Philly cheesesteaks are a popular fast-food sandwich that originated in Philadelphia. They are made with thin slices of steak, caramelized onions, sweet bell peppers, and cheese, all stuffed inside a long hoagie roll. While cheesesteaks are often served as a standalone meal, they can also be paired with a variety of side dishes to enhance the dining experience. From classic French fries and onion rings to more creative options like avocado fries and beer-battered onion rings, there are numerous sides to choose from. For those seeking a healthier option, salads such as the Chopped Kale Avocado Salad or the Tomato Cucumber Salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty sandwich.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Salads | Chopped Kale Avocado Salad, Roasted Potato Arugula Salad, Tomato Cucumber Salad, Grilled Potato Salad, Shirazi Salad, Fennel and Chickpea Salad, Kale Caesar Salad, Fennel Celery Salad, Arugula Salad |
Fries | French Fries, Air Fryer Frozen Shoestring Fries, Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes, Air Fryer Tater Tots, Baked Zucchini Sticks, Potato Wedges, Crispy Parmesan Green Bean Fries, Avocado Fries |
Snacks | Crispy Fried Dill Pickles, Nachos, Potato Chips, Crispy Homemade Onion Rings, Air Fryer Blooming Onion, Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower, Air Fryer Zucchini Fries |
Drinks | Cookies and Cream Milkshake, Root Beer Float |
Others | Coleslaw, Southern Potato Salad, Ranch Roasted Potatoes, Southern Macaroni Salad, Greek Spinach Pasta Salad, Creamy Jalapeño Corn, Hassleback Potatoes, Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Potato Wedges, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Macaroni Salad, Grilled Vegetable Skewers, Cheesy Broccoli, Grilled Bell Peppers, Couscous Corn Salad, Pepperonata, Instant Pot Corn on the Cob |
What You'll Learn
Crispy fries
A Philly Cheesesteak is a hearty meal, so you'll want a side that's equally indulgent. Crispy fries are the perfect companion to this classic sandwich. Here's how to make them.
Ingredients
- 2-2.5 pounds of russet potatoes
- 1 cup of vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon of onion salt
- 1/2 cup of water, or as needed
- Salt to taste
Method
- Slice the potatoes into French fries and place them in a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
- Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan or large skillet to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- While the oil is heating, sift the flour, garlic salt, onion salt, and paprika into a large bowl. Gradually stir in enough water to make a slightly thick batter.
- Drain and dry the sliced potatoes, then dip them in the batter.
- Carefully lower the potatoes into the hot oil in batches to prevent clumping. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain the fries on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect Crispy Fries
- Russet potatoes are ideal for crispy fries because they have the least amount of moisture and the most starch.
- Make sure to drain and dry the potatoes thoroughly before frying to ensure the crispiest texture.
- If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil's temperature by using the handle of a wooden spoon. If the oil bubbles up the sides, it's ready.
- For extra crispy fries, consider double frying. Fry the potatoes at a lower temperature first, then again at a higher temperature to achieve the ultimate crispiness.
- Don't skimp on the oil. A generous amount of oil will help the potatoes crisp up and give them that classic French fry flavour.
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Salads
Chopped Kale Avocado Salad
This hearty salad combines cubed avocado, roasted sunflower seeds, and a homemade vinaigrette. It offers a contrast of textures and flavours that can complement the cheesesteak.
Roasted Potato Arugula Salad
This salad features spiced roasted potatoes on a bed of fresh arugula, with chopped tomatoes and red onion. It is dressed with a dill vinaigrette and can be served as a light lunch or dinner side dish.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
A fresh and healthy option, this salad consists of cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion dressed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It offers a burst of refreshing Mediterranean flavours and pairs well with rich dishes like Philly cheesesteaks.
Arugula Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
Arugula has a peppery bite that pairs well with acidic vinaigrettes. This salad is ideal for pairing with rich dishes like Philly cheesesteaks as the acidity can help balance the heaviness of the sandwich.
Grilled Potato Salad
A unique take on a classic, this grilled potato salad combines smoky grilled potatoes with a tangy mustard dressing, fresh herbs, and salty capers. It adds a charred flavour to your meal and is perfect for those who want something different from the traditional potato salad.
