Ah, Philly cheesesteak—the hero we feast on without a cape. It’s cheesy, meaty, and utterly satisfying, leaving us in that glorious food coma.
But if we’re being honest, the hunt for perfect sides is real. Why settle for just fries when we can jazz things up with, say, onion rings or even a crispy salad?
We’ve all faced the age-old question before that last bite: what pairs best with Philly cheesesteak? We’re giving you our top 13 sidekick choices to these succulent sandwiches.
These knightly companions bring a wicked twist to meal times, proving every cheesesteak deserves its tasty entourage. Hungry yet? We are!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Philly Cheesesteak
Here are our 13 favorite side dishes to enjoy with Philly cheesesteak:
Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
Loaded Nachos | Tortilla chips, cheese, jalapeños, guacamole | Cheesy, spicy | Easy | 20 mins |
Garlic Parmesan Fries | Potatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese | Savory, crispy | Easy | 30 mins |
Coleslaw with Apple Cider Dressing | Cabbage, carrots, apple cider vinegar | Tangy, crunchy | Easy | 15 mins |
Grilled Vegetable Platter | Bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant | Smoky, fresh | Medium | 25 mins |
Macaroni Salad | Macaroni, mayonnaise, veggies | Creamy, savory | Easy | 20 mins |
Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers | Jalapeños, cream cheese, bacon | Spicy, cheesy | Medium | 30 mins |
Onion Rings with Spicy Ketchup | Onions, batter, ketchup | Crispy, tangy | Medium | 30 mins |
Potato Salad with Herbs | Potatoes, mayonnaise, fresh herbs | Creamy, herby | Easy | 25 mins |
Roasted Sweet Potatoes | Sweet potatoes, olive oil, seasoning | Sweet, savory | Easy | 35 mins |
Chili Cheese Dogs | Hot dogs, chili, cheese | Savory, hearty | Easy | 20 mins |
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites | Cauliflower, buffalo sauce | Spicy, crispy | Medium | 30 mins |
Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil | Baguette, tomatoes, basil, olive oil | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
Mini Pretzel Bites with Mustard | Pretzel dough, mustard | Salty, savory | Medium | 25 mins |
This list includes a variety of flavorful dishes that pair well with the rich and savory profile of a Philly Cheesesteak, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal experience.
1 – Loaded Nachos
Ever tried nachos that come with all the works? We mean loaded with cheese, jalapeños, and maybe a little guac. Nachos here aren’t just a pile of chips.
We like them with gooey cheese dripping all over. Think crispy meets melty. Our tip? Go heavy on the toppings. Make every chip count.
We appreciate extra jalapeños for that spice kick. Personal favorite: a sprinkle of cilantro adds a fresh touch.
These nachos bring bold flavors. Keep things interesting with variation.
2 – Garlic Parmesan Fries
Garlic parmesan fries—just the name makes our stomachs rumble. Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside. They bring the garlic flavor with a cheesy hit.
Our secret? Add extra grated parmesan. It ups the ante. We like them golden brown.
Want more flavor? Throw in some chili flakes. The fries can handle it. Pair with a tangy dip for the win.
We’ve found they disappear fast. Fry ‘em up and watch. Remember to pace yourself. Enjoy every crunchy bite.
3 – Coleslaw with Apple Cider Dressing
Who knew cabbage could jazz things up? Our coleslaw is crunchy and fresh. Apple cider dressing adds a zesty twist. Sweet and tangy blend right in.
Mix some carrots for color. We like adding tart apple slices. They enhance the flavor. It’s a balance of textures and tastes.
Coleslaw’s the most chilled side dish. Perfect for cheesesteak or picnics. So grab a fork or dive in with your hands. Enjoy the crunch, without fuss.
4 – Grilled Vegetable Platter
Grilled veggies are a classic side dish. They add color to any meal. Toss on bell peppers, zucchini, squash, and mushrooms. Char marks give them serious flavor.
We like to brush on olive oil before grilling. A sprinkle of sea salt helps too. Adding crushed garlic steps things up. Mix in fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
Keep the veggies tender, not soggy. Serve them warm or cold. They’re flexible and there’s no wrong way to enjoy them.
