The perfect sauce helps to complete your Philly cheesesteak – transforming a mediocre sandwich into something incredible.
Whether you prefer mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup, or something entirely different, there is a sauce out there that you will enjoy.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best sauces for your Philly cheesesteak.
From classic mustard and ketchup to more unique options such as marinara sauce and pepper sauce, you’re sure to find something that spikes your interest.
Therefore, if you’re looking for something to top off your Philly cheesesteak, then look no further than these options.
Let’s get started.
What Is A Philly Cheesesteak?
If you’re unfamiliar with a Philly cheesesteak, essentially it is a sandwich hailed from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It is composed of tender slices of beefsteak and onions which are all stuffed in a fluffy hoagie roll.
To complete the sandwich, it is topped with a generous amount of cheese sauce.
The Philly cheesesteak has been a classic recipe for a while. In fact, Pat Olivieri – the creator – started out as a hot dog vendor.
One day, he had the amazing idea of throwing ground beef onto a griddle and serving it to people passing on the streets. Thus, the invention of the Philly cheesesteak.
Pat went on to create the world-famous Pat’s King of Steaks.
Now that we have determined what a Philly cheesesteak is, we will now explore all the best sauces to transform your sandwich experience into something incredible.
Best Sauces For Philly Cheesesteak
1. Cheese Whiz
One of the most popular toppings for a Philly cheesesteak is cheese whiz.
Essentially, it is a white cheese sauce that can be found in a can – making it super easy to use and top on your sandwich.
All you have to do is pour some of the sauce on your steak and you’re ready to dig into a delicious sandwich.
2. Aioli Sauce
Another great addition to your Philly cheesesteak is this creamy and delicious condiment. The result is an exquisite taste that goes perfectly with the steak.
It features an olive oil and garlic base that is blended to perfection to create an unforgettable taste – you’re sure to savor every bite.
It works especially well with mushroom Philly cheesesteaks since it adds a subtle richness to the flavor.
Likewise, you can even pair it with grilled vegetables to create an enhanced flavor complexity.
3. Cheese Sauce
Your Philly cheesesteak simply wouldn’t be complete without the addition of this delicious cheese sauce.
Despite the original sandwich being made without cheese, Joe “Cocky Joe” has transformed the Philly cheesesteak game by adding provolone cheese sauce.
Here, the cheese perfectly complements the meats by adding a mild, yet creamy flavor. The most preferred cheese tends to be provolone.
It can be best compared to other aged cheese, however, it contains a slight nuttiness. That said, you can also use American cheese as an alternative.
Since the sandwich’s inception, there has been a ton of creative cheese variations – there is something for everyone!
4. Ketchup
Ketchup is a classic, simple, and delicious condiment to add to your Philly cheesesteak.
The combination of savory flavors – from cheese and steak – works perfectly with the ketchup’s sweet flavors.
5. Ranch Dressing
If you’re looking for something that contains a creamy texture with hints of spice, then you can’t go wrong with ranch dressing.
Plus, the best part is that you can find it in most restaurant supply stores and grocery stores. Therefore, you don’t have to worry if you don’t have all the ingredients at home.
6. A1 Steak Sauce
If you’re looking for a sauce that would perfectly complement your steak, then you can’t go wrong with A1 Steak Sauce.
Essentially, it is a dark brown sauce developed by A.1. It was originally developed in the United Kingdom, however, it is now sold in the United States and Canada.
It contains ingredients such as molasses, tomatoes, raisins, sugar, vinegar, potatoes, anchovies, corn syrup solids, onion, and horseradish.
The result is a unique tangy and sweet taste that adds a kick to your Philly cheesesteak or other steak dishes.
The sauce itself has been used for over 150 years as an addition to steak dishes due to its deep flavors that pair perfectly with burgers or even chips and vegetables.
7. Horseradish Sauce
Another delicious yet seemingly unusual accompaniment to your Philly cheesesteak sandwich is horseradish sauce.
Typically, you can find it added alongside pork tenderloin and steaks. It has a sinus-clearing effect thanks to its spiciness and pungent flavors.
In fact, its intense flavors can mimic those of spicy pepper. However, don’t worry, the intensity only lasts a couple of minutes.
The sauce itself is a combination of vinegar, cream, and a range of spices to achieve its unique flavor.
8. Pepper Sauce
A combination of sweet and spicy flavors, pepper sauce makes for an excellent combination for a range of different meats. This is especially true when it comes to steak!
The best part? It is super simple to make and can be stored easily in the refrigerator.
