The Perfect Pairings For Steak And Cheese

Steak and cheese is a classic combination that pairs well with many other flavours. From the traditional French fries and onion rings to pasta salad, there are endless options to choose from. If you're looking for something light and refreshing, consider a cucumber salad or a cherry tomato salad. For a cheesy side dish, try scalloped potatoes or broccoli with a rich cheese sauce. If you want to add some spice to your meal, buffalo cauliflower bites or jalapeño coleslaw are great options.

Salads

Crunchy Slaw

A crunchy slaw is a refreshing side dish to go with your steak and cheese. You can make it with red or white cabbage, or a combination of both, and dress it with a tangy vinaigrette. This salad is a great choice if you want something light and crisp to contrast the richness of the sandwich. It can also be added on top of your sandwich for some extra texture and flavour.

German Potato Salad

This classic potato salad is a delicious companion to your steak and cheese. It combines tender potatoes with a warm bacon-mustard vinaigrette dressing. The tanginess and creaminess of the dressing make it a perfect side dish for summer.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

A fresh and healthy option, this salad features juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. You can add some feta cheese and dress it with a tangy vinaigrette to make it even more delicious. It's a great way to add some freshness to your meal.

Couscous Corn Salad

This salad puts a twist on Mexican street corn. It combines smoky grilled corn, a creamy cumin-lime dressing, and pearl couscous. It's a unique and tasty option that will impress your guests.

Arugula Salad

Arugula has a peppery bite that pairs wonderfully with the acid in a red wine vinaigrette. It's the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes like steak and cheese. The sharpness of the arugula and the tanginess of the vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the sandwich.

Fennel and Chickpea Salad

This salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette and topped with parmesan cheese. It's a great make-ahead option for potlucks or lunches. The freshness of the fennel and the creaminess of the chickpeas make a great combination.

Kale Caesar Salad

This classic salad is topped with crispy homemade croutons and parmesan cheese. The creamy garlic dressing is massaged into the kale, making it extra tender and delicious. It's a hearty and healthy option to balance out the indulgent steak and cheese.

Grilled Potato Salad

If you're looking for something a little different, try a grilled potato salad. This salad combines smoky grilled potatoes with a tangy mustard dressing, fresh herbs, and salty capers. It's a delicious and unique option that your guests will surely enjoy.

Crispy sides

Steak and cheese sandwiches, like the Philly cheesesteak, are a delight. But what makes them even better is the right side dish. Here are some crispy side options to consider:

Onion Rings

Onion rings are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with Philly cheesesteaks. They add a salty, crispy texture to the rich sandwich. You can make them extra crispy by baking them in the oven or air fryer. For an indulgent treat, try wrapping them in bacon before frying.

French Fries

French fries are another classic side that needs no introduction. They are a perfect match for the cheesesteak, and you can easily make them in an air fryer for a healthier option. For an extra crispy treat, try making shoestring fries or potato wedges.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries offer a delicious twist on the classic French fry. They are crispy and well-seasoned, with a spicy kick from chili pepper and smoked paprika. Enjoy them while they're hot, so the melting cheese from your sandwich can dip into the spices.

Potato Chips

Homemade potato chips are a fun and crispy side dish. All you need are potatoes, oil, and salt. Cut the potatoes thinly, fry them until crispy, and enjoy the perfect crunch with your cheesesteak.

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a true comfort food and a delicious, hearty side dish. This side is addictive, and the cheesy goodness will leave you wanting more. It's a great option for family gatherings or weekend dinners.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli and cauliflower are excellent choices if you're looking for something healthy to balance out the heaviness of the cheesesteak. These vegetables are packed with nutrients and become slightly crispy when roasted. Season them with salt and black pepper, or add some cheese and bacon bits for an extra indulgent treat.

There you have it! These crispy sides will surely enhance your steak and cheese experience. Enjoy experimenting with these options and finding your favourites!

