If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a cheesesteak?”, you’re not alone. This iconic sandwich has become a favorite far beyond its Philadelphia roots, but what actually makes a cheesesteak a cheesesteak?
A classic cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced or chopped steak cooked on a griddle, melted cheese, and a long Italian-style roll. Toppings vary by restaurant and personal preference, but popular additions include onions, peppers, mushrooms, and hot peppers.
At Fusaro’s Pizza & Pasta in Manahawkin, NJ, we put our own South Jersey spin on this classic while staying close to the Philly-style cheesesteak that inspired it.
Where Did Cheesesteaks Come From?
The cheesesteak originated in Philadelphia and has become one of the city’s most recognizable foods. The basic concept is straightforward: cook chopped steak on a hot griddle, add cheese, and serve it inside a long roll.
The sandwich evolved into a variety of regional and personal interpretations. Some people prefer their steak with onions, while others add peppers, mushrooms, or other toppings. Cheese is another point of debate, with choices varying from American cheese to provolone and other options.
Despite all the variations, the basic formula remains the same: quality steak, a good roll, melted cheese, and plenty of flavor. Wondering how that differs from other steak sandwiches? See the difference between a cheesesteak and a steak sandwich.
What Makes a Great Cheesesteak?
Crisp on the outside, soft inside, our South Jersey-style Italian roll is built to hold every delicious bite.
A cheesesteak doesn’t need a complicated ingredient list. Since there are only a few main components, the quality and preparation of each one matter.
Quality Steak
The steak is the star of the sandwich. It should be flavorful, tender, and cooked properly rather than overwhelmed by toppings.
At Fusaro’s, we use a quality cut of steak rather than simply choosing the cheapest option. That attention to the main ingredient makes a difference in the finished sandwich.
Proper Chopping and Cooking
A cheesesteak is traditionally cooked on a griddle and chopped as it cooks. The steak should develop plenty of flavor while remaining tender enough to eat easily with the other ingredients.
At Fusaro’s, cheesesteaks are made to order and chopped as they are prepared, so each sandwich is cooked fresh rather than assembled from pre-cooked steak.
The Right Cheese
Cheese brings everything together. It should melt into the steak rather than simply sit on top of it.
Fusaro’s uses Cooper Sharp white American cheese, giving the sandwich a creamy, flavorful finish that pairs particularly well with the chopped steak.
A Good Roll
The bread is just as important as what’s inside it. A great cheesesteak needs a roll that can hold the steak and toppings without falling apart, while still having a satisfying texture.
Fusaro’s uses a South Jersey-style Italian sub roll that is crisp on the outside and soft inside. The result is sturdy enough for a loaded cheesesteak while still complementing the steak rather than overpowering it.
How Fusaro’s Makes Cheesesteaks
Chopped fresh to order on the griddle—that’s where every Fusaro’s cheesesteak starts.
At Fusaro’s Pizza & Pasta in Manahawkin, our cheesesteak starts with a simple goal: make a sandwich we genuinely enjoy eating.
Our steak is cooked and chopped to order on the griddle, then combined with Cooper Sharp white American cheese and served on our South Jersey-style Italian sub roll. The bread provides that combination of a crisp exterior and soft interior that makes each bite satisfying.
The classic version can be customized with toppings including:
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- Peppers
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Raw onions
- Mayonnaise
- Hot cherry peppers
Whether you prefer your cheesesteak simple or fully loaded, the idea is the same: start with good steak, prepare it properly, use quality cheese, and put it on a great roll.
What Is a Philly Cheesesteak?
Fresh off the griddle and ready to serve. Now comes the hard part: deciding whether to share.
A Philly cheesesteak is the traditional Philadelphia-style version of the sandwich. It generally features thinly sliced or chopped beef, melted cheese, and a long roll, with onions being one of the most common additions. There is no single universally accepted way to order one. Cheese, toppings, preparation, and even the preferred roll can vary from one shop to another.
Fusaro’s cheesesteak is inspired by that Philadelphia tradition, while incorporating the South Jersey-style Italian roll and toppings our customers enjoy.
Does Fusaro’s Offer Other Types of Cheesesteaks?
Yes. If you prefer chicken to beef, Fusaro’s also offers chicken cheesesteaks and Buffalo chicken cheesesteaks.
A chicken cheesesteak follows the same basic idea as the classic: chopped chicken, melted cheese, and a fresh Italian-style roll. The Buffalo chicken version adds the familiar Buffalo flavor for a little more kick. These options give customers a choice between the traditional steak sandwich and variations built around chicken.
Try a Cheesesteak at Fusaro’s in Manahawkin
A great cheesesteak doesn’t need to be complicated. Quality steak, fresh preparation, melted cheese, and a good Italian roll are the foundation. At Fusaro’s Pizza & Pasta, we take those basics seriously while giving customers plenty of options to make the sandwich their own.
Whether you’re craving a classic cheesesteak, a chicken cheesesteak, or a Buffalo chicken version, you can find them at Fusaro’s in Manahawkin.
Ready for a cheesesteak? Explore the Fusaro’s menu or order your favorite sandwich today.
