Cheese, Meat, And More: Perfect Pairings For Philly Cheesesteaks

The Philly Cheesesteak is a classic American sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the 1930s. It is made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and cheese, served on a toasted bun. While the traditional Philly Cheesesteak is a delicious option on its own, there are several other foods that can be served alongside it to elevate the dining experience.

French fries, onion rings, and nachos are the trifecta of Philly Cheesesteak pairings, adding a salty, crispy contrast to the rich sandwich. Salads, such as coleslaw, potato salad, and cucumber salad, can also provide a refreshing and crunchy side dish. For a more filling option, pasta salads, including tortellini salad and macaroni salad, are a great choice.

When it comes to beverages, a cold beer is a popular choice to pair with the Philly Cheesesteak. Non-alcoholic options include lemonade, iced tea, or classic sodas like root beer or cola.

French Fries

When it comes to French fries, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they are the ideal companion to your Philly cheesesteak. Firstly, the cut of the fries is important. For the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior, opt for a thicker-cut fry. This will also ensure they can stand up to the hearty sandwich. When it comes to seasoning, keep it simple with salt and pepper, or go for a more complex blend like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

The cooking method is also key to achieving the perfect French fry. Deep-frying is the traditional method, but if you're looking for a healthier option, oven-baked fries can be just as delicious. Aim for a golden-brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

When serving, consider presenting the fries in a cone-shaped container or simply pile them high on a plate. They can be the perfect hand-held snack to accompany your Philly cheesesteak, or you can get creative with dips and sauces to elevate the pairing.

For an extra indulgent experience, serve your French fries with a side of cheese sauce or ranch dressing. If you're feeling adventurous, a spicy mayo or a tangy barbecue sauce can also complement the flavours of the Philly cheesesteak.

So, the next time you're craving a Philly cheesesteak, don't forget to include a generous portion of French fries on the side. With their crispy texture and salty flavour, they are the perfect match for the iconic sandwich.

Onion Rings

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions
• 2 cups of flour
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• Vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Slice the onions into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Separate the rounds into individual rings.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, baking powder, salt, and pepper until a smooth batter forms.
• Dip each onion ring into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
• Place the coated onion rings on a greased baking sheet.
• Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve alongside your favourite Philly cheesesteak recipe.

These baked onion rings will add a delicious crunch and subtle spice to your Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Enjoy!

Nachos

Philly Cheesesteak Nachos

Philly cheesesteak nachos are a delicious combination of two classic dishes. They are perfect for a game day or holiday get-together, and can be served as an appetizer or a full meal.

Ingredients

For the Philly Cheesesteak Nachos, you will need the following ingredients:

• Tortilla chips (a thicker variety works best)
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, American, or a combination)
• Steak (sirloin, thinly sliced)
• Onion (sweet or regular, sliced into thin rings or strips)
• Bell peppers (thinly sliced)
• Steak seasoning or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, refried beans, black beans, tomatoes, black olives, avocados, corn, chives, etc.

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 375°F if you prefer a crispier texture).
• Line a baking sheet or oven-safe platter with foil or a silicone baking mat.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Move the peppers and onions to one side of the pan and add the steak in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (or steak seasoning). Cook until the steak is seared on all sides, about 3 minutes.
• On the prepared baking sheet, spread out a layer of tortilla chips.
• Top the chips with a generous amount of cheese. You can use shredded cheese or a cheese sauce, depending on your preference.
• Add the steak, onion, and pepper mixture on top of the cheese.
• If desired, add any additional toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, black olives, or corn.
• Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve immediately, with optional sides of sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or refried beans.

Tips and Variations

• For a more authentic Philly Cheesesteak flavour, use Cheez-Wiz or a similar cheese sauce.
• If you prefer your steak well-done, cook it a little longer on the stovetop before adding it to the nachos. It will continue to cook in the oven as the cheese melts.
• To avoid soggy nachos, use thicker tortilla chips and consider pre-baking them in the oven for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
• Get creative with your toppings! Philly Cheesesteak Nachos are versatile and can be customized to your taste.

Salads

A green salad is a refreshing option, especially when loaded with low-carb veggies. This can be a great keto-friendly choice to balance out the richness of the sandwich.

If you're looking for something more substantial, a tortellini salad is a filling and customizable choice. You can add your own twist with different ingredients and dressings.

For a classic side dish, a pasta salad is always a good option. Macaroni salad, in particular, can be tailored to your taste with various mix-ins like diced vegetables and sweet pickles.

Coleslaw is another refreshing and crunchy option. You can go for a classic, creamy coleslaw or switch it up with a jalapeno coleslaw for a bit of spice.

Lastly, a cucumber salad is a light and simple choice. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed with onions or other vegetables and dressed with a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing.

Vegetable-based sides

Roasted Broccoli

Roasting broccoli transforms this simple vegetable into a flavorful and slightly crispy side dish that pairs well with Philly Cheesesteak.

Zucchini Casserole

The cheesy, vegetable-packed zucchini casserole is a versatile and tasty side that can be customized to suit your preferences.

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

For a fun and tasty side dish, buffalo cauliflower bites bring the heat and crunch. They add a pop of color to your plate and offer a spicy contrast to your sandwich.

Fried Zucchini and Onions

Fried zucchini and onions bring warmth and crunchiness to your plate and are the easiest side dish to make.

Soy Mushrooms and Onions

Sauteed mushrooms and onions are a classic Philly Cheesesteak topping, but they can also be served as a separate side dish. The soy sauce adds flavor that enhances the mushrooms and onions and brings forth the richness of the Philly Cheesesteak.

Frequently asked questions