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Home - Recipes - Side Dishes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak

Serve Philly Cheesesteak alongside Aioli Sauce, A1 Steak Sauce, Brown Gravy, Cheese Whiz, and Heinz 57 Sauce.

It has a garlic and olive oil base that's blended to perfection, creating an unforgettable flavor you'll want to savor for each bite.

For something lighter, swap in Heinz 57 Sauce instead.

Hungry readers everywhere will rejoice with the guidance of this article - 12 Best Sauces That Go with Philly Cheesesteak.

To start, many recipes include the classic toppings of onions and bell peppers.

But to take things up a notch or two, try adding mushroom sauce, mayo-ketchup mix, or even creamy honey mustard.

With such tasty variations that go with the flavors of the traditional dish without overshadowing them, there are plenty of options for players in search of some deliciousness.

So dig in and explore all your possibilities to really enjoy the iconic sandwich.

Table of Contents

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  • 12 Sauces That Complement Philly Cheesesteak
    • 1. Aioli Sauce
    • 2. A1 Steak Sauce
    • 3. Brown Gravy
    • 4. Cheese Whiz
    • 5. Heinz 57 Sauce
    • 6. Ketchup/Mayo Mix
    • 7. Marinara Sauce
    • 8. Miracle Whip
    • 9. Pepper Sauce
    • 10. Ranch Dressing
    • 11. Red Sauce (less thick than marinara)
    • 12. Vlasic Dill Pickle Relish (a delicious combination of pickles and relish)
  • Frequently Asked Questions

12 Sauces That Complement Philly Cheesesteak

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak Save for Later!

Philly cheesesteak is a classic dish, and selecting the right sauce to go with it is essential to get the perfect flavor.

For those that want to experience some unique flavors with their cheesesteaks, here are 12 amazing sauce combinations that you should definitely consider - and sauces for gammon options make interesting alternative pairings.

From classic condiments to flavorful sauces, these winners will make your sandwich a hit every time.

1. Aioli Sauce

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak Save for Later!

Aioli sauce is a delicious and creamy condiment that goes perfectly with Philly cheesesteaks, adding an excellent taste to the already delicious pizza - and aioli for egg roll dipping options show how versatile it can be.

It has a garlic and olive oil base that's blended to perfection, creating an unforgettable flavor you'll want to savor for each bite.

Aioli sauce works especially well with mushroom Philly cheesesteaks since it adds a subtle richness.

Also, it pairs well with grilled vegetables for added flavor complexity.

2. A1 Steak Sauce

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak Save for Later!

A1 Steak Sauce is a dark brown steak sauce developed by A.

Foods as an alternative flavor to the range of Worcestershire sauces they also produce.

Originally developed in the United Kingdom, it is now sold in the United States and Canada as well.

Its ingredients include tomatoes, molasses, sugar, raisins, potatoes, vinegar, corn syrup solids, anchovies, horseradish and onion.

It provides a unique sweet and tangy taste that adds a distinctive kick to your Philly cheesesteak or other steak preparations - see tuna steak sauce options for similarly bold pairings.

It has been used for over 150 years as an accompaniment to steak dishes due to its depth of flavor and is also excellent when paired with burgers or even served as a dip for vegetables and chips.

Give it a try as an exciting new flavor addition to your favorite recipe.

3. Brown Gravy

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak Save for Later!

Brown Gravy is a classic topping for Philadelphia cheesesteaks.

This delicious creamy and savory sauce consists of beef broth, a combination of butter and all-purpose flour, Worcestershire sauce, and sometimes a splash of hot sauce.

This somewhat soupy gravy goes well with the steak in the sandwich while adding layers of flavor to the already delicious dish.

Brown gravy lends an additional layer of texture to an already tasty experience.

4. Cheese Whiz

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak Save for Later!

Cheese Whiz is a processed cheese product that has been around since the 1950s.

It's simply made by melting together cheese and other ingredients, such as artificial flavors, emulsifiers and preservatives.

This sauce is popular among those who want to get the authentic Philly cheesesteak taste but don't want to take the time to make it themselves.

Cheese Whiz gives the sandwich a creamy texture and a salty, tangy flavor with just a hint of sweetness.

It pairs incredibly well with all types of cheesesteaks - simple or loaded - and lets all the flavors shine through, similar to recommended cheese with fig jam ideas that balance sweet and savory.

Just be sure not to overdo it - Cheese Whiz has a tendency to overpower just about everything if you put too much on.

5. Heinz 57 Sauce

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak Save for Later!

Heinz 57 Sauce is a delicious sauce that's great with Philly cheesesteak.

It's mild, tangy and has notes of Worcestershire flavor.

It's one of the more popular sauces for Philly cheesesteak sandwiches in the northeast part of the United States.

Heinz 57 Sauce is made with a blend of tamarind, ginger and spices, which combine to form a unique flavor that gives your sandwich extra depth and taste.

If you're looking for something other than basic ketchup or mayonnaise to serve on your Philly cheesesteak, then this could be the perfect solution - also check sauce for schnitzel choices for tangy, savory alternatives.

