Introduction
Few sandwiches command as much respect (and generate as much passionate debate) as the Philly cheesesteak. The simple yet satisfying combination of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and maybe some onions, nestled in a sturdy roll, has cemented its place in culinary history. But can this iconic sandwich be successfully translated to the fast food world? Can the speed and cost constraints of a drive-thru cheesesteak ever hope to capture the magic of the real deal?
This article embarks on a quest to explore the realm of the fast food Philly cheesesteak. We’ll delve into what makes a classic cheesesteak great, examine the challenges faced by fast food chains attempting this feat, and ultimately, rank some of the most prominent contenders in the fast food cheesesteak arena. Prepare yourself, because the results might surprise you. Some chains manage to deliver a passable, even enjoyable, fast food Philly cheesesteak experience. Others… well, let’s just say they miss the mark entirely.
The Anatomy of an Icon: What Makes a Real Philly Cheesesteak?
Before we dissect the fast food imitations, it’s crucial to understand the essential components of an authentic Philly cheesesteak. The history is straightforward. The cheesesteak’s genesis is typically traced back to Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia in the nineteen-thirties, although Geno’s Steaks has a similar claim. Regardless of the exact origin, the concept is remarkably simple: a steak sandwich, elevated with the addition of melted cheese.
However, simplicity doesn’t mean uniformity. There are key elements, and subtle variations, that can make or break a cheesesteak.
The Steak
Ribeye is widely considered the gold standard, prized for its rich flavor and generous marbling. The key is thin slicing. Paper-thin steak allows for quick cooking and creates a tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture. Shaving the steak and then chopping it on the griddle is common practice.
The Cheese
This is where the debate truly begins. Provolone, with its mild, slightly tangy flavor, is a popular choice. American cheese, known for its creamy meltiness, is another contender. But arguably the most divisive option is Cheese Whiz. Purists may scoff, but many Philadelphians swear by the bright orange, processed cheese sauce. Beyond cheese type, it’s vital that the cheese is properly melted and evenly distributed across the steak.
The Onions
The “wit or witout” question. Do you want onions, or without? Thinly sliced and caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness and depth to the savory steak and cheese.
The Roll
The roll is arguably as important as the filling. It needs to be sturdy enough to hold the ingredients without falling apart, yet soft enough to bite through easily. Many cheesesteak aficionados swear by Amoroso’s rolls, a long, soft, and slightly chewy roll that’s perfect for soaking up the juices.
The Philly cheesesteak’s popularity isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the experience. It’s a quick, satisfying, and deeply ingrained part of Philadelphia’s culinary identity. It’s a comfort food, a late-night snack, and a symbol of the city itself.
The Fast Food Cheesesteak Challenge: Replicating Perfection on a Budget
Translating the essence of a Philly cheesesteak to the fast food world presents a unique set of challenges. The primary obstacle is cost. Fast food chains operate on thin margins, which means they often have to compromise on ingredient quality. Using high-quality ribeye steak, real provolone cheese, and authentic Amoroso’s rolls simply isn’t feasible at a typical fast food price point.
Consistency is another major hurdle. Fast food relies on standardized recipes and procedures to ensure that every cheesesteak, regardless of location, tastes roughly the same. This can be difficult to achieve when dealing with ingredients that naturally vary in quality and size.
Speed is also paramount. Fast food restaurants need to prepare and serve cheesesteaks quickly, which means they can’t always devote the time and attention needed to properly cook the steak and melt the cheese. All of this means shortcuts are taken in the form of cheaper cuts of beef, processed cheese products and generic rolls.
The Contenders: Fast Food Philly Cheesesteak Showdown
Let’s dive into the heart of the matter and examine how some of the major fast food chains tackle the Philly cheesesteak.
Arby’s Prime Rib Cheesesteak
Arby’s, known for its “we have the meats” slogan, offers a Prime Rib Cheesesteak. This sandwich consists of thinly sliced prime rib, provolone cheese, onions, peppers, and a creamy Italian dressing, all served on a toasted roll.
Description: The prime rib is generally tender, but lacks the rich, beefy flavor of a traditional ribeye. The provolone is adequate, but the addition of peppers and Italian dressing deviates significantly from the classic cheesesteak profile.
