Philly Cheesesteak: Best Side Dishes To Try

Philly cheesesteaks are a popular fast-food sandwich that originated in Philadelphia. They are typically made with thinly sliced steak, cheese, and onions on a long roll. While the sandwich is hearty and can be a meal on its own, there are several side dishes that complement it well. From classic French fries and onion rings to pasta salad or even green salads, the options are endless. Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.

French Fries

Another way to prepare French fries is to use avocados instead of potatoes. Avocado fries are a unique and tasty option, as the breading counterbalances the richness of the avocado, giving you just the right balance of flavours. The crisp coating also adds a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the avocado. When making avocado fries, it is best to use firm avocados, as they hold up better during breading and frying.

So, if you're looking for a classic, delicious, and versatile side dish to accompany your Philly cheesesteak, French fries are an excellent option.

Salads

One option is a potato salad. This can be a traditional Southern potato salad with eggs, celery, red onion, and relish in a creamy dressing, or you can try a smoked potato salad for a unique twist. If you're looking for something lighter and more refreshing, a cucumber salad is a great option. This simple salad typically includes thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and other vegetables tossed in a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing.

For a heartier salad, a pasta salad is a great choice. You can customize it with various ingredients such as diced vegetables, sweet pickles, or even a creamy dressing. A tortellini salad is another filling option that can be easily customized to your liking.

If you're looking for something a little different, a tomato cucumber salad is a fresh and healthy option. You can dress it with a tangy red wine vinaigrette to add some extra flavour. For a more unique salad, try a Fennel and Chickpea Salad with a light citrus vinaigrette and parmesan cheese.

Lastly, a coleslaw is always a great choice to pair with a Philly cheesesteak. You can go for a classic creamy coleslaw or switch it up with a jalapeno coleslaw for a bit of spice.

Crispy, crunchy sides

If you're looking for a crispy and crunchy side to go with your Philly cheesesteak, you're in luck! Here are some ideas to satisfy that craving:

French Fries

A classic for a reason, French fries are a perfect side to the Philly cheesesteak. The crispy, salty goodness of fries pairs well with any sandwich, and they're super easy to prepare using a variety of cooking methods. For a healthier option, try baking them in the oven to avoid excess grease. If you're feeling adventurous, spice things up with some Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.

Onion Rings

Onion rings offer a lovely contrast to the soft bread and tender meat of the Philly cheesesteak. This side is a great way to get your crunch on, and you can make them even more addictive by coating them with a beer-infused batter. Say goodbye to soggy onion rings and hello to a light, airy, crispy batter.

Potato Chips

Sometimes, you just need to reach for a bag of potato chips. Crispy and salty, chips are a beautiful complement to the cheesesteak. Go for classic flavors like cheese, BBQ, or sea salt and vinegar. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, make your own at home with just potatoes, salt, and oil. That way, you can control the ingredients and enjoy as many chips as you want without the guilt!

Potato Wedges

Like fries, but thicker! Potato wedges give you more potato goodness and a fun texture contrast. They're crisp and crunchy on the outside, while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. Season them with paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for an extra kick. Baked, not fried, these wedges might be slightly healthier, but they're definitely worth every calorie.

Avocado Fries

Avocado fries might seem odd at first, but they're a tasty treat. The breading counterbalances the richness of the avocado, and the crisp coating adds a nice texture contrast. Just make sure to pick firm avocados so they hold up during the breading and frying process.

Fried Pickles

Don't knock it till you try it! Fried pickles are a classic southern side dish that goes well with any entree. The crispy golden batter, sweet and tangy pickles, and crunchy texture make for an addictive combination. They're a hit at parties and a perfect contrast to the Philly cheesesteak in both flavor and texture.

There you have it! A variety of crispy, crunchy sides to choose from to elevate your Philly cheesesteak experience.

Potato-based dishes

There are several potato-based side dishes that go well with Philly cheesesteak. Here are some ideas:

French Fries

French fries are a classic side dish that pairs well with Philly cheesesteak. They can be easily prepared using different cooking methods such as deep frying, oven baking, or air frying. For a healthier option, consider baking your fries instead of frying them. Season your fries with spices like Cajun seasoning, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to add extra flavour.

Potato Chips

Homemade potato chips are a great crispy and crunchy addition to your Philly cheesesteak meal. All you need are potatoes, oil, and salt. You can also experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavour to your chips.

Potato Wedges

Potato wedges are thicker versions of French fries, offering a softer and fluffier texture on the inside while maintaining a crispy exterior. They can be seasoned with various spices and are often baked rather than fried, making them a slightly healthier option.

Potato Salads

Potato salads are another popular side dish to accompany Philly cheesesteak. There are several variations you can try, such as the German Potato Salad, which combines warm potatoes with a bacon-mustard vinaigrette dressing, or a classic Southern Potato Salad with eggs, celery, red onion, and relish in a creamy dressing.

Air Fryer Tater Tots

Tater tots are another fun and crispy potato option to pair with your Philly cheesesteak. You can make them from scratch or buy them frozen and cook them in an air fryer for a crispy and salty treat.

Baked Potato Bar

If you want to offer a variety of potato-based options, consider setting up a baked potato bar with various toppings. This allows your guests to customize their potatoes with different meats, cheeses, vegetables, sauces, and more.

These potato-based dishes provide a starchy and flavourful complement to the hearty Philly cheesesteak sandwich.

Fried sides

French Fries

French fries are a classic side dish for Philly cheesesteaks, and for good reason. The crispy, salty goodness of French fries is delicious with any sandwich, especially a Philly cheesesteak. You can cook them in a variety of ways, including deep frying, oven baking, or using an air fryer. For an extra kick of flavour, season your fries with Cajun spices.

Onion Rings

Onion rings are another great fried option to accompany your Philly cheesesteak. They offer a lovely crunch and a wonderful contrast to the soft bread and tender meat of the sandwich. For extra crispy and addictive onion rings, coat them with a beer-infused batter before frying.

Avocado Fries

For a fun twist on classic French fries, try using avocados instead of potatoes. While it may seem odd to deep-fry avocados, the breading counterbalances the richness of the fruit, giving you just the right balance of flavours and textures.

Fried Pickles

Don't knock it till you try it! Fried pickles are a classic Southern side dish that goes well with basically any entree, including Philly cheesesteaks. The crispy golden batter and the sweet, tangy, crunchy pickles are a combination you didn't know you needed. They are a hit at parties and will provide a fantastic contrast in flavour and texture to your Philly cheesesteak.

Blooming Onion

The blooming onion has become quite a trendy side dish recently. It is not only gorgeous to look at but also surprisingly easy to make. It is everything you like about a classic onion ring but a thousand times more stunning. It is crispy-fried on the outside and tender and sweet on the inside, making it a perfect fried side for your Philly cheesesteak.

Frequently asked questions