What is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak? If you’ve ever taken a bite of this classic sandwich and wondered what makes it so irresistibly delicious, you’re not alone. A Philly cheesesteak is much more than just steak and cheese on a roll—there’s one secret ingredient that elevates its flavor to legendary status.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak, the history of the sandwich, the key ingredients, and how to make the best version at home. If you’ve been searching for the secret to recreating the perfect Philly cheesesteak, keep reading.

The Origins of the Philly Cheesesteak

A Sandwich Born in Philadelphia

The Philly cheesesteak was first created in the 1930s by Pat and Harry Olivieri, two brothers who ran a hot dog stand in Philadelphia. One day, they decided to cook thinly sliced ribeye steak and serve it on an Italian roll. A cab driver who tried it was instantly hooked, and word spread fast.

Over time, cheese was added, and the sandwich evolved into the Philly cheesesteak we know today. But, what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak that makes it truly special? That’s what we’ll uncover in this article.

The Role of Cheese in Its Evolution

Originally, the cheesesteak did not include cheese. It wasn’t until the 1940s that a manager at Pat’s King of Steaks added Provolone cheese, which became a staple ingredient. Today, the three most common cheeses used in a Philly cheesesteak are:

Cheez Whiz – The most traditional and widely used.
Provolone – A milder, smooth-melting cheese.
American cheese – Creamy and rich, adding a velvety texture.

However, the true secret to a Philly cheesesteak isn’t just the cheese—it’s something even more flavorful.

Essential Ingredients of a Philly Cheesesteak

1. The Right Cut of Beef

The type of beef you use is crucial to making a truly authentic Philly cheesesteak. The best options are:

Cut of Beef	Why It Works
Ribeye	Tender, juicy, and full of marbling for rich flavor.
Top Round	Leaner but still provides good texture and taste.

2. The Perfect Bread

A soft yet sturdy hoagie roll is necessary to hold the juicy beef and melted cheese. The best choices include:

Amoroso’s rolls – The gold standard in Philadelphia.
Liscios rolls – A great alternative for an authentic bite.

A true Philly cheesesteak should have a roll that’s lightly toasted yet soft enough to absorb the steak’s juices.

3. The Right Cheese

While Cheez Whiz is often considered the classic, Provolone and American cheese are excellent alternatives. The cheese is melted directly onto the steak, coating every bite in creamy goodness.

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4. Optional Additions

A traditional Philly cheesesteak contains only steak and cheese, but some variations include:

Sautéed onions – Caramelized for sweetness.
Mushrooms – Adds an earthy depth.
Bell peppers – For a touch of crunch and color.

Now, let’s get to the main question: what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak?

What Is the Secret Ingredient in Philly Cheesesteak?

The Answer: Garlic Butter

So, what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak? The key flavor booster that makes all the difference is garlic-infused butter.

Why Garlic Butter?

Adding garlic butter does three important things:

Boosts umami flavors – The garlic enhances the natural richness of the steak.
Creates a richer texture – The butter adds silkiness and depth to every bite.
Enhances caramelization – Helps the steak develop a deeper, savory crust.

How to Use It

Melt butter in a pan and add minced garlic.
Brush it onto the hoagie roll before toasting.
Drizzle a small amount over the beef while cooking for extra richness.

This small but powerful addition transforms an ordinary cheesesteak into something truly special. Now that you know what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak, let’s learn how to make one at home.

How to Make the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak at Home

Ingredients:

1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter (for the secret garlic butter)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds depth to the beef)
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
4 hoagie rolls (Amoroso’s preferred)
8 slices Provolone cheese (or Cheez Whiz)
1 onion, sliced (optional but adds sweetness)
1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

Prepare the garlic butter
- Melt butter in a small pan over low heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Set aside.
Toast the hoagie rolls
- Brush the inside of each roll with the garlic butter.
- Toast lightly for a perfect crunch.
Cook the steak
- Heat a skillet over high heat.
- Add thinly sliced ribeye steak, seasoning with Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Drizzle a little garlic butter over the steak while cooking.
Melt the cheese
- Place slices of Provolone cheese (or Cheez Whiz) over the steak in the pan.
- Let it melt without stirring for 30-45 seconds.
Assemble the cheesesteak
- Load the steak and melted cheese onto the toasted hoagie roll.
- Serve hot and enjoy!

Now you’ve mastered the secret ingredient—garlic butter—and how to make an authentic Philly cheesesteak at home!vorful cheesesteak is not overcooking the steak—it should remain tender and slightly pink inside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though a Philly cheesesteak seems simple, certain mistakes can ruin its authentic flavor. If you want to achieve that classic taste, avoid these common errors.

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1. Using the Wrong Cut of Beef

What is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak without the right beef? The cut of beef is just as important as the garlic butter that enhances the flavor.

Mistake: Using lean or tough meats like sirloin or flank steak.
Fix: Always use ribeye steak for the juiciest, most flavorful results.

2. Overcooking the Steak

Mistake: Cooking the steak for too long, making it dry and chewy.
Fix: Cook it on high heat for only 2-3 minutes to keep it tender.

