philly cheese steak sandwich with peppers for picky eaters

Introduction

The Philly Cheesesteak: a culinary icon. But what if your little one (or a not-so-little one) is a picky eater? Fear not! You can conquer even the most discerning palate with a modified Philly Cheesesteak featuring the often-dreaded, yet surprisingly delicious, bell pepper. This guide provides tips and tricks to create a customizable cheesesteak that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Making a Picky-Eater-Approved Philly Cheesesteak

Choosing the Right Steak

The foundation of any great cheesesteak is the beef. For picky eaters, lean is key. Here are some options:

• Sirloin: A classic choice, relatively lean and flavorful.
• Ribeye (trimmed): Offers great flavor, but be sure to trim excess fat.
• Top Round: Budget-friendly and lean, but can be a bit tougher if not sliced thinly.

Pro Tip: Partially freezing the steak for about 30 minutes before slicing makes it much easier to get those paper-thin slices.

Prepping the Peppers (The Sneaky Trick)

Peppers can be a tough sell for picky eaters. The key is subtlety and flavor infusion, not overwhelming chunks.

1. Roast the Peppers: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and softens the texture. Place bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange are milder) under a broiler until blackened, then seal in a bag to steam. The skins will easily peel off.
2. Finely Dice: Dice the roasted peppers into very small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the less noticeable they’ll be.
3. Sauté with Onions: Sauté the diced peppers with thinly sliced onions until softened and slightly caramelized. This adds depth of flavor and hides the peppers among a more familiar ingredient. A touch of garlic also goes a long way!

The Cheese Factor

Cheese is your friend! Choose a cheese that melts well and has a mild flavor.

• Provolone: A classic choice, known for its mild flavor and excellent meltability.
• White American Cheese: Another popular option, very creamy and melts beautifully.
• Mild Cheddar: If your picky eater likes cheddar, a mild version can work well.

Cheese Whiz alternative: While traditional, Cheese Whiz can be polarizing. Consider a creamy homemade cheese sauce for a milder, more approachable option.

Building the Cheesesteak

1. Cook the Steak: In a hot skillet or griddle, cook the thinly sliced steak until browned and cooked through. Break it up into smaller pieces with a spatula.
2. Add the Pepper & Onion Mixture: Add the sautéed pepper and onion mixture to the skillet with the steak. Mix well.
3. Melt the Cheese: Create wells in the steak and pepper mixture and add the cheese. Allow it to melt completely.
4. Assemble the Sandwich: Scoop the mixture onto a hoagie roll (a soft, slightly sweet roll works best).

Customization is Key

Let your picky eater choose what they want on their sandwich. Offer options and let them decide. This gives them a sense of control and makes them more likely to try it.

Conclusion

Creating a Philly Cheesesteak for picky eaters is all about strategy. By using lean meat, finely dicing roasted peppers, choosing a mild cheese, and offering customization options, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that even the most discerning palates will enjoy. Don’t give up on the pepper – its subtle sweetness and nutritional value can be a sneaky win!