Patti LaBelle’s Secrets for Making the Best-Ever Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Justine Lee
·2 min read
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Ask us to name an icon and Patti LaBelle immediately comes to mind. She's a tour de force singer, actress and one of the most masterful celebrity home cooks we know. Her gold-standard recipes—like her famous fried chicken, shrimp scampi, mean greens and banana pudding—all have that magic touch where you have one taste, and you immediately feel right at home.

Related: I Tried Patti LaBelle's Mac and Cheese

And it's not every day you get tips on making the best Philly cheesesteak from a local Philly native, let alone a Philly legend. In an interview on the Drew Barrymore Show, Patti LaBelle shared her tips on how to make a Philly cheesesteak sandwich the way it's properly done in her home city. One of Patti's top tips for a top-tier Philly cheesesteak? Add the cheese under the steak meat. 

How Patti LaBelle Makes Philly Cheesesteak

Even in the name, the cheese goes over the steak. Why does Patti flip the script? According to Patti, putting cheese at the bottom of your hoagie bun and topping it with cooked steak provides enough heat for the cheese to properly melt. The end result is identical to what you'd get from a more traditional method for Philly cheesesteak, where you cover the steak with cheese and cook until melted.

Related: Patti LaBelle's Short Ribs Are Tender, Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection

The Best Melting Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak, According to Patti LaBelle

Many people in Philly have strong opinions about what belongs on a proper Philly cheesesteak sandwich, especially when it comes to what cheese to use. Patti says American, Provolone and mozzarella are the ways to go for the melty, gooey effect. In true Philly fashion, she also recommends Cheese Whiz.

Related: 55 Mouthwatering Steak Recipes To Bring the Steakhouse to Your Dinner Table

More of Patti's Tips for Making the Best Philly Cheesesteak

1. Add crushed red pepper flakes and hot pepper. The richness of the sandwich is great with a kiss of heat.

2. Make it a wrap. If you're out of long sandwich buns, like a classic hoagie roll, or simply want a new way to enjoy the classic meat dish, pile your Philly cheese steak fixings into a tortilla wrap. In the video, Patti uses a lower-carb tortilla, which you could also try.

Our Favorite Celebrity Sandwich Recipes

Patti's not the only celeb out there slinging next-level sandwiches. Try out these other great recipes from some of our favorite stars.

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