3. Skipping the Garlic Butter

We’ve already discussed what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak, and skipping the garlic butter is one of the biggest mistakes!

Mistake: Not using garlic butter means missing out on extra richness and umami flavor.
Fix: Always brush garlic butter on the hoagie roll and add a little to the steak while cooking.

4. Choosing the Wrong Cheese

Mistake: Using cheeses that don’t melt well (e.g., Swiss or cheddar).
Fix: Stick to Cheez Whiz, Provolone, or American cheese for an authentic taste.

5. Using the Wrong Bread

Mistake: Using soft sandwich bread or crusty baguettes that don’t hold up.
Fix: Choose Amoroso’s hoagie rolls or another soft yet sturdy roll.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll ensure your cheesesteak is authentic, flavorful, and delicious. After all, what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak without perfectly balanced flavors?

Philly Cheesesteak Variations

While the classic Philly cheesesteak is unbeatable, some exciting variations give the sandwich a unique twist.

1. The Pizza Steak

A great variation that adds marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired flavor.

2. The Buffalo Cheesesteak

Tosses the steak in Buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy kick.
Perfect for fans of hot wings and cheesesteaks combined.

3. The Mushroom Swiss Cheesesteak

Uses Swiss cheese instead of Provolone.
Adds sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.

4. The Cheddar Bacon Cheesesteak

Incorporates crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese.
Adds extra saltiness and crunch to the sandwich.

5. The Chicken Cheesesteak

A lighter alternative, replacing ribeye with thinly sliced chicken.
Still keeps the garlic butter (the secret ingredient!) for rich flavor.

Trying these creative versions keeps things fun and delicious while staying true to what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak—perfectly seasoned meat, melty cheese, and a soft hoagie roll.

Philly Cheesesteak FAQs

Now that you know what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak, let’s answer some of the most common questions about this legendary sandwich.

1. What gives Philly cheesesteak its flavor?

The flavor of a Philly cheesesteak comes from a combination of elements:

Thinly sliced ribeye steak
Melted cheese (Cheez Whiz, Provolone, or American)
A soft yet toasted hoagie roll
The secret ingredient: Garlic butter

2. What is the key to a good Philly cheesesteak?

The key to an authentic Philly cheesesteak includes:

✔ Using high-quality ribeye steak
✔ Cooking the steak at high heat for quick searing
✔ Adding garlic butter for depth and richness
✔ Using the right cheese for creamy texture
✔ Serving it on an authentic hoagie roll

3. What were the original Philly cheesesteak ingredients?

The original Philly cheesesteak had only beef and bread. Cheese was later introduced, and eventually, onions became an optional topping.

4. Do you put mayo or mustard on a Philly cheesesteak?

No. Authentic Philly cheesesteaks do not include mayo or mustard. However, some people enjoy adding mayo as a personal preference.

5. Does any sauce go on a Philly cheesesteak?

Typically, no sauces are added. However, some variations include:

Marinara sauce (for pizza-style cheesesteaks)
Buffalo sauce (for a spicy twist)
Cheese sauce (Cheez Whiz is technically a sauce!)

6. Do people in Philly put ketchup on cheesesteak?

Some do, but it’s not traditional. Ketchup is a personal preference, not an authentic topping.

Now that we’ve answered your FAQs, let’s move on to final thoughts about making the best Philly cheesesteak!

Final Thoughts & Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak

Now that you fully understand what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak, let’s go over some final tips to help you make the best version at home.

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients

The best cheesesteaks start with top-tier ingredients:

✔ Ribeye steak – The best cut for flavor and tenderness.
✔ Authentic hoagie rolls – Choose Amoroso’s or another soft roll.
✔ Garlic butter – The game-changing secret ingredient!

2. Slice the Steak Thinly

The thinner the steak, the better! Thin slices cook quickly and stay juicy.

3. Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter

Remember, what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak? It’s garlic butter! This step enhances the flavor and makes a huge difference.

4. Cook on High Heat

A hot griddle or cast iron skillet is best for cooking the steak quickly and getting that perfect caramelization.

5. Keep It Simple

A classic Philly cheesesteak doesn’t need a lot of toppings—just steak, cheese, and a great roll.pings can overpower the core flavors.

Conclusion: Unlocking the Secret to the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak

So, what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak? Now you know—it’s garlic butter! This simple yet game-changing addition enhances the flavor, texture, and overall experience of the classic sandwich.

By following this guide, you can make the best Philly cheesesteak at home. Remember:

✔ Use ribeye steak for the most tender, flavorful results.
✔ Thinly slice the beef to ensure it cooks quickly and stays juicy.
✔ Choose the right cheese—Cheez Whiz, Provolone, or American.
✔ Don’t skip the garlic butter—it’s the key to unlocking bold, savory flavors.
✔ Toast the hoagie roll lightly to add the perfect crunch.

Now that you’ve learned what is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak, try making your own and taste the difference!

Looking for more recipes? Check out our Philly Cheesesteak Recipe for step-by-step instructions.

For an even richer umami flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce while cooking the steak—it enhances the savory depth of the meat; learn more here: 12 Soy Sauce Substitutes

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