What to Serve With Philly Cheese Steak: 45+ Best Side Dishes

Just like a well-cut suit needs the right accessories to shine, a Philly cheese steak calls for the perfect side dishes to truly sing. You’re probably familiar with the classic accompaniments—fries, coleslaw, and onion rings.

But did you know there are over 45 side dishes that can elevate your Philly cheese steak experience to new heights? From spicy jalapeno poppers to tangy BBQ beans, these accompaniments will add a burst of flavor to your plate.

But the question remains: which one will be your go-to side dish? Stick around, we’ll explore some enticing options that might just become your new favorites.

Classic Fries and Ketchup

Nothing beats the simple pleasure of crispy, golden fries dunked in tangy ketchup, making them a timeless sidekick for your Philly Cheese Steak. This classic pairing, known as ‘Classic Fries and Ketchup’, is one of the best sides, beloved for its simplicity and comfort.

These French fries aren’t just a side dish; they’re a tradition, a familiar friend that complements the rich, savory flavors of the Philly cheesesteak perfectly. The crunch of the fries, the tang of the ketchup, and the hearty goodness of the steak blend together in harmony.

Creamy Coleslaw

Diving into a bowl of creamy coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch to your Philly Cheese Steak experience, offering a delightful contrast to the sandwich’s rich, melted cheese and tender steak. As one of the top Philly cheesesteak sides, its tangy flavor and creamy texture truly enhance the overall dining experience.

The beauty of coleslaw as a side dish is its versatility. You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste, opting for a sharper, tangier flavor or a creamier, milder one. Don’t forget to chill it before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Onion Rings Extravaganza

Bite into the crispy, golden onion rings and let the explosion of flavors elevate your Philly Cheese Steak meal to a whole new level. These best side dishes aren’t just a treat for your taste buds, they’re a textural delight that perfectly complement Philly’s most famous sandwich.

Imagine this: The crunch of the onion rings contrasting with the tender, juicy Philly cheesesteak, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Even better, you can whip up these crispy delights in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. The result is a side dish that’s equally indulgent, yet lighter.

Pickled Beetroot

While onion rings offer a crunchy contrast to your Philly cheesesteak, imagine adding a tangy twist with a side of pickled beetroot. This vibrant dish brings a unique flavor profile to your cheesesteak sandwich meal. It’s not just about what to serve with Philly cheese steak, but how those side dishes enhance the overall dining experience.

Here are three reasons why pickled beetroot makes a great companion to your best Philly cheesesteak:

1. The sharp, tangy flavor of pickled beetroot cuts through the rich, savory taste of the classic Philly cheesesteak, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
2. The vibrant color of pickled beetroot adds a visual appeal to your dishes for Philly, making the meal more enticing.
3. Its unique texture offers a delightful contrast to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth cheesesteak.

Spicy Jalapeno Poppers

If you’re looking for a side dish that adds a kick to your Philly cheesesteak experience, spicy jalapeno poppers are a perfect choice. These little bites of heat are one of the best side dishes to pair with a Philly cheesesteak sandwich.

They bring a spicy contrast to the creamy, savory flavors of the cheesesteak, creating a delicious side dish that goes well with the main course.

Spicy jalapeno poppers are stuffed with cheese, coated in breadcrumbs, and then baked or fried until golden. The result is a crispy, creamy, spicy flavor explosion that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Cheese & Garlic Bread

Shifting from the spicy delight of jalapeno poppers, you’ll find the comforting and familiar flavors of cheese & garlic bread to be a sublime pairing with your Philly cheese steak. This side dish isn’t only cheesy but also brings a wonderful garlicky aroma that complements the savory steak perfectly.

Here are three variations you can experiment with:

1. Provolone Cheese & Garlic Bread: The slightly sweet and smoky flavor of provolone cheese melds beautifully with the robust taste of garlic bread.
2. Cream Cheese & Garlic Bread: Cream cheese adds a tangy twist, creating a creamy and indulgent treat.
3. Cheddar Cheese & Garlic Bread: The sharpness of cheddar cheese adds depth, making the garlic bread even more flavorful.

Baked Mac N’ Cheese

Nothing quite hits the spot like a heaping serving of baked mac n’ cheese, a classic comfort food that’s a decadent match for your Philly cheese steak.

This isn’t your typical macaroni salad. It’s a rich, creamy ensemble of American cheese and processed cheese, melted to perfection, creating a cheese sauce that’s nothing short of divine.

The star of the show, however, is the layer of gooey cheese that tops this delight, browning slightly in the oven to give you that irresistible crunch.

Want to kick it up a notch? Try adding some cheese and bacon to the mix. The salty, smoky flavor of the bacon beautifully complements the creaminess of the cheese, making this side dish an absolute must-try.

Sweet Potato Fries

While the richness of baked mac n’ cheese certainly hits the spot, don’t overlook the slightly healthier, yet equally indulgent side dish of sweet potato fries. This tasty side pairs perfectly with the best Philly cheese steak. The natural sweetness of the fries compliments the savory steak and cheese, creating a well-rounded meal.

