this sandwich features juicy meat, typically ribeye steak, which is thinly sliced and cooked to perfection.

The meat is then topped with melted cheese, often provolone cheese, American cheese, or the iconic cheese whiz.

Add caramelized onions and sometimes bell peppers, and you have the authentic Philly cheesesteak.

Why is Bread Important for Philly Cheesesteaks?

The bread for a Philly cheesesteak is just as important as the filling. It acts as the foundation, holding together all the delicious ingredients without overpowering them. The bread should be sturdy yet soft, with a slight chew to complement the tender, juicy meat, and melty cheese.

Essential Qualities of the Philly Cheesesteak Bread

1. Sturdiness: For the bread not to get soggy, it has to be able to hold up to the juice of the meat and the melted cheese.
2. Soft Interior: It should be strong and yet the interior part should be soft and should be able to hold the flavors without collapsing.
3. Slight Chew: It adds a little chewiness to the texture, thus giving an enjoyable feel to each bite.

Types of Bread for Philly Cheesesteak

Classic Hoagie Roll

The classic hoagie roll is the most traditional choice for a Philly cheesesteak. This is the bread that you will get in almost all the authentic Philly cheesesteak shops. Hoagie rolls are soft and at the same time firm for the sandwich and can accommodate the hearty cheesesteak filling.

1. Description: Hoagie rolls are long rolls, 6-12 inches long in general, with a soft interior and a crisp exterior.
2. Why it’s the traditional choice: The texture and flavor of the hoagie rolls complement the cheesesteak. It fills perfectly and also absorbs the juices without becoming soggy.
3. Best places to buy: You can find hoagie rolls from local bakeries, supermarkets, or even online stores. To get an authentic experience, I recommend brands like Amoroso’s.

Italian Rolls

Italian rolls also make for a great choice if you are looking to get a Philly cheesesteak. They are closely related to hoagie rolls though the latter may be slightly more compact and have a more defined crust.

• Description: Italian rolls are strong and have a crustier texture than hoagie rolls.
• Comparison to hoagie rolls: Both are good but the Italian rolls have a slight chew and can accommodate a heavier filling.
• How to complement the cheesesteak flavors: They are sturdy enough to stand up to the juices of steak and melted cheese, thus every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

Amoroso Rolls

Amoroso’s Baking Company is famous for its hoagie rolls, particularly in the Philadelphia area. It has a legendary status in the world of Philly cheesesteaks. Many purists believe that a true cheesesteak isn’t complete without an Amoroso roll.

• Background and history: Amoroso’s Baking Company has been making these rolls since 1904, becoming synonymous with Philly cheesesteaks.
• Why Amoroso rolls are popular for Philly cheesesteaks: Their unique texture and flavor are specifically crafted to complement the cheesesteak filling.
• Where to find Amoroso rolls: You can find Amoroso rolls in many grocery stores across the country, or order them online directly from the bakery.

Alternatives to Traditional Rolls

Besides, hoagies and Italian rolls are the most commonly used types; however, you can find many other breads to use.

French Baguette: It presents as having a crunchy exterior while having a soft interior thus giving a different feel when eaten.

• Pros: The crust is crisp while the inside part is tender.
• Cons: Sometimes overly tough, not as much of an absorbent as others.

Ciabatta Bread: It has a rather texture and is famous for its crispy crust.

• Pros: Interesting feel, perfect for absorption of juices.
• Cons: Can be too chewy, and may not hold up as well.

Whole Wheat Options: Substitutes with improved health benefits that have a different flavor.

• Health Benefits: There is more fiber and nutrients.
• Taste Differences: Slightly nuttier and a little denser.

Here’s a table summarizing the types of bread that work best for this classic sandwich:

How to Choose the Right Bread for Your Philly Cheesesteak

Choosing the right bread for your Philly cheesesteak sandwiches is very important. Because that process gives a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here are some tips and factors to consider when selecting the best bread for your sandwich.

Factors to Consider

1. Freshness

• Why it Matters: Fresh bread will have the perfect texture and taste. Stale bread can ruin the experience by being too hard or too crumbly.
• How to Ensure Freshness: Check the baking date if buying from a store, or visit a local bakery where you can get freshly baked bread.

2. Texture

• Importance of Texture: It should be firm enough to ensure that when the fillings are placed on it, they do not crumble but soft enough to relish when taking a bite.
• Ideal Characteristics: When choosing the bread, ensure it is crusty on the outside and slightly soft, and chewy on the inside.

3. Flavor

• Complementing the Filling: The bread should be tasty but not to the extent that it will interfere with the taste of the steak, cheese, and other fillings.
• Best Flavors: Recommendations are mild, slightly sweet, or even a neutral taste.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Bread

• Local Bakeries: Visit local bakeries and ask for recommendations. Bakers often have insights into which breads are best for sandwiches.
• Grocery Stores: Check the bakery section for fresh hoagie rolls or Italian rolls. Brands like Amoroso’s are often available and are a safe bet for authenticity.
• Online Options: If you can’t find good options locally, consider ordering from reputable bakeries online.

