Your Grilled Cheese Is Good, But This Philadelphia-Inspired Twist Is Better

A classic grilled cheese is the perfect comfort food, plus it can be made with any combination of cheese and bread you choose. With that said, if you're looking for a bigger flavor twist, add more than just cheese and turn it into the best Philly cheesesteak-style sandwich. A classic Philly cheesesteak stuffs a hoagie roll with three main ingredients: shaved steak, cheese, and fried onions. Go elsewhere in the country and you find Philly cheesesteak imposters made with add-ons such as bell peppers and mushrooms, but for the true Philly experience, stick with these original three ingredients.

You want hearty bread for this grilled cheese because it should stand up to the heavy, somewhat-greasy ingredients. Choose sourdough, ciabatta, or a good-quality Italian bread. You can also press mini buns for slider-style cheesesteak grilled cheeses. The best steak to use is shaved ribeye because of all the flavor in its marbling, though you can certainly get away with a more affordable cut, such as sirloin. The meat section of the grocery store might have pre-shaved steak from a leaner cut available, too. The ribeye cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it in the pan, and remove it as soon as it's browned.

If you've ever spent time in Philly or the surrounding area, you know this is a debate as old as time. There are three options, though most people have their tried-and-true choice and don't stray from it: Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American. Fun fact: Despite the debate, the original version didn't even have cheese.

The correct cheese to use depends on the texture and flavor you want from your grilled cheese. Cheez Whiz is basically a thick liquid, so for a grilled cheese, it may not be the best option. The Cheez Whiz could easily spill out from all sides, unlike when it's being hugged by the hoagie roll. Instead, opt for American or provolone; American tends to melt perfectly, while provolone brings a sharper, nuttier flavor to the sandwich. 

As for the fried onions, saute them in a little butter and oil to let them soften and brown — no need to fully caramelize them. If you prefer to add other veggies, such as peppers and mushrooms, toss them in with the onions and let everything soften and brown over the heat. Then, compile the grilled cheese and enjoy.