A cheesesteak is a specific type of steak sandwich made with thinly sliced or chopped steak cooked on a griddle, melted cheese, and a long Italian-style roll. A steak sandwich is a broader category that can include many different cuts of steak, breads, cheeses, toppings, and cooking methods.

In other words, every cheesesteak is a steak sandwich, but not every steak sandwich is a cheesesteak.

Cheesesteak vs. Steak Sandwich at a Glance

The biggest difference isn’t simply whether a steak sandwich has cheese. It’s the combination of the meat, preparation, melted cheese, and roll that gives a cheesesteak its recognizable style.

What Makes a Cheesesteak a Cheesesteak?

A traditional cheesesteak begins with steak that is thinly sliced or chopped and cooked on a hot griddle. Cheese is added so it melts into the hot meat, and everything is served together on a long roll.

Onions are a classic addition, but cheesesteaks can also include peppers, mushrooms, hot peppers, and other toppings depending on the restaurant and how you like to order yours.

The sandwich has strong Philadelphia roots, although you’ll find plenty of variations throughout South Jersey and beyond.

At Fusaro’s Pizza & Pasta in Manahawkin, our cheesesteaks are made to order with quality steak chopped on the griddle, Cooper Sharp white American cheese, and a South Jersey-style Italian sub roll that’s crisp on the outside and soft inside.

What Is a Steak Sandwich?

“Steak sandwich” is a much broader term.

It can describe almost any sandwich built around steak. The meat might be sliced ribeye, sirloin, flank steak, chopped steak, or another cut. It could be cooked on a grill, griddle, or in a skillet and served on anything from an Italian roll to a baguette or toasted bread.

A steak sandwich doesn’t necessarily need cheese, either. Depending on the recipe, it might be topped with grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, sauces, or other ingredients.

That flexibility is what separates the general steak sandwich category from the more recognizable cheesesteak style.

Is a Cheesesteak Just a Steak Sandwich With Cheese?

Not exactly.

Adding cheese to any steak sandwich doesn’t automatically turn it into a cheesesteak.

Think of “steak sandwich” as the larger category and “cheesesteak” as one particular style within it. The classic cheesesteak combination of chopped or thinly sliced griddled steak, melted cheese, and a long roll is what distinguishes it from other steak sandwiches.

For a deeper look at the ingredients and preparation, read our What Is a Cheesesteak? A Guide to This Classic Sandwich.

What Kind of Cheese Goes on a Cheesesteak?

There isn’t one cheese that every cheesesteak shop uses. American cheese and provolone are common choices, and different restaurants have developed their own preferences.

At Fusaro’s, we use Cooper Sharp white American cheese. It melts into the freshly cooked steak and adds a creamy, slightly sharp flavor without overwhelming the meat.

What Kind of Bread Is Used for a Cheesesteak?

The roll matters more than you might think.

A cheesesteak is generally served on a long Italian-style roll that can hold the meat, cheese, and toppings without falling apart.

Fusaro’s uses a South Jersey-style Italian sub roll with a crisp exterior and soft interior. It has enough structure for a loaded sandwich while still letting the steak and cheese take center stage.

Cheesesteaks in Manahawkin, NJ

Now that you know the difference, the choice really comes down to what you’re craving.

At Fusaro’s, our cheesesteaks are cooked and chopped to order, topped with melted Cooper Sharp white American cheese, and served on a South Jersey-style Italian roll. Keep yours classic or add peppers, onions, mushrooms, hot cherry peppers, or your other favorite toppings.

If you’re looking for a freshly made cheesesteak in Manahawkin, NJ, explore our cheesesteak options and order your favorite from Fusaro’s.