What Is a Good Melting Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak?

The Philly cheesesteak is a classic American sandwich, beloved for its combination of thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, and gooey, melted cheese. However, not just any cheese will do. The choice of the best melting cheese for a Philly cheesesteak significantly affects the flavor, texture, and overall experience. So, what is the best melting cheese for a Philly cheesesteak?

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the most popular cheese options. We’ll discuss their melting properties and suggest how to pair them with your Philly cheesesteak. Moreover, we provide tips on achieving the perfect melt and offer creative cheese alternatives. Consequently, by the end, you’ll know how to choose the best melting cheese for a Philly cheesesteak.

The Importance of the Best Melting Cheese in a Philly Cheesesteak

Cheese plays a crucial role in a Philly cheesesteak. It adds richness, moisture, and a creamy texture that binds the sandwich together. Therefore, the best melting cheese for a Philly cheesesteak should melt beautifully. It should create a luscious, gooey layer that envelops the beef and vegetables.

Why the Best Melting Cheese Matters

The melting ability of the cheese is critical to achieving the ideal Philly cheesesteak. The best melting cheese should melt smoothly, ensuring that each bite is rich and satisfying. However, the cheese’s flavor should complement the beef without overpowering it, as this balance creates a perfect harmony between the savory meat and the creamy cheese. Moreover, cheese contributes significantly to the sandwich’s texture. A well-melted cheese adds a velvety mouthfeel, enhancing the sandwich’s overall enjoyment. Conversely, poorly melted cheese can result in a dry or greasy texture that detracts from the experience. Consequently, for a deeper understanding of how cheese interacts with other ingredients in a sandwich, you might find this article on Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta insightful, as it discusses the role of creamy sauces in pasta dishes, similar to cheese in a cheesesteak.

Classic Cheese Options for the Best Melting Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak

Several cheeses have become classics in the world of Philly cheesesteaks. These cheeses are known for their excellent melting properties. They also complement the sandwich’s flavors well.

Cheez Whiz: The Original Choice

What It Is: Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese sauce. It has become synonymous with the Philly cheesesteak. Developed in the 1950s, Cheez Whiz is made from a combination of cheese, emulsifiers, and flavorings. These ingredients give it a smooth, creamy texture.
Why It Works: Cheez Whiz melts effortlessly, creating a rich, gooey layer that coats the beef and bread perfectly. Its sharp, tangy flavor complements the savory beef, making it a favorite among purists.
How to Use It: Simply heat Cheez Whiz and drizzle it over the cooked beef and onions. Its smooth consistency makes it easy to spread evenly, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Provolone: A Classic and Versatile Cheese

What It Is: Provolone is a semi-soft Italian cheese. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is traditionally aged for two to three months, resulting in a smooth texture and a subtle, nutty taste.
Why It Works: Provolone melts beautifully, creating a creamy, stretchy layer that adds richness to the sandwich. It does this without overpowering the other ingredients. Its mild flavor allows the beef to shine, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more balanced sandwich.
How to Use It: Place slices of provolone over the cooked beef in the skillet. Allow them to melt before transferring the mixture to the bread. You can also broil the assembled sandwich briefly to ensure the cheese is fully melted.

American Cheese: Smooth and Creamy

What It Is: American cheese is a processed cheese known for its smooth texture and mild flavor. It is made from a blend of milk, milk fats, solids, and whey protein, which give it its signature melting properties.
Why It Works: American cheese melts into a velvety, gooey consistency that spreads evenly over the sandwich. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs well with the savory beef, making it a favorite for those who prefer a creamier, less tangy cheese.
How to Use It: Add slices of American cheese to the beef while it’s still in the skillet. This allows it to melt and blend with the other ingredients. Alternatively, you can place the cheese on the bread before adding the hot beef mixture. The heat will cause the cheese to melt perfectly.

For more ideas on how the best melting cheese for Philly cheesesteak can enhance a dish, check out this recipe for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. It combines the rich flavors of a cheesesteak with the comfort of pasta.

