The Philly cheesesteak, a culinary icon of Philadelphia, has been a topic of debate among food enthusiasts for decades. One of the most enduring questions surrounding this beloved dish is whether the original Philly cheesesteak had Cheese Whiz. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Philly cheesesteak, explore the origins of Cheese Whiz, and examine the evidence to determine whether this processed cheese product was indeed a part of the original recipe.
A Brief History of the Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak has its roots in the 1930s, when South Philadelphia hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri began serving thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll. According to legend, a taxi cab driver asked Olivieri to add some cheese to the sandwich, and the Philly cheesesteak was born. Olivieri’s hot dog stand eventually evolved into Pat’s King of Steaks, which remains a popular destination for cheesesteak enthusiasts to this day.
The Evolution of the Philly Cheesesteak
Over the years, the Philly cheesesteak has undergone significant changes. The original recipe featured thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed with onions and served on a crusty Amoroso roll. Cheese was not a standard ingredient, but it became increasingly popular as the dish gained widespread acceptance. Provolone, Cheez Whiz, and mozzarella are the most commonly used cheeses in modern Philly cheesesteaks.
The Origins of Cheese Whiz
Cheese Whiz, a processed cheese spread, was introduced by Kraft Foods in 1953. The product was designed to be a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional cheese. Cheese Whiz quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in many American households. Its creamy texture and mild flavor made it an ideal addition to sandwiches, crackers, and vegetables.
Cheese Whiz in the Philly Cheesesteak
So, did the original Philly cheesesteak have Cheese Whiz? The answer is a resounding “no.” Cheese Whiz was not introduced until the 1950s, more than two decades after the Philly cheesesteak was invented. However, it’s likely that Cheese Whiz became a popular addition to the dish in the latter half of the 20th century.
Examining the Evidence
To determine whether Cheese Whiz was a part of the original Philly cheesesteak recipe, we must examine the evidence. Here are a few key points to consider:
- Pat Olivieri’s original recipe did not include Cheese Whiz. In fact, Olivieri’s daughter, Rick Olivieri, has stated that her father never used Cheese Whiz in his cheesesteaks.
- Early recipes for the Philly cheesesteak, published in the 1940s and 1950s, do not mention Cheese Whiz. Instead, they call for provolone or mozzarella cheese.
- Cheese Whiz advertisements from the 1950s and 1960s feature the product as a convenient addition to sandwiches, but they do not specifically mention the Philly cheesesteak.
Conclusion
While Cheese Whiz may not have been a part of the original Philly cheesesteak recipe, it has become a popular addition to the dish over the years. Whether you prefer your cheesesteak with provolone, mozzarella, or Cheese Whiz, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this beloved sandwich.
Modern-Day Philly Cheesesteaks
Today, the Philly cheesesteak remains a staple of Philadelphia cuisine. Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, two rival restaurants, have been serving cheesesteaks for decades. Both establishments offer a variety of cheese options, including Cheese Whiz.
Philly Cheesesteak Variations
Over the years, the Philly cheesesteak has undergone significant variations. Some popular variations include:
- Whiz wit: A cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz and onions.
- Provolone without: A cheesesteak with provolone cheese and no onions.
- Mushroom cheesesteak: A cheesesteak with sautéed mushrooms.
Conclusion
The Philly cheesesteak, a culinary icon of Philadelphia, has a rich and complex history. While Cheese Whiz may not have been a part of the original recipe, it has become a popular addition to the dish over the years. Whether you prefer your cheesesteak with provolone, mozzarella, or Cheese Whiz, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this beloved sandwich.
Final Thoughts
The next time you visit Philadelphia, be sure to stop by Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks to try an authentic Philly cheesesteak. Whether you opt for Cheese Whiz or a more traditional cheese option, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious and iconic sandwich.
What is the origin of the Philly cheesesteak?
