Discovering the perfect accompaniments to serve with your beloved Philly cheesesteaks can elevate the entire dining experience. These delicious sandwiches are staples in many households, and for good reason – tender bread filled with juicy steak, caramelized onions, crunchy bell peppers, and melted cheese is a match made in heaven. However, even the most satisfying meals can start to feel repetitive if you’re serving the same dish every day.
To mix things up, try pairing your Philly cheesesteak with one of our recommended side dishes. Whether you’re looking for something classic like crispy fries or a creamy milkshake, we’ve got 12 mouth-watering options that will complement your meal perfectly. Philly cheesesteaks have become a regular occurrence in my household, and I’m always on the lookout for new ways to spice up this beloved dish. If you’re feeling stuck in a culinary rut, don’t worry – these recipes are here to save the day!
With our expertly curated selection of side dishes, your weeknight meals will never be boring again. And who knows? You might just discover that your Philly cheesesteak has never tasted better!
French Fries
Needless to say, French fries are an excellent choice as a side dish for Philly cheesesteaks. They add a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the sandwich and complement it perfectly. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also incredibly easy to prepare using various cooking methods. Regardless of whether you choose to deep fry, bake in the oven, or use an air fryer, you’ll end up with crispy, crunchy golden fries that are sure to please.
In this recipe, we’ve opted for the oven method, which means you can enjoy your French fries without excessive grease. The result is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs beautifully with the Cajun seasoning. Furthermore, the spicy kick from the Cajun seasoning adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish, creating a nice balance between the savory flavors of the sandwich and the bold taste of the fries. This combination makes for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Avocado Fries
Foodies who are looking for a creative twist on classic French fries will love using avocados instead of potatoes. This innovative approach may seem unusual at first, but trust us when we say it’s a game-changer. Fear not the richness of avocados, which some might assume would overpower the dish. However, the clever use of breading perfectly balances out their natural creaminess. The result is a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
A key factor in achieving success with avocado fries is selecting firm avocados for the recipe. These hold up remarkably well during the breading and frying process, ensuring they retain their shape and crunch.
Onion Rings
Understanding the perfect balance of textures is crucial in creating a truly exceptional Philly cheesesteak. Unlocking the potential of onion rings can elevate this classic dish to new heights. Unconventional as it may seem, adding onion rings to your Philly cheesesteak offers a delightful contrast to the soft bread and tender meat. Ultimately, the key to success lies not only in the ingredients but also in the cooking technique.
Utilizing a beer-infused batter will make your onion rings irresistibly crispy and light, eliminating the risk of soggy textures. Upon trying this recipe, you may find yourself wanting more – I suggest doubling it to avoid temptation.
Coleslaw
Elevate your meal with the perfect pairing: a heavy entree and something light and refreshing. For many of us, the first side dish that comes to mind is coleslaw, a classic combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and mayonnaise. This simple yet elegant recipe has been delighting taste buds for years, its cold, crisp, and creamy texture making it a staple in many households. What makes coleslaw an ideal match for Philly cheesesteaks is the harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
The sweetness of the cabbage and carrots complements the savory flavors of the sandwich, while the crunch of the slaw adds a delightful contrast to the softness of the bread. The real magic happens when the hot and cold temperatures come together, creating a thrilling taste bud-tingling experience that leaves you wanting more. It’s no wonder why coleslaw is often served alongside Philly cheesesteaks – it’s a match made in heaven!
But what really sets this combination apart is how easy it is to make. With just three ingredients, you can whip up a batch of coleslaw so amazing that it would give even the most renowned restaurants, like KFC, a run for their money. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, coleslaw is a recipe that’s sure to impress and delight your taste buds.
Potato Chips
Partnering with a bag of chips can be an effortless way to enhance your Philly cheesesteak experience, but it’s essential to choose wisely. A wide variety of brands and flavors are available, yet it’s best to stick with options that complement this classic dish. For instance, cheese, BBQ, and sea salt and vinegar are all excellent choices.
Alternatively, you can create your own chips from scratch, which not only allows for customization but also provides peace of mind when it comes to the ingredients used. By making homemade chips, you’ll have control over what goes into them, ensuring that you avoid any unwanted additives. This recipe requires just three simple ingredients: potatoes, salt, and oil. The result is a guilt-free snack that’s as crispy as store-bought chips, but with more flexibility and personality.
Potato Wedges
Keeping things simple and delicious is often the best approach when it comes to snack foods like potato wedges. Unlike traditional fries, which are long and thin, these thicker slices offer a fun twist on the classic recipe. Not only do they provide more potatoes for everyone to enjoy, but their increased thickness also makes them softer and fluffier on the inside. Meanwhile, the outside remains crisp and crunchy, creating that perfect texture contrast that’s so satisfying.