Other Popular Melting Cheeses for the Best Philly Cheesesteak

While Cheez Whiz, provolone, and American cheese are the most common choices, there are other cheeses that also work well in a Philly cheesesteak. These cheeses offer different flavors and textures, allowing you to customize your sandwich to your liking.

Mozzarella: Stretchy and Mild

What It Is: Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese traditionally made from Italian buffalo or cow’s milk. It is known for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties. However, its appeal extends beyond pizzas, as it is also ideal for dishes that require a stretchy, gooey cheese. Moreover, mozzarella’s texture allows it to complement a variety of ingredients seamlessly. Consequently, it is a popular choice in many recipes where a rich, creamy melt is desired.
Why It Works: Mozzarella melts into a stringy, stretchy consistency, adding a fun texture to the sandwich. However, its mild flavor does not overpower the beef and other ingredients. Moreover, this subtlety makes mozzarella a versatile choice for those who prefer a less assertive cheese. Consequently, it enhances the overall taste experience without overshadowing the other flavors.
How to Use It: Place slices or shredded mozzarella over the beef and let it melt before assembling the sandwich. However, for an extra cheesy experience, you can add a second layer of mozzarella on top of the sandwich. Moreover, broiling it until bubbly and golden will enhance the cheese’s texture and flavor. Consequently, you’ll achieve a perfectly melted, cheesy sandwich with a delightful golden finish.

Swiss Cheese: Nutty and Savory

What It Is: Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a distinctive nutty flavor and characteristic holes, or “eyes.” It is made from cow’s milk and is aged for several months to develop its complex flavor profile.
Why It Works: Swiss cheese melts smoothly. It creates a rich, creamy layer that adds a slightly nutty flavor to the sandwich. Its savory taste pairs well with the beef, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a more robust flavor.
How to Use It: Add slices of Swiss cheese to the beef in the skillet. Allow them to melt before assembling the sandwich. Alternatively, you can place the cheese on the bread and broil the sandwich for a few minutes to achieve a melted, bubbly finish.

Monterey Jack: Creamy with a Mild Flavor

What It Is: Monterey Jack is an American semi-hard cheese. It has a creamy texture and mild flavor. It is often used in Mexican cuisine and is known for its excellent melting properties.
Why It Works: Monterey Jack melts into a smooth, creamy consistency. It adds a mild, buttery flavor to the sandwich. It’s a great choice for those who want a cheese that melts well without overpowering the other ingredients.
How to Use It: Place slices or shredded Monterey Jack over the beef. Let it melt before assembling the sandwich. For a spicier twist, try using Pepper Jack, a variation of Monterey Jack with added jalapeños.

If you’re curious about how the best melting cheese for Philly cheesesteak behaves in other cooking methods, you might find this guide on Does Pasta Go Mushy in a Slow Cooker? helpful. It discusses the challenges of melting and cooking in different environments.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Cheese Melt

Getting the perfect melt on your cheese is essential for creating the best Philly cheesesteak. Here are some tips to ensure your cheese melts smoothly and evenly.

Use the Right Temperature

Cheese melts best at a moderate temperature. If the heat is too high, the cheese can separate into oils and solids, resulting in a greasy texture. To avoid this, melt the cheese over low to medium heat. This allows it to melt slowly and evenly.

Shred or Slice the Cheese

Shredding or thinly slicing the cheese helps it melt more quickly and evenly. Larger blocks of cheese can take longer to melt. They may not distribute evenly across the sandwich. For the best results, use pre-shredded cheese or shred your own just before cooking.

Cover the Skillet

If you’re melting the cheese directly in the skillet with the beef, cover the skillet with a lid. This traps the heat and creates steam. It helps the cheese melt more quickly and evenly. It also helps prevent the cheese from drying out or becoming too stringy.

Broil for a Finishing Touch

For an extra gooey, bubbly finish, consider broiling your sandwich briefly after assembling it. Place the sandwich under the broiler for a minute or two. Do this just until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

Creative Cheese Combinations for the Best Philly Cheesesteak

While traditional cheeses like provolone and American are popular choices, mixing different cheeses can create a unique and flavorful Philly cheesesteak. Here are some creative combinations to try.