Testing Bread for the Best Cheesesteak Experience

To ensure you’re choosing the best bread, it’s a good idea to do a little testing. Here’s a simple way to test different breads:

1. Buy Small Quantities: Purchase a few different types of bread (hoagie rolls, Italian rolls, French baguettes, etc.).
2. Prepare a Small Batch: Make a small batch of your Philly cheesesteak filling, including thinly sliced ribeye steak, melted cheese (like provolone cheese or cheese whiz), caramelized onions, and bell peppers.
3. Assemble Mini Cheesesteaks: Use the different types of bread to make mini cheesesteaks.
4. Taste Test: Take note of how each bread holds up to the filling and how the flavors complement each other.

How to Assemble the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak

Now that we have the perfect bread, let’s dive into assembling the ultimate Philly cheesesteak. The key to a great Philly cheesesteak is not just the bread but also the filling, toppings, and preparation techniques.

Preparing the Bread

Slicing the Bread:

• Correct Way to Slice: Take your hoagie roll and slice it lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. You want the two halves to remain attached so they can hold the filling better.
• Tips for Toasting: Lightly toast the inside of the roll to add a bit of crunch and prevent it from becoming soggy from the juicy meat. You can do this on a griddle or in the oven at medium heat for a few minutes.

Filling the Bread

Choosing the Right Meat:

• Ribeye Steak: The traditional and best choice for an authentic Philly cheesesteak is ribeye steak. Its marbling and tenderness make it perfect for thinly slicing and cooking quickly.
• Alternatives: If you can’t find ribeye, you can use other tender cuts like sirloin or even chicken steaks for a chicken cheesesteak variation.

Cooking the Meat:

• Thinly Slice: Slice the ribeye steak as thinly as possible. Freezing the meat slightly beforehand can make this easier.
• Cooking: Heat a hot pan or griddle with a bit of canola oil or olive oil. Cook the thinly sliced ribeye steak on medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.

Adding the Cheese:

• Provolone Cheese: A popular choice for its mild flavor and great melting properties.
• American Cheese: Adds a classic, creamy texture.
• Cheese Whiz: For those who prefer the gooey, melty cheese experience.
• Melted Cheese Tips: Once the meat is cooked, place the cheese slices directly on the meat in the pan. Cover with a lid to help the cheese melt quickly.

Adding Toppings

Popular Cheesesteak Toppings:

• Caramelized Onions: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Green bell peppers are traditional, but sweet peppers or hot peppers can be used for variety.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor.

Tips for Sautéing and Seasoning Vegetables:

• Caramelized Onions: Cook thin slices of yellow onion in unsalted butter and a bit of olive oil over low heat until they are golden brown and sweet.
• Bell Peppers: Slice thin and sauté in olive oil with a pinch of salt until they are tender.
• Mushrooms: Cook sliced mushrooms in a bit of olive oil or unsalted butter until they are browned and have released their moisture.

Optional Extras:

• Lettuce and Tomatoes: For a fresh crunch.
• Pickles: Adds a tangy contrast.

Assembling the Sandwich

1. Layering: Start by placing the cooked, thinly sliced ribeye steak with melted cheese into the toasted hoagie roll.
2. Adding Toppings: Add your caramelized onions, bell peppers, and any other toppings you prefer.
3. Final Touch: A dash of salt and pepper, and your Philly cheesesteak is ready to serve immediately.

Example Table for Assembling a Philly Cheesesteak

With these steps, you can assemble the perfect Philly cheesesteak right at home, complete with the best bread and the most delicious fillings.

• Make your Philly cheese steak extra special with homemade hoagie rolls. Check out this easy recipe for a delicious upgrade.

Conclusion

The bread that you select for your Philly cheesesteak is important in making the best sandwich in the world. Starting with the traditional hoagie rolls to the more exotic Italian rolls and French baguettes there is a lot to look forward to.

Understanding the texture, flavor, and freshness of both the bread and the cheese, and using my preparation tips, you can guarantee making a delicious cheesesteak.

Looking for the next big thing to take your cheesesteak sandwich to a whole new level? Different kinds of breads can be used, different toppings can be used and you can even bake your own hoagie rolls. Keep in mind that the base of the perfect Philly cheesesteak is the bread!

FAQs: Best Bread for Philly Cheesesteak

What bread for Philly cheesesteak?

The best bread for a cheesesteak sandwich is a hoagie roll or an Italian roll. These rolls are sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart but soft enough to enjoy with each bite.

Can I use gluten-free bread for Philly cheesesteak?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread for a Philly cheesesteak. Look for gluten-free rolls that are sturdy and can hold up to the juicy meat and melted cheese without getting soggy.

What cheese to use for Philly cheesesteak?

Common cheese choices for a cheesesteak sandwich include provolone cheese, American cheese, and Cheese Whiz. Each type offers a unique flavor and texture, with provolone being mild, American cheese creamy, and Cheese Whiz gooey and rich.

Where can I find authentic Hoagie Rolls?

Authentic hoagie rolls can often be found at local bakeries, and specialty grocery stores, or ordered online. Brands like Amoroso’s are known for their authentic Philly cheesesteak rolls.