this isn't a philly cheesesteak
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, and well acquainted with Philly cheesesteaks with Cheese Whiz (a process cheese spread), it made your sandwich sing with flavor. Well, I am taking this sandwich to another level. I know this is an extravagance, but I want to do something different. I went to my local butcher and requested rib-eye steak, cut thin. You see, the flavor and tenderness that comes from this cut is the marble of fat that most steaks don’t have. Instead of Cheese Whiz, I created a fabulous Asiago and smoked Gouda cream sauce.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Wow, this isn't your traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich. It's made with juicy steak slices that are super flavorful thanks to rib-eye steak. Sauteed onions and peppers are traditional, but they're enhanced by a nice blend of sauteed mushrooms and savory pancetta. What upgrades this sandwich, though, is the Asiago and smoked Gouda cheese sauce. Rich and creamy, horseradish gives it a nice little kick. Piled high on a soft ciabatta bun, this recipe gives the classic sandwich a gourmet feel.
Ingredients
- ASIAGO AND SMOKED GOUDA CHEESE SAUCE
- 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces Asiago cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces smoked Gouda, shredded
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- salt and pepper, to taste
- STEAK INGREDIENTS
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ounces pancetta, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1 small red pepper, sliced thin
- 1 medium white onion, sliced thin
- 4 ounces mushroom gourmet blend (baby bella, shiitake and oysters mushrooms), sliced
- 1 1/2 pounds rib-eye steak - thinly slice (about 8 slices)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 ciabatta rolls
How To Make this isn't a philly cheesesteak
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Step 1Directions for the Asiago and smoked Gouda cheese sauce. To make this sauce, you will need a double boiler. If you do not have one, then use a stainless steel bowl set snugly inside a saucepan filled with water. -
Step 2The key to this sauce is low and slow over a gentle heat. This will achieve a creamy cheese sauce. You will also need a wooden spoon and a whisk. This sauce should take about 8 -10 minutes to complete, but it requires your undivided attention. Stay with this step until the sauce is complete.
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Step 3Pour water halfway up the double boiler and place it over medium heat. Melt butter in the top of the boiler. Once butter is melted, add flour to make a roux.
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Step 4Stir constantly with a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes or until blended well.
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Step 5Then add heavy cream and continue to stir constantly.
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Step 6Add Asiago and smoked Gouda to the cream mixture. Use a whisk to blend the cheese well.
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Step 7Add beaten egg to the mixture.
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Step 8Whisk until the sauce is warm and begins to thicken. Then add Italian seasoning, horseradish sauce, and nutmeg. Continue to whisk constantly, then salt and pepper to taste. When the cheese sauce is thick, reduce the heat to low to keep it warm while preparing steaks.
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Step 9For the sandwich, in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 Tbsp of olive oil. Then add pancetta, green peppers, red peppers, and onions. Sauté until slightly softened, about 2 -3 minutes. Then add mushrooms to the mixture. Sauté until mushrooms are tender. Season veggies lightly with salt and pepper. Then transfer the mixture to a bowl. Cover and keep warm.
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Step 10Add the remaining 2 Tbsp of olive oil to the skillet, and be sure the pan is hot so the rib-eye steak will cook fast. Sauté steak, cooking each slice about 30 seconds on each side, but do not overcook. Remove the steak and place it on a plate. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Step 11Let’s make this sandwich, with tongs, place 2 slices of steak on a ciabatta roll, and top with veggie mixture.
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Step 12Then spoon some of the cheese sauce over the steak and veggies.
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Step 13Cover with the top roll and serve the best cheesesteak sandwich ever.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
