Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Lori Walker
Renowned food joints like Pat’s King, Geno’s Cheesesteak, and Originally Philly offer the iconic Philly cheesesteak, a beloved culinary staple often found across the United States.
If you want to make your own Philly cheese steak at home, you should know the secret to making the best cheesesteak using the best type of bread. But what bread roll should you use?
With the variety of bread options, we took the time to taste test several kinds of bread rolls, and here we list the best rolls for Philly cheese steak.
Top 9 Bread Rolls Perfectly Paired With Philly Cheese Steak
9. Ciabatta Rolls
We like the Ciabatta roll’s interior, characterized by its honeycomb-like texture, making it an ideal choice for dipping in dips and soups.
It also works well as a platform for absorbing the flavor of cheesesteak sandwiches.
We like a creamy and luscious interior, and a robust exterior makes it an ideal choice. Its open structure lets you add your toppings without leaving any gaps.
8. Sub Rolls
Although sub-rolls are commonly referred to as hoagie rolls, they are actually not the same.
While they have many similarities, such as their shape and texture, sub-rolls are typically softer and have a distinct cut.
This is a great alternative to hoagie rolls. If hoagie rolls are unavailable, and you can find sub rolls at the grocery store, try using them for your cheesesteaks.
7. Sourdough Rolls
You can use a slice of freshly-baked sourdough rolls for your Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Although this is not the usual bread for this treat, you can still use it if you are in a pinch.
“There’s nothing as American as free speech and nothing as Philadelphian as cheesesteaks.”
– Nico Perrino, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
One of the main advantages of sourdough is that it gives you an interesting flavor, unlike what you get with other bread options.
Also, we noticed that when we cut it thinly, it added dimension to the toppings. Find out what to do with your leftover sourdough bread here.
6. Pretzel Rolls
If you’re looking for something different than your usual cheesesteak, try a slice of Philadelphia cheesesteak bread with a twist: a pretzel roll.
Compared to other types of bread, this roll’s dense and firm texture makes them ideal for holding toppings together–keeping them from falling apart.
These are made with strong yet soft dough, and they’re the ideal platform for any cheesesteak, even if it’s the biggest.
We like the flavor of the rolls, which makes them stand out from the rest.
5. Hoagie Rolls
Although there are no definitive answers when it comes to choosing the best Philly cheesesteak bread, the most popular choice is hoagie rolls.
Long white rolls are filled with soft and savory ingredients, like cheese, meat, and onions.
They’re the ideal size for adding other food items to your cheesesteaks, such as bell peppers, onions, and rib-eye steak [1].
4. Baguettes
Although there are many uses for a slice of bread, one of its most common applications is as a base for sandwiches, such as those made with cheesesteaks.
A good thing about using a baguette [2] is that it is incredibly crunchy and soft on the outside. We like how it can hold all our favorite toppings without getting too crunchy when we eat it.
On the inside, it’s also very soft and has a great mouth feel.
3. Amoroso Rolls
If you plan on having a cheesesteak or baking one in Philadelphia, you might want to use amoroso rolls with the other cheesesteak toppings.
This Italian-baked bread is made without a pan, and each roll features a unique shape that will make your cheesesteak special. They’re heart-baked and have a soft and light texture.
Consider the Amoroso rolls if you want a more authentic and tried-and-true version of the cheesesteak.
2. Italian Rolls
Italian rolls are a great choice when it comes to making cheesesteaks. Its combination with the other ingredients ensures a tasty cheesesteak flavor.
Similar to a hoagie roll, Italian rolls are narrow and long. They have a crisp outer layer and a dry and slightly flaky interior.
Compared to French rolls, these are plumper and shorter. They also have a denser texture.
1. Brioche Rolls
Brioche rolls, and Ciabatta rolls look similar, but they have several differences. We prefer Brioche rolls in a Philly cheesesteak and use Ciabatta as an alternative.
French bread, like Brioche rolls, is a great choice if you prefer a more delicate sandwich.
They’re made with a bit more butter and a sweeter taste. It is crumbly, but they’re more manageable than standard sandwich bread varieties.
It’s also more expansive than other types of bread, which means you have the square footage to fit your favorite toppings.
Read: Top 10 Breads To Use For Stuffing
FAQs
What kind of rolls does Geno’s steaks use?
Geno’s steaks use Italian rolls from Liscio’s. In fact, Geno’s shares the same bread as Pat’s before. But now, Pat’s uses Aversa bread and rolls.
What is a Philly cheesesteak roll called?
A Philly cheesesteak roll is also called a Philadelphia cheesesteak, cheese steak, cheese steak sandwich, or steak & cheese.
Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich made from thin slices of beefsteak with melted cheese wrapped in bread rolls. But how many sandwiches are in a loaf of bread?
In Conclusion
Your choice of bread is important when preparing a cheesesteak. It will affect the texture and taste of the bread as well as how it holds the contents together.
An ideal bread roll for a cheesesteak is warm, white, and fresh. It should be long and narrow to allow enough space for toppings.
But with the bread rolls in this list, whether you prefer Ciabatta, baguette, or sourdough, to deviate from the classic hoagie rolls, you can always ensure a delicious and flavorful Philly cheesesteak.
References:
- https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/rib-eye-steak
- https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/arts-culture/celebrating-the-baguette-with-five-bite-sized-facts/
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