The Cheesesteak and Its Philadelphia Roots
Cut a cheesesteak in half, and you can see what makes it famous: thin pieces of beef piled inside a long roll, often with melted cheese and cooked onions. It may look simple, but this sandwich has a story tied closely to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
What makes a cheesesteak?
A cheesesteak usually starts with thinly sliced beef cooked on a hot, flat grill. The cook may chop or separate the meat as it cooks, then pile it into a long, soft roll. Cheese melts over the hot beef. Many people add onions that have been cooked until soft, while others prefer their sandwiches without them.
There is no single way to make every cheesesteak. Some cooks use provolone or American cheese; others use a smooth cheese sauce. Mushrooms, peppers, and other toppings also appear on some versions. The roll matters, too. It needs to hold the filling without falling apart, yet remain soft enough to bite.
A Philadelphia connection
The cheesesteak is strongly associated with Philadelphia, where it has been sold for many decades. Today, people can find versions in other cities and states, but the sandwich remains a familiar part of Philadelphia’s food culture. It appears at neighborhood sandwich shops, restaurants, and sporting events.
- associated:
- connected with something in people’s minds
- debate:
- a discussion in which people express different opinions
- accounts:
- descriptions of events
- confirm:
- to establish that something is true
- credited:
- recognized as having done something
- popularizing:
- helping something become widely liked or known
- tradition:
- a custom or practice shared over time
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is the main idea of the article, and which two details support it?
- 2Why does the roll matter when making a cheesesteak?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“The Cheesesteak and Its Philadelphia Roots” is a explanatory article reading passage about Food History, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (502 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.