The flavor of these wedges is just as enticing, thanks to a blend of paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. One of the perks of using powdered seasonings is that they add a lot of flavor without requiring extra effort or complicated techniques. And the best part? These potato wedges are baked, not fried, so you can indulge in them with a bit more confidence about their nutritional value.
Fried Okra
Often considered a polarizing ingredient, okra has been rebranded for me after discovering this game-changing recipe. If the slimy texture of okra is your main concern, rest assured that this dish presents a solution. For those who are unfamiliar with fried okra, it’s time to be introduced to this mouth-watering southern side dish that will leave you wanting more. Don’t worry if you’ve never been a fan of okra before – its transformation in this recipe is nothing short of remarkable.
The crispiest of outsides and the tenderest of insides make fried okra irresistible, thanks also to the delightful crunch from the cornmeal batter. Moreover, its salty flavor will only add to its addictive nature. It’s not uncommon for people to fall head over heels in love with this dish after just one bite.
Cookies and Cream Milkshake
Having already established itself as the ultimate comfort food combination, pairing Philly cheesesteaks with milkshakes takes decadence to new heights. The rich flavor of the cheesesteaks perfectly complements the indulgent taste of a cookies and cream milkshake, making it a match made in heaven. Even a regular vanilla milkshake is incredibly satisfying on its own, so just imagine how phenomenal the cookies and cream version will be when paired with the savory goodness of Philly cheesesteaks.
Just remember to save this treat for a special occasion, as it’s definitely a sinful delight! This recipe is a closely guarded secret no more, as we’re sharing our copycat version of Chick-fil-A’s famous cookies and cream milkshake. And the best part? It requires only four simple ingredients: Oreo cookies, ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Simply pulse these ingredients in a blender, and voila! You’ll be enjoying a creamy, dreamy treat that’s almost too easy to make.
Root Beer Float
Notably, the root beer float stands out as another indulgent treat that quenches thirst just like a milkshake. This unique drink-dessert combination is an ideal match for a Philly cheesesteak, providing a sweet contrast to its rich and savory flavors. Interestingly, there’s something special about the union of root beer and ice cream – the ice cream adds a silky texture to the soda, making it a truly special experience.
It can be thought of as a ‘soda shake,’ blending two beloved treats into one. The best part is that preparation time is minimal; simply pouring root beer over ice cream will suffice, or you can elevate it by topping with whipped cream and cherries for an even more impressive result.
Fried Pickles
Generally speaking, fried pickles are a dish that’s hard to resist, especially for those who love deep-fried foods like potatoes, onions, and okra. While the idea of frying pickles might sound unusual at first, it’s actually a classic southern side dish that pairs surprisingly well with a wide range of entrees. From the crispy golden batter to the sweet, tangy flavor of the pickles themselves, there’s no denying the allure of fried pickles.
They have a way of disappearing quickly at parties, and for good reason – they’re incredibly addictive! In fact, they make a fantastic match with certain comfort foods like Philly cheesesteaks, providing a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor.
Blooming Onion
Naturally, the blooming onion has become a trendy side dish in recent times, but what makes it so popular? On the surface, its intricate design gives off an air of sophistication, suggesting that it’s a culinary masterpiece requiring great skill to create. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that making a blooming onion is relatively straightforward and accessible to anyone with basic cooking skills.
From a flavor and texture perspective, this dish does not disappoint – the crispy exterior gives way to tender, sweet layers within. In many ways, it’s an elevated version of the classic onion ring, boasting a stunning appearance that belies its simplicity. What I find most appealing is that the blooming onion requires minimal ingredients and preparation time. All you need is a large onion and a knife!
With just a few deft cuts, your onion will be transformed into a beautiful flower-like structure that’s sure to impress.
Nachos
Outshining any other options, a classic Philly cheesesteak paired with a platter of nachos is the ultimate combination for feeding a crowd. This tried-and-true duo consistently leaves guests feeling full and satisfied, thanks to its hearty and flavorful nature. Opting for this pairing allows you to create great-tasting nachos that are tailored to your tastes. You can choose from an assortment of toppings and ingredients to create the perfect snack for your gathering.
Moreover, since you’re likely to have most of these items in your pantry or fridge already, you won’t need to make any extra trips to the grocery store. Overall, serving Philly cheesesteaks and nachos is a convenient and crowd-pleasing option that’s sure to impress your guests.
12 Best Philly Cheese Steak Sides
Diving into the world of Philly cheesesteaks is a delightful experience, and it’s even more enjoyable when paired with some delicious sides. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with our expertly curated list of the best accompaniments to complement your mouth-watering sandwich.
Instructions
Begin by selecting your preferred cheesesteak recipe from our collection, and then proceed to gather all necessary ingredients. Next, dedicate a mere 30 minutes to preparing a delicious side dish that complements the main course perfectly.