Taste and Texture: The prime rib has a pleasant texture, but the overall flavor profile is more akin to an Italian sub than a Philly cheesesteak. The creamy Italian dressing adds a tangy element that clashes with the other ingredients.
Value: The Prime Rib Cheesesteak is priced relatively high compared to other fast food options, but the portion size is decent.
Pros: Tender meat, decent portion size.
Cons: Lacks authentic cheesesteak flavor, deviates from the traditional ingredients, somewhat pricey.
Overall Rating: Okay. It’s a decent sandwich, but not a great Philly cheesesteak.
Subway Steak & Cheese
Subway offers a customizable Steak & Cheese sandwich, allowing customers to choose their bread, cheese, vegetables, and sauces.
Description: The steak is pre-cooked and reheated, which often results in a dry, rubbery texture. The cheese options include provolone, mozzarella, and pepper jack. Customers can add onions, peppers, and a variety of sauces.
Taste and Texture: The steak is the weakest link. It’s often dry, bland, and lacks the tenderness of freshly cooked steak. The cheese and toppings can help to mask the flavor of the steak, but they can’t fully compensate for its shortcomings.
Value: The Steak & Cheese is relatively affordable, especially with coupons and promotions.
Pros: Customizable, affordable.
Cons: Steak quality is poor, lacks authentic cheesesteak flavor.
Overall Rating: Bad. The steak is simply too dry and flavorless to make this a worthwhile option.
Jersey Mike’s Famous Philly
Jersey Mike’s prides itself on using freshly sliced meats and cheeses, and their Famous Philly aims to capture the essence of a classic cheesesteak.
Description: The Famous Philly features grilled steak, melted white American cheese, onions, peppers, and mushrooms, all served on a toasted roll.
Taste and Texture: The steak is thinly sliced and cooked to order, resulting in a tender and flavorful experience. The white American cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy richness. The addition of peppers and mushrooms is a matter of personal preference, but they are generally well-executed.
Value: Jersey Mike’s is slightly more expensive than some other fast food chains, but the quality of the ingredients justifies the price.
Pros: High-quality ingredients, freshly sliced steak, good flavor.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than other options, includes peppers and mushrooms by default.
Overall Rating: Good. This is one of the best fast food Philly cheesesteaks you can find.
Alternatives and Considerations: Beyond the Drive-Thru
While fast food chains offer a convenient way to satisfy a cheesesteak craving, there are other options to consider.
Subway and similar build-your-own sandwich shops provide a degree of customization that can improve the cheesesteak experience. While the steak quality may not be top-notch, the ability to choose your cheese, vegetables, and sauces allows you to tailor the sandwich to your preferences.
For those who want to enjoy a cheesesteak at home, frozen cheesesteaks can be a viable option. While the quality varies widely, some brands offer surprisingly decent results. Look for frozen cheesesteaks that use real steak and cheese, and avoid those with excessive amounts of fillers or preservatives.
Of course, the best way to guarantee a delicious cheesesteak is to make it yourself. With a little practice, you can recreate the magic of a Philly cheesesteak in your own kitchen. Start with high-quality ribeye steak, thinly sliced and cooked to perfection. Choose your favorite cheese, whether it’s provolone, American, or Cheese Whiz. And don’t forget the onions, caramelized to a sweet and savory perfection.
Conclusion: The Verdict on Fast Food Philly Cheesesteaks
The quest for the best fast food Philly cheesesteak is a journey filled with both triumphs and disappointments. While no fast food chain perfectly replicates the authentic experience of a genuine Philadelphia cheesesteak, some come closer than others.
Jersey Mike’s Famous Philly stands out as a top contender, thanks to its high-quality ingredients and freshly sliced steak. Arby’s Prime Rib Cheesesteak offers a decent alternative, but its deviation from the traditional cheesesteak profile may not appeal to purists. Subway’s Steak & Cheese, unfortunately, falls short due to its poor-quality steak.
Ultimately, the best fast food Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference. But if you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to satisfy your craving, Jersey Mike’s is a safe bet. But, if you truly want the best cheesesteak experience, you will have to put in the time and effort to make it yourself. The next time you’re looking for a satisfying sandwich, explore your options and see what fast food philly cheesesteak best fits you! So the next time you find yourself craving that iconic sandwich on the go, remember our findings and choose wisely. Your taste buds (and your inner Philadelphian) will thank you.