Zucchini Pasta Salad
This salad features sauteed zucchini, parmesan cheese, fresh dill, and crunchy walnuts. It offers a combination of flavours and textures that can complement the cheesesteak.
Shirazi Salad
A simple yet refreshing salad, the Shirazi salad includes cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs, lime juice, and olive oil. It is a flavourful option to accompany your Philly cheesesteak and can be easily prepared.
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Potato-based dishes
Ranch Roasted Potatoes
Ranch Roasted Potatoes are a perfect side dish for a weeknight meal. Coated in olive oil and tossed in a tangy ranch seasoning, these oven-roasted red potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side.
Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes
A simple, crowd-pleasing side dish that can be made in the oven while your main course cooks on the stovetop.
German Potato Salad
A delicious companion, this classic side dish combines tender potatoes with a warm bacon-mustard vinaigrette dressing. It's tangy, creamy, and perfect for summer grilling.
Potato Chips
A bag of potato chips is a great, easy side to complement a Philly cheesesteak. For a healthier option, you can make your own at home with just three ingredients: potatoes, salt, and oil.
Potato Wedges
Similar to French fries, but thicker, potato wedges offer a beautiful texture contrast. They are crispy and crunchy on the outside, while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. Seasoned with paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, they are a tasty treat.
Hassleback Potatoes
Hassleback potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes that are roasted to perfection in the oven with a garlic butter sauce. An elegant and tasty side dish to accompany your Philly cheesesteak.
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Onion rings
Sheet Pan Philly Cheesesteak Onion Rings
This recipe is a fun twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, incorporating the delicious flavours of the sandwich into a sheet pan of loaded onion rings.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag Alexia® Crispy Onion Rings (11 oz)
- ½ lb Skillet Steak, shaved
- ½ Large Green Bell Pepper, diced
- ¼ Medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 cup Provolone Cheese, shredded
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Arrange the frozen onion rings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Meanwhile, heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-8 minutes or until done to your liking.
- Remove the onion rings from the oven and top with the veggies, steak, and cheese.
- Place the sheet pan under the broiler on high until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy immediately!
Giant Philly Cheesesteak Onion Ring
This giant crunchy wonder is a unique take on the Philly cheesesteak, perfect as a snack or an appetizer to feed a crowd. It's served with a tangy, cheesy dipping sauce that will leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients:
- 7 large onions, finely sliced
- 3 steaks, finely sliced
- 3 green peppers, finely sliced
- 150g provolone, grated
- 250g panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 can of evaporated milk
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Heat some vegetable oil in a large pan over low heat. Add the onions and cook gently for 20 minutes with a lid on, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a skillet, heat some more oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak, season with salt and pepper, and fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked and starting to caramelize. Remove from the pan.
- Wipe the pan clean, add a little more oil, and stir-fry the green peppers until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Allow to cool.
- In a small saucepan, make a basic bechamel sauce by melting butter and adding flour. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually add milk, stirring continuously until smooth. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute to thicken. Add the onion powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Leave to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked onions, beef, peppers, and sauce. Mix well.
- On a tray lined with parchment paper, spoon the mixture into a large donut shape. Freeze until fully set, about 2 hours.
- For the dipping sauce, heat the evaporated milk in a pan over medium heat. Combine the cheddar with cornstarch and add it to the milk. Stir until thick and smooth. Then add the hot sauce, salt, and cayenne pepper. Keep warm.
- Set up a breading station with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs on separate plates. Dip the giant onion ring in the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs in turn.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large, wide pan to 180°C/350°F. Carefully place the giant onion ring in the oil and fry for about 5 minutes until golden.
- Serve the giant Philly cheesesteak onion ring with the cheesy dipping sauce and enjoy!
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Pickles
One option is to serve garlic dill pickles, which are not only zesty and fresh but also crunchy and addictive. You can prepare these in advance and store them in the fridge for weeks, so they're a convenient option.
Another option is to serve quick pickled sweet and spicy peppers as a topping on your Philly cheesesteak. These peppers are prepared in under 5 minutes and add a crunchy, spicy, sweet, and sour element to the sandwich. They're a great way to elevate your sandwich and make it stand out.
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