What sides go with Philly cheesesteak sliders? Philly cheesesteak sliders are a crowd-pleasing dish packed with tender beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions on soft rolls. To make your meal even more satisfying, pairing these sliders with the right sides is key. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a casual gathering, or just enjoying a delicious meal at home, here are the best side dishes to serve with Philly cheesesteak sliders.
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Classic Sides for Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Philly cheesesteak sliders are a rich and savory dish, so pairing them with classic sides that offer crispy textures and complementary flavors is a great choice. These traditional sides are easy to make, widely loved, and enhance the overall meal experience.
French Fries
A classic pairing with any sandwich or slider, French fries provide the perfect balance of crispy and salty goodness. Whether you opt for shoestring, crinkle-cut, or thick-cut fries, they add a satisfying crunch to your meal. Try serving them with:
- Cheese sauce for dipping
- Spicy ketchup for an extra kick
- Garlic parmesan seasoning for added flavor
Onion Rings
Golden, crispy onion rings bring a sweet and savory contrast to the rich, cheesy sliders. Their crunchy texture and deep-fried goodness make them an irresistible side. For extra flavor, consider:
- A side of ranch or spicy aioli for dipping
- Beer-battered onion rings for a richer taste
- A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a bit of heat
Tater Tots
Tater tots are a fun and crispy alternative to fries. Their bite-sized shape makes them a great finger food to enjoy alongside sliders. Options to elevate your tater tots include:
- Topping them with melted cheese and bacon bits
- Serving them with a spicy sriracha mayo
- Adding a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet touch
Healthy Side Dish Options
If you’re looking for a lighter balance to the richness of Philly cheesesteak sliders, healthy side dishes can provide a refreshing contrast. These options add nutrients, fresh flavors, and a bit of crunch to your meal without being too heavy.
Garden Salad
A simple garden salad is a great way to add freshness to your plate. A mix of crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions can cleanse the palate between bites of your cheesy sliders. To enhance the salad:
- Add a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a light, refreshing touch
- Include crumbled feta or blue cheese for extra flavor
- Toss in nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables provide a warm, hearty side that’s still nutritious. The caramelization from roasting enhances their natural sweetness, pairing well with the savory sliders. Great vegetable options include:
- Bell peppers and zucchini for a mild, slightly sweet taste
- Brussels sprouts and carrots for an earthy, rich flavor
- Asparagus and cherry tomatoes for a juicy, slightly tangy contrast
Coleslaw
Coleslaw offers a crunchy and creamy contrast to the soft, cheesy sliders. It adds a refreshing element to balance the richness of the meat and cheese. To customize your coleslaw:
- Use a vinegar-based dressing for a lighter option
- Add shredded apples or raisins for a touch of sweetness
- Mix in jalapeños for a spicy kick
Comfort Food Sides
For those who love indulgent, hearty meals, pairing Philly cheesesteak sliders with classic comfort food sides is the way to go. These dishes add extra richness and flavor, making your meal even more satisfying.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy side dish that pairs perfectly with Philly cheesesteak sliders. The gooey texture and bold flavor of melted cheese complement the sliders beautifully. To enhance your mac and cheese:
- Add crispy bacon bits for extra crunch and smoky flavor
- Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and parmesan for depth
- Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish
Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky, and rich, baked beans provide a delicious contrast to the savory flavors of Philly cheesesteak sliders. They’re a great side dish, especially for backyard cookouts or casual gatherings. Customize them by:
- Adding brown sugar or molasses for a touch of sweetness
- Mixing in barbecue sauce for a smoky depth
- Topping with cooked bacon for an extra savory kick
Mozzarella Sticks
Crunchy on the outside and filled with gooey, melted cheese on the inside, mozzarella sticks are a fun and flavorful side to serve with sliders. They’re especially great when dipped in:
- Marinara sauce for a tangy contrast
- Ranch dressing for a creamy balance
- Spicy sriracha mayo for a bold kick
Dipping Sauces and Condiments
Pairing Philly cheesesteak sliders with the right dipping sauces and condiments can elevate their flavor and add a whole new level of enjoyment to your meal. Whether you prefer creamy, spicy, or tangy flavors, these sauces will complement your sliders perfectly.
Cheese Sauce
A rich and creamy cheese sauce takes the cheesesteak experience to the next level. Whether you drizzle it over the sliders or use it as a dip for fries or onion rings, it’s a must-have side. Some variations include:
- Classic cheddar cheese sauce – Smooth and mild, perfect for dipping.
- Beer cheese sauce – Adds a deep, tangy kick from beer and sharp cheddar.
- Spicy queso dip – Infused with jalapeños for an extra punch.
Garlic Aioli
Garlic aioli is a creamy and garlicky dipping sauce that enhances the richness of Philly cheesesteak sliders. It works well as a spread on the buns or as a dip for fries and onion rings. To make it even better, try:
- Adding lemon juice for a fresh, zesty touch.
