Why the Cheesesteak Works on Today’s Menus

3 minute read

The Philly cheesesteak is one of America’s most recognizable sandwiches, continuing to show up in both menu data and consumer behavior.

For operators, that level of familiarity makes it a no-brainer when looking to add or expand hot sandwich offerings. 

It started in the City of Brotherly Love with just three core ingredients: beef, cheese and bread. Often credited to a hot dog cart operator in the 1930s¹, the cheesesteak came together the way many great dishes do, by making use of what was available. Chopped beef and onions were cooked on a griddle and served on a hot dog bun.

Over time, operators have added their own spin with seeded buns and cheeses like provolone, American or cheese sauce. Peppers, mushrooms and sometimes even ketchup are now all choices a diner can make when ordering. Even ordering has its own language, with customers choosing “wit” or “witout” onions.

Today, the cheesesteak is a staple well beyond its hometown. While there are plenty of variations, the core elements remain consistent. Tender beef, melted cheese and a roll that brings it all together. That combination is what keeps the sandwich relevant and widely recognized across menus.

Extending Cheesesteak Across Your Menu

Cheesesteak flavors don’t have to stop at the sandwich. Chopped beef can work across a range of formats, from handhelds to shareables, giving you more ways to build around one ingredient.

Here are a few ways to put it to work:

Cheesesteak Pizza
Sliced Philly beef, green bell peppers and onions with provolone, creamy garlic parmesan sauce and a parmesan oregano finish on a pizza

Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Sliced Philly beef, green bell peppers and onions with cheese sauce fried in a crispy egg roll wrapper, served with cheese sauce on the side

Loaded Cheesesteak Fries
Sliced Philly beef with pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, crumbled feta and za’atar seasoning over fries

If you’re looking for additional spins on the classic, these are some of the fastest-growing ingredients showing up in cheesesteak builds year over year:²

• Garlic aioli (+44%)
• Beer cheese (+36%)
• Marinades (+27%)
• Peppers (+18%)
• Mozzarella (+14%)

These additions offer simple ways to evolve the cheesesteak while keeping it recognizable.

Making Cheesesteaks Work in Your Kitchen

Bringing cheesesteak to your menu can be easier than you think. With the right ingredients, it’s possible to deliver on the core elements of the sandwich without adding extra complexity to your kitchen.

Products like BREAD READY^® Shaved Philly Beef Steak are designed to simplify preparation while still delivering on what customers expect from a cheesesteak. The beef is fully cooked and chopped to a size that works across sandwiches, pizza and shareables.

It can be prepared on a flat top or in an oven with cheese, giving you flexibility based on your setup.

For operators looking to add a recognizable, high-value sandwich without adding new equipment or labor, it can be a practical way to bring cheesesteak to the menu.