6. Ketchup/Mayo Mix

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak Save for Later!

Ketchup and mayonnaise come together to form a great sauce for the cheesesteaks.

This mix is made differently by everyone, but is generally a 3:2 ratio of ketchup to mayonnaise.

You can also add in some spices or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce to bring out additional flavor notes.

Be sure to use room temperature mayonnaise for the perfect mix.

This can be used as an additional condiment or it can even be mixed into the meat before slicing.

Both does this provide great flavor, but it also helps keep the meat moist and juicy.

7. Marinara Sauce

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak Save for Later!

Marinara sauce can bring a packed of flavor to your sandwich.

A good marinara contains a ton of acidity, sweetness, and spice which can balance out the savoriness of your cheesesteak.

This sauce is made with tomatoes, basic aromatics like onions and garlic, herbs, and spices.

The blend flavors from both parties makes an amazing bite that you wouldn't want to miss.

Try making your own marinara sauce so you can adjust the spices according to your preference and make the flavor stand out even more - see chicken cordon bleu sauce ideas for other ways to match sauce intensity to filling.

8. Miracle Whip

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak Save for Later!

Miracle Whip is a creamy salad dressing with a unique sweet, yet tangy flavor.

It's perfect for adding moisture and subtle, savory flavors to your Philly cheesesteak sandwich.

Miracle Whip is versatile enough that it can be used as a dipping sauce or spread on the bread just before the filling.

For an extra flavorful sandwich, try adding some minced garlic or onion to the Miracle Whip.

As you build your sandwich make sure to get some Miracle Whip between each layer for extra moisture and flavor.

9. Pepper Sauce

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak Save for Later!

Pepper sauce is a classic favorite when it comes to Philly cheesesteaks.

It's a creamy and spicy condiment that may not be as widely known as ketchup or mustard, but it goes very well with the sandwich.

This sauce is a mixture of heavy cream, black pepper ground in oil, and sometimes chili peppers.

The recipe varies depending on preference and intended spiciness level.

The cream cuts the heat of the spices, giving this sauce its unique taste that goes well with Philly Cheesesteaks.

It can be drizzled over the sandwich or used as a dip for your steak fries - and similar spicy-creamy blends appear in taquitos sauce recipes that amp up handhelds.

10. Ranch Dressing

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak Save for Later!

A popular favorite amongst the Philly cheesesteak lovers, ranch dressing adds a creamy and slightly acidic kick to the sandwich.

This works especially well with sandwiches that have both sautéed mushrooms and grilled onions, and it's an excellent topping for any Philly cheesesteak variety - similar dressing choices appear in tuna salad dressing options that add creamy tang.

If you're looking for a tip on how to dress up your cheese steak try this one - just add some ranch dressing.

11. Red Sauce (less thick than marinara)

The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak Save for Later!

Red sauce is an Italian-style sauce that is slightly thinner than standard marinara but still flavorful.

It's typically made with tomatoes, herbs, garlic, onion, and a bit of sugar - the sweetness helps cut down on the acidity associated with tomatoes.

Red sauce is often served over pasta, but it's also a great pairing for Philadelphia's classic sandwich.

The cheesesteak's combination of melted cheese and savory steak flavors creates a perfect harmony when served with red sauce.

Just top your cheesesteak generously with the delicious red sauce for an added flavor kick in every bite.

12. Vlasic Dill Pickle Relish (a delicious combination of pickles and relish)

Vlasic Dill Pickle Relish is a delicious combination of pickles and sweet relish, mixed together to create a flavorful condiment.

It's slightly sweet with a hint of dill and tangy flavor that you can enjoy with your favorite Philly Cheesesteak sandwich.

This relish is perfect for adding extra flavor to your meals, as well as making them look incredibly appetizing.

With just a few tablespoons of this condiment, you can bring the classic Philly Cheesesteak experience to life in your own home.

Vlasic Dill Pickle Relish is a great choice when it comes to adding variety to your sandwiches and other meals.

Whether it's served on top of the sandwich or placed on the side for dipping, this condiment adds an unexpected yet delicious flavor that all will enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side dish for Philly Cheesesteak?

Aioli sauce works especially well with mushroom Philly cheesesteaks since it adds a subtle richness. A1 Steak Sauce A1 Steak Sauce is a dark brown steak sauce developed by A.

Most home cooks pick this because it rounds out the meal.

How do you round out the plate?

A starchy side and a vegetable work well together. Aioli sauce handles the starch, while a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetable fills the rest of the plate without competing for attention.

Is a starchy side necessary?

Not always.

A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.

Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.

What is the best side when short on time?

Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.

Hush puppies pair well with many savory sauces; hush puppy sauce pairings lists tried-and-true matches. Cheese choices affect sandwich flavor profiles; chicken sandwich sauce pairings shows complementary cheese-and-sauce combos.

Explore more: This post is part of our Side Dish Pairing Guide.
Andrew Gray

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