5 – Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is where childhood memories meet a grown-up twist. Creamy mayo embraces elbow pasta in true comfort food style. Add some mustard for a tangy edge.
We mix in crunchy veggies like celery and onion for texture. A bit of paprika spices things up. We prefer our pasta al dente. This gives it a good chew factor.
Chill it before serving—it tastes way better cold. Ideal for picnics or quick munchies at home.
6 – Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
Stuffed jalapeño poppers are the spicy party starters we all crave. We fill these fiery green gems with creamy cheese to balance the heat.
Wrap ‘em in bacon for extra crunch and flavor. Some like a dash of garlic or onion powder for an earthy taste. Baking them keeps things simple and mess-free.
They’re bite-sized explosions of flavor. Serve with sour cream for a cool dip. This side dish knows how to spice things up.
7 – Onion Rings with Spicy Ketchup
Onion rings—crispy circles of yum. They crunch like a boss. Dip them in spicy ketchup for a kick. We cut the onions thick for extra juiciness. Double fry makes them golden delights.
Never skimp on the batter, it’s what makes them shine. #ProTip: Add a fat pinch of salt. They’re a party, no doubt, and they never last long.
We can’t resist, honestly. Consider these with every slice of that cheesesteak. It’s all crave-approved, guaranteed.
8 – Potato Salad with Herbs
So, potato salad walks onto your plate, bringing a herb party with it. Think creamy textures with fresh parsley, dill, and chives. Herb flavors pop through everything. Add that zing of mustard for a tangy twist. Veggies like celery keep it crunchy.
We keep potatoes fork-ready, not mushy. Toss everything with a vinaigrette dressing, it’s a zesty move. Chill it well, flavors settle in nicely. It’s every picnic’s balancing act. Tasty, chilled, and perfectly herbed.
9 – Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes deserve a place on the table. They’re sweet and savory magic. Each bite is crispy outside, soft inside. Prep is easy. Toss with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt. A dash of cinnamon warms things up. Watch them caramelize and develop rich notes in the oven.
We chop ours into chunks, skin on. Keeps it rustic and earthy. Versatile side, works with anything. Fun fact: sweet potatoes are nutrient powerhouses. We see them as comfort food reinvented, bringing familiar flavors with a twist.
10 – Chili Cheese Dogs
Chili cheese dogs are messy magic. Can’t beat that combo: hot dogs, chili, and gooey cheese everywhere. Messy, unapologetic bite. We like extra jalapeños for heat.
Top with crunchy onions—a must for texture. Soft buns complete it.
What do we do? Grill the dogs for smokiness. Toast those buns. Nothing beats charred flavor.
These come together quickly. Prep is a breeze. Chili’s better with age, simmer longer.
Quick snack or satisfying side, they’re guaranteed excitement.
11 – Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Buffalo cauliflower bites are the spicy little snack we can’t resist. Crispy, tangy, and packs a kick. Coating each floret with a blend of hot sauce and spices is key. Baking keeps it healthier, yet the texture is just right.
We toss them in our favorite hot sauce. They’re a lighter, veggie-forward twist on the classic wings. Serve with a cool blue cheese dip. It’s the perfect balance. This dish brings a bold vibe to every meal. A true crowd-pleaser.
12 – Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Bruschetta with tomato and basil is a burst of freshness. Ripe tomatoes bring tang; basil adds herb magic. Crunchy bread completes it.
A drizzle of olive oil seals the deal. We’ve tried adding a pinch of garlic—totally enhances the flavors. Experiment with balsamic for a sweet kick. This side is a hit at gatherings. Easy to whip up, hard to put down. You’ll find it disappears fast, trust us.
13 – Mini Pretzel Bites with Mustard
Mini pretzel bites are all about simplicity and flavor. We’re talking bite-sized pieces with the right salt and chew. Dip them in mustard; it pairs perfectly.
Warm them before serving to bring out the softness. A hint of butter can be magical. Different sizes work depending on your mood.
Kids and adults snack on these with glee. They’re our secret weapon at parties. Keep them close; they’ll vanish quick.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.