The origin of the Philly cheesesteak is a topic of much debate, but the most widely accepted story is that it was invented by a hot dog vendor named Pat Olivieri in the 1930s. Olivieri began serving thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll to hungry taxi cab drivers and construction workers in South Philadelphia. One day, a customer asked Olivieri to add some cheese to the sandwich, and the Philly cheesesteak was born.
However, it’s worth noting that Olivieri’s original sandwich did not contain Cheez Whiz, which is a popular topping for Philly cheesesteaks today. Instead, Olivieri used sliced cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella. It wasn’t until later, when Olivieri’s nephew, Rick Olivieri, took over the business, that Cheez Whiz became a staple topping for the sandwich.
Did the original Philly cheesesteak have Cheez Whiz?
As mentioned earlier, the original Philly cheesesteak did not contain Cheez Whiz. Pat Olivieri’s original sandwich featured sliced steak, cheese, and sautéed onions on a hoagie roll. Cheez Whiz was not introduced as a topping until later, when Rick Olivieri took over the business.
It’s worth noting that Cheez Whiz was not even invented until the 1950s, long after Olivieri’s original sandwich was created. The introduction of Cheez Whiz as a topping for the Philly cheesesteak is often attributed to Rick Olivieri, who began using it as a way to differentiate his sandwich from others in the city.
What is the difference between Cheez Whiz and sliced cheese on a Philly cheesesteak?
The main difference between Cheez Whiz and sliced cheese on a Philly cheesesteak is the texture and flavor. Sliced cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella, melts and becomes gooey when heated, adding a rich and creamy texture to the sandwich. Cheez Whiz, on the other hand, has a smooth and creamy texture that is more uniform and consistent.
In terms of flavor, sliced cheese tends to have a more nuanced and complex taste, while Cheez Whiz has a milder and more processed flavor. Some people prefer the taste and texture of sliced cheese, while others prefer the convenience and consistency of Cheez Whiz.
Is it authentic to put Cheez Whiz on a Philly cheesesteak?
While Cheez Whiz is a popular topping for Philly cheesesteaks, it’s not necessarily considered an authentic topping by some purists. Traditional Philly cheesesteaks feature sliced cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella, which is melted and becomes gooey when heated.
However, it’s worth noting that Cheez Whiz has become a staple topping for many Philly cheesesteak joints, and is widely accepted as a legitimate topping. Ultimately, whether or not to use Cheez Whiz is a matter of personal preference, and both sliced cheese and Cheez Whiz can be delicious in their own right.
What other toppings can I put on a Philly cheesesteak?
While cheese is a crucial component of a Philly cheesesteak, there are many other toppings that can be added to enhance the flavor and texture. Some popular toppings include sautéed onions and bell peppers, which add a sweet and crunchy texture to the sandwich.
Other toppings, such as mushrooms, bacon, and hot peppers, can also be added to give the sandwich a bit of extra flavor and heat. Some people even like to add a dollop of ketchup or mustard to their Philly cheesesteak, although this is not traditional.
Can I make a Philly cheesesteak at home?
Absolutely! Making a Philly cheesesteak at home is relatively easy, and can be a fun and delicious project. To start, you’ll need some thinly sliced steak, such as ribeye or top round, as well as some cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella.
Simply sauté the steak and cheese in a pan with some oil and butter, and serve it on a hoagie roll. You can also add some sautéed onions and bell peppers to give the sandwich a bit of extra flavor and texture. If you want to get really authentic, you can even try using a cheesesteak-specific seasoning blend to give your sandwich a bit of extra flavor.
Where can I find the best Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is home to many amazing cheesesteak joints, each with its own unique take on the classic sandwich. Some popular spots include Pat’s King of Steaks, which is often credited with inventing the Philly cheesesteak, as well as Geno’s Steaks, which is located right across the street from Pat’s.
Other popular spots include Jim’s Steaks, which has been serving up delicious cheesesteaks since 1939, and Steve’s Prince of Steaks, which has been a Philadelphia institution since 1980. Ultimately, the best Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference, so be sure to try a few different spots to see which one you like best.