What sauce goes with Philly Cheesesteak?

The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich, loved for its tender beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese. However, what truly elevates this dish is the choice of sauce. The right sauce can enhance the flavors of the cheesesteak, adding a new dimension to an already mouthwatering meal. Whether you prefer a classic approach or something more adventurous, this guide will help you discover the best sauces to pair with your Philly cheesesteak.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore various sauce options, break down their ingredients, provide recipes, and suggest how to pair them with your cheesesteak. By the end, you’ll have a full understanding of how to enhance your Philly cheesesteak experience with the perfect sauce.

The Role of Sauce in a Philly Cheesesteak

A Philly cheesesteak is all about balance—balancing the savory meat, the creamy cheese, and the sweet or savory undertones of onions and peppers. Therefore, the sauce you choose can either complement these elements or provide a contrast that makes each bite more exciting. Traditionally, a cheesesteak might not come with a specific sauce, but in modern variations, sauces play a critical role in enhancing the flavor profile of the sandwich.

Why Sauce Matters in a Philly Cheesesteak

Adding sauce to a Philly cheesesteak serves multiple purposes. First and foremost, it enhances the flavor. A well-chosen sauce can bring out the best in the other ingredients, highlighting the beef’s richness or the cheese’s creaminess. Additionally, sauces add a needed layer of moisture, especially if you’re using leaner cuts of beef or want to prevent the sandwich from being too dry. Finally, a sauce can introduce new flavors that complement or contrast with the traditional components, adding complexity to each bite.

Classic Sauces for Philly Cheesesteak

When it comes to Philly cheesesteak, certain sauces have become classics over the years. These sauces are simple yet effective, adding just the right touch to make the sandwich sing.

Cheez Whiz: The Original Cheesesteak Sauce

• What It Is: Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese sauce that has become synonymous with the Philly cheesesteak. Its creamy texture and sharp flavor make it a popular choice among purists.
• Why It Works: The sauce’s smooth consistency coats the meat and bread perfectly, adding a rich, cheesy flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. Moreover, it’s incredibly easy to use, making it a convenient option for those who want a quick and tasty cheesesteak.
• How to Use It: Simply drizzle Cheez Whiz over the cooked meat before adding the onions and peppers. It can also be used as a dipping sauce on the side, allowing you to control how much you want in each bite.

Provolone Cheese Sauce: A Creamy Alternative

• What It Is: Provolone is another classic cheese used in Philly cheesesteaks. When melted into a sauce, it creates a smooth, mildly tangy layer that pairs well with the beef.
• Why It Works: Provolone’s milder flavor allows the meat’s taste to shine through while adding a creamy texture to the sandwich. Furthermore, its slightly nutty undertones complement the savory elements of the dish, making each bite more satisfying.
• How to Use It: Melt provolone with a bit of milk or cream to create a pourable sauce. Spread it on the bread or drizzle it over the meat and vegetables for a rich, cheesy experience.

Classic Mayonnaise: Simple and Effective

• What It Is: Mayonnaise is a common condiment that provides a neutral, creamy base for Philly cheesesteaks.
• Why It Works: Its subtle flavor doesn’t compete with the other ingredients, allowing the beef and cheese to take center stage. Additionally, mayonnaise adds moisture to the sandwich, preventing it from becoming dry.
• How to Use It: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bread before assembling the sandwich. It can also be mixed with other ingredients to create a flavored aioli, adding another layer of flavor to your Philly cheesesteak.

Modern and Creative Sauce Variations

While the classics are beloved for a reason, modern twists on Philly cheesesteak sauces can add a unique flair to the sandwich. Here are some creative options to try.

Garlic Aioli: A Flavorful Boost

• What It Is: Aioli is a garlic-flavored mayonnaise that adds a punch of flavor to the sandwich.
• Why It Works: The garlic’s sharpness complements the beef’s savory notes and the cheese’s richness, creating a more complex flavor profile. Additionally, garlic aioli brings a hint of Mediterranean flavor to the cheesesteak, making it a more gourmet experience.
• How to Use It: Spread garlic aioli on the bread or use it as a dipping sauce. For an extra kick, mix in some lemon juice or herbs, which can brighten the flavors and add a fresh contrast to the rich sandwich.