Potato-based dishes

Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many ways, making them a great option to serve alongside steak and cheese. Here are some potato-based dishes that would go well with steak and cheese:

• Scalloped potatoes – a hearty and comforting dish that can be a delicious guilty pleasure.
• Ranch roasted potatoes – red potatoes coated in olive oil and tossed in a tangy ranch seasoning.
• Crispy oven-roasted potatoes – a simple, crowd-pleasing side dish that can be easily made in the oven.
• Air fryer potato wedges – crispy and perfectly seasoned wedges tossed with Parmesan.
• Air fryer tater tots – crispy, salty, and easy to make from scratch.
• Air fryer frozen sweet potato fries – golden and crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside.
• Sweet potato wedges – sweet potatoes drizzled in olive oil, sprinkled with spicy seasoning, and roasted until tender.
• German potato salad – a classic side dish with a creamy mustard-vinegar dressing that is much healthier than a mayo-based dressing.
• Baked potato bar – a fun and interactive way to serve potatoes with a variety of toppings such as meats, cheeses, veggies, and sauces.
• Hasselback potatoes – thinly sliced potatoes roasted to perfection in the oven with a garlic butter sauce.
• Homemade potato chips – a classic side dish that can be made with just potatoes, oil, and salt.
• Smoked potato salad – a unique and flavourful twist on the classic potato salad.
• Air fryer garlic potatoes – crispy garlic potatoes that go well with almost any main dish.

These potato-based dishes offer a variety of flavours, textures, and cooking methods, ensuring there is something to suit everyone's tastes and preferences. Whether they are served as a side dish or part of a larger spread, these potato-based dishes are sure to be a hit!

Vegetable sides

If you're looking for vegetable sides to serve with your steak and cheese, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Roasted broccoli – This simple vegetable becomes a flavorful and slightly crispy side dish when roasted. It pairs well with the hearty flavors of steak and cheese.
• Zucchini casserole – A versatile and tasty side that can be customized to your liking. Cheesy and packed with vegetables, it is a perfect match for steak and cheese.
• Soy mushrooms and onions – Sauteed mushrooms and onions are a classic combination that can also be served as a side dish. The soy sauce adds a delightful twist, enhancing the richness of the steak and cheese.
• Grilled vegetable skewers – Fresh veggies coated in a flavorful herb dressing and grilled to perfection. They make a perfect light and healthy side option.
• Broccoli and cauliflower – These vegetables are healthy and nutritious, and they taste great when roasted to perfection. Season them with just a sprinkle of salt and black pepper to let their natural flavors shine.
• Zucchini fries – Strips of zucchini coated in panko and cooked in the air fryer. They make a perfect crispy and healthy snack or side dish. Serve them with a creamy aioli for an extra indulgent touch.
• Roasted bell peppers – Blistered bell peppers are easy to make and pair well with a variety of dishes. They add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to your meal.
• Shishito peppers – These mildly spicy peppers are lightly seasoned and slightly smoky. They make a great finger food option and add a unique flavor to your spread.
• Zucchini pasta salad – Packed with sauteed zucchini, parmesan cheese, fresh dill, and crunchy walnuts. It's a tasty and refreshing side dish that complements the richness of steak and cheese.
• Tomato cucumber salad – A fresh and healthy option, combining juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and red onion. Dress it with a tangy red wine vinaigrette for a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
• Grilled potato salad – Smoky grilled potatoes with a tangy mustard dressing and loaded with fresh herbs and salty capers. It's a delicious twist on a classic side dish.
• Air fryer green beans – These crispy green beans are a fabulous side dish, adding a delightful crunch to your meal. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for an extra tasty treat.

Dips and sauces

A good dip or sauce can elevate a steak and cheese sandwich to the next level. Here are some ideas to try:

Guacamole

Made with ripe avocados, tomatoes, lime, and cilantro, guacamole brings a creamy, fresh twist to the rich flavors of a steak and cheese sandwich. It can be served with chips or as a dollop on the side, offering a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

Crispy Green Beans with Dipping Sauce

Lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, crispy green beans provide a textural contrast to the soft steak and gooey cheese. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for added flavor.

Cheese Sauce

Cheese sauce is a classic dip that pairs well with steak and cheese. It can be served as a dip for fries or onion rings, or used as a topping for the sandwich itself.

Pepperonata

Pepperonata is a classic Italian sauce made from bell peppers, tomatoes, and aromatics. It pairs well with sandwiches and can also be used as a topping or dip for other sides such as fries or nachos.

Lemon Tarragon Aioli

Lemon tarragon aioli is a creamy and flavorful sauce that goes well with steak and cheese sandwiches. It can be used as a dip for zucchini fries or other vegetables, or spread directly on the sandwich for added flavor.

Chipotle Mayo

Chipotle mayo is a simple yet flavorful sauce that can be spread on the sandwich roll or used as a dip for fries or other sides. It adds a smoky and spicy kick to the meal.

Frequently asked questions