Editing Cheesesteak (section)

== Peppers and Other Toppings ==

Authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks do not include bell peppers as a standard ingredient. The "Philly cheesesteak with peppers" commonly found outside the city is not traditional and will mark you as an outsider if ordered in Philadelphia.

Some shops offer peppers as an optional add-on (along with mushrooms, hot peppers, or other toppings), but the default cheesesteak contains only meat, cheese, and optionally onions.

The "peppers and onions" combination likely originated at Italian-American restaurants outside Philadelphia that adapted the cheesesteak to local tastes. In Philadelphia, if you want peppers on your sandwich, you'll need to specifically request them.