Horseradish Sauce: A Spicy Kick

• What It Is: Horseradish sauce combines the spicy bite of horseradish with a creamy base, typically made from mayonnaise or sour cream.
• Why It Works: The heat from the horseradish cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese, adding a refreshing contrast. Moreover, horseradish’s sharpness enhances the sandwich’s overall flavor, making each bite more dynamic.
• How to Use It: Spread a small amount of horseradish sauce on the bread or add it as a finishing touch to the sandwich. This sauce works particularly well with provolone or cheddar cheese, as it complements their flavors without overpowering them.

Sriracha Mayo: A Spicy and Tangy Twist

• What It Is: Sriracha mayo is a simple mixture of mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce, offering both creaminess and heat.
• Why It Works: The spiciness of Sriracha adds a bold flavor, while the mayonnaise provides a smooth texture that complements the sandwich’s other components. Additionally, the tangy flavor of Sriracha pairs well with the beef, enhancing its savory qualities.
• How to Use It: Drizzle Sriracha mayo over the beef and vegetables or use it as a dipping sauce on the side. If you prefer a more subtle heat, you can adjust the Sriracha-to-mayo ratio to suit your taste.

Cheese Sauce with Jalapeños: A Spicy Cheese Upgrade

• What It Is: This sauce combines melted cheese with chopped jalapeños, adding both creaminess and a spicy kick.
• Why It Works: The cheese sauce ensures the sandwich remains indulgent, while the jalapeños add heat and a bit of crunch. Moreover, this combination brings a Southwestern flair to the Philly cheesesteak, making it a more adventurous option.
• How to Use It: Pour the sauce over the cooked meat and vegetables for a spicy, cheesy topping. For those who enjoy extra heat, you can increase the amount of jalapeños or even add a splash of hot sauce.

Mushroom Sauce: Earthy and Rich

• What It Is: A mushroom sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and cream can add an earthy richness to the sandwich.
• Why It Works: The mushrooms’ umami flavor pairs perfectly with the beef, enhancing the sandwich’s savory profile. Furthermore, the creaminess of the sauce adds a luxurious texture, making the Philly cheesesteak even more indulgent.
• How to Use It: Add the mushroom sauce directly to the sandwich or serve it on the side for dipping. This sauce pairs particularly well with Swiss or provolone cheese, as their mild flavors allow the mushrooms to shine.

Pairing Sauces with Different Cheese Choices

The type of cheese you choose for your Philly cheesesteak can influence the best sauce to pair with it. Let’s explore some combinations.

Provolone and Garlic Aioli: A Classic Pairing

• Why It Works: Provolone’s mild, creamy flavor is enhanced by the garlic in the aioli, creating a balanced and flavorful sandwich. Additionally, the slight tanginess of provolone complements the sharpness of the garlic, resulting in a well-rounded taste.
• How to Pair: Spread the garlic aioli on the bread, then top with provolone and the cooked meat. This combination is perfect for those who enjoy a subtle yet flavorful cheesesteak.

Cheddar Cheese and Sriracha Mayo: Bold and Spicy

• Why It Works: The sharpness of cheddar cheese pairs well with the spicy, tangy flavor of Sriracha mayo, making each bite exciting. Moreover, cheddar’s robust flavor stands up to the heat of Sriracha, ensuring that the sauce doesn’t overpower the sandwich.
• How to Pair: Drizzle Sriracha mayo over the cheddar-topped meat, or use it as a dipping sauce. For a more intense flavor experience, consider adding sliced jalapeños to the sandwich.

