The Ultimate Steak And Cheese Sub Guide

Steak and cheese subs, also known as Philly cheesesteaks, are a popular fast-food sandwich originating in Philadelphia. They are typically made with thin slices of ribeye steak, onions, and either cheese whiz or American cheese on a long hoagie roll. While the classic cheesesteak is delicious on its own, there are several toppings and sides that can take your sandwich to the next level. From bell peppers and hot peppers to cheese sauce and pepperoni, the options for customisation are endless.

When it comes to side dishes, you can go for the classic French fries or onion rings, or switch things up with sweet potato fries, nachos, or a refreshing salad. If you're looking for something more substantial, scalloped potatoes, broccoli, or cauliflower are excellent choices. For a cheesy treat, try cheese curds or cheesy fries. And don't forget to wash it all down with a creamy milkshake or a root beer float!

Crispy French Fries

French fries are a classic side dish for a steak and cheese sub. They are a great option if you're looking for something crispy, salty, and delicious to go with your sandwich. Here's how you can make crispy French fries at home:

Ingredients:

• High-starch potatoes such as Idaho or Russet potatoes
• Oil with a high smoke point, such as refined peanut oil, canola oil, or safflower oil
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g., salt, garlic salt, onion salt, paprika)

Instructions:

• Prepare the potatoes by peeling them and removing any eyes. Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch slabs, then cut each slab into 1/4-inch strips about 3 inches long.
• Soak the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water with a tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent discolouration. Chill the potatoes in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
• Heat oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 325°F (for the first round of frying) or 350°F if you're using a heavy saucepan or large skillet.
• Remove the potatoes from the water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Fry the potatoes in batches for 6-8 minutes, until they are soft and slightly golden.
• Increase the oil temperature to 375°F. Fry the potatoes again for another 2-3 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the fries from the oil and drain them on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.

Tips for Crispy French Fries:

• Choose the right type of potato. High-starch potatoes like Idaho or Russet potatoes are best because they have less moisture and will result in crispier fries. Avoid waxy potatoes like red-skinned potatoes, new potatoes, or fingerling potatoes.
• Frying the potatoes twice is the key to getting them crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. The first round of frying cooks the inside of the potato, while the second round at a higher temperature makes the fries golden brown and crispy.
• Make sure to chill the potatoes before frying to prevent the outsides from getting too brown before the inside is cooked.
• Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as refined peanut oil, canola oil, or safflower oil, for crispier results.
• For extra flavour, you can batter the fries before frying. A simple batter can be made by mixing flour, garlic salt, onion salt, paprika, and water.

Cheese Curds

When making the curds, choose your favourite cheese and pair it with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and cayenne. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find the perfect match for your steak and cheese sub.

If you're looking for a cheesy side to accompany your steak and cheese sub, cheese curds are an excellent choice. They are quick and easy to make, and the combination of melted cheese and breadcrumbs will leave you craving more. So, go ahead and give them a try!

For an extra special touch, you could also experiment with different types of herbs and spices when making your cheese curds. Adding some fresh chopped chives, thyme, or red pepper flakes can take your curds to the next level and impress your guests.

Chicken Nuggets

When making chicken nuggets at home, you can cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1 1/2-inch pieces. You can then coat the chicken pieces with a mixture of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, thyme, and salt. Dip the chicken pieces in melted butter before coating them with the breading mixture. Place the nuggets on a greased cookie sheet and bake in the oven until browned and cooked through, which should take around 20 minutes.

Crispy Onion Rings

Onion rings are a classic side dish that goes well with a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make crispy onion rings to accompany your steak and cheese sub.

Ingredients:

• Onion (preferably large, sweet, yellow, or white)
• Buttermilk
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper)
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying (co: 3>canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil are good choices)

Instructions:

• Slice the onion into rings: Cut off the top of the onion and remove the outer papery skin. Carefully slice the onion into discs between 1/4" and 1/2" thick. Separate them into individual rings.
• Prepare the dredging stations: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second bowl, pour the buttermilk. Add the Panko breadcrumbs to the third bowl.
• Dredge the onion rings: Coat the onion rings in the flour mixture, then dip them in the buttermilk, and finally, coat them in the breadcrumbs. Let the excess buttermilk drip off before transferring to the breadcrumbs. You can also double-dip the onion rings for a thicker coating.
• Let the coating set: Cover the breaded onion rings with a damp paper towel and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the coating get tacky and adhere better during frying.
• Heat the oil: Heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a deep cast-iron skillet, dutch oven, or deep fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 375°F.
• Fry the onion rings in batches: Work in batches of 3-6 onion rings at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp.
• Drain excess oil: Transfer the fried onion rings to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Serve: Enjoy your crispy onion rings with your favourite dipping sauce! Some popular options include ketchup, fry sauce (equal parts ketchup and mayo), Outback Blooming Onion Sauce, Remoulade Sauce, Ranch Dressing, or Garlic Aioli.

Tips for the Perfect Onion Rings:

• Soaking the onion rings in buttermilk helps the seasoning and breadcrumbs adhere better. You can substitute buttermilk with beaten eggs if preferred.
• For extra crispy onion rings, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Slice the onions thinly (about 1/4" thick) to ensure the onion doesn't slip out of the breading when bitten into.
• Adjust the spices according to your preference. You can add garlic salt or season salt for extra flavour.
• If you want to reduce the spiciness of the onions, soak the onion slices in ice water for 30 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
• If you prefer a healthier option, you can air fry the onion rings instead of deep frying. Spray the breaded onion rings with cooking spray and air fry at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until crisp.

Enjoy your steak and cheese sub with a side of crispy, golden onion rings!

Coleslaw

Preparing coleslaw is a quick and easy process. Simply shred the cabbage and carrots, mix them together, and add mayonnaise to taste. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, so it's ready to serve when you need it.

When serving coleslaw with a steak and cheese sub, you have a few options. You can offer it as a side dish, pairing the crunchy, creamy coleslaw with the warm, savoury sandwich. Alternatively, you can add it on top of the sub, creating a unique flavour and texture combination.

Frequently asked questions