The BEST Sauces for Philly Cheesesteak!

Philly cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich with a rich history and a devoted fanbase.

While the classic version features thinly sliced beef, grilled onions, and melted cheese, the choice of sauces is where many enthusiasts find room for variation and personalisation!

In  this guide, we’ll take a look at the best sauces for Philly cheesesteak, from more traditional favourites through to bold and creative culinary creations! 

Classic Philly Cheesesteak Sauces

In this section, we’ll discuss the three classic sauces that have become synonymous with this iconic sandwich: Cheese Whiz, Provolone sauce, and American cheese.

Each has its own distinctive taste, so let’s explore these options further.

Cheese Whiz

Cheese Whiz is perhaps the most well-known sauce for Philly cheesesteaks.

Many purists argue that this bright yellow, gooey cheese sauce perfectly complements the flavours of the steak and onions.

It’s important to not be too heavy-handed with the Cheese Whiz, as you want it to be a delicate addition that enhances the sandwich, rather than overpowering it.

To make the perfect Cheese Whiz Philly cheesesteak, simply spread a generous amount of Cheese Whiz onto the insides of your roll, then layer your thinly-sliced steak and onions on top.

Provolone Sauce

For those who prefer a more traditional cheese taste, consider using Provolone cheese for your Philly cheesesteak sauce.

With a slightly tangy flavour, this cheese sauce adds a delicious depth to the steak and onions.

Melt the Provolone cheese in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.

Once the cheese is melted, spread it generously over the steak and onions in your sandwich.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding grilled peppers or mushrooms to the mix?

Provolone cheese works wonderfully with these additional ingredients, and it’ll elevate your Philly cheesesteak experience to new heights.

American Cheese

American cheese is another popular option for those looking for a milder, creamier cheese taste on their Philly cheesesteak.

To create the perfect American cheese sauce, simply melt your preferred brand in the same manner as you would with Provolone, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.

Layer your thinly-sliced steak and onions onto your roll, then generously pour the warm American cheese sauce over your filling.

For an added flavour explosion, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to your mixture, which will contrast beautifully with the mild cheese and make your Philly cheesesteak even more irresistible.

Creamy Sauce Options

Ranch Dressing

One popular creamy sauce option for your Philly cheesesteak is Ranch dressing.

Made from a blend of buttermilk, mayo, and various herbs and spices, this tangy and creamy sauce adds a delightful zing to your sandwich.

You can easily make your own Ranch dressing by combining mayo, milk or cream, garlic, onion powder, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

You can also purchase pre-made Ranch dressing at your local grocery store if you prefer convenience.

Aioli Sauce

Aioli sauce is another fantastic choice to complement your Philly cheesesteak.

A creamy and garlicky sauce that’s a Mediterranean cousin to mayo, aioli is traditionally made with garlic, olive oil, and egg yolk.

To make your own aioli sauce, whisk together egg yolks, minced garlic, and lemon juice, then slowly add olive oil until the mixture emulsifies.

Add salt and pepper to taste, and you’ve got a flavoursome, garlicky sauce that pairs perfectly with the savoury cheesesteak.

Mayo-Based Sauces

There’s also a wide variety of mayo-based sauces that are perfect for a Philly cheesesteak.

Here are a few ideas:

• Mustard-mayo sauce: Combine equal parts mayo and wholegrain mustard for a creamy, tangy sauce that adds a delightful kick to your sandwich. Experiment with different types of mustard for subtle variations in flavour.
• Herb-mayo sauce: Add your favourite herbs to mayo for a fresh and aromatic sauce. Chopped parsley or dill, or a sprinkle of thyme, rosemary, or oregano are all excellent choices.

Remember, the key to a flawless creamy sauce is to use high-quality ingredients and try various combinations to find what suits your taste buds best.

With these creamy sauce options, your Philly cheesesteak will become an unforgettable culinary experience.

(By the way, you might also want to take a look at the best sauces for steak sandwiches for more ideas!) 

Zesty and Tangy Sauces

Hot Sauce

If you’re a fan of heat and bold flavours, you’ll want to try adding hot sauce to your Philly cheesesteak.

Hot sauce can enhance the taste with its spiciness and tanginess.

There are numerous hot sauce varieties, from mild to extremely hot, with options like Sriracha, Tabasco, or your favourite local brand.

To start, you can drizzle your hot sauce of choice directly on the cheesesteak, or mix it with mayonnaise to create a milder, creamy sauce.

Feel free to experiment with a range of peppers, such as jalapeños, habaneros, or the fiery ghost pepper, depending on your heat tolerance.

Vinegar-Based Sauces

Vinegar-based sauces provide a tangy, acidic component to your cheesesteak, cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese and heightening the overall flavour.

You can tweak these sauces to your taste, as their base often includes vinegar, black pepper, and other spices.

Here are a couple of vinegar-based sauce ideas:

• Malt Vinegar Sauce: This traditional British sauce typically has a mild, bittersweet flavour derived from malted barley. To make a sauce for your cheesesteak, you can mix malt vinegar with melted butter, crushed garlic, and black pepper for an irresistible tangy drizzle.
• Pepperoncini Pepper Sauce: For a simple yet flavourful option, you can blend pepperoncinis (mild Italian peppers), pepperoncini brine, and a dash of black pepper to obtain a mouth-watering vinegar-based sauce with a hint of heat. Spread it on your cheesesteak, and enjoy the pleasant kick it adds to your meal.

Tomato-Based Sauces

Ketchup

You might be surprised, but ketchup is a popular choice for Philly cheesesteaks.

Its sweet and tangy flavour complements the savoury meat and cheese.

Just drizzle some on top of your cheesesteak or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

The simplicity of ketchup makes it a staple in many households, and it’s an easy way to add moisture and flavour to your cheesesteak.

