Do you ever just need a Philly cheesesteak? That deep, strong want for a well-made one? The thin slices of tasty beef, the melting cheese, the soft roll… it’s a mix of flavors and feels that, when done right, is just amazing. But, what sides go with a Philly cheesesteak to make it the perfect meal? We’ve all been there, excited for the first bite, only to find the meal is missing something. Therefore, this guide will show you the way to a perfect meal.
Choosing the right sides is not just a thought at the end; in fact, it’s an art. It’s about how flavors work together and how different feels can, in turn, make the whole meal better. This article, therefore, is your full guide to picking sides that go perfectly with your yummy Philly cheesesteak. You will find options beyond the normal ones, look into flavors, and learn to make sides at home. Ultimately, this will make your cheesesteak meal truly special.
Classic Companions: Time-Honored Side Dishes for Philly Cheesesteak
Let’s start with the familiar, the old favorites that, traditionally, go with the famous Philly cheesesteak. These are the choices you often see at cheesesteak places, and they are safe, tasty, and make the main sandwich even better.
French Fries:
The classic match. These golden, crispy fries are a perfect balance with the rich cheesesteak. Indeed, you might like them thin or thick, seasoned or plain, fries are a choice that always works. The crunch, in particular, goes well with the soft sandwich, and the simple flavor, similarly, lets the cheesesteak stand out.
No meal feels quite complete without crispy, golden French fries. For an extra twist, season them with a flavorful blend, similar to homemade fish fry seasoning.
Onion Rings:
Another popular pick. Crispy, golden rings of fried onion give a great crunch and a bit of sweetness. This sweetness, consequently, goes well with the savory cheesesteak. The onions, in addition, add a bit of a sharp taste that cuts through the rich beef and cheese.
Coleslaw:
A cool, often creamy side that adds a fresh feel to the meal. For instance, if you like a creamy coleslaw with mayo or a lighter one with vinegar, it’s a great pick. It helps with the rich meat and cheese. The creamy kind, specifically, feels good, and the vinegar kind, on the other hand, adds a little zing.
A side of crisp coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the cheesesteak. If you’re seeking a lighter alternative, consider pairing it with cottage cheese flatbread for a healthier balance.
Pickles:
A simple but good choice. Dill or sweet pickles add a tangy, sharp taste that goes well with the rich, savory flavors of the cheesesteak. The sour bite of a pickle, in short, cleans your taste and makes each bite just as good as the last.
These classic sides have been used for a long time because they just work. Their flavors and feels are a great contrast to the flavors of the cheesesteak. They are, therefore, easy picks for a tasty meal. They are the base of a good cheesesteak meal, however, there’s also room to try new things.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Other Great Cheesesteak Pairings
If you feel like trying something new, or just want to change up your cheesesteak meal, consider, instead, looking beyond the usual. There are many other yummy options that can, in fact, make your cheesesteak experience even better. Let’s look at some of these new and exciting choices:
Mac and Cheese:
This creamy side adds a whole new level of comfort to your meal. The smooth, cheesy pasta feels great with the cheesesteak. Its rich taste, furthermore, goes well with the savory meat and makes a very full meal. A bit of pepper, too, can make it even tastier.
Potato Salad:
If you like a classic potato salad with mayo, or a German one with a vinegar dressing, this side, also, can be a great match. The cool potato salad, in comparison, is a nice contrast with the warm cheesesteak. Each type, therefore, gives a different flavor that can make your whole meal better.
Pasta Salad:
A creamy or vinaigrette-based pasta salad not only offers a delightful textural contrast to a cheesesteak’s tender filling but also brings an added burst of flavor to the meal. Moreover, it is a versatile side dish that can be tailored to your taste by incorporating seasonal vegetables or unique dressings. For instance, if you’re looking for more pasta inspiration, you can explore these Instant Pot pasta recipes, which are both quick and convenient to prepare.
Roasted Vegetables:
For a healthier pick that is still full of flavor, try roasted vegetables like broccoli, peppers, and onions. Roasting, similarly, makes the vegetables sweet, and the slight burn makes a good feel with the soft cheesesteak.
Side Salad:
A simple green salad with a light dressing can, however, help balance the meal. The crisp lettuce and the tangy dressing, as a result, are a refreshing change from the rich cheesesteak. This helps clear your taste so that your next bite is just as tasty.
