The Best Dipping Sauces To Compliment Your Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak is a classic American sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the 1930s. It is traditionally made with thinly sliced beefsteak, onions, and cheese sauce stuffed inside a fluffy hoagie roll. While the sandwich is delicious on its own, adding a dipping sauce can take it to the next level.

There are several sauces that pair well with Philly cheesesteaks, including classic options like mustard, ketchup, and BBQ sauce, as well as more unique choices such as marinara sauce, pepper sauce, and garlic cream cheese sauce. For those who prefer a spicier kick, hot sauce or horseradish sauce can be a great addition.

The perfect dipping sauce ultimately comes down to personal preference, but with so many options to choose from, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Cheese whiz

The reason Cheese Whiz became a key component of the Philly cheesesteak was because of its convenience. Frank Olivieri, the nephew of the original creator of the Philly cheesesteak, Pat Olivieri, revealed in a 1985 interview that the artificial cheese spread melted quickly and its liquid texture was ideal for slathering onto the sandwich. This made the sandwich-making process faster and more efficient, allowing shops to sell more sandwiches.

Today, Cheese Whiz is considered a dominant cheese choice for Philly cheesesteaks, and it is widely available in Philadelphia. While some shops and customers may prefer other cheeses, such as provolone or American cheese, Cheese Whiz remains a popular and iconic choice, with many considering it a must-have for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.

Ketchup

While some people may consider ketchup to be a suitable dipping sauce for a Philly cheesesteak, others disagree. Philadelphia restaurateur Tony Luke, who has made a name for himself with over 30 franchises and multiple TV appearances, is firmly against the use of condiments like ketchup on cheesesteaks. He believes that, just as you wouldn't put ketchup on a steak from a nice restaurant, you shouldn't add it to your Philly cheesesteak. This sentiment is echoed by Danya Henninger, who asserts that ketchup is "definitely not part of the regular order" for a Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia.

However, it's worth noting that regional variations exist, and in the Lehigh Valley, it's common to be asked if you want sauce on your cheesesteak. The addition of ketchup or tomato sauce to a cheesesteak may be viewed as a way to cut through the richness of the sandwich. Ultimately, the decision to use ketchup as a dipping sauce for a Philly cheesesteak comes down to personal preference.

Ranch dressing

Ranch Philly Cheese Steaks

This recipe suggests using olive oil, red and green bell peppers, red onion, sirloin steak or leftover Mississippi roast, hoagie sandwich rolls, mozzarella cheese, and Hidden Valley Original Ranch seasoning and dressing. First, you'll want to preheat the broiler and heat oil in a large pan. Next, add the peppers and onions and cook until softened. Then, add the steak and sprinkle with seasoning. Pile the meat onto the hoagie rolls, top with the pepper and onion mixture, and sprinkle with cheese. Broil the sandwiches until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted. You can also drizzle with additional ranch dressing.

Philly Ranch Cheese Steak Hoagies

This recipe is similar to the previous one but uses different quantities and has a few extra steps. You'll want to sauté the onions and peppers in oil in a large skillet, then add the steak and cook until the meat is thoroughly cooked. Remove from heat and stir in dressing. Pile the meat mixture on one side of each sandwich roll and top with cheese. If desired, spread dressing on the other side of the roll. Broil the sandwiches until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

BBQ sauce

The beauty of BBQ sauce is that a little goes a long way. It has a strong flavour, so you only need to add a small amount to your sandwich. You can always add more, but it's better to start with a modest amount and adjust according to your preference.

The versatility of BBQ sauce is another reason to pair it with your Philly cheesesteak. It can be used as a dip or spread on the bread before adding the filling. You can even mix it with the meat before assembling the sandwich. This way, you get a flavourful bite in every mouthful.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making your own BBQ sauce at home. It's a simple process and allows you to customise the flavour to your taste. All you need are some basic ingredients like tomato paste, vinegar, sweetener, and spices. You can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spice level to create a unique sauce that complements your Philly cheesesteak perfectly.

So, if you're looking for a dipping sauce that will enhance your Philly cheesesteak experience, BBQ sauce is an excellent choice. It adds a depth of flavour, balances richness, and complements the other ingredients beautifully. With its versatility and strong flavour, a little BBQ sauce will go a long way in taking your sandwich to the next level.

Mustard

The Philly cheesesteak is a super classic American dish that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the 1930s by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor. The traditional Philly cheesesteak consists of tender slices of beefsteak and onions stuffed in a fluffy hoagie roll and topped with a generous amount of cheese sauce.

While the original sandwich was made without cheese, the addition of provolone cheese sauce by Joe "Cocky Joe" has transformed the Philly cheesesteak. The provolone perfectly complements the meat by adding a mild yet creamy flavour. Other popular cheese options include cheese whiz and American cheese.

Besides mustard, other popular sauces for Philly cheesesteaks include ketchup, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and brown gravy.

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