There are few culinary creations as quintessentially American as the cheesesteak. Born in the heart of Philadelphia, this iconic sandwich has grown to become a national favorite, inspiring local variations and rivalries that stretch from coast to coast. But the one thing that remains constant about the cheesesteak is its unbeatable combination of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and a soft hoagie roll.
As a travel blogger and passionate foodie, I’ve had the pleasure of tasting cheesesteaks from all over the country, from classic Philadelphia joints to creative modern takes on this beloved sandwich. One of the places that has truly captured my heart—and my taste buds—is the All American Cheesesteak. This version of the cheesesteak not only honors the traditional Philly style but also embraces regional and contemporary twists, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
In this article, I’ll dive deep into the world of the All American Cheesesteak, exploring its history, variations, and the best places to enjoy this delicious sandwich. Whether you’re a cheesesteak purist or someone who enjoys trying new flavors, this guide will give you everything you need to know about one of America’s favorite sandwiches.
The History of the Cheesesteak: From Philly to Nationwide Fame
Before we get into the specifics of the All American Cheesesteak, it’s important to understand the origins of this iconic sandwich. The cheesesteak was born in Philadelphia in the 1930s, when Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, decided to cook up some thinly sliced beef on his grill. According to legend, a passing cab driver caught a whiff of the sizzling meat and asked for a sandwich. From that moment, the cheesesteak was born, and it quickly became a hit with the locals.
Pat Olivieri eventually opened Pat’s King of Steaks, which still operates in South Philly today, serving up classic cheesesteaks with their signature combination of thinly sliced ribeye steak and Cheez Whiz. Not long after, another Philly institution, Geno’s Steaks, opened just across the street, sparking the famous rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s that still exists to this day.
The cheesesteak’s rise to fame didn’t stop in Philadelphia. As its popularity spread, so did its variations. Today, you can find cheesesteaks with all sorts of toppings, cheeses, and bread types, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of America. But at its core, the cheesesteak remains a simple, satisfying sandwich that brings together tender steak, gooey cheese, and a soft, slightly toasted roll.
What Makes the All American Cheesesteak Stand Out?
So, what exactly is an All American Cheesesteak? While it pays homage to the original Philadelphia-style cheesesteak, the All American version goes beyond the traditional recipe to offer a variety of ingredients and flavors that reflect the diversity and creativity of American cuisine.
The key to a great All American Cheesesteak starts with high-quality beef. Most places that serve this sandwich use ribeye steak, which is known for its tenderness and flavor. The steak is cooked on a griddle, allowing it to develop a delicious crust while remaining juicy and flavorful on the inside.
Next comes the cheese. While Cheez Whiz is the classic option for a Philly cheesesteak, the All American Cheesesteak often features other types of cheese as well, such as provolone, American cheese, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. The goal is to find a cheese that melts beautifully and complements the rich flavor of the steak without overpowering it.
One of the things I love most about the All American Cheesesteak is the variety of toppings and condiments available. While the original cheesesteak is typically topped with sautéed onions, the All American version allows for more creativity. Some popular toppings include grilled peppers, mushrooms, jalapeños, and even bacon. And for those who like a bit of heat, adding hot sauce or spicy mayo can take the sandwich to the next level.
Finally, the bread is just as important as the fillings. A classic hoagie roll is the go-to choice for most cheesesteaks, but some places offer alternative bread options, such as a soft brioche bun or a crusty baguette. The roll should be sturdy enough to hold the sandwich together but soft enough to soak up the juices from the steak and cheese.
Best Places to Try an All American Cheesesteak
While the cheesesteak may have originated in Philadelphia, you can find incredible All American Cheesesteaks all over the country. Here are some of my top recommendations for where to enjoy this delicious sandwich:
Pat’s King of Steaks (Philadelphia, PA)
You can’t talk about cheesesteaks without mentioning the place where it all started: Pat’s King of Steaks. Located in the heart of South Philly, this legendary spot still serves up cheesesteaks just the way Pat Olivieri did back in the 1930s. Whether you go for the classic Cheez Whiz or opt for provolone, you’ll get a taste of history with every bite.
