16 Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Complementing Ideas for a Mouth-Watering Meal

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Comfort food at its finest, Philly cheesesteaks are a staple in many households. Their irresistible charm lies in the perfect blend of soft bread, savory meat, crunchy sweet bell peppers, and pungent onions, all topped with an abundance of melted cheese.

Hearty and utterly scrumptious, it’s no wonder that this iconic sandwich has been a crowd-pleaser for generations. The simplicity of preparation is also a significant factor in its enduring popularity.

Citrusy Cilantro Slaw Delight

Citrusy Cilantro Slaw Delight

Varying the flavors in your meals can be as simple as trying out new combinations of ingredients. In this case, replacing the traditional coleslaw with a cilantro and lime slaw is a great way to add some excitement to your meal without sacrificing flavor. This side dish is not only quick and easy to make but also boasts a refreshing and tangy taste that pairs perfectly with meaty sandwiches.

Decadent Cheese Fries in 45 Minutes

Decadent Cheese Fries in 45 Minutes

Piling on the indulgence, let’s talk about the perfect pairing for a Philly cheesesteak – cheese fries that are just as decadent. Imagine sinking your teeth into a serving of crispy golden fries smothered in melted cheese and bacon – it’s a match made in heaven! We can’t think of anything more pleasurable than this indulgent side dish, loaded with flavor and texture. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create this rich and creamy masterpiece – it’s ready in just 45 minutes.

All you need are some simple ingredients like french fries, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sautéed onions, a drizzle of ranch dressing, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to bring it all together. The end result is a side dish that not only looks stunning but also tastes absolutely divine. We’re particularly fond of the way the crunchy fries and smoky bacon complement the stringy melted cheese and tangy zip from the ranch dressing.

Philly Cheesesteak Treat: Cookies & Cream Shake

Philly Cheesesteak Treat: Cookies & Cream Shake

Having explored the realm of innovative comfort food combinations, one pairing stands out as truly exceptional: the harmonious union of Philly cheesesteak and a rich, creamy milkshake. This indulgent duo may seem unconventional at first, but it truly hits all the right notes. The velvety smoothness of the milkshake perfectly complements the savory flavors of the cheesesteak, creating a match made in heaven.

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For those looking to take their indulgence to new heights, consider pairing your Philly cheesesteak with a cookies and cream milkshake – the sweet, rich flavor will add an extra layer of decadence to this already sinful combination. This recipe is a clever copycat version of Chick-fil-A’s signature milkshakes, requiring only a few simple ingredients: milk, ice cream, vanilla extract, and Oreo cookies.

Fresh Dill Garlic Pickles Delight

Fresh Dill Garlic Pickles Delight

Fresh from the world of versatile and delicious side dishes, this recipe is an essential addition to any meal. Filling the role of a convenient accompaniment, garlic dill pickles can be prepared with minimal effort and stored in your refrigerator for later use, making them perfect for busy households. Flavor-wise, these pickles offer a zesty kick and a fragrant freshness that helps cleanse the palate after indulging in rich or greasy foods, such as the iconic Philly cheesesteak.

Moreover, their delightful crunch provides an incredibly satisfying texture that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Crunchy Avocado Fries with Chipotle Ranch

Crunchy Avocado Fries with Chipotle Ranch

Wanting to try something new and exciting in your kitchen? Why not give avocado fries a go? This unique twist on traditional potato fries might sound strange at first, but trust us when we say they’re a game-changer. By using ripe avocados instead of potatoes, you’ll create a dish that’s rich, creamy, and utterly delicious. When we first attempted this recipe, we were skeptical – would the bold flavor of the avocado overpower everything else?

But surprisingly, the delicate balance between the avocado’s richness and the crunchy breadcrumbs is absolute perfection.

Ultimate Nacho Creation Recipe

Ultimate Nacho Creation Recipe

Often considered a party favorite, nachos are incredibly versatile in their preparation and presentation. Their ability to be combined with a wide variety of ingredients makes them an ideal side dish for any occasion. Whether served alongside a classic Philly cheesesteak or as an appetizer to precede the main course, this popular snack is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

The recipe we’ve included calls for a long list of tasty toppings that can be customized to suit your personal preferences. Some of our favorite combinations include ground beef, sautéed onion, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, diced jalapenos, black beans seasoned with taco flavorings, tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Don’t feel constrained by the recipe – feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients.

