Can Mozzarella Create a Philly Cheesesteak That’s Out of This World? Find Out!

The classic Philly cheesesteak is a beloved sandwich that has captured the hearts of food lovers around the world. Its signature ingredients include thinly sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all piled high on a soft hoagie roll. But what if you’re craving a twist on the traditional recipe? Can you make a Philly cheesesteak with mozzarella? The answer is a resounding yes!

The Debate: Provolone vs. Mozzarella

Traditionally, Philly cheesesteaks are made with provolone cheese. Provolone is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, slightly salty flavor that melts well and adds a subtle creaminess to the sandwich. However, some people prefer the gooey, stretchy texture of mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese that melts beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful topping.

The Pros of Using Mozzarella

There are several advantages to using mozzarella on a Philly cheesesteak:

• Stretchy texture: Mozzarella’s gooey, stretchy texture is a delight to bite into, adding a satisfying chew to the sandwich.
• Rich flavor: Mozzarella has a slightly tangy, milky flavor that complements the savory beef and onions.
• Creamy mouthfeel: Mozzarella melts smoothly, creating a creamy and indulgent topping.

The Cons of Using Mozzarella

While mozzarella can be a delicious choice for a Philly cheesesteak, there are a few potential drawbacks:

• Can overpower the other flavors: Mozzarella has a stronger flavor than provolone, so it’s important to use it in moderation to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
• Can be too runny: If mozzarella is not shredded finely enough, it can become runny and messy when melted.
• Not as traditional: Mozzarella is not the traditional cheese used on Philly cheesesteaks, so some purists may prefer to stick with provolone.

How to Make a Philly Cheesesteak with Mozzarella

Making a Philly cheesesteak with mozzarella is a simple process:

1. Thinly slice the rib-eye steak: Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the steak against the grain.
2. Sauté the onions: Sauté thinly sliced onions in a pan with butter until they are translucent and slightly caramelized.
3. Cook the steak: Season the steak with salt and pepper and cook it in the same pan as the onions until it reaches your desired doneness.
4. Add the cheese: Once the steak is cooked, top it with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Melt the cheese: Allow the cheese to melt over the steak until it is gooey and bubbly.
6. Serve on a hoagie roll: Place the steak and cheese on a soft hoagie roll and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Best Philly Cheesesteak with Mozzarella

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your sandwich.
• Slice the steak thinly: Thinly sliced steak will cook evenly and quickly.
• Don’t overcook the steak: Overcooked steak will be tough and chewy.
• Shred the mozzarella finely: Finely shredded mozzarella will melt evenly and avoid becoming runny.
• Use a soft hoagie roll: A soft hoagie roll will absorb the juices from the steak and cheese without becoming soggy.

Variations on the Mozzarella Cheesesteak

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different variations:

• Add other vegetables: Sautéed peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli rabe can add extra flavor and texture to your sandwich.
• Try different cheeses: You can combine mozzarella with other cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, or Swiss cheese, for a unique flavor combination.
• Use different sauces: A drizzle of marinara sauce, sriracha mayo, or barbecue sauce can add an extra layer of flavor.
• Make a vegetarian version: Replace the steak with grilled vegetables or tofu for a meatless option.

The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak with Mozzarella Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound rib-eye steak, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 soft hoagie roll

Instructions:

1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onions to the skillet and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized.
3. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
4. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
5. Add the steak to the skillet and cook until it reaches your desired doneness.
6. Add the onions back to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Top the steak with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Allow the cheese to melt over the steak until it is gooey and bubbly.
9. Place the steak and cheese on a soft hoagie roll and serve immediately.

Enduring Legacy: Philly Cheesesteak with a Twist

Whether you prefer the traditional provolone or the gooey mozzarella, there’s no denying the enduring legacy of the Philly cheesesteak. This iconic sandwich has captured the hearts of food lovers for generations, and its versatility allows for endless variations. So next time you’re craving a classic comfort food with a twist, don’t be afraid to experiment with mozzarella. You might just discover a new favorite way to enjoy this beloved sandwich.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I use any type of mozzarella cheese?
A: Yes, you can use any type of mozzarella cheese, such as fresh mozzarella, low-moisture mozzarella, or shredded mozzarella.

Q: How much mozzarella cheese should I use?
A: The amount of mozzarella cheese you use is a matter of personal preference. However, I recommend using about 1 cup of shredded mozzarella for a 1-pound steak.

Q: What other cheeses can I use?
A: You can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as provolone, cheddar, Swiss cheese, or a combination of cheeses.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to my cheesesteak?
A: Yes, you can add any other ingredients you like, such as sautéed peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli rabe.

Q: What type of bread should I use?
A: I recommend using a soft hoagie roll for your cheesesteak.