Deciding what to serve with Philly Cheesesteak can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Choosing the right sides brings out the flavors of the cheesesteak and adds variety to your plate.
The great thing, though, is that beef and cheese are a classic combination that pairs well with so many other flavors. You have an absolute ton of options.
When it comes to Philly cheesesteaks, there's really no limit to the different kinds of sides you can serve with them. From classic French fries or onion rings to pasta salad or even green salads, cheesesteak is great with all kinds of dishes.
Classic Side Dishes
When enjoying a Philly Cheesesteak, there are several classic side dishes that never go wrong: French Fries, Onion Rings, and Nachos. These are the trifecta of Philly cheesesteak pairings.
These three sides add a salty, crispiness to the beefy, cheesy goodness of cheesesteak that will never go out of style.
French Fries
Nothing beats a delicious serving of Philly Cheesesteak with crispy French Fries. The salty and crunchy texture of the fries is a perfect balance to the rich flavors of the sandwich.
Onion Rings
Next on the list is another crispy favorite: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. These air-fried delights work beautifully with the savory flavors of the cheesesteak, and you'll find it hard to stop dipping and eating them.
Nachos
Finally, for a little twist on the traditional side dish, try Nachos. You can easily customize your nachos by adding extra toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
Salad Options
Salads aren't always greens and dressing. Salads can be everything from pasta salad to creamy coleslaw and more. So when we talk about salads and Philly cheesesteaks, we're not talking about kale and vinaigrette. Although, we wouldn't fault you if you chose to do that!
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that goes well with Philly cheesesteak. You can either serve a classic, creamy coleslaw or try out our jalapeno coleslaw just to switch it up a bit.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is another popular side dish to pair with a Philly cheesesteak. We have an absolutely amazing smoked potato salad for you to try. It's so good that you'll be making it again and again with or without smoking it.
Cucumber Salad
If you're looking for a light, refreshing side dish, a cucumber salad is the way to go. This simple salad can be made by combining thinly sliced cucumbers with onions or other vegetables and tossing in a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing. The choice is up to you.
Tortellini Salad
For a more filling side dish, try a tortellini salad. You can easily customize this salad and the possibilities are endless!
Pasta Salad
A classic choice for a side dish, a pasta salad adds a refreshing and creamy texture. You can customize your macaroni salad with various ingredients, such as diced vegetables, sweet pickles, and more.
Vegetable-Based Sides
Whether you're health-conscious or just love extra flavors and textures, you can't go wrong with vegetable side dishes for most meals, that include Philly cheesesteaks.
Roasted Broccoli
Roasting broccoli transforms this simple vegetable into a flavorful and slightly crispy side dish that pairs well with Philly Cheesesteak and is a great addition to your meal.
Zucchini Casserole
A zucchini casserole is a versatile and tasty side that can be customized to suit your preferences. The cheesy, vegetable-packed dish is a perfect match for your Philly Cheesesteak.
Soy Mushrooms and Onions
Sauteed mushrooms and onions are a classic Philly Cheesesteak topping, but they can also be served as a separate side dish. For a delightful twist, try these sauteed mushrooms. The soy sauce adds flavor that enhances the mushrooms and onions and brings forth the richness of the Philly Cheesesteak. It's a great choice for those looking to enhance the flavors of their meal.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
For a fun and tasty side dish, buffalo cauliflower bites bring the heat and crunch. Buffalo cauliflower bites not only add a pop of color to your plate but also offer a spicy contrast to your sandwich.
Fried Zucchini and Onions
Fried zucchini and onions bring warmth and crunchiness to your plate and is the easiest side dish to make.
Philly Cheesesteak Ingredients
It's important to choose the right bread, beef, and cheese to make the perfect Philly cheesesteak. This is a basic sandwich, so every ingredient has to be on point.
Bread Choices
Typically, a soft and slightly chewy, sturdy long roll is used like a good quality crusty Italian baguette, hoagie roll, or French baguette.
Cheese Selection
There are three popular cheese options for a Philly cheesesteak, each providing its distinct flavor and texture:
Provolone: This mild, slightly tangy cheese melts smoothly, adding a creamy richness to the sandwich.
American cheese: A classic choice due to its exceptionally smooth melt and mild, cheddar-like flavor.
Cheez Whiz: More of a guilty pleasure, this processed cheese spread offers a distinct tangy and salty taste that has become synonymous with Philly cheesesteaks.
Remember that a generous amount of cheese is essential, as it brings the sandwich together and gives it a comforting, satisfying bite.
Meat Options
The traditional choice for a Philly cheesesteak is thinly sliced ribeye steak. It offers a tender, juicy texture and is packed with rich, savory flavor. That being said you can use flank, top round, sirloin or any cut that will cook into tender thin strips and still enjoy the results.
Serving Ideas
If you're preparing a meal for a group, consider serving a variety of cheesesteak sandwiches. Maybe some with provolone cheese and caramelized onions and others with pepper jack cheese and sautéed mushrooms. You'll cater to your guests' different taste preferences and a little variety turns a simple meal into a foodie's paradise.
FAQ
If you're looking for healthier sides to pair with your Philly cheesesteak, consider options like sweet or spicy coleslaw, bell peppers, sauteed vegetables or smoked sweet potatoes, or your favorite roasted vegetables.
Vegetable sides include air-fried onion rings, potato wedges, fried okra, roasted broccoli, garlic dill pickles, and zucchini casserole.
Salads that work well alongside a Philly cheesesteak include a refreshing potato salad, cherry tomato salad, cilantro lime slaw, Germán potato salad, tortellini salad, and cucumber salad.
For a keto-friendly side dish, consider serving your Philly cheesesteak with a green salad loaded with low-carb veggies, roasted or sautéed vegetables like Brussels sprouts or cauliflower, which are low in carbs while still providing great taste and nutrition.
After enjoying a savory cheesesteak, a light, and refreshing dessert can be a great way to round out your meal. Consider options like fruit salad, classic cheesecake, or ice cream cake.
When it comes to beverages, pairing a cold beer with your Philly cheesesteak is a popular choice. For non-alcoholic options, consider lemonade, iced tea, or a classic soda like root beer or cola.
Whether you're in the mood for a classic pairing like French fries or crispy garlic potatoes, or you want to try something a little different like air-fried asparagus, creamy broccoli salad, or crispy fried tomatoes, there's a recipe (or three) here that you're going to love. Give them a try!
Anthony says
Love these recipes. We started on this list while making Philly cheesesteak and are continuing through it until we try almost all of them. Thank you for sharing we’re having a blast!
Karin and Ken says
As always you’re most welcome. I’m so glad you’re having so much fun trying new recipes. We love these recipes and hope you will too. All the best. Karin