Geno’s Steaks (Philadelphia, PA)
Just across the street from Pat’s, Geno’s Steaks is another Philly institution that’s been serving up cheesesteaks for over 50 years. Known for their bright neon signage and generous portions of steak, Geno’s is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience an authentic Philly cheesesteak rivalry.
Tony Luke’s (Philadelphia, PA)
For a cheesesteak that’s a little off the beaten path, head to Tony Luke’s, located in South Philly. Tony Luke’s takes pride in using high-quality ingredients, and their cheesesteaks are known for their perfectly seasoned steak and wide variety of cheese options. They also offer unique sandwiches like the Cheesesteak Hoagie, which combines the best of a cheesesteak and a classic hoagie with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
Steve’s Prince of Steaks (Philadelphia, PA)
Steve’s Prince of Steaks is a Philly favorite that’s known for its thinly sliced ribeye, melted American cheese, and simple, no-frills approach. The steak is cooked to perfection and the roll is always fresh and soft. If you’re looking for a classic, this is the place to go.
John’s Roast Pork (Philadelphia, PA)
While John’s Roast Pork is famous for its namesake sandwich, it’s also known for serving one of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. The key to their success is the bread—they use a seeded roll that adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to the sandwich. The combination of the crusty roll, tender steak, and gooey cheese makes for a cheesesteak that’s hard to beat.
Philippe the Original (Los Angeles, CA)
For those on the West Coast, Philippe the Original in Los Angeles offers a unique take on the cheesesteak with their French Dip Cheesesteak. The sandwich is served on a French roll and comes with a side of au jus for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor to the already delicious sandwich.
Big Tony’s West Philly Cheesesteaks (Austin, TX)
Located in the heart of Texas, Big Tony’s brings the flavors of Philly to Austin with their authentic cheesesteaks. Big Tony’s is known for their generous portions of steak, melty cheese, and fresh bread. Their cheesesteaks are loaded with all the traditional fixings, but you can also customize your sandwich with toppings like jalapeños, mushrooms, and hot sauce.
See Also: All-American Café: A Comprehensive Introduction
The Art of Making an All American Cheesesteak at Home
While there’s nothing quite like enjoying a cheesesteak from a legendary spot, you can also recreate the magic of the All American Cheesesteak at home. Here’s my step-by-step guide to making the perfect cheesesteak:
Ingredients:
1 pound ribeye steak, thinly sliced
4 hoagie rolls
8 slices provolone cheese (or your cheese of choice)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
Optional toppings: sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, jalapeños
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
Prepare the Steak:
Start by slicing the ribeye as thin as possible. You can ask your butcher to do this for you, or freeze the steak for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice at home.
Cook the Onions:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they’re soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. If you’re adding mushrooms or peppers, sauté them along with the onions.
Cook the Steak:
Push the onions to one side of the skillet and add the thinly sliced steak to the other side. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the steak until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Melt the Cheese:
Once the steak is cooked, mix the onions and steak together in the skillet. Lay the slices of cheese over the top and let them melt for a minute or two. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt faster.
Assemble the Sandwich:
While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the hoagie rolls. Once the cheese is melted, use a spatula to scoop the steak, onions, and cheese onto the toasted rolls.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cheesesteak with a side of fries or chips, and enjoy!
Conclusion
As the All American Cheesesteak continues to evolve, it’s clear that this sandwich will remain a beloved part of American food culture. From its humble beginnings in Philadelphia to its nationwide fame, the cheesesteak has proven that simple ingredients can create something truly special.
Whether you’re enjoying a classic Philly cheesesteak or a creative modern variation, the All American Cheesesteak offers something for everyone. And with more restaurants experimenting with flavors and ingredients, the future of this iconic sandwich looks as delicious as ever. So the next time you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal, consider trying an All American Cheesesteak. Whether you visit one of the top cheesesteak spots mentioned in this article or make your own at home, you’re in for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Related topics:
