A classic Philly cheesesteak is a thing of beauty—warm, crusty bread filled with tender, thinly sliced beef, melty cheese, and sautéed onions. This sandwich is an American culinary staple, especially in Philadelphia, where it originated. But you don’t need to travel to Pennsylvania to enjoy this delectable dish; you can easily make a delicious homemade cheesesteak right in your kitchen. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through every step to create the ultimate cheesesteak sandwich that will have your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients:
1. For the Steak:
– 1 pound ribeye steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
2. For the Onions:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
3. For the Cheese Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded (or American cheese for a classic twist)
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
4. For the Bread:
– 4 hoagie rolls or Italian rolls
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
5. Optional Toppings:
– Sautéed bell peppers
– Mushrooms
– Hot peppers
– Pickles
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
– Begin by placing your ribeye or sirloin steak in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to slice the meat thinly.
– After freezing, use a sharp knife to slice the steak as thinly as possible. You want to aim for paper-thin slices, as this ensures the beef will cook quickly and remain tender.
– Season the sliced steak with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Onions:
– Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized—this should take about 10-15 minutes.
– Once cooked, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Steak:
– In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
– Add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the steak for about 2-3 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
– Once the steak is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
– In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
– Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture turns golden brown.
– Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens.
– Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the shredded provolone cheese until it’s fully melted and smooth.
– Add in the Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toast the Rolls:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Brush the hoagie rolls with melted butter and place them on a baking sheet.
– Toast the rolls in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden and slightly crispy.
6. Assemble the Cheesesteak:
– To assemble your sandwich, start by placing a generous portion of the cooked steak on the bottom half of the toasted roll.
– Top the steak with the caramelized onions and any additional toppings you desire, such as sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms.
– Drizzle the warm cheese sauce over the top of the steak and onions.
– Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich, pressing down slightly to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
– Serve your homemade cheesesteak sandwich immediately, while the cheese is still gooey and the bread is warm. Pair it with a side of fries, a pickle, or enjoy it on its own—this sandwich is sure to satisfy!
Tips for the Perfect Cheesesteak:
– Choosing the Right Cut of Beef: The quality of the beef is crucial for a great cheesesteak. Ribeye is the traditional choice, as it’s tender and flavorful. If ribeye isn’t available, sirloin is a good alternative. Freezing the steak before slicing makes it easier to get those thin, delicate slices that cook quickly and evenly.
– Caramelizing the Onions: Don’t rush the onions. Cooking them slowly over medium heat ensures they become soft and caramelized, adding a sweet depth of flavor to your sandwich.
– Cheese Choices: While provolone is a popular choice, many cheesesteak purists swear by American cheese or even Cheez Whiz for that classic Philly experience. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite.
– Bread Matters: A good cheesesteak is only as good as the bread it’s served on. Look for hoagie rolls or Italian rolls with a firm crust and a soft, pillowy interior. Toasting the rolls lightly in the oven gives them a nice crunch that complements the tender beef and gooey cheese.
– Customization: One of the best things about making your own cheesesteak is the ability to customize it. Whether you like your sandwich with extra cheese, loaded with veggies, or with a spicy kick from hot peppers, the choice is yours.
Final Thoughts:
Making a homemade cheesesteak sandwich is a rewarding experience that brings the flavors of Philadelphia into your own kitchen. With tender, juicy steak, gooey cheese, and perfectly toasted bread, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re looking to recreate the classic Philly experience or put your own twist on it, this recipe provides a solid foundation for a truly exceptional cheesesteak.
Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy every bite of this ultimate comfort food!