What Sauce Goes with Philly Cheesesteak?

What sauce goes with Philly cheesesteak? The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich known for its rich, savory flavors. Made with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and a soft hoagie roll, this sandwich is a classic comfort food. But what takes a Philly cheesesteak from good to unforgettable? The sauce!

Sauces can add creaminess, spice, tanginess, or even a bit of sweetness to your cheesesteak. Whether you prefer a traditional cheese sauce, a spicy kick, or something unique, the right sauce can elevate your sandwich to new heights. In this guide, we’ll explore the best sauces for a Philly cheesesteak, including traditional options, popular condiments, and homemade creations.

Traditional Sauces for Philly Cheesesteak

Philly cheesesteaks have a few classic sauces that define their signature flavor. These are the tried-and-true options that you’ll find in most traditional cheesesteak shops.

Cheese Whiz: The Classic Choice

Cheese Whiz is perhaps the most well-known sauce associated with a traditional Philly cheesesteak. This processed cheese sauce has a creamy texture and a slightly salty, tangy taste that coats the meat perfectly.

• Why it works: Cheese Whiz melts smoothly into the steak, creating a gooey, rich consistency.
• How to use it: Drizzle it over the meat while it’s hot, letting it blend seamlessly with the beef.
• Best for: Classic Philly cheesesteaks and those who love a nostalgic, authentic taste.

Provolone Cheese Sauce

Provolone cheese is another favorite among cheesesteak lovers. Instead of simply melting provolone slices, you can create a smooth provolone cheese sauce for a creamier texture.

• Why it works: Provolone has a mild, nutty, and slightly sharp flavor, making it a great balance to the richness of the beef.
• How to use it: Melt provolone cheese with a bit of milk or cream to create a smooth sauce, then pour it over your sandwich.
• Best for: Those who prefer a milder cheese with a natural, slightly smoky flavor.

American Cheese Sauce

American cheese is another go-to option for Philly cheesesteaks, known for its incredible meltability and smooth texture.

• Why it works: It creates a creamy, mild, and slightly buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the steak.
• How to use it: Melt American cheese with a little butter and milk to make a pourable cheese sauce.
• Best for: Those who love a super-melty, mild cheese that complements rather than overpowers the steak.

Popular Condiments and Sauces

Some people love adding extra condiments and sauces to their cheesesteaks to enhance the flavor even more.

Mayo-Based Sauces

Mayonnaise-based sauces add a creamy texture and slight tanginess that can balance the richness of the steak and cheese.

• Popular options: Garlic mayo, spicy mayo, and horseradish mayo.
• How to use it: Spread a thin layer on the roll before adding the steak.
• Best for: Those who like a touch of creaminess without an overpowering cheese flavor.

Ketchup and Mustard

While not as traditional, ketchup and mustard can add an extra layer of flavor.

• Ketchup: Adds a slight sweetness and tang, complementing the savory beef.
• Mustard: A spicy or Dijon mustard can cut through the richness and add a sharp kick.
• Best for: Those who enjoy a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Hot Sauce and Spicy Variations

For those who like heat, hot sauce can take a cheesesteak to another level.

• Popular choices: Sriracha, Tabasco, or Frank’s RedHot.
• How to use it: Drizzle a few drops directly onto the meat before closing the sandwich.
• Best for: Spicy food lovers who want a fiery kick with their cheesesteak.

Homemade Sauce Ideas

If you want to add a unique twist to your Philly cheesesteak, making your own homemade sauce is a great way to customize the flavor. Here are three flavorful homemade sauces that will take your cheesesteak to the next level.

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli is a creamy and flavorful sauce that enhances the richness of a Philly cheesesteak. Its smooth texture and bold garlic taste blend perfectly with the savory beef and melted cheese.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (for extra creaminess)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Add salt and black pepper, then stir until well mixed.
3. For a smoother consistency, whisk in a teaspoon of olive oil.
4. Let the aioli sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Spread a thin layer on the hoagie roll before assembling your cheesesteak or drizzle it over the steak and cheese for extra richness.

Best for:

• Classic beef Philly cheesesteak
• Chicken Philly cheesesteak
• Mushroom and onion cheesesteak (vegetarian option)

Why it works: The garlic adds depth to the flavor, while the lemon juice provides a slight tanginess that balances out the richness of the cheese and meat.

Spicy Chipotle Sauce

If you love a smoky and spicy kick, a chipotle sauce is a fantastic addition to your Philly cheesesteak. The combination of chipotle peppers and creamy mayo creates a bold and flavorful sauce that enhances both beef and chicken cheesesteaks.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra smokiness)
• ½ teaspoon honey (optional, to balance the spice)

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, mayo, lime juice, adobo sauce, and garlic.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Add smoked paprika and honey, then blend again until fully incorporated.
4. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more adobo sauce or honey if needed.
5. Store in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using to allow the flavors to develop.

Best for:

• Beef Philly cheesesteak
• Chicken Philly cheesesteak
• Spicy lovers looking for a bold twist

Why it works: The smoky heat from the chipotle peppers pairs beautifully with the rich beef, while the lime juice brightens up the overall flavor.