9. BBQ Sauce
Smoky, sweet, and tangy, BBQ sauce provides these flavors all at the same time – making it the perfect addition to your Philly cheesesteak.
It can be topped on your sandwich to balance out the steak and cheese’s richness while complimenting the additional peppers and onions.
Just remember, a little BBQ goes a long way. Therefore, add a small amount and add more depending on your preference.
10. Brown Gravy
A classic topping on a Philadelphia cheesesteak has to be brown gravy.
It features a savory and creamy texture that is made using a combination of beef broth, all-purpose flour, butter, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
This liquid gravy is the perfect addition to your sandwich since it adds layers of flavor to your already delicious dish.
11. Mustard
If you love mustard on your hot dogs, then you’re going to love it on your Philly cheesesteak too!
When it comes to this classic sandwich, mustard is typically the traditional condiment to include.
This is because it creates a tangy and sharp contrast to the savory cheese and rich beef flavors.
Plus, it is a great condiment to help moisten the sandwich, too. Since it can help offset the meat’s dryness.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy this sandwich, then you can’t go wrong with mustard – you’ll be surprised at how well the flavors meld together!
12. Marinara Sauce
Another classic choice is marinara sauce since it is incredibly versatile! You can use it in your pasta or as an ingredient in your other dishes, including pizza and lasagna.
It makes an amazing steak topping since it adds both savory and sweet flavors to the dish without overpowering the meat.
13. Heinz 57 Sauce
If you’re looking for the perfect sauce to compliment your Philly cheesesteak sandwich, then look no further than Heinz 57 sauce.
It is tangy, mild, and contains notes of delicious Worcestershire sauce flavor.
In fact, it is one of the most popular sauces to add to your Philly cheesesteak sandwich in the north of the United States.
The sauce is made using a blend of ginger, tamarind, and a range of spices. These are combined to create a sandwich with tons of delicious tastes and depth.
For something slightly more adventurous than basic mayonnaise or ketchup, you can’t go wrong with Heinz 57 sauce.
14. Hot Sauce
If you like your foods containing a little kick, then why not add some hot sauce to your Philly cheesesteak sandwich?!
It is the perfect way to add some extra flavor to your dish while adding a bit of spicy kick at the same time.
Be warned, all you need is a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to your sandwich. Trust us, you will certainly taste the difference!
You can even use the hot sauce as a dip for your fries, too!
15. Red Sauce (Thinner Than Marinara Sauce)
Another great option is red sauce since it is not too thick and not too thin, either.
In fact, it has just enough substance so you don’t have to worry about the ingredients falling off into nothingness when you take a bite into your sandwich.
Plus, the sauce pairs well with a ton of different cheeses and meats – perfect for anyone looking for something simple without sacrificing the quality or flavor.
16. Ketchup/ Mayo Mix
Ketchup and mayonnaise are combined to create something delicious on your Philadelphia cheesesteaks.
The mix can be modified depending on your personal preference, however, most people prefer a ratio of 3:2 ketchup to mayonnaise.
You can even add a few spices or drops of Worcestershire sauce to bring out all the different flavor notes.
For the perfect mix, make sure you’re using room-temperature mayonnaise.
This mixture can be used as an additional condiment or even mixed into the meat before adding it to your sandwich.
This provides your sandwich with great flavor while keeping the meat juicy and moist at the same time.
17. Honey Mustard
A family-safe option that works well as a dipping sauce and as a topping to your Philly cheesesteak is honey mustard.
Plus, it also makes for a healthier option to some of the different sauces you could choose from.
You can find the sauce pre-made in most grocery stores. That said, with only a few ingredients, it is super simple to whip up at home, too.
18. Vlasic Dill Pickle Relish (A Combination Of Pickles And Relish)
If you’re looking for the perfect addition to your sandwich, then look no further than this tasty condiment.
It provides a burst of flavor that perfectly complements any meaty burgers or sandwiches.
19. Miracle Whip
If you’re unfamiliar with Miracle Whip it is essentially a creamy salad depressing featuring a uniquely sweet yet tangy flavor.
If you’re looking to add subtle savory flavors and moisture to your Philly cheesesteak, then it is the perfect sauce to do so.
In fact, it is versatile enough that it can be used as a dipping sauce or spread on the bread before adding your filling.
For some extra flavor, consider adding some onion or minced garlic to the Miracle Whip.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying that a Philly cheesesteak sandwich tastes amazing on its own, however, once you add a delicious sauce, you create something out of this world!
From ranch dressing and hot sauce to cheese sauce and brown gravy – there are a ton of different options to choose from.
Hopefully, this guide has informed you about all the best sauces to add to your Philly cheesesteak.
