If you’ve ever had a Philly cheesesteak, you know the magic isn’t just in the steak and cheese. The bread plays a huge role in creating that perfect bite! But what is the best roll for a Philly cheesesteak? The answer is key to making an authentic, delicious sandwich.
A good cheesesteak roll should be soft yet sturdy, able to hold juicy steak and melted cheese without falling apart. Amoroso rolls are the traditional favorite, but other options like Liscio’s and Sarcone’s also work well. And what about alternatives? Can you use brioche, ciabatta, or even a baguette?
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing the best roll for a Philly cheesesteak, from traditional picks to creative twists. Whether you’re making a cheesesteak at home or hunting for the perfect hoagie roll, this guide will help you get that authentic Philly flavor.
Why the Right Roll Matters for a Philly Cheesesteak
The Role of Bread in an Authentic Philly Cheesesteak
When people talk about a Philly cheesesteak, they often focus on the steak and cheese. But the bread is just as important! It’s not just there to hold the ingredients—it’s a crucial part of the sandwich’s taste, texture, and experience.
Here’s why choosing the right roll is a game-changer:
✅ Holds Everything Together – A weak roll will fall apart from the steak’s juices. A sturdy but soft hoagie roll is key.
✅ Soaks Up Flavor – The best rolls absorb just enough steak juices without getting soggy.
✅ Adds the Right Texture – You want a light, chewy bite with just a touch of crispness on the outside.
“A great Philly cheesesteak isn’t just about the fillings—it’s about how the bread brings everything together.”
Traditional vs. Modern Bread Choices
For decades, what is the best roll for a Philly cheesesteak? had a simple answer: Amoroso’s rolls. These hoagie-style rolls are famous for their soft interior and light crust, making them the go-to choice in Philadelphia.
However, some modern variations have popped up. While Liscio’s and Sarcone’s rolls offer similar textures, other sandwich shops have experimented with ciabatta, brioche, and even pretzel rolls for a different twist.
So, does the roll really matter? Absolutely. Using the wrong bread can throw off the balance of flavors and textures.
The Classic Philly Cheesesteak Rolls
Amoroso Rolls: The Gold Standard
If you ask any Philly native what is the best roll for a Philly cheesesteak, they’ll likely say Amoroso rolls. These hoagie-style rolls have been the traditional choice for decades, used by legendary cheesesteak spots like Pat’s and Geno’s.
So, why is Amoroso’s the top pick?
🥖 Soft, Yet Sturdy: The inside is light and airy, allowing it to soak up the juices without turning soggy. The crust is slightly crisp, adding a subtle bite without being too tough.
🥖 Neutral Flavor: The roll has a mild taste that doesn’t overpower the steak and cheese, letting the sandwich’s main ingredients shine.
🥖 Perfect Size: Typically 10 to 12 inches, Amoroso rolls are long enough to hold all the steak and cheese while keeping a balanced bread-to-filling ratio.
“Without the right roll, a Philly cheesesteak just isn’t the same. Amoroso’s gives you that perfect bite every time.”
Unfortunately, Amoroso rolls can be hard to find outside of Philadelphia. If you’re making a cheesesteak at home, you might need to find a suitable replacement.
Liscio’s and Sarcone’s Bakery Rolls
While Amoroso rolls are the most famous, other Philadelphia bakeries make excellent cheesesteak rolls. Two top contenders are Liscio’s Bakery and Sarcone’s Bakery.
🥖 Liscio’s Rolls – Slightly firmer than Amoroso’s, making them great for heavier cheesesteaks with extra toppings. They have a bit more chew, but still a soft interior.
🥖 Sarcone’s Rolls – These rolls have a crispier crust, giving the cheesesteak a slight crunch. Some cheesesteak lovers prefer this for extra texture.
While these rolls aren’t as widely known as Amoroso’s, many local cheesesteak shops swear by them. If you’re in Philadelphia and looking to experiment, these are great alternatives!
How to Choose the Best Roll for a Philly Cheesesteak
Key Features of the Perfect Cheesesteak Roll
If you’re making a Philly cheesesteak at home, choosing the right bread is just as important as selecting the steak and cheese.
✔️ Soft Inside, Slightly Crisp Outside: The best roll absorbs juices while maintaining a slight chew. It should hold up under the weight of the fillings but still be easy to bite into.
✔️ Mild Flavor: The roll should complement the steak and cheese, not compete with them. Avoid bread with strong flavors like sourdough or sweet brioche.
✔️ Freshness Matters: A fresh roll makes all the difference. Stale bread will be too dry, while day-old bread can become too chewy.
If you can’t find Amoroso, Liscio’s, or Sarcone’s rolls, a soft Italian sub roll or a fresh French roll can work in a pinch.
Toasting vs. Soft Rolls: What’s Better?
There’s an ongoing debate about toasting cheesesteak rolls. Some say a classic Philly cheesesteak should never be toasted, while others love the extra crunch.
🔥 Reasons to Toast:
- Helps keep the roll from getting soggy.
- Adds a slight crispness, enhancing texture.
- Works well if using a softer roll.
❄️ Reasons to Skip Toasting:
- Traditional cheesesteaks use untoasted rolls.
- Toasting can make the bread too crunchy, changing the sandwich’s authentic feel.
- If your roll is fresh, toasting isn’t necessary.
“Want the best of both worlds? Lightly toast the inside of the roll while keeping the outside soft for extra stability.”
By now, you know what is the best roll for a Philly cheesesteak and how to pick the right one. But what if you’re looking for alternatives?
Alternative Bread Choices for a Cheesesteak
Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Options
Not everyone can enjoy a classic hoagie roll, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a Philly cheesesteak. There are plenty of great gluten-free and low-carb alternatives that still deliver on taste and texture.
🥖 Gluten-Free Hoagie Rolls – Many brands now offer gluten-free sandwich rolls that mimic the softness of traditional cheesesteak bread. Look for options that have a slight chew and aren’t too crumbly.
🥬 Lettuce Wraps – If you’re avoiding bread altogether, crisp lettuce leaves (like iceberg or romaine) make a great low-carb alternative. They add a fresh crunch and help balance the richness of the steak and cheese.
🫑 Bell Pepper Halves – Another creative swap is using roasted bell peppers as a natural bread replacement. Simply cut them in half, remove the seeds, and fill them with your cheesesteak ingredients.
“Even without a hoagie roll, you can still enjoy all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with a few simple swaps!”
Unique Twists on the Classic Roll
Want to put a spin on your cheesesteak? Try one of these bread alternatives to mix things up:
🥖 Brioche Buns – Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, brioche buns add a gourmet touch to your cheesesteak. They work well if you prefer a softer sandwich.
🥖 Ciabatta Bread – If you like a bit more chew, ciabatta is a great choice. It’s light and airy inside, yet firm enough to hold the fillings.
🥖 Pretzel Rolls – For a salty, slightly crispy twist, pretzel buns give a cheesesteak a bold, unique flavor.
🥖 French Baguette – While not traditional, a soft French baguette can hold up well to juicy steak and melted cheese. Just make sure it’s not too crunchy!
By now, you’ve learned about both classic and creative bread choices for a cheesesteak. But how do chefs and bakers ensure their rolls are the best?
Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Roll
Insights from Philadelphia Chefs and Bakers
If you ask a Philadelphia cheesesteak expert what is the best roll for a Philly cheesesteak, they’ll tell you: it’s all about texture and balance. Here’s what professional bakers and sandwich makers say about picking the perfect bread:
🥖 Always Go Fresh – A stale roll can ruin the entire sandwich. The bread should be soft, airy, and baked the same day whenever possible.
🔥 Lightly Warm the Roll – Many cheesesteak shops steam or lightly heat the bread before assembling the sandwich. This makes the roll extra soft and flexible, helping it absorb more flavor.
💧 Avoid Overly Dry or Hard Rolls – If the crust is too thick, it makes biting into the sandwich harder. A good roll should be lightly crisp but easy to chew.
“A Philly cheesesteak is all about the perfect bite. The bread should hug the fillings, not overpower them.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even if you have the best steak and cheese, the wrong roll can ruin a cheesesteak. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
❌ Using Bread That’s Too Crunchy – Baguettes and some Italian rolls can be too firm, making the sandwich tough to eat. Stick with soft hoagie-style rolls.
❌ Choosing Bread That’s Too Soft – On the other hand, if the roll is too delicate, it will get soggy fast. Make sure your bread has enough structure to hold up to the fillings.
❌ Skipping the Cut and Steam Method – Some cheesesteak makers slice the roll partway through instead of all the way. This keeps the sandwich together better. A light steam also helps soften the bread without making it soggy.
FAQs
What Is the Best Roll for a Philly Cheesesteak?
If you want an authentic Philly cheesesteak, the best roll is an Amoroso hoagie roll. This soft-yet-sturdy bread holds up well to juicy steak and melted cheese while keeping a light texture. However, Liscio’s and Sarcone’s rolls are great alternatives, offering slightly different levels of chewiness and crust crispness.
For home cooks who can’t find these options, a soft Italian roll, sub roll, or fresh French roll can work. The key is finding bread that is light inside but strong enough to hold all the fillings.
Can I Use a Sub Roll or Baguette?
A sub roll can work as long as it’s soft enough inside. Some store-bought sub rolls tend to be too tough or dry, which can take away from the cheesesteak experience.
A baguette, however, isn’t the best choice. Its thick, crusty exterior makes it harder to bite into, and it doesn’t absorb the juices like a proper hoagie roll does.
“For the best cheesesteak, stick with soft hoagie-style rolls. They create the perfect balance between chewiness and structure.”
How Do I Keep My Cheesesteak Roll from Getting Soggy?
To prevent soggy bread:
Lightly toast the inside to create a barrier against moisture.
Drain excess grease from the steak before assembling the sandwich.
Eat it fresh! The longer it sits, the softer the roll gets.
Where Can I Buy Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Rolls?
If you don’t live in Philadelphia, you can order Amoroso rolls online from specialty food retailers. Many bakeries and grocery stores also sell soft hoagie rolls that work well. If you can, visit a local Italian bakery and ask for a fresh sub or hoagie roll with a light crust.
Conclusion: The Secret to the Best Cheesesteak Roll
At this point, it’s clear that what is the best roll for a Philly cheesesteak? is an essential question for making the perfect sandwich. While the steak and cheese are crucial, the bread ties everything together, providing structure, texture, and flavor balance.
For an authentic Philly cheesesteak, Amoroso rolls are the gold standard. But if you can’t find them, Liscio’s, Sarcone’s, or a soft Italian roll can work just as well. The key? A roll that’s soft inside, slightly crisp outside, and sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients.
Want to experiment? Try brioche buns for a richer flavor, pretzel rolls for a salty twist, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. But no matter what, always make sure your bread is fresh, slightly chewy, and able to soak up all the flavors.
The next time you make a Philly cheesesteak, remember: the bread matters just as much as the steak and cheese! Try different rolls, but aim for the perfect balance of softness and durability to get that classic Philly taste.
Looking for more sandwich inspiration? Check out our guide on how to make the best homemade garlic bread—perfect as a side for your cheesesteak or any hearty meal!