Here are three reasons why sweet potato fries make the perfect side dish for your Philly cheesesteak:

1. Sweet and Savory Balance: The natural sweetness of the fries offsets the salty goodness of the cheesesteak, creating a palate-pleasing balance.
2. Easy to Make: Sweet potato fries are simple to prepare. Just slice, toss in oil, season, and bake or fry.
3. Healthier Choice: Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamin A, giving you a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

On a warm summer day, there’s no better accompaniment to your Philly cheesesteak than a juicy, grilled corn on the cob. This traditional cheesesteak partner is as flavorful as the steak itself.

The sweet, smoky taste of the corn perfectly complements the savory, thinly sliced best Philly steak. With each bite into the delicious Philly cheesesteak, the crunchy texture of the corn provides a delightful contrast.

Every nibble of the corn kernels releases a burst of summer flavor that beautifully matches the rich cheesesteak.

Chunky Guacamole

If you’re looking for a fresh, zesty side to balance the richness of your Philly cheesesteak, Chunky Guacamole is a must-try. It’s a delightful contrast to the thinly sliced steak and melted cheese nestled in the warm hoagie roll of your Philly cheesesteak recipe.

Here are three reasons why:

1. The creamy, citrusy guacamole cuts through the savory flavors of the sliced ribeye steak, enhancing each bite.
2. The chunky texture of the guacamole adds a welcome contrast to the smoothness of the cheese and steak.
3. It’s a versatile side dish. You can serve it as a dip for chips or slather it directly on your cheesesteak for an extra flavor kick.

Try it out and experience how Chunky Guacamole takes your cheesesteak to a whole new level.

Fresh Garden Salad

A Fresh Garden Salad is your perfect companion to a hearty Philly cheesesteak, offering a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the sandwich’s robust flavors. This classic side dish, with its diverse textures and vibrant colors, goes well with your homemade philly, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Imagine a green salad loaded with crunchy cucumbers, bell peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s not just any cherry tomato salad; it’s a symphony of flavors, each bite bringing a burst of freshness that cleanses your palate, readying it for the next mouthful of cheesesteak.

A flavorful side dish like this doesn’t play second fiddle to your main course. Instead, it shines in its own right, adding a light, healthy element to your hearty meal.

Homemade Pickles

While you’re savoring the crunch and freshness of the garden salad, don’t overlook the zesty punch of homemade pickles as an excellent sidekick to your Philly cheesesteak. Here’s why:

1. Flavor contrast: The tangy crunch of a pickle perfectly offsets the rich, savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak. It’s one of the best side dishes to balance out the flavors.
2. Easy to make: Homemade pickles aren’t just a popular side; they’re also one of the easiest sides to prepare. All you need are cucumbers, vinegar, salt, and your choice of spices.
3. Health benefits: Pickles are packed with probiotics, which are good for your gut health. Plus, they’re low in calories!

Crispy Caesar Salad

You’ll definitely appreciate a crispy Caesar salad as your Philly cheesesteak companion, with its delicious blend of crunchy lettuce, creamy dressing, and savory cheese croutons offering more than just a refreshing contrast to the hearty sandwich. The croutons, lightly fried for that extra crunch, provide an enticing topping that cheese makes even more delightful. This recipe, made with love and attention, ensures every bite is a joy.

You can even give this great side a twist by adding pasta to it, transforming it into a pasta salad. The combination of the crisp greens with the soft, chewy pasta makes it a versatile side dish that can stand alone or complement your meal. With such an adaptable recipe, you’re sure to find the perfect balance for your Philly cheesesteak feast.

Savory Mashed Potatoes

Don’t underestimate the comforting power of savory mashed potatoes, a side dish that can elevate your Philly cheesesteak experience to new heights. This deliciously creamy dish is the perfect counterpart to the hearty beef steak in your sandwich. Its smooth texture and rich flavor wonderfully contrast the sharp tang of the Cheese Whiz, making it one of the best dishes to serve with Philly.

Here are three key reasons why savory mashed potatoes are a stellar choice:

1. Their creaminess adds a luxurious touch, making the meal more satisfying.
2. The subtle earthiness of the potatoes complements the robust flavors of the steak and cheese.
3. They’re versatile. You can add your own twist, like making it a German potato salad or adding herbs for extra flavor.

Tangy BBQ Beans

Pairing your Philly cheesesteak with tangy BBQ beans can truly enhance your meal, offering a burst of sweet and smoky flavor that balances the richness of the steak and cheese. Imagine biting into a sandwich filled with thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, then following it with a spoonful of hearty beans simmered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. It’s a match made in culinary heaven.

You can further elevate this combo by adding a side of coleslaw or a simple pasta salad recipe. These will bring a refreshing crunch and creaminess to your plate. If you’re a fan of potatoes, try serving potato wedges or sweet potato as another side. Just remember to season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy this satisfying feast!

Conclusion

So, there you have it, over 45 scrumptious side dishes to pair with your Philly cheese steak. Whether you’re craving the classic fries and ketchup, a creamy coleslaw or a spicy kick from jalapeno poppers, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t forget those tangy BBQ beans or savory mashed potatoes. The possibilities are endless.

It’s time to elevate your next Philly cheese steak meal with these delectable sides. Let’s get cooking!