How to Make the Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak (with Cooper® Sharp!)

The Philly cheesesteak is more than just a sandwich; it's an icon, a culinary masterpiece that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers everywhere. While many have enjoyed this classic from the streets of Philadelphia, creating an authentic and incredibly delicious Philly cheesesteak right in your own kitchen is entirely achievable. And with the right ingredients–especially the cheese–you can elevate it from a simple sandwich to a truly unforgettable experience.

In this guide, we'll walk you through every step of making a mouth-watering Philly cheesesteak, ensuring you get that perfect balance of tender steak, savory onions, and, of course, gooey, flavorful cheese.

The Star Ingredient: Cooper® Sharp

No conversation about an authentic Philly cheesesteak is complete without talking about the cheese. While you'll find various opinions on the "best" cheese—from Cheez Whiz to provolone—we firmly believe that Cooper® Sharp truly elevates the experience to another level. Its unique blend of sharpness and creamy meltability makes it the ideal choice for coating every strand of steak.

For a deeper dive into why Cooper® Sharp is considered the reigning supreme cheese for cheesesteaks and to understand the history behind the various cheese choices, be sure to check out our detailed post: What Cheese Is On A Philly Cheesesteak & Why Cooper® Sharp Reigns Supreme.

We are particularly proud of our Cooper® Sharp White. Made with real milk and hand-selected aged cheeses, it melts beautifully, offering a rich, indulgent flavor that perfectly complements the savory steak without overpowering it. You can learn more about Cooper® Sharp White and find it near you.

The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

This recipe is designed to help you create a Philly cheesesteak that rivals the best, featuring the unparalleled melt and flavor of Cooper® Sharp. This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 12 minutes Cook time: 16 minutes

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds boneless top round or flank steak
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce for a different depth of flavor)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or canola oil)
½ large yellow onion, thinly sliced
10-12 ounces Cooper® Sharp White cheese, torn into 1-inch pieces or thinly sliced
4 high-quality hoagie rolls

Equipment You'll Need:

Large skillet or griddle
Spatula (preferably a metal one for chopping steak)
Sharp knife
Cutting board

Instructions:

Prepare the Steak: For easier, thinner slicing, place the steak in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes until it's firm but not frozen solid. Using a very sharp knife, thinly slice the beef against the grain into bite-sized pieces or strips. In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with the soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce) until evenly coated.
Sauté the Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's softened and caramelized to a golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Steak: Increase the heat to high. Add the seasoned beef to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring to get a good sear, then use your spatula to chop and flip the meat until it's fully cooked through and browned, about another 3-5 minutes.
Combine and Add Cheese: Return the cooked onions to the skillet with the beef. Mix well. Reduce the heat to low.
Melt the Cooper® Sharp: Evenly distribute the torn or sliced Cooper® Sharp White cheese over the beef and onion mixture. You can cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to help the cheese melt quickly and evenly, ensuring a perfectly gooey consistency. Once melted, use your spatula to gently fold the cheese into the meat and onion mixture, creating that signature cheesy steak blend.
Prepare the Rolls: While the cheese is melting, you can lightly toast your hoagie rolls if desired. You can do this by placing them cut-side down on a separate dry skillet or briefly under the broiler until lightly golden.
Assemble the Sandwich: Spoon the cheesy steak mixture generously into each hoagie roll. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade ultimate Philly steak and cheese!

Tips for Success:

Thinly Sliced Steak is Key: The thinner the slices, the more tender your steak will be and the better it will meld with the cheese.
Hot Skillet for Searing: A very hot skillet will give your steak a nice sear without overcooking it, keeping it juicy.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If you're making a large batch, cook the steak in batches to avoid steaming it.
Rolls Matter: A good quality hoagie roll is crucial. It needs to be sturdy enough to hold the filling but soft enough to complement the textures.
Customization: While traditionalists might scoff, feel free to add other toppings like sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to your liking.

Enjoy creating this iconic sandwich in your own kitchen! We encourage you to share your Cooper® Sharp Philly cheesesteak creations with us on social media.

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