Understanding the allure of the Philly cheesesteak is quite easy – it’s a culinary staple that never fails to satisfy our cravings. What sets this iconic sandwich apart from others? The harmonious balance of flavors and textures is certainly a major draw, with tender meat, crunchy bell peppers, pungent onions, and the quintessential melted cheese all contributing to its irresistible charm. A hearty dish in every sense, the Philly cheesesteak has become a crowd-pleaser over the years.
Its simplicity makes it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. It’s little wonder, then, that this beloved sandwich remains a popular American food choice for so many years. While the Philly cheesesteak is undoubtedly delicious on its own, there are times when we crave something more substantial to fill our plates and satisfy our hunger. That’s where cleverly chosen side dishes come into play.
The perfect accompaniments can elevate the flavors and heartiness of the cheesesteak, making it an even more satisfying meal experience. Today, we’re excited to share with you 15 mouth-watering sides that pair perfectly with the Philly cheesesteak. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at each one, providing inspiration for your next mealtime adventure. Let’s get started!
Cheese Fries
Looking for a decadent side dish to pair with your Philly cheesesteak? Look no further than our indulgent cheese fries recipe. Loaded with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh parsley, these golden fries are the perfect complement to this beloved sandwich. Not only do they take just 45 minutes to prepare, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make with a minimal list of ingredients: french fries, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, onions, ranch dressing, and parsley.
The combination of textures and flavors is truly unbeatable – the crunch of the fries, the smokiness of the bacon, the creaminess of the melted cheese, and the tang of the ranch dressing all come together in perfect harmony to create a super satisfying side dish that’s sure to become a favorite. And with its effortless preparation time, you can enjoy this delicious treat without any fuss.
Onion Rings
Lightening up your mealtime routine with a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with a Philly cheesesteak is a breeze when you make onion rings. One of the standout features of this side dish, aside from its incredible flavors and textures, is just how effortless it is to prepare. This recipe takes advantage of the convenience of an air fryer, streamlining the process to make quick work of creating crispy onion rings.
By utilizing an air fryer, not only do you save time, but you also reduce the overall cooking time by half. To create mouthwatering onion rings, all you need are a few simple ingredients: flour, onions, paprika, salt, egg, water, panko breadcrumbs, and a light dusting of cooking spray. With these basic ingredients at your disposal, you can achieve perfectly golden-brown onion rings that will elevate any meal.
Avocado Fries
Rather than opting for a conventional side dish, you might want to consider making a batch of avocado fries. This unusual idea has actually gained popularity in recent times, with many people now enjoying them as an alternative to traditional potato fries. When our team first tried out this recipe, we were concerned that the overpowering richness of the avocado would dominate the other flavors.
However, it turned out that the creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the avocado complemented the crunchy breadcrumbs perfectly.
Cilantro And Lime Slaw
A healthier alternative to mayonnaise-based coleslaw is just what you need for your next BBQ or potluck gathering. A tangy cilantro and lime slaw is the perfect solution – it’s a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more. The citrusy zing of the lime juice cuts through the richness, creating a refreshing side dish that complements grilled meats beautifully.
To make this delicious slaw, gather your ingredients: Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, freshly squeezed lime juice, salt, cumin, black pepper, onions, garlic, a bagged cole slaw mix, and jalapenos for an extra kick. If you’re a spice enthusiast, feel free to add some diced chili peppers to take it to the next level.
Parmesan Zucchini Sticks
Often overlooked as a healthy side option, parmesan zucchini sticks offer a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Unlike traditional french fries, these crunchy treats are not only nutritious but also low in carbs and calories. One key factor that sets this recipe apart is the use of parmesan breadcrumbs, which add a savory depth to the dish.
To enhance this flavor further, a blend of basil, oregano, and thyme is incorporated into the breadcrumb mixture, expertly complementing the natural sweetness of the zucchini. Overall, this side dish is an excellent choice for those seeking a guilt-free accompaniment to their meals. Its unique combination of flavors and textures will undoubtedly satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Nachos
Often considered a staple at parties and gatherings, nachos are an incredibly versatile dish that can be tailored to suit various tastes. One of the greatest advantages of making nachos is the ability to mix and match an assortment of ingredients to create a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or using them as an appetizer before a main course, such as a Philly cheesesteak, the possibilities are endless.
This recipe allows you to get creative with your toppings, which include some of our personal favorites like ground beef, onion, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, jalapenos, black beans, taco seasoning, tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream. Don’t feel constrained by the ingredients listed; if you have something else you’d like to add, go for it! Consider using leftover meat from other sandwiches or exploring new combinations of flavors to make this dish truly unique.
Garlic Dill Pickles
Generally speaking, this next recipe is an excellent addition to any cook’s repertoire. Its versatility as a convenient side dish that can be prepared with minimal effort makes it a valuable asset in the kitchen. Furthermore, garlic dill pickles are not only a tasty accompaniment but also offer numerous health benefits. In terms of flavor, they provide a delightful balance of zesty, tangy notes and fragrant freshness.
