What Sides Goes With Philly Cheese Steak?

Philly cheese steak is a beloved sandwich that originated from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It consists of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and a variety of toppings, all served on a hoagie roll. 

The side dishes served with the cheesesteak are just as important as the sandwich itself. As such, you can easily change up the sides that you serve with Philly cheese steak to keep it interesting.

In this article, we’ll explore the most popular side dishes to accompany a Philly cheese steak and what makes each pairing work so well.

Popular Side Dishes for Philly Cheese Steak

French fries

French fries are a classic side dish that perfectly complements the rich and savory flavors of the cheese steak. They offer a crispy, salty contrast to the soft, chewy hoagie roll and tender beef. 

Plus, dipping the fries into the melted cheese sauce only makes them even more delicious.

Onion Rings

Onion rings are another popular side dish for Philly cheese steak. The crispy breading and sweet, tender onions balance out the saltiness of the beef and cheese. 

Plus, the rings provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft, chewy roll and tender beef.

Coleslaw

For those who want a little bit of freshness and crunch to balance out the richness of the cheese steak, coleslaw is the perfect choice. 

The tangy dressing and crisp cabbage help to cut through the richness of the cheese and beef, providing a refreshing contrast to the hearty sandwich.

Cheesy Potatoes

For those who want to take their cheese steak to the next level, cheesy potatoes are the way to go. These creamy, cheesy potatoes are loaded with flavor and provide a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with the cheese steak. 

The rich, creamy potatoes offer a satisfying contrast to the savory flavors of the beef and cheese.

Baked Beans

For those who want a hearty side dish to balance out the richness of the cheese steak, baked beans are the way to go. 

The savory, smoky flavors of the baked beans complement the rich and salty flavors of the cheese steak, creating a balanced meal that is sure to satisfy.

Understanding the Perfect Pairing

Texture and Flavor Balance

The key to choosing the perfect side dish for your Philly cheese steak is finding the right balance of textures and flavors. The side dish should complement the main dish, not overpower it. 

For example, French fries offer a crispy texture and salty flavor that balances out the soft, chewy roll and rich beef. Onion rings provide a crunchy texture and sweet flavor that balances out the saltiness of the beef and cheese.

Complementing Rather Than Overpowering

It’s important to choose a side dish that complements the cheese steak, rather than overpowering it. For example, a side dish that is too rich or spicy may detract from the flavors of the cheese steak. 

On the other hand, a side dish that is too bland or simple may not add enough to the meal. The key is finding the right balance of flavors and textures that will enhance the cheese steak, rather than detract from it.

Recipes for Side Dishes

French Fries

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin fries
• 3 cups of vegetable oil for frying
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F.
2. Carefully place the sliced potatoes into the hot oil and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the fries from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain.
4. Sprinkle it with salt, to taste. Serve immediately with your Philly cheese steak sandwich.

Onion Rings

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions, sliced into thin rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 cups of vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in a large bowl.
2. In another large bowl, beat the eggs.
3. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
4. Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally the panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated rings on a plate.
5. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F.
6. Carefully place the coated onion rings into the hot oil and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the onion rings from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain.
8. Serve immediately with your Philly cheese steak sandwich.

Coleslaw

Ingredients:

• 1 head of green cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrot to the bowl and mix until well coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled.
4. Serve alongside your Philly cheese steak sandwich.

Cheesy Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the diced potatoes to a boil in salted water. Cook until they are tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour to the saucepan and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is golden brown.
5. Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
6. Stir in the grated cheese until it has melted and is well combined.
7. Add the cooked potatoes to the saucepan and stir until they are well coated with the cheese sauce.
8. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
9. Serve alongside your Philly cheese steak sandwich.

Conclusion

The Philly cheese steak sandwich is a classic dish that is loved by many. When it comes to sides, there are many options to choose from, including French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, and cheesy potatoes. 

Each of these sides pairs well with the rich and savory flavors of the Philly cheese steak, adding an extra layer of taste and texture to the dish. 

Whether you’re serving this classic sandwich for a quick and easy weeknight meal or for a special occasion, the sides listed above are sure to impress your guests and satisfy their cravings.

Can I make the Philly cheese steak sandwich with different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese for the Philly cheese steak sandwich. Some popular options include provolone, Swiss, and American cheese. 

However, it is important to note that the traditional version of the sandwich is made with Cheez Whiz.

Can I use a different type of meat besides rib-eye for the sandwich?

While rib-eye is the traditional cut of meat used for the Philly cheese steak sandwich, you can also use sirloin or top round steak. It is important to slice the meat thin and against the grain so that it stays tender and juicy in the sandwich.

What is the best way to serve the French fries with the sandwich?

It is best to serve the French fries hot and crispy, sprinkled with salt to taste. You can serve them on the side of the sandwich or even stack them on top of the sandwich, making it a loaded Philly cheese steak fries sandwich.

How do I make the coleslaw less creamy?

If you prefer a less creamy coleslaw, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise used in the recipe. Additionally, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the coleslaw for a tangier flavor.

Can I make the cheesy potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cheesy potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them. 

Simply reheat the potatoes in the oven or on the stove until they are hot and the cheese sauce is melted. It is important to stir the potatoes occasionally to prevent the cheese sauce from separating.