Provolone and Mozzarella: Creamy and Stretchy

Why It Works: Provolone adds a rich, nutty flavor. Mozzarella provides a stretchy, gooey texture. Together, they create a balanced, indulgent sandwich that’s both flavorful and fun to eat.
How to Use It: Layer slices of provolone and mozzarella over the beef. Let them melt together in the skillet. Alternatively, broil the assembled sandwich with both cheeses on top for a bubbly, golden finish.

Cheddar and Monterey Jack: Sharp and Creamy

Why It Works: Cheddar’s sharp, tangy flavor pairs well with the creamy, mild taste of Monterey Jack. This combination creates a rich, flavorful cheese layer that enhances the sandwich’s overall taste.
How to Use It: Mix shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack together. Sprinkle over the beef. Melt the cheeses in the skillet or under the broiler for a smooth, creamy finish.

Swiss and Gruyère: Nutty and Complex

Why It Works: Both Swiss and Gruyère are known for their nutty, savory flavors. Gruyère adds a slightly sweet, earthy note that complements the more robust Swiss cheese. This results in a complex and satisfying cheese layer.
How to Use It: Layer slices of Swiss and Gruyère over the beef. Melt them in the skillet. For a more intense flavor, broil the sandwich with the cheeses on top until they’re bubbly and golden.

American and Cheddar: Classic and Bold

Why It Works: American cheese provides a smooth, creamy base. Cheddar adds a bold, sharp flavor. This combination is perfect for those who want a classic, cheesy sandwich with a bit of extra flavor.
How to Use It: Place slices of American cheese on the bread. Top with shredded cheddar before adding the beef. Broil the sandwich briefly to melt the cheeses together. This creates a rich, gooey layer.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Melting Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak

As you explore different cheese options for your Philly cheesesteak, you might have some questions. Here are answers to the most common ones.

Can I Use Non-Dairy Cheese for the Best Philly Cheesesteak?

Yes, non-dairy cheeses have come a long way in recent years, and they can be used in a Philly cheesesteak. However, it’s important to look for non-dairy cheeses specifically designed to melt well, such as those made from cashews, almonds, or coconut oil. Moreover, brands like Daiya, Violife, and Follow Your Heart offer non-dairy cheeses that melt smoothly and taste great. Consequently, these options provide a delicious alternative for those seeking a dairy-free version of this classic sandwich.

What Is the Best Way to Melt Cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak?

The best way to melt cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is to do it gradually over low to medium heat. However, whether you’re melting the cheese directly in the skillet with the beef or broiling it on top of the sandwich, the key is to avoid high heat. Moreover, high heat can cause the cheese to separate or become greasy. Consequently, using moderate heat ensures a smooth, well-melted cheese that enhances the overall flavor and texture of the sandwich.

Can I Mix Different Cheeses on My Philly Cheesesteak?

Absolutely! Mixing different cheeses can create a more complex and flavorful sandwich. For example, combining a mild cheese like mozzarella with a sharp cheese like cheddar can give you both the gooey texture and the bold flavor you desire.

How Much Cheese Should I Use on a Philly Cheesesteak?

The amount of cheese you use depends on your personal preference. However, a general guideline is to use about 2 to 3 ounces of cheese per sandwich. This amount provides enough cheese to melt smoothly and coat the beef without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Can I Prepare the Cheese in Advance?

Yes, you can shred or slice the cheese in advance to save time during assembly. However, it’s important to store the prepared cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Moreover, for the best results, let the cheese come to room temperature before melting, as this helps it melt more evenly. Consequently, your Philly cheesesteak will have a smoother and creamier texture, making the final dish even more delicious.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Melting Cheese for Your Philly Cheesesteak

The choice of cheese is one of the most important decisions when making a Philly cheesesteak. Whether you prefer the classic sharpness of Cheez Whiz, the creamy smoothness of provolone, or the mild flavor of American cheese, the right cheese can elevate your sandwich to new heights. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses or combinations to find your perfect melt. Moreover, whether you stick with a traditional option or try something new like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, the key is to choose the best melting cheese for a Philly cheesesteak, ensuring it complements the other ingredients. and if you want more recipesn take a look on Allrecipes | Recipes, How-Tos, Videos and More