We find them to be an excellent palate cleanser after consuming rich or greasy foods like the classic Philly cheesesteak. The crunchy texture also adds a satisfying element to the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser among friends and family.
Potato Wedges
Generally, when it comes to pairing a classic Philly cheesesteak, opting for some delicious potato wedges is always a great idea. Unlike regular fries, potato wedges offer a thicker, fluffier, and arguably tastier alternative that’s hard to resist. They’re also more satisfying to eat than thin fries, making them an excellent side dish choice.
This recipe will guide you through the process of creating perfectly crispy and golden brown potato wedges on the outside, while maintaining their beautifully soft interior. To add an extra layer of flavor, a special spice mix consisting of paprika, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder is used to coat the wedges. The result is a dish with a powerful kick of spicy and savory flavors that requires minimal effort.
One of the best things about this side dish is its relatively healthy nature, as it’s baked rather than fried, making it a guilt-free addition to your meal.
Fried Okra
Very often, we hear that people don’t enjoy cooking with okra because it can be slimy and unappealing when prepared incorrectly. However, once we stumbled upon this fried okra recipe, our perception completely changed. Unlike other recipes that result in a mushy, overcooked texture, this one achieves a delightful crunchiness that’s hard to resist. A game-changer for any Southern-style side dish, the cornmeal batter is the secret behind its irresistible flavor and texture.
The crispy exterior perfectly complements the savory flavors of the okra, making it a truly mouthwatering experience. If you’re looking to spice up your meal routine, give this recipe a shot and discover a whole new world of flavor possibilities.
Mozzarella Sticks
Zeroing in on the ultimate comfort food, mozzarella sticks are an irresistible treat for the whole family to enjoy. Not only do they pair perfectly with hearty dishes like Philly cheesesteak, but their crispy exterior and gooey cheesy center make them a culinary delight. When you take that first bite into a golden-brown mozzarella stick, you’ll experience the perfect balance of textures – the crunch of the breadcrumb coating giving way to the creamy, stringy goodness within.
But what truly elevates this side dish to new heights is a rich and tangy sweet marinara sauce made from freshly crushed tomatoes.
Cookies And Cream Milkshake
Zeroing in on the perfect side dish can be a challenge, but one unconventional combination stands out as a winner – the Philly cheesesteak paired with a milkshake. Zestful flavors abound when these two comfort food staples come together. A simple vanilla milkshake is already an indulgent treat, but taking it up a notch by incorporating cookies and cream creates a truly sinful experience. This decadent duo combines sweet, rich, creamy elements that are impossible to resist.
This copycat recipe of Chick-fil-A’s famous milkshake requires just four ingredients: milk, ice cream, vanilla extract, and Oreo cookies. To recreate this indulgent treat at home, follow the accompanying link to access the full recipe.
Roasted Broccoli Rabe
Creating a delicious and nutritious side dish that’s ready in no time can be achieved with this simple roasted broccoli rabe recipe. This vegetable is packed with an abundance of nutrients, including antioxidants and essential vitamins, making it a great choice for those looking to incorporate more healthy foods into their diet.
While some people may find the naturally bitter taste of broccoli unappealing, adding certain ingredients such as salt, orange juice, or garlic can effectively balance out its intense flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring only a few key ingredients including sea salt, broccoli rabe, and olive oil to create a perfectly tasty dish.
For those who wish to take their flavors to the next level, consider experimenting with additional ingredients like lemon or orange juice to add an extra layer of depth to the dish.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Beneath its humble appearance, buffalo cauliflower bites offer a wealth of benefits as a side dish option. Not only do they provide a creative way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal, but they also cater to those looking for a slightly healthier alternative to traditional options like fries or mozzarella sticks.
While they may not match the flavor and texture of their more indulgent counterparts, buffalo cauliflower bites have a lot to offer, particularly when it comes to versatility in terms of toppings.
Final Thoughts
Knowing exactly how to round out your Philly cheesesteak with the perfect side dish is key to creating a well-balanced meal. Our list provides 15 delicious and quick-to-make options for you to consider, ensuring that everyone has at least one choice they can enjoy. We’ve curated a diverse selection of sides, including healthy salad dishes, nutritious vegetable side dishes, rich calorific treats, and simple yet satisfying potato side dishes.
Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or a comforting indulgence, we’re confident you’ll find a side dish that becomes your new favorite. Ultimately, the decision now comes down to trying out one of these tasty options first.
Directions
Select a recipe from the options provided, click on the recipe name to be taken directly to its associated webpage. From there, you can easily collect the required ingredients and cooking instructions necessary for preparation. Once ready, sit down and enjoy your culinary creation – don’t forget to leave a review or rating on the website to share your experience with others.