American Cheese and Horseradish Sauce: Creamy with a Kick

• Why It Works: American cheese’s creamy, mild flavor is complemented by the sharpness of horseradish sauce, adding a surprising twist. Additionally, the smooth texture of American cheese pairs well with the creamy horseradish, creating a cohesive sauce that enhances the entire sandwich.
• How to Pair: Add a thin layer of horseradish sauce to the bread, then top with American cheese and the meat mixture. This combination is ideal for those who enjoy a classic cheesesteak with a bit of a kick.

Swiss Cheese and Mushroom Sauce: Earthy and Smooth

• Why It Works: Swiss cheese’s nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the earthy richness of mushroom sauce, creating a sophisticated sandwich. Furthermore, the creaminess of the mushroom sauce complements the mild, slightly sweet taste of Swiss cheese, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.
• How to Pair: Spread the mushroom sauce on the bread or mix it into the cooked meat before adding Swiss cheese. This pairing is perfect for those who appreciate a more refined, gourmet cheesesteak experience.

Making Your Own Philly Cheesesteak Sauce at Home

Creating your own sauce at home can be a rewarding way to customize your Philly cheesesteak to your exact taste. Here are some easy recipes to get you started.

Homemade Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (provolone, cheddar, or American)
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. First, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Then, add the milk or cream and heat until just warm.
3. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Finally, drizzle the sauce over your Philly cheesesteak or use it as a dipping sauce.

Garlic Aioli

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. To begin, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Use the aioli as a spread on the bread or as a dipping sauce to add a burst of flavor to your Philly cheesesteak.

Horseradish Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by combining the sour cream, horseradish, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
2. Mix until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Use this zesty sauce as a spread on your Philly cheesesteak or serve it on the side for an added kick.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philly Cheesesteak Sauces

As you explore different sauce options for your Philly cheesesteak, you might have some questions. Here are answers to the most common ones.

Can I Use Multiple Sauces on a Philly Cheesesteak?

Yes, combining sauces can create a unique flavor profile. For example, mixing cheese sauce with a spicy mayo can give you both creaminess and heat in one bite. Additionally, using multiple sauces allows you to customize each bite, ensuring a varied and enjoyable eating experience. Just be sure to balance the flavors so that no single sauce overpowers the others.

What’s the Easiest Sauce to Make for a Philly Cheesesteak?

A simple cheese sauce made from melted cheese and milk is one of the easiest sauces to prepare. It requires minimal ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes. Moreover, cheese sauce is incredibly versatile, pairing well with almost any other condiment or ingredient you might want to add to your cheesesteak.

Can I Use Store-Bought Sauces?

Absolutely! Store-bought sauces like Cheez Whiz, garlic aioli, and even spicy mayo can save time and still provide excellent flavor. Additionally, many store-bought sauces are designed to be convenient and consistent, making them a reliable choice when you’re short on time. Just be sure to choose high-quality products to get the best results.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sauce?

Most sauces can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before using them again. Additionally, some sauces, like cheese sauce, can be frozen for longer storage, although they may need to be re-emulsified after thawing.

How Can I Make a Sauce Spicier?

To add more heat to a sauce, consider mixing in ingredients like Sriracha, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as it’s easier to add heat than to remove it. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of peppers or spices, such as cayenne or red pepper flakes, to customize the level of spiciness to your liking.

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Sauce for Your Philly Cheesesteak

The right sauce can take your Philly cheesesteak from good to unforgettable. Whether you stick with a classic like Cheez Whiz or experiment with modern twists like garlic aioli or Sriracha mayo, there’s a sauce out there that will perfectly complement your sandwich.

Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of sauces and cheeses to discover your favorite pairing. Moreover, making your own sauce at home allows you to customize the flavors to your exact liking. So next time you’re whipping up a Philly cheesesteak, consider what sauce will best enhance your meal and take it to the next level.

If you’re interested in other creative ways to enjoy classic flavors, check out this guide on Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta for another delicious meal idea. With these sauces and tips in mind, you’re well-equipped to enjoy a Philly cheesesteak that’s bursting with flavor. and if you want more recipes take a look on Allrecipes | Recipes, How-Tos, Videos and More