Corn on the Cob:
When it’s in season, corn on the cob, for example, is a great pick. It is a bit sweet with a slight burn, which goes well with the rich taste of the cheesesteak. A little butter and salt, additionally, can bring out its natural flavors, making it a perfect summer side.
Sweet Potato Fries:
These are a good choice if you want something different from normal fries. The sweet taste of the sweet potato, with a bit of salt, conversely, gives you a tasty and good choice. Their crunchy outside and soft inside make a good feel, which goes very well with the cheesesteak.
Baked Beans:
The sweetness and tang of baked beans provide a delicious contrast to the savory cheesesteak. They’re simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Garlic Bread:
Garlic bread, or a slice of Italian rice, can be a filling addition to round out your meal, especially when feeding a crowd.
Pairing Drinks:
For a well-rounded dining experience, consider serving your cheesesteak with iced tea, a creamy milkshake, or a refreshing breve coffee.
With these tasty side dishes and drink pairings, your Philly cheesesteak meal will be a hit every time. Don’t forget to explore more recipes and side dish ideas on Lay Recipes.
The Science of Sides: Understanding Flavor Profiles for What to Serve with Cheesesteak
To pick the best sides for your cheesesteak, it, in reality, helps to know how flavors work together. The goal is to make a meal where everything goes well together and does not fight with each other. Here’s how to think about flavors:
- Sour: Sour flavors, like those in pickles or vinegar coleslaw, help cut through the richness of the cheesesteak. These sharp flavors, for this reason, clean your taste and stop the heavy feel from being too much.
- Feel: A meal with different feels is much better than one that is all the same. The soft feel of the cheesesteak, therefore, needs to go with crunchy things like fries or onion rings.
- Matching Flavors: Think of flavors that go well together. The salty, savory flavors of a cheesesteak go great with a slightly sweet side like coleslaw or sweet potato fries. Consequently, these pairs create a balance.
- Change: Sweet sides like corn or sweet potato fries, instead, add a change from the salty taste of the cheesesteak. This, in turn, makes the meal more interesting.
The science behind food pairing, ultimately, is about making a balance. By knowing these basic flavor ideas, you can pick sides that will not only taste good but, moreover, make your whole cheesesteak meal better. It’s not just about putting food on a plate; it’s about making smart choices that make the whole food experience better.
Recipe Spotlight: Easy Homemade Sides to Complement Your Cheesesteak Meal
While it’s easy to buy sides, making your own is very satisfying. Here are some simple, tasty recipes that you can use to make your next cheesesteak feast even better:
Recipe 1: Quick Creamy Coleslaw
This creamy coleslaw is quick to make and goes perfectly with your Philly cheesesteak.
| Ingredients | Amount |
| Shredded Cabbage | 4 cups |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 2 Tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 Tablespoon |
| Celery Seed | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | Pinch |
Instructions:
- First, put the shredded cabbage in a big bowl.
- Then, in a smaller bowl, mix the mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
- Next, pour the dressing over the cabbage.
- After that, mix well until everything is covered.
- Subsequently, cover it and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well.
- Finally, serve it cold with your cheesesteak.
Recipe 2: Crispy Baked Steak Fries
These baked steak fries are healthier than fried ones, and they taste just as good!
| Ingredients | Amount |
| Russet Potatoes | 2 large |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/4 teaspoon |
Instructions:
- First, heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Next, wash the potatoes, then cut them into thick pieces.
- Then, in a big bowl, mix the potatoes with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
- After that, put the fries on a baking sheet.
- Subsequently, bake for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway, until they are golden and crunchy.
- Finally, let them cool a little before serving with your cheesesteak.
Recipe 3: Classic Potato Salad
This simple potato salad is full of flavor and is a great extra with your meal.
| Ingredients | Amount |
| Potatoes | 2 pounds |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Yellow mustard | 2 Tablespoons |
| Celery | 1/2 cup chopped finely |
| Onion | 1/4 cup chopped finely |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 2, chopped |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Instructions:
- First, boil the potatoes till soft. Let them cool a bit before chopping into small pieces.
- Then, in a big bowl, mix the cooled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, and eggs.
- Next, add salt and pepper.
- After that, gently mix all the ingredients until they are combined well.
- Subsequently, put it in the fridge for 1 hour. This helps the flavors combine well.
These homemade sides, in particular, will add extra flavor to your cheesesteak meal. They are, also, a good way to change your food to suit what you like.