Marinara Sauce

For a more sophisticated twist, try using marinara sauce on your Philly cheesesteak.

This Italian tomato sauce is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and various herbs, such as basil and oregano.

To make your own marinara sauce, simply sauté garlic and onions in a pan, add crushed tomatoes, and season with herbs, salt, and pepper.

Simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Marinara sauce adds a robust, savoury dimension to your cheesesteak and pairs well with the traditional ingredients.

You can either spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bread before adding the meat and cheese or use it as a dipping sauce on the side.

Pizza Sauce

Another delicious option for your Philly cheesesteak is pizza sauce.

Similar to marinara sauce, pizza sauce is also a tomato-based sauce but tends to be thicker and often has a sweeter flavour.

To make your own pizza sauce, combine tomato paste, water, olive oil, sugar, garlic, and herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme in a saucepan.

Simmer the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.

To incorporate pizza sauce into your cheesesteak, spread a generous layer on the bread before assembling the sandwich.

The rich flavour of the pizza sauce pairs well with the meat, cheese, and onions, giving your cheesesteak a mouthwatering Italian-inspired twist.

Untraditional Sauce Choices

Philly cheesesteaks are known for their traditional accompaniments, but don’t be afraid to venture out and try something new.

In this section, we’ll explore three flavourful, untraditional sauce choices that could make your cheesesteak experience even more delightful: Brown Gravy, Teriyaki Sauce, and Barbecue Sauce.

Brown Gravy

Swapping out your usual cheese sauce for a rich, savoury brown gravy can elevate your cheesesteak.

You can create your own by simmering beef broth, flour, and your preferred herbs and spices, or you can opt for a store-bought option.

Pour the gravy over your cooked steak, along with your sautéed onions and peppers, for an indulgent twist on the classic.

Teriyaki Sauce

If you enjoy a touch of Asian-inspired flavour, consider adding teriyaki sauce to your cheesesteak.

A combination of soy sauce, mirin, and honey, teriyaki sauce contrasts nicely with the melt-in-your-mouth steak.

To use this sauce in your recipe, try marinating your steak in a mixture of teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and pepper sauce for a few hours before cooking.

Alternatively, drizzle a small amount of teriyaki sauce on your cooked sandwich for a delightful surprise.

Barbecue Sauce

For a smoky and tangy spin, try slathering your cheesesteak with barbecue sauce.

Choose a store-bought sauce or make your own by simmering ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and your favourite homemade spices.

You could even mix up your sandwich a bit more by incorporating smoky barbecued onions instead of the classic sautéed ones.

Don’t forget to pair this saucy delight with a fork and plenty of napkins!

Additional Ingredients and Flavours

Spices and Pickles

Adding spices and pickles to your Philly cheesesteak can really elevate its flavour profile.

For an extra kick, you can experiment with different spices, such as cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

Just a pinch can add a lovely spiciness and pungent flavour to your sandwich.

Pickles, on the other hand, contribute an amazing tangy, acidic taste that complements the richness of the meat and cheese.

Opt for classic dill pickles or try something new like bread and butter pickles to enhance the overall flavour.

Umami Enhancers

To deepen the savoury taste of your Philly cheesesteak, there are a few umami-enhancing ingredients you can incorporate:

• Salt: While it may seem basic, the right amount of salt is crucial to bring out the best flavours. Be mindful not to over-salt, though, as the cheese and meat already contain a fair amount of sodium.
• Molasses: Adding a touch of molasses to your sauce can impart an earthy, sweet depth without overpowering the other flavours in the sandwich.
• Anchovies: These little fish may surprise you! Finely chopped and added to your sauce, they lend a unique, umami-rich taste that really takes the Philly cheesesteak to the next level.

Customising Your Philly Cheesesteak Sauce

In this section, we’ll explore how to customise your sauce to perfectly complement your chosen steak type, as well as how to adjust the consistency and spiciness to suit your taste.

Matching Sauce to Steak Type

Choosing the right sauce for your steak is essential for creating a harmonious flavour profile.

Here are some sauce recommendations for popular steak types:

• Ribeye steak: For a juicy, succulent ribeye, a classic Cheez Whiz sauce works wonders. Its tangy, salty taste enhances the natural flavour of the meat without overpowering it.
• Beefsteak: A milder sauce, such as caramelised onions and bell peppers, complements the taste of beefsteak perfectly. The sweetness of the onions and the crunch of the bell peppers add a delightful contrast to the tender meat.

For more inspiration, check out the best sauces for steak sandwiches. 

Adjusting Consistency

The consistency of your sauce can greatly affect the overall eating experience.

To customise the consistency, consider the following:

• Creamy consistency: For a velvety, luxurious sauce, use a generous amount of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese mixed with your base sauce. This will result in a smooth, creamy texture that clings to the steak and melds the flavours together.
• Lighter consistency: If you prefer a lighter sauce, simply incorporate some finely chopped parsley leaves into your base sauce. This will add freshness and lift the overall taste, while also making the sauce less heavy.

Spiciness

For those who love a bit of heat in their Philly cheesesteak, customising the spiciness level is crucial. Here are some tips for tailoring your sauce to your desired spice level:

• Milder: If you’re after a milder sauce, opt for popular sauces like Cheez Whiz, which is full of flavour but not particularly spicy. Alternatively, you can remove any chillies or hot spices from your chosen sauce recipe.
• Spicier: To kick up the heat, add a teaspoon of your favourite hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This will enliven your sauce and satisfy your craving for spice.

With these tips in mind, you can now create the perfect sauce to enjoy with your Philly cheesesteak, making it a truly personalised and unforgettable dining experience!