Horseradish Cream Sauce

Horseradish cream sauce is a tangy, slightly spicy sauce that enhances the bold flavors of a cheesesteak. The sharpness of horseradish cuts through the richness of the steak and cheese, adding a unique depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (adjust for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together sour cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then stir well.
3. Taste and adjust the horseradish level depending on how strong you want the flavor.
4. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Best for:

• Classic beef Philly cheesesteak
• Roast beef-style cheesesteak
• Those who enjoy a tangy, sharp bite in their sandwich

Why it works: Horseradish adds a spicy, sinus-clearing heat that pairs wonderfully with rich, fatty cuts of beef. The sour cream balances the sharpness, creating a creamy yet bold sauce.

Best Sauce Pairings for Different Cheesesteak Variations

Not all cheesesteaks are the same! While the classic Philly cheesesteak is made with beef, many variations use chicken or even vegetarian ingredients. Each type of cheesesteak pairs best with different sauces to complement its unique flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the best sauce pairings for each cheesesteak variation.

Classic Beef Cheesesteak

The original Philly cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced beef, usually ribeye or top round, cooked to perfection on a griddle and served on a hoagie roll. Since beef has a rich, meaty flavor, the right sauce should enhance its juiciness without overpowering it.

Best Sauce Choices:

1. Cheese Whiz – The most traditional choice, this creamy processed cheese sauce creates a gooey, salty, and indulgent bite.
2. Provolone Cheese Sauce – A smooth, mild, and slightly nutty cheese sauce that melts beautifully over the steak.
3. American Cheese Sauce – A buttery, melt-in-your-mouth option that gives a creamy texture without being too heavy.
4. Horseradish Cream Sauce – For those who enjoy a spicy, tangy kick, this sauce cuts through the richness of the beef.

Why These Sauces Work:

• Cheese-based sauces add creaminess, helping to bind the steak and toppings together.
• Tangy and spicy sauces (like horseradish cream) create contrast and enhance the beef’s natural umami flavors.

Chicken Philly Cheesesteak

A chicken Philly cheesesteak is a lighter alternative to the classic beef version, featuring grilled or shredded chicken breast or thigh meat. Since chicken has a milder flavor, the sauce should add depth, creaminess, or spice to enhance its taste.

Best Sauce Choices:

1. Garlic Aioli – A smooth, garlicky, and slightly tangy sauce that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
2. Spicy Mayo – A mix of mayo and hot sauce or Sriracha that adds a creamy texture with a spicy bite.
3. Provolone Cheese Sauce – A mild, melty cheese sauce that complements the chicken’s natural flavor.
4. Chipotle Sauce – A smoky and spicy sauce that gives the chicken an extra depth of flavor.

Why These Sauces Work:

• Creamy sauces (like aioli and provolone) keep the chicken from tasting dry.
• Spicy sauces (like chipotle and spicy mayo) add an extra kick, making the sandwich more exciting.

Vegetarian Philly Cheeseteak

A vegetarian Philly cheesesteak typically replaces beef with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and sometimes tofu or seitan. Since vegetables have a lighter, earthy flavor, they pair best with sauces that add richness, spice, or tanginess.

Best Sauce Choices:

1. Horseradish Cream Sauce – Adds a bold, peppery bite that balances the sweetness of the sautéed veggies.
2. Chipotle Sauce – A smoky, slightly spicy sauce that enhances the umami flavors of mushrooms and grilled vegetables.
3. Garlic Mayo – A creamy, smooth sauce that adds a rich and savory note to the sandwich.
4. Cheese Whiz or Provolone Sauce – For a classic, cheesy taste that binds the vegetables together.

Why These Sauces Work:

• A tangy sauce (like horseradish cream) brings out the natural sweetness of sautéed veggies.
• A smoky or spicy sauce (like chipotle) adds depth, preventing the sandwich from tasting too mild.
• A creamy cheese sauce (like provolone) provides a classic cheesesteak experience, even without meat.

How to Choose the Best Sauce for Your Philly Cheesesteak

When picking the perfect sauce, consider the following:

Factors to Consider: Taste, Texture, and Heat Level

• Do you want creamy, spicy, or tangy?
• Do you prefer a smooth, drippy sauce or a thick, spreadable one?

Balancing Flavors with Toppings

• If using peppers and onions, a creamy sauce works well.
• For a spicier cheesesteak, balance it with a mild cheese sauce.

FAQs About What sauce goes with Philly cheesesteak?

What is the most authentic sauce for a Philly cheesesteak?

Cheese Whiz is considered the most traditional sauce for a Philly cheesesteak, offering a creamy and slightly tangy flavor that complements the beef. Provolone and American cheese are also popular choices for those who prefer a less processed option, but Cheese Whiz remains the classic.

Can I use barbecue sauce on a Philly cheesesteak?
Yes! While barbecue sauce is not traditional, it can add a unique sweet and smoky flavor to your Philly cheesesteak. Many people enjoy experimenting with different sauces, and BBQ sauce offers a fun twist for those looking for a non-traditional variation.

Is there a low-calorie sauce option for Philly cheesesteak?
For a low-calorie sauce, you could opt for a lighter version of provolone or American cheese, or even use a small amount of a reduced-fat ranch or mustard. Additionally, some people choose to skip the cheese entirely and rely on the flavor from grilled onions, peppers, or other seasonings to keep things flavorful yet lighter. Using a sugar-free BBQ sauce is also an option for those who still want a bit of sweetness without the calories.

Conclusion

The right sauce can completely transform a Philly cheesesteak. Whether you prefer the classic Cheese Whiz, a creamy provolone sauce, or a bold horseradish cream, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this sandwich. Experiment with different sauces to find your perfect match!