When it comes to making the perfect Philly cheesesteak, the type of hoagie roll you use is just as important as the thinly sliced ribeye and melted cheese. The right hoagie roll should be able to stand up to the juicy meat and sauce without getting soggy. It should have a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior to hold all the delicious fillings. But with so many options for hoagie rolls out there, how do you know which one to choose for your cheesesteaks?
The Origins of the Philly Cheesesteak
To understand what makes the best hoagie roll for cheesesteaks, it helps to know a little history behind this iconic Philadelphia sandwich. The cheesesteak was invented in the 1930s by hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri. According to legend, Pat was preparing himself a sandwich using fried beef slices and decided to put melted cheese on top. A taxi driver smelled the delicious concoction and asked for one of his own. Pat’s cheesesteak was born!
Initially, Pat and his fellow hot dog vendors sold the sandwiches on plain rolls. But in the 1950s, local Italian bakeries started producing a special long, crusty roll that was perfect for the overstuffed sandwiches. They were labeled “hoagie” rolls after the shipyard workers on Hog Island who frequented the shops on their lunch breaks. The combination of thin-sliced beef, melted cheese, and a fresh-baked hoagie roll became cemented as the quintessential Philly cheesesteak.
Key Characteristics of a Hoagie Roll
An ideal hoagie roll for cheesesteaks should have the following qualities:
- Shape – A true hoagie roll is long and narrow to accommodate the lengthy sandwich fillings. The ideal length is around 15 inches.
- Crust – The exterior should be crunchy and sturdy enough to prevent sogginess but with a little softness for bite.
- Interior – The interior should be light and pillowy yet dense enough to absorb juices without falling apart.
- Flavor – Traditional hoagie rolls have a mild yeasty, sweet flavor complementing the sandwich contents.
- Freshness – Choose fresh-baked rolls whenever possible for optimum texture.
Hoagie Roll Options for Cheesesteaks
From traditional bakery varieties to modern mass-produced options, here are some top contenders for hoagie rolls to use for your Philly cheesesteaks:
Authentic Italian Bakery Rolls
These are the OG hoagie rolls that Philadelphia cheesesteaks were built on. Look for ones made fresh daily at local family-owned bakeries, if available. They have the ideal chewy yet crispy texture and mild flavor profile.
Amoroso’s Rolls
Arguably the most famous brand of hoagie rolls, Amoroso’s has been baking in Philly since 1904. Their classic soft hoagie rolls are found at many iconic cheesesteak shops. The denser interior stands up well to juicy fillings.
Sarcone’s Bakery Rolls
Another beloved local bakery supplying hoagie rolls to top cheesesteak destinations. Sarcone’s makes theirs a little lighter and fluffier but still sturdy enough for heavy sandwich fillings.
Presto Fresh Rolls
This commercial bakery brand makes an affordable hoagie roll widely available across the US. While not as authentic as small-shop versions, Presto’s rolls hold up decently with the cheesesteak fillings.
Village Baking Hoagies
Based in Virginia, Village Baking produces hoagie-style rolls that are softer than traditional ones but have enough density and chewiness for cheesesteak sandwiches.
Dutch Country Rolls
These mass-produced rolls are softer and sweeter than old-school hoagie rolls but have a nice crusty exterior and squishy interior for holding sandwich fillings and sauces.
The Best Hoagie Rolls for Cheesesteaks
Ranking the top hoagie roll contenders for optimal Philly cheesesteak construction:
| Rank | Hoagie Roll | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Authentic Italian bakery rolls | Perfectly captures original crispy, chewy hoagie texture and flavor |
| 2 | Amoroso’s | Classic Philly choice; sturdy yet soft interior to absorb juices |
| 3 | Sarcone’s Bakery | Fluffier and lighter but still dense enough for fillings |
| 4 | Presto Fresh | Affordable commercial option holds up relatively well |
| 5 | Village Baking | Softer than traditional but has some hoagie-like density |
| 6 | Dutch Country | Sweet flavor and soft texture less suited to traditional cheesesteaks |
As you can see, for the absolute most authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, you really can’t beat hoagie rolls straight from the Italian bakeries that invented them. Look for Amoroso’s brand in supermarkets for a more mass-produced but still respectable option. Presto Fresh or Village Baking rolls also work when you can’t source local hoagies.
Just steer clear of rolls that are too soft and sweet, which will fall apart and clash with the iconic cheesesteak flavors. Pick fresh, chewy, crusty hoagie rolls and you’re on your way to cheesesteak perfection!
Tips for Cooking Cheesesteaks with Hoagie Rolls
Once you’ve got the right hoagie rolls, here are some tips to ensure cheesesteak success:
- Soften the rolls before construction. A quick toast or microwave for 10 seconds makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
- Don’t overstuff the rolls. Equal ratios of meat/cheese to bread maintain structural integrity.
- Add cheesesteak toppings sparingly. Too many wet veggies increase the risk of sogginess.
- Wrap sandwiches tightly in foil after assembly to meld the flavors.
- Trim hoagies if too long rather than smashing. Maintains that satisfying hoagie crunch.
Common Cheesesteak Hoagie Roll Mistakes
Be sure to avoid these hoagie roll pitfalls for less than optimal cheesesteaks:
- Using pre-sliced sandwich bread – lacks the structure to contain juicy beef and cheese.
- Choosing hoagie rolls that are too dried out – need softness to meld with fillings.
- Overloading with toppings – will weigh down the roll and create a mushy mess.
- Letting cheesesteaks sit after assembly – excellence is highest when served hot and fresh.
- Using hoagie rolls straight from fridge – deflates the texture.
Conclusion
A great hoagie roll is the sturdy, trusty foundation of an exemplary Philly cheesesteak. Look for an authentic chewy yet crispy Italian hoagie fresh from a local bakery or quality brand like Amoroso’s. Resist overstuffing the sandwich and serve it hot for cheesesteak bliss. With the right hoagie roll choice and a little care in construction, you can build the ultimate cheesesteak sandwich right in your own kitchen.