Few meals holler Philadelphia as loudly as the Philly cheesesteak. Its hot beef, melted cheese, and hoagie roll make the cheesesteak an American classic for decades. But tradition is fine, and now and then a modern update is needed to keep things fresh. Meet cheesesteak wraps—a fresh take on the old favorite that packs all the big flavors of a classic cheesesteak into a small, portable wrap.
If you’re a fan of the original steakhouse in Deptford, a native Philadelphian, or just someone who loves a good and satisfying meal, cheesesteak wraps are a new twist on meals you already adore. In this article, we’ll take a closer examination of why cheesesteak wraps are special, how they’re different from the original, and how you can make your delicious version in your kitchen.
The History of the Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak is a classic one, dating to the 1930s when Pat Olivieri, a vendor of hot dogs in Philadelphia, decided to toss some beef onto a grill and put it on an Italian roll. The sandwich became a cultural icon over the decades, its combination of flaky ribeye, melted cheese (most commonly Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese), and the occasional onions, mushrooms, or peppers.
As food trends evolve, chefs and home cooks have been innovative about how they eat this legendary sandwich. Cheesesteak wraps were the new spin on the traditional sandwich, with the same bold flavors but with convenience and flexibility.
Why Cheesesteak Wraps are a Game-Changer
Cheesesteak wraps have several advantages over the traditional sandwich:
- Portability – A wrap holds everything together and is easy to consume while moving around.
- Customization – One can easily make the wrap according to one’s dietary needs, such as replacing a low-carb tortilla, gluten-free wrap, or whole wheat alternative.
- Less Bread, More Taste – Some people do not enjoy the fact that hoagie rolls are so heavy; a tortilla makes the steak, cheese, and toppings shine.
- Crunch and Texture – Toasting and folding the cheesesteak wrap develops a great crunch, giving another texture level that the hoagie roll just can’t give.
Best Ingredients for the Ultimate Cheesesteak Wrap
To make a real cheesesteak wrap, proper ingredients are key. Here is what you need:
1. The Steak
The best cheesesteaks start with good ribeye because of its tenderness and richness of flavor. That being the case, sirloin or flank steak can be substituted for a leaner option.
Pro Tip: Refrigerate the steak for about 30 minutes before slicing. This makes it easy to slice thinly and daintily so that it cooks quickly and absorbs plenty of flavor.
2. The Cheese
The classic options are:
- Cheez Whiz – The iconic Philly favorite, delivering a rich, indulgent taste.
- Provolone – Delivers a gentle, buttery flavor that goes well with the steak.
- American Cheese – Melts and adds a smooth texture.
3. The Wrap
The choice of an apt wrap is important. Employ flour tortillas, since they are flexible and can hold the fillings in place. For getting a health-friendly option, you may use:
- Whole wheat tortillas – Offers fiber along with a nutty flavor.
- Low-carb wraps – Suitable for people with dietary limitations because of carbohydrates.
- Gluten-free wraps – Convenient for people who are susceptible to gluten.
4. Toppings
- Onions – Sweetness as well as depth to the flavor is provided by caramelized onions.
- Bell Peppers – Green, red, or yellow peppers add color and a hint of crunch.
- Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms offer the umami flavor.
5. Seasonings and Sauces
- Salt and Pepper – Brings out the natural flavor of the steak.
- Garlic Powder – A hint of savory.
- Hot Sauce or Mayo-Based Sauce – A burst of extra flavor.
Preparing a Classic Cheesesteak Wrap
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Add a little bit of oil and sauté thinly sliced ribeye steak until browned.
- Season with pepper, salt, and garlic powder.
- Push the steak to one side of the pan and melt your cheese on top.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the same pan.
- Sauté until they become soft and lightly caramelized.
Step 3: Assemble the Wrap
- Place a large tortilla on a flat surface.
- Add the melted cheese and steak filling.
- Cover with sautéed veggies.
- Top with hot sauce or flavored mayo for an option.
Step 4: Fold and Toast
- Roll wrap tight and fold in the sides of the tortilla.
- Cook in a hot panini press or skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy golden.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy! – Cut in half and serve fries, coleslaw, or a side salad.
Where to Find the Best Cheesesteak Wraps
If making a cheesesteak wrap at home sounds like too much work, don’t worry! Many restaurants and steakhouses now offer their cheesesteak wrap variations. If you’re in Deptford, there are plenty of steakhouses that serve authentic Philly cheesesteaks and creative wraps. Look for restaurants that use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure a flavorful experience.
Customizing Your Cheesesteak Wrap
While the classic cheesesteak wrap is delicious, here are some cool variations that are just as much fun:
- Spicy Cheesesteak Wrap – Include hot jalapeños and spicy aioli.
- BBQ Cheesesteak Wrap – Add BBQ sauce for that smoky flavor.
- Buffalo Cheesesteak Wrap – Coat the steak in buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing.
- Keto Cheese Steak Wrap – Swap out the low-carb tortilla for wrapping or wrap all of it in a lettuce leaf.
Conclusion
Cheesesteak wraps offer the perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and versatility. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Philly cheesesteaks or just discovering this tasty tradition, wraps provide an easy way to enjoy all the bold flavors without the bulk of a heavy hoagie roll.
With endless customization options, cheesesteak wraps can be tailored to fit anyone’s taste. Whether you’re making one at home or visiting a steakhouse in Deptford, this modern twist on a classic dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, why not try making your own today and take your love for cheesesteaks to the next level?