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If you have leftover meat from a previous meal, why not use it as a topping? The beauty of nachos lies in their ability to be adapted and tailored to suit your tastes.

Twice-Baked Cheesy Potato Wedges

Twice-Baked Cheesy Potato Wedges

Looking for a delicious and crispy side dish to serve alongside your Philly cheesesteak? You can’t go wrong with classic potato wedges! Not only do they have a thicker, fluffier texture than fries, but they’re also arguably tastier. Eating them is even more satisfying due to their chunky goodness.

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe

Jumping straight to our next Philly cheesesteak side dish recommendation, buffalo cauliflower bites are an excellent choice for adding some extra veggies to your meal without sacrificing flavor. While they may not be as indulgent as fries or mozzarella sticks, these bite-sized treats still pack a punch and offer a slightly healthier alternative.

One of the best things about buffalo cauliflower bites is their versatility – you can easily make them at home by coating cauliflower florets in a spiced batter before frying or baking until crispy. To take your dish to the next level, simply top the cauliflower bites with a drizzle of honey and hot sauce, allowing the sweet and spicy flavors to meld together in perfect harmony. Of course, feel free to get creative and experiment with different sauces or dips – the possibilities are endless.

Crunchy Mozzarella Bites with Marinara

Crunchy Mozzarella Bites with Marinara

Whenever you’re searching for an irresistible side dish that your family will adore, look no further than mozzarella sticks. These delectable treats are expertly coated in breadcrumbs and then deep-fried to a golden-brown crispiness that perfectly complements the hearty flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak.

The initial bite into a mozzarella stick is always the highlight – the crunchy exterior gives way to the gooey, stringy, rich cheesy center, which is truly where the magic lies in these mouthwatering morsels. What elevates this already phenomenal side dish to new heights is a sweet and tangy marinara sauce crafted from the freshest tomatoes, adding an extra layer of depth and flavor that takes it to the next level.

Easy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Easy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Taking center stage alongside a delicious Philly cheesesteak is the humble onion ring. This unassuming side dish has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to elevate any meal with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. One of the main reasons people adore making onion rings is their simplicity, which makes them an ideal accompaniment to many popular dishes.

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Crispy Okra Bites with Cornmeal Batter

Crispy Okra Bites with Cornmeal Batter

Just when we thought we knew everything about okra, we discovered a fried okra recipe that completely flipped our perception of it. We have to admit, okra isn’t the most popular ingredient, and we can see why – until now. Unlike other recipes that leave okra feeling slimy and unappetizing, this particular dish has mastered the art of creating a crispy texture without sacrificing flavor.

The secret lies in its cornmeal batter, which not only adds crunch but also brings out the natural sweetness of the okra. A surprisingly good southern side dish, it’s no wonder that this recipe has gained so much attention for its unique and mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors.

Balanced Roasted Broccoli Delight

Balanced Roasted Broccoli Delight

Varying from traditional roasted vegetables, this recipe offers a unique twist by using broccoli rabe as the main ingredient. Not only is it a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with antioxidants and vitamins, but it also has a naturally bitter taste that can be balanced out by adding complementary flavors like salt, orange juice, and garlic.

By combining these ingredients – sea salt, broccoli rabe, and olive oil – you’ll find the dish perfectly tasty, but feel free to experiment with lemon or orange juice if you want to add an extra layer of flavor.

Crunchy Zucchini Bites with Parmesan Crunch

Crunchy Zucchini Bites with Parmesan Crunch

Often overlooked in favor of more traditional sides, parmesan zucchini sticks offer a healthy and flavorful alternative to accompany your Philly cheesesteak sandwich. This low-carb option not only caters to those with dietary restrictions but also provides a delightful crunch that complements the savory flavors of the main dish.

To elevate the taste, the zucchini is coated in a parmesan breadcrumb infused with the aromatic essence of basil, oregano, and thyme, which perfectly balances out the natural sweetness of the vegetable.

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