- Mixing in roasted garlic for a sweeter, deeper garlic flavor.
- Spicing it up with paprika or cayenne.
Spicy Ketchup
For those who love a bit of heat, spicy ketchup is a simple yet flavorful way to add some zing to your meal. You can make it by mixing:
- Regular ketchup with a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Chili powder or cayenne pepper for a smoky heat.
- Honey or brown sugar for a slightly sweet balance.
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy dip that pairs well with almost anything, from mozzarella sticks to fries. If you want to enhance your ranch dressing, try:
- Adding fresh herbs like dill and chives for a homemade touch.
- Mixing in parmesan cheese for a richer taste.
- Adding a little black pepper or red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Creative and Unique Sides
For a fun twist on your Philly cheesesteak sliders, try these creative and unique sides:
- Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these slightly sweet fries pair perfectly with the savory flavors of the cheesesteak sliders. - Jalapeño Poppers
For a spicy kick, stuffed jalapeño peppers wrapped in bacon make for an exciting side. The heat complements the richness of the sliders. - Garlic Parmesan Knots
Soft, buttery, and infused with garlic and parmesan cheese, these knots offer a deliciously savory side that pairs wonderfully with the sliders.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Sides
If you’re looking for low-carb or keto-friendly options, here are some great sides to consider:
- Cauliflower Bites
Roasted or battered cauliflower bites are a great alternative to traditional fries. Seasoned with herbs and spices, they provide a satisfying crunch. - Avocado Salad
A refreshing salad made with ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy lime dressing makes for a light, healthy side. - Zucchini Fries
Crispy zucchini fries are low in carbs but full of flavor. Coated in almond flour and parmesan, they make the perfect guilt-free snack to pair with the sliders.
Beverages to Pair with Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
To complement the rich and savory flavors of Philly cheesesteak sliders, here are the best beverage options:
- Soda
Classic sodas like cola or root beer work well to balance out the richness of the sliders. - Beer
A cold lager, pale ale, or even an IPA is an excellent choice to pair with the sliders. The crisp, refreshing taste of beer cuts through the heaviness of the dish. - Cocktails
For a more festive option, a tangy whiskey sour, margarita, or mojito adds a burst of flavor that pairs nicely with the cheesesteak.
FAQs
What type of bread should I use for Philly Cheesesteak Sliders?
For Philly cheesesteak sliders, soft, slightly sweet slider rolls or small hoagie buns are the best options. These breads are perfect because they have a light texture that doesn’t overpower the beef and cheese filling. Slider rolls are the most common choice due to their smaller size and perfect portioning. They can hold up to the rich filling without falling apart. Additionally, you want a bread that can absorb the juices from the beef and cheese without becoming soggy, and these types of bread do just that. Some people prefer a slightly toasted roll to add a bit of crunch, but make sure it doesn’t get too hard.
Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Sliders in advance?
Yes, Philly cheesesteak sliders can easily be made in advance! Here’s how to do it:
- Assemble the sliders without baking them. Layer the cooked steak, cheese, and any other fillings inside your bread of choice.
- Cover the assembled sliders with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to a few hours or overnight.
- Bake when you’re ready to serve. Preheat your oven and bake the sliders at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden.
This method allows you to prepare the dish ahead of time and cut down on prep work right before serving. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings where you want to make everything in advance and just pop it in the oven later.
What toppings can I add to the Philly Cheesesteak Sliders?
Philly cheesesteak sliders are incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with the toppings! Here are some options to elevate the flavor:
Garlic Butter
Brush a bit of garlic butter on top of the buns before baking for an extra boost of flavor and a golden, crispy finish.
Sautéed Onions
Onions are a classic Philly cheesesteak topping. Sauté them until they’re soft and caramelized for a sweet and savory addition to your sliders.
Bell Peppers
Adding sautéed bell peppers (green, red, or yellow) brings a mild sweetness and vibrant color to your sliders.
Mushrooms
For a richer flavor, sautéed mushrooms make an excellent addition, adding depth and umami.
Cheese Variations
Though provolone is traditional, you can mix things up with cheese options like American, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a more distinct flavor.
Hot Sauce
If you like a bit of heat, drizzle some hot sauce over your sliders or add a spicy pepper jack cheese.
Pickles
For a tangy contrast to the rich and cheesy filling, add pickles or even pickled jalapeños.
Conclusion about What sides go with Philly cheesesteak sliders?
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are already a delicious and indulgent dish, but pairing them with the right sides and drinks takes the meal to the next level. Whether you choose creative sides like sweet potato fries or go for low-carb options like cauliflower bites, you can’t go wrong. Pair with refreshing drinks, from sodas to cocktails, for the perfect combo. These sides and drinks will elevate your sliders into a memorable meal for any occasion!