Sides to Avoid: Pairing Pitfalls When Choosing What to Eat With a Cheesesteak
While many sides can make your cheesesteak meal better, however, some you should not use. Some mixes just don’t work well, and picking the wrong side can, in fact, make your meal less enjoyable. Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking your sides:
- Too Much Sour: Avoid sides that are too sour, like too much vinegar in your coleslaw. While a little tang is good, too much sour taste can, conversely, be too strong and not go well with the cheesesteak.
- Strong Flavors: Sides with very strong flavors can, in turn, cover up the taste of the cheesesteak. If you are thinking of using a lot of spices or strong smells, you might, instead, want to use something else.
- Same Feel: A meal with all soft or all crunchy foods can, also, be boring. If you are using creamy mac and cheese with your cheesesteak, try not to use mashed potato as a side dish. You need a mix of different feels in your meal, therefore, to make it fun and good.
Knowing what not to pick is, just as much, important as knowing what to pick. By being aware of these things, you can, ultimately, make a better and more fun meal.
Dietary Needs: Picking Cheesesteak Sides Based on Preferences
Everyone’s needs and likes, in reality, are different. You need to think about this when choosing sides for your cheesesteak. Here are a few options for different needs:
- Vegetarian Options: If you don’t eat meat, there are still many sides that will go with your meal. A green salad, roasted vegetables, or sweet potato fries, for example, are all great picks. These choices add different feels and flavors that will, in turn, make your meal better.
- Gluten-Free Options: If you need to avoid gluten, you can, instead, use potato salad, a fresh green salad with a light dressing, or roasted vegetables. Make sure that you are not using any pre-made foods that may include gluten.
- Low-Carb Options: For a low-carb meal, try a simple green salad with a light dressing, or a plate of roasted vegetables. Consequently, these will give you the nutrients you need while sticking to your diet needs.
By thinking about your diet needs, you can, therefore, make smart choices and pick sides that are both yummy and fit your health goals. It’s all about making your experience personal, and, ultimately, enjoying your meal.
Serving Tips: How Presentation Affects Your Philly Cheesesteak Side Dishes
The way you put your food on your plate can, in fact, change how much you enjoy it. When it comes to a cheesesteak, how it looks is just as important as how it tastes. Here are a few tips to make your meal look good:
- Use Small Bowls or Plates: Instead of putting everything on one plate, use small bowls for your sides. This, in short, makes it look better and keeps the sides separate. This, also, helps them keep their good feel.
- Put Sides Around the Cheesesteak: Put your sides around the cheesesteak to make it look appealing. This will, then, make your meal look more professional and tasty.
- Add a Small Extra: Adding a small decoration like some fresh herbs will, moreover, make the meal even better to look at.
How food looks is very important. By thinking about how you serve your meal, you can, ultimately, make the whole experience better.
FAQ: Top Questions About What Sides Go with Philly Cheesesteak
Let’s talk about some of your main questions about what sides go with Philly cheesesteak.
- What sides are good with a Philly cheesesteak if I don’t eat many carbs?
- If you’re eating less carbs, use a fresh salad with light dressing, or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, and onions. These sides have great flavor and good things for you without the extra carbs.
- What are the best classic sides for a Philly cheesesteak?
- The best classic sides include French fries, onion rings, creamy coleslaw, and pickles. These choices give a mix of feels and flavors that go great with the richness of the cheesesteak.
- Are there any sides I should avoid with a Philly cheesesteak?
- Yes, you should not use sides that might fight with the cheesesteak’s flavors or add too much of the same flavor or feel. These include sides that are too sour, have very strong tastes, or create a boring texture in the meal.
These answers, therefore, will help you make good choices so that your next cheesesteak meal is really special.
Conclusion:
A perfect Philly cheesesteak meal is more than just a good sandwich; it’s a balance of flavors and feels. This includes good sides that you, carefully, pick. Whether you choose old favorites, try something new, or make your own sides at home, the goal, in essence, is to make a full and satisfying meal. The right sides not only go well with the flavors of your cheesesteak, but they also make a simple sandwich a great food experience.
The next time you want a Philly cheesesteak, think about the sides. The extras you pick can, in fact, change how good your whole meal is. Use this guide to find the perfect mix that will, in turn, make your next meal a good experience. There are many options. We invite you to try them, and find your favorite mixes. Now that you know all this, it’s time for you to make your perfect Philly Cheesesteak meal. Go ahead, make your cheesesteak better, and enjoy every single bite!