National Cheesesteak Day

Next National Cheesesteak Day Monday, 24 March 2025

National Cheesesteak Day on March 24 celebrates an American classic: the cheesesteak sandwich.

Born in Philadelphia, the sandwich, which is also known as a Philly cheesesteak, is made with melted cheese over sliced pieces of beefsteak inside a hoagie roll (a long bread roll).

A delicious and indulgent American delicacy, the cheesesteak has risen from its humble beginnings to become an American icon that you can buy across the world.

History of The Cheesesteak

It seems no one can agree on just how this American classic was invented. The most popular theory, supported by Philadelphia's tourism website, is that two hot dog vendors from Philly, Pat, and Harry Olivieri, created the cheesesteak in the 1930s.

One day, Pat and Harry decided to make a sandwich using grilled sliced beef and onions (the original version did not have cheese), when a taxi driver stopped by their hot dog stand and asked to try it.

The man suggested that Pat and Harry should stop selling hot dogs and start selling this steak sandwich. And they did!

The steak sandwiches became so popular that Pat eventually opened Pat's King of Steaks, a restaurant that is still open today.

Soon, other restaurants picked up on this delicacy and began selling their own variations of the cheesesteak sandwich. A man named Joe “Cocky Joe” Lorenza, an employee of Pat's, is credited with being the first person to add provolone cheese to the cheesesteak sandwich.

You can now eat cheesesteaks in family-owned businesses, street food trucks, fast food chains, and even high-end restaurants.

It has really become a Philadelphia institution, so divisive that you can even find rival cheesesteak restaurants in Philly. Most people in Philly have a very strong opinion of where you can find the best cheesesteak.

Unfortunately, as is the case with many holidays that center around an item of food, the origins, and founder of National Cheesesteak Day are unknown.

A cheesesteak lover could have created it, or perhaps a restaurant wanting to promote their cheesesteak offers. But whoever invented it deserves a hat tip for giving us the perfect excuse for buying one or making one at home.

The Ingredients of the perfect Cheesesteak

The Meat: the most popular meat to use for a cheesesteak is rib-eye steak. However, it's possible to substitute in a Filet or another cheaper cut of meat.
The vegetables: whilst vegetables are optional on a cheesesteak, it gives the sandwich extra flavor. Favorites include button mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic, and onion fried in a pan.
The Cheese: Any cheese will do the job, but the most popular is white American slices. You can make the sandwich using provolone, or even orange American slices.
The Seasoning: Essential seasoning includes salt and pepper, then a sauce such as barbecue, or Worcestershire sauce.

How to Celebrate National Cheesesteak Day

This seems like an obvious one. The only way to really pay tribute to this American classic is by eating a cheesesteak today.

Many restaurants offer National Cheesesteak Day deals on March 24, so you can enjoy this iconic sandwich at a discounted price (perhaps even go all out and eat two? It's a special day after all.) It's even better if you're lucky enough to live in Philadelphia, but even if you don't, it is likely that some restaurants around you serve cheesesteaks. Cheesesteaks.

On a dark night, bright neon signs await a queue of people at “Gino's” waiting for their food — Geno's - one of many restaurants in Philadelphia that serves the famous Cheesesteak

Are you a cheesesteak aficionado? Then, if you have the opportunity, why not travel to where it all started? Visit Philadelphia and do a tour of all the cheesesteak restaurants to decide once and for all which one serves the best sandwich.

If you love cooking, roll up your sleeves and craft your own attempt at making a delicious cheesesteak sandwich. Invite some friends over and make a big occasion of National Cheesesteak Day.