What Cheese Goes on A Philly Cheesesteak? (25 Cheeses)

Knowing what cheese goes on a Philly cheesesteak is hard.

After all, Philly cheesesteaks are one of the most beloved foods in American cuisine, and for good reason.

The combination of beef, cheese, and onions is like nothing else on earth—it’s a perfect storm of textures and flavors that’s sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites.

But there are so many different types of cheeses out there!

• Which ones should you use?
• And how much should you use?
• What are the best cheeses for a Philly Cheesesteak?

Let’s find out!

Related:

• Best Bread for Philly Cheesesteak
• What Meat to Use for Philly Cheesesteak
• best sauce for philly cheesesteak

What’s The Best Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak?

The best cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is White American and provolone. White American cheese is mild, but it has a little bit of tang to it, which is what gives the Philly cheesesteak its signature flavor. Provolone has a sharp flavor that balances out the cheese with some bite.

Still looking for more options?

Then keep scrolling!

1. American Cheese

American cheese is a classic option for anyone who wants to keep things simple.

It can be found in most grocery stores and is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of cheese.

American cheese melts well and offers a creamy texture that’s great for melting on top of any kind of sandwich or burger.

If you’re looking for something basic but flavorful with a little bit more flavor than regular old cheddar cheese, then american cheese may be right up your alley!

2. Provolone Cheese

Provolone cheese is one of the most popular cheeses used in Philly Cheesesteaks because it has a rich and salty flavor that isn’t too overpowering on its own. 

Provolone has a milder taste compared to other cheeses like Swiss or American because it’s less sharp in taste than those options so it won’t overpower your other ingredients so much when added into the mix!

3. Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses on earth—and it’s also one of the best cheeses for making Philly Cheesesteaks!

Cheddar is made all across America with local variations depending on where the cows are grazing and what seasonings are used during production (for example: white cheddar).

But no matter what kind of cheddar you choose, this flavorful cheese will always be a great match for this kind of sandwich.

4. Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is one of the most popular cheeses out there and it’s also one of the most versatile options when it comes to cooking and baking recipes because it has such a mild flavor that can be paired with almost anything! 

This type of cheese is perfect for Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches because it will help keep your sandwich together without overpowering the other flavors too much!

5. Mozzarella

This is another mild type of cheese that goes well on a Philly Cheesesteak because it melts well and can add some moisture to an otherwise dry sandwich (though this may vary depending on how much water content is present in each slice).

5. Pepper Jack Cheese (If you like your sandwiches spicy)

Pepper jack is one of our favorite cheeses because it has just enough spice to make your taste buds tingle without being too overpowering. 

Related: 22 Pepper Jack Cheese Recipes I Can’t Resist

It’s got a nice sharpness that pairs well with other bold flavors like bacon or chiles—and it also provides an extra layer of flavor that’s perfect for those who want their cheesesteak to pack some heat!

7. Gouda Cheese (If you like your sandwiches ooey-gooey)

Gouda is one of those cheeses that melts like no other, especially when it comes to Philly cheesesteaks! 

The first thing most people think about when it comes to melting gouda is macaroni and cheese, but don’t let that deter you from trying it on your next sandwich! 

It has a rich flavor and creamy texture that will leave your taste buds wanting more every time – so don’t be afraid to pile it high!

8. Cheese Whiz

This is said to be the original cheese used in making Philly cheesesteaks, but it isn’t very popular anymore.

It’s now considered to be an inferior cheese due to its artificial taste and texture, but you might still see it on some menus here and there.

9. Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is an excellent choice for anyone looking for something that packs some punch!

It’s got a salty flavor that pairs well with beef or chicken—and it tastes amazing melted on top of any kind of sandwich or burger too!

10. Muenster Cheese

You’ve probably had this one before—it’s the one that looks like Swiss cheese but tastes more like Havarti, if that makes sense?

Muenster has a mild flavor that pairs well with just about anything, but it’s also got an incredibly smooth texture that makes it super easy to spread onto your sandwich (especially if you’re using it as a topping).

It also melts really well so even if you don’t want to use it as an ingredient in your Philly cheesesteak, it would work great as an appetizer or snack on its own!

11. Gruyere

This Swiss cheese has a rich, creamy texture that is rich in flavor and pairs nicely with many different kinds of sandwiches and burgers because it melts so well without becoming too greasy or too thickly spread onto your food item (which can make it hard to eat).

It has a salty taste with hints of nuttiness that make it stand out from other types of cheeses like swiss or provolone which are also popular options for Philly Cheesesteaks.

12. Raclette

This type of cheese originated in Switzerland and is made from cow’s milk and melted slowly over an open fire or stovetop until it becomes gooey and soft—it even looks like melted mozzarella!

Raclette is perfect for cooking on top of a sandwich because it has such a distinct flavor profile and texture that will add some excitement to your meal without overcomplicating things when you’re just looking to enjoy a simple cheesesteak with your friends or family members while watching the game at home tonight!

13. Fontina

Fontina is a semi-hard Italian cow’s milk cheese that has a sharp taste and a creamy texture that melts well when heated.

It’s also one of our favorites because it pairs perfectly with other cheeses like provolone and mozzarella—which are both great choices for topping your favorite Philly cheesesteak sandwich!

14. Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese has been used in cooking for centuries and is known for its hard, gritty texture that can make it seem like it won’t melt easily—but it will! It also boasts an incredibly rich flavor that pairs well with all kinds of foods like pasta dishes and salads alike.

15. Colby Jack Cheese (If you like a little bit of everything)

Colby jack is another of our favorite types of cheeses for philly cheesesteaks because it’s got the best of both worlds—it offers the creamy texture of colby and the sharpness of cheddar all in one package!

This is also a great choice if you want something that will stand up against all those other toppings without becoming overpowered by them.

Just make sure that it’s not too sharp or else it’ll clash with the rest of your choices!

16. Goat Cheese (If you like a little bit of funk with your flavor)

Goat cheese is one of the most popular types of cheeses to use in Philly cheesesteaks because it has a very distinct taste that sets it apart from other types of cheese.

Goat cheese has a slightly sour taste that makes it perfect for pairing with other ingredients such as onions or peppers!

If you’re looking for something unique and flavorful but still want something familiar, then goat cheese might be right up your alley!

17. Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese is a delicious alternative to cheddar because it offers a creamier texture and more complex flavor profile (which means that it’s not as simple as cheddar). 

This is why havarti is great for Philly cheesesteaks—it makes for an extra-rich sandwich that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. You can find havarti in most grocery stores (the deli counter or the dairy section) for about $4 per pound.

18. Blue Cheese Crumbles AND Mozzarella Cheese

Blue cheese crumbles are one of the most popular varieties of cheeses used in Philly cheesesteaks, because they add a distinct flavor that’s hard to replicate with other cheeses.

They’re also fairly affordable and easy to find at most grocery stores or specialty markets like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s!

If you want an extra kick from your philly cheesesteak, try using both mozzarella AND blue cheese crumbles on the same sandwich for an even more intense flavor experience!

19. Asiago Cheese

Asiago is another semi-hard type of cheese that comes from Italy and has a unique flavor profile—you’ll notice it right away once it’s melted on top of your steak or chicken cutlet.

It offers a sharpness that pairs well with grilled meat sandwiches like Philly cheesesteaks, as well as many other types of sandwiches that use grilled meats like hot dogs or burgers (especially if they’re topped with onions).

20. Brick Cheese

Brick cheese has been aged longer than other cheeses, which means it’s got a sharper flavor that might be too strong for some people but is perfect if you like things salty and savory!

Brick cheese offers a great kick of flavor that will enhance any Philly cheesesteak sandwich you make—and it’s also delicious on its own if you want to try something new!

21. Manchego Cheese

Manchego cheese is one of the mildest options available and offers a buttery taste that’s ideal for those who prefer milder flavors in their food, especially when it comes to sandwiches like Philly cheesesteaks!

22. Brie Cheese

Brie offers a unique combination of softness, creaminess, and buttery flavors that makes it one of our favorite cheeses for Philly cheesesteaks!

Its creamy texture makes it perfect for melting onto breads like baguettes or hoagies that can stand up to the richness of brie without becoming soggy or falling apart too easily when combined with other ingredients like onions or peppers inside the sandwich itself.

23. Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is another favorite of ours because it has such a distinct flavor, which makes it perfect for pairing with other bold ingredients like spinach, tomatoes, or onions—all of which are often seen on Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches!

This type of cheese also pairs well with meats like lamb or turkey because it’s so salty that it balances out the sweetness of those meats really well.

24. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is another great option for Philly cheesesteaks because it adds rich flavor and creaminess to the sandwich without making it too heavy or greasy.

The best way to use cream cheese is by spreading it on one side of the bun before adding meat and veggies, which creates a nice balance between the salty and sweet flavors in this dish!

25. Smoked Gouda Cheese

Smoked gouda is an excellent choice if you want something with a strong flavor profile that will cut through some of the heavier toppings on your sandwich like peppers or onions.

The smokey taste comes from aging the milk used to make this type of cheese over an open flame, which gives it its distinct flavor profile that pairs well with just about anything else you might want to put on your sandwich!

What’s a Traditional Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak?

The most traditional cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is provolone. It’s a white cheese that melts easily and can be used in a lot of different ways.

Provolone is also salty and sharp, so it’s a great compliment to the meat and peppers of your favorite sandwich!

Can You Use Melted Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches?

Yes, you can use melted cheese for Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.

Some people prefer to melt their own cheese for their cheesesteaks, while others use pre-sliced cheese from a package.

In either case, it’s important to remember that melted cheese won’t hold its shape as well as cold slices would—but it can still be used successfully.

If you want to make your own melted cheese at home, you can do so by heating up some butter in a pan over medium heat until it begins to brown slightly on the bottom of the pan (about two minutes).

Then add some shredded cheddar or provolone cheese and stir constantly until it’